Pattern graders are the final step in the design process before a garment goes into production at scale. Once a pattern cutter has completed a design pattern, the grader will work to scale it up and down clothing sizes. This allows the company to make garments in different sizes for the customers.

A Grader could work in house at large company. They could work at an independent Pattern Grading company - a place smaller fashion brands would take patterns to be graded. Or a Grader could work at the manufacturer where the clothes will be made. The manufacturer will take the responsibility of the grading for the different brands using their services.

Graders will need an understanding of clothing design and construction, as well as having a great eye for detail to ensure every part of the design is transferred across each size. 
While it is possible to do pattern grading by hand, many graders will use computers to grade patterns. Some software they may use is Gerber or Lectra.

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