FIT NYC Adjunct Faculty Pool - Technical Design, Patternmaking

The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), part of the State University of New York, is an internationally renowned college of art, design, business, and technology with a strong emphasis on liberal arts. FIT offers a wide range of outstanding programs relevant to today's rapidly changing industries, including more than 45 majors granting AAS, BFA, BS, MA, MFA, and MPS degrees. The Jay and Patty Baker School of Business and Technology educates students for management and leadership roles within the fashion and related creative industries, integrating a deep appreciation of markets, business environments, and global competition.

About the role

The Technical Design Department is recruiting qualified applicants for potential adjunct teaching assignments for the Fall and Spring semesters. Successful candidates will possess advanced professional expertise in pattern making for both knit and woven womenswear, including proficiency in drafting, draping, and accurate pattern correction. Instructors will teach beginner-level students to drape a basic bodice sloper and convert it into a production-ready pattern.

Responsibilities

• Teach patternmaking from draped bodice sloper to final hard pattern.
• Teach garment specing, measurement accuracy, and universal spec standards.
• Train students to identify and correct fit issues, and translate corrections into updated patterns.
• Teach accurate pattern correction throughout the fitting process.
• Demonstrate production patternmaking techniques across garment categories.
• Provide instruction on knit vs. woven considerations.
• Teach creation of cutter's musts and all required production pattern documentation.
• Support students individually during draping, drafting, and pattern-correction exercises.
• Conduct fittings on live models and Alvanon forms.
• Integrate computerized patternmaking where appropriate.
• Deliver relevant course material, assess student performance, provide guidance and assistance to students both in and out of the classroom, and submit grades on time.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of 15 years of professional experience as a patternmaker.

Skills

• Ability to teach patternmaking from draped bodice sloper through hard pattern development.
• Ability to teach garment specifications using universal spec guidelines; precision to 1/8".
• Deep understanding of knit vs. woven fabric behavior in pattern development.
• Ability to teach production patternmaking (not design patternmaking).
• Knowledge of swim, lingerie, or specialty pattern areas.
• Computerized patternmaking experience.
• Strong time-management and understanding of product-development timelines.
• Ability to work one-on-one with beginning students.
• Demonstrated expertise in:
  • Drafting, draping, and creating accurate hard patterns (front, back, sleeve).
  • Sleeve drafting from measurements.
  • Patternmaking and fitting for womenswear, menswear, and childrenswear (knits & wovens).
  • Pattern correction and fit adjustment.
  • Fitting on live models and Alvanon forms.

Skills Assessment Requirement

All candidates must complete an in-person skills assessment demonstrating their ability to:

• Drape a women's woven bodice sloper.
• Identify fit issues.
• Correct both the sloper and the resulting paper pattern.

Pay

$89.98 per hour based on minimum qualifications. The final rate, step, and appointment rank are determined by a candidate's ability to demonstrate additional criteria for hiring above the first step, in accordance with the UCE-FIT Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Benefits

The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) provides comprehensive employee benefit programs designed to help keep faculty and staff and their families healthy, safe, happy, and productive. For a full list of benefits, visit FIT Benefits.

This is a part-time adjunct teaching position beginning in Spring 2026. Review of applications will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled.