When he started his own business, he 'patterned himself after' [='modeled himself after'] his father. [=he tried to do the things that his father would do]
The company has put production in a 'holding pattern' [=has temporarily stopped production] while better testing methods are developed.
a 'dress pattern' [=a large piece of paper that is used as a guide for cutting the cloth to make a dress]
(..) Rhett! Who that? A Yankee? Oh, Mammy, I'm so thin and pale and... ...l haven't any clothes. Scoot up to the attic and get down Ma's old box of dress patterns. What you up to with Miss Ellen's portieres? You'll make me a new dress. Not with Miss Ellen's portieres. Not while I got breath in me. (..)1939 Gone with the Wind