Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers
Tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers design make, alter, repair, or fit garments.
Tailors, dressmakers & custom sewers fit, alter, repair, and make made-to-measure clothing, according to customers’ and clothing manufacturers’ specifications and fit, applying principles of garment design, construction, and styling. Dressmaking is the activity or job of making clothes.
Tailors job is to fit and study garments on customers to determine required alterations, maintaining garment drape and proportions as alterations are performed. They repair or replace defective garment parts such as pockets, zippers, snaps, buttons and linings, and press garments, using hand irons or pressing machines.
Having a high school education is advisable, though retailers place more emphasis on previous experience in apparel manufacturing, designing, or alterations when making hiring decisions. On-the-job training can be obtained in custom tailoring or dressmaking shops, garment factories or clothing department stores.
The salary of a tailor in India depends on the skills such as excellent hand-sewing and machining skills, creativity and the ability to visualise designs, pattern construction and cutting skills, accuracy and attention to detail, and the ability to put clients at ease in a patient and tactful manner. Skills to use computer software in the design process can also be useful.
Professional tailors work on tailored or shaped garments, such as coats and suits, for men or women, while custom dressmakers usually work on women's garments, such as dresses and blouses. Most custom tailors and custom dressmakers work in small shops. Many have their own businesses while few work from their homes.
A successful custom dressmaker knows all about the different kinds of fabrics and the latest styles.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- NSQF Level 3 Cutting and Sewing
- NSQF Level 2 Heavy Duty Tailor
Tasks
- Fit and study garments on customers to determine required alterations.
- Sew garments, using needles and thread or sewing machines.
- Measure parts, such as sleeves or pant legs, and mark or pin-fold alteration lines.
- Take up or let down hems to shorten or lengthen garment parts, such as sleeves.
- Let out or take in seams in suits and other garments to improve fit.
- Assemble garment parts and join parts with basting stitches, using needles and thread or sewing machines.
- Remove stitches from garments to be altered, using rippers or razor blades.
- Record required alterations and instructions on tags, and attach them to garments.
- Examine tags on garments to determine alterations that are needed.
- Fit, alter, repair, and make made-to-measure clothing, according to customers' and clothing manufacturers' specifications and fit, and applying principles of garment design, construction, and styling.
Progression Routes
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