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Tailors & Dressmakers
Tailors and dressmakers prepare patterns and make, fit and alter tailored garments, dresses and other articles of clothing.
Tasks
- Takes customer’s measurements and discusses required style and material
- Prepares individual or adapts stock pattern
- Examines fabrics or skins for flaws and prepares materials for cutting
- Arranges pattern on correct grain of fabric, marks position and cuts out garment parts with hand shears, electric knife or cutting machine
- Pins/tacks and fits garment on customer or dummy model and makes any necessary alterations
- Sews garment parts together by hand or machine, makes buttonholes and sews on fasteners and trimmings
- Shapes garment by pressing seams, pleats, etc.
- Makes alterations to finished garments according to customer’s requirements.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal academic entry requirements, although some employers may require GCSEs/S grades. A variety of relevant vocational courses, including apprenticeships in some areas, are available leading to qualifications up to Level 3.
What could I earn?
Salaries for this occupation tend to start at £21,000 per annum and can progress up to £32,000 per annum.
Is it in growth or decline?
There are currently 1,470 employed Tailors & Dressmakers in the region.
