Design, Arts and Crafts - Dressmaker
Design, Arts and Crafts - Dressmaker
Green
Dressmakers create and alter clothing like dresses, trousers and shirts for their customers.
- Meet with a client to discuss their needs
- Give advice on fabrics, patterns and styles
- Take measurements
- Cost the work
- Create a garment pattern or use a ready made one
- Cut out the fabric using the pattern pieces
- Tack the fabric pieces together for a fitting
- Make samples or 'toiles'
- Operate a sewing machine or stitch by hand
- Fit the garment and make any adjustments to suit the client
As a Dressmaker, you could work in a workshop or from home.
A Dressmaker tends to work between 36 to 38 hours a week. You could work in your own business managing your own hours.
Variable
There are not set entry requirements.
You can apply directly to work as a dressmaker. You would need experience and the ability to demonstrate to employers and clients that you have the skills they are looking for. You can find short courses in dressmaking techniques at adult education centres and with private training providers. These include how to use a sewing machine, pattern making and pattern cutting, They may not lead to a qualification, but they will teach you some of the skills needed for this kind of work.
Some dressmakers teach themselves through online guides or books.