Dressmakers create made-to-measure clothing such as dresses, skirts, trousers and blouses for their customers. They cut, trim, sew and design clothing or shoe apparel according to the company or client’s demand. Day to day duties also include altering, repairing, and fitting garments according to the needs of clients. They may specialise in a particular type of clothing like bridal wear. If you are interested in textiles and fashion, are practical and enjoy working with your hands, this job could be ideal for you.

Tasks:

1. Discussing the client's requirements
2. Showing the client fabric samples and pattern books
3. Giving advice on which combination of fabrics and patterns may give the best results
4. Taking measurements
5. Adapting an existing pattern, or producing a new pattern for the client
6. Fitting and studying garments on customers to determine required alterations
7. Making garment style changes, such as tapering pant legs, narrowing lapels, and adding or removing padding
8. Working out the cost of the work, taking into account the fabric, trimmings and time needed
9. Using the pattern to cut out the fabric pieces
10. Tacking the fabric pieces together for a fitting
11. Sewing clothes using sewing machine or other stitching machines
12. Fitting the garment and making adjustments to create a perfect fit
13. Handing stitch edges or linings
14. Ironing clothes

Key skills for Dressmaker:

• An interest in textiles and fashion
• Excellent practical skills
• The ability to imagine how designs will look and lay out pattern pieces
• An eye for detail
• A tactful approach with customers
• The ability to take accurate measurements and make calculations
• Good eyesight
• Colour normal vision for matching threads and fabrics

Average Salary (2013):

United Kingdom: £12,000 + per year
United States of America: $28,360 per year
Australia: AU$20.50 per hour

Qualifications and training required:

There is no fixed entry route into this job. 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. Some dressmakers are self-taught. If you don’t have any relevant experience or skills you may wish to work towards a relevant qualification before looking for work.

You will also find a range of short courses available in techniques relevant to dressmaking, like how to use a sewing machine, at colleges, adult education centres and with private providers. They may not lead to a qualification, but they will teach you some of the skills needed for this work.