With a needle and thread, sewers and tailors create and repair clothing and other stitched items, both handcrafted and mass-produced. Sewing machine operators use sewing machines to sew or decorate clothing and other products. They keep machines stocked with thread, position material under needles, and guide their stitching to sew parts together. When a product is finished, these operators measure each item to ensure accuracy. Hand sewers stitch a wide variety of textiles and materials to make clothing, books, mattresses, wigs, and even toys. They draw and then cut materials following established patterns. Sewers must measure and piece together parts, stitch them together, and sew in trimmings, zippers, buttons, and other fasteners. To finish a product, they may iron seams and trim edges. Tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers create garments for customers and alter clothing to fit better. Customers try on clothing items so tailors can pin or clip fabric to fit their size. They take measurements to bring the hems of sleeves, dresses, and pant legs to the right length, and may let out seams or take them in to improve a garment’s fit. Some custom sewers create original clothing designs, and then sew them. There are no specific education requirements for hand or machine sewers and tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers, although sewing skills are typically required.
What they do:
Sew, join, reinforce, or finish, usually with needle and thread, a variety of manufactured items. Includes weavers and stitchers.
On the job, you would:
Sew, join, reinforce, or finish parts of articles, such as garments, books, mattresses, toys, and wigs, using needles and thread or other materials.
Trim excess threads or edges of parts, using scissors or knives.
Select thread, twine, cord, or yarn to be used, and thread needles.
Business
customer service
sales and marketing
Engineering and Technology
design
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
manufacture and distribution of products
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Basic Skills
thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Hand and Finger Use
keep your arm or hand steady
hold or move items with your hands
Ideas and Logic
group things in different ways
order or arrange things
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Dependability
Independence
Innovation
Integrity
Achievement/Effort
You might use software like this on the job:
Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Computer aided design CAD software
Embroidery design software
Template design software
no high school diploma/GED or certificate after high school usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
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