Clothing and customers

Clothing alteration hands repair and alter items of clothing for their customers. They can work in dedicated clothing alteration shops, behind the scenes in a dry cleaners, or for clothing retailers. Many also work in specialist shops, such as bridalwear retailers or tailors who offer a fitting service.

As a clothing alteration hand, your work would involve:

·         fitting the customer with a garment and deciding where to make adjustments

·         agreeing alterations and marking them out using chalk or pins

·         deciding what kind of stitching would suit different types of fabric

·         taking up or letting down hemlines

·         adjusting seams, darts or waistbands

·         repairing zips and other fastenings.

You may also stitch by hand or use an industrial-type sewing machine, like an overlocker.

You could combine this work with other roles, such as dressmaking or tailoring, which would involve estimating the cost of a repair and managing accounts.

Hours

You would usually work between 35 and 40 hours a week, which may include evenings and weekends.

You would be based in a shop or workshop, in a dry cleaners or, if you are self employed, you may work from home. Most of your time will be spent sitting at a sewing machine.

Income

Clothing alteration hands can earn between around £12,000 and £16,600 a year, depending on experience.

They may earn more by working on a piecework basis.

Entry Requirements

You may not need any academic qualifications to work as a clothing alteration hand, although employers will normally expect you to have sewing experience. You could start out by working as an assistant to a dressmaker or a tailor, or as a sewing machinist in a clothing factory.

You will need good eyesight, and normal colour vision for matching threads to fabrics.

Larger companies, particularly department stores and clothes retailers, will often prefer you to have a recognised qualification. There is a range of courses available that cover some of the skills needed for this job, for example:

·         City & Guilds Awards, Certificates and Diplomas at levels 1 to 3 in Creative Techniques (Fashion)

·         BTEC Awards, Certificates and Diplomas at levels 1 and 2 in Fashion and Clothing

·         NOCN Certificate at Level 2 in Skills for the Fashion Industries

·         NCFE Awards and Certificates at levels 1 to 3 in Creative Craft (Pattern Cutting, or Dressmaking).

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Training and Development

You will usually be trained on the job, working alongside experienced colleagues, learning a variety of sewing techniques.

You could develop your skills further by working towards an ABC Level 2 Certificate in Manufacturing Sewn Products and an ABC Level 3 Certificate in Apparel Manufacturing Technology. Achieving a Level 3 qualification may help you move into areas such as pattern grading, pattern cutting, tailoring and design.

Skills and Knowledge

·         an interest in textiles, colour, fashion, design and trends

·         good sewing skills – both by hand and on a machine

·         an appreciation for detail

·         an understanding of garment construction

·         good communication skills and tact when dealing with customers

·         the ability to work quickly and accurately

·         the ability to work on your own initiative.

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