Clothing Alteration Hand
What is the work like?
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 cleaner's, 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.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
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.
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, such as:
- City & Guilds awards in Design and Crafts at levels 1 to 3
- BTEC Certificates and Diplomas in Fashion and Clothing at levels 1 to 3
- NOCN awards in Creative Skills at levels 1 to 3
- ABC Certificate in Sewing and Textiles at levels 1 and 2
- NCFE Certificates in Art and Design (Textiles) at levels 2 and 3
- NCFE Certificates in Creative Craft at levels 1 to 3.
See Skillfast-UK, the Sector Skills Council for the clothing, footwear and textiles industry for details about roles in the clothing and textiles industries.
What further training and development can I do?
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 NVQ such as Manufacturing Sewn Products Level 2, and Apparel Manufacturing Technology Level 3. Achieving a Level 3 qualification may help you move into areas such as pattern grading, pattern cutting, tailoring and design.
Where can I go for more information?
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Clothing alteration hands can earn between £9,000 and £12,500 a year.
They may earn more by working on a piecework basis.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work between 35 and 40 hours a week, which may include 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.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- 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
- good eyesight, and normal colour vision for matching threads to fabrics
- the ability to work on your own initiative.
What opportunities are there?
You will find most jobs in shops specialising in fast alteration and repair services, clothing retail and dry cleaning. You could also work with industrial laundry companies.
If you are a highly skilled alteration hand, you may be able to work for a theatre wardrobe department or theatrical costume supplier.
With the right skills and experience, you could move into a supervisory position or go into self-employment.
Jobs may be advertised in the local press, Jobcentre Plus and through industry press such as Drapers, Textile Month and Textile Horizons.
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