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Tailors and dressmakers prepare patterns and make, fit and alter tailored garments, dresses and other articles of clothing.

Main tasks

  • Makes alterations to finished garments according to customer’s requirements.
  • Shapes garment by pressing seams, pleats, etc..
  • Sews garment parts together by hand or machine, makes buttonholes and sews on fasteners and trimmings.
  • Pins/tacks and fits garment on customer or dummy model and makes any necessary alterations.
  • Arranges pattern on correct grain of fabric, marks position and cuts out garment parts with hand shears, electric knife or cutting machine.
  • Examines fabrics or skins for flaws and prepares materials for cutting.
  • Prepares individual or adapts stock pattern.
  • Takes customer’s measurements and discusses required style and material.

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Salary and earnings

Potential earnings

£33,695.93

Average earnings

£21,886.49

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Skills & knowledge

The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Clerical

Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Psychology

Knowledge of human behaviour and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioural and affective disorders.

Design

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

What course level do I need to study?

The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.

Educational requirements: Level 3 NVQ; A Levels

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Level of study Percentage achieved
Level 0 20%
Level 1 16%
Level 2 5%
Level 3 12%
Level 4-5 (Higher Education) 4%
Level 6 (Bachelors) 40%
Level 7 (Masters or equivalent) 3%

Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.