Having a knack for sewing and knowing how to make and alter clothing that is tailor-made to fit a person’s body is a skill that’s rare to come by nowadays. If you’re someone that naturally gravitates to sewing machines and enjoys the artistic expression that comes with creating customized clothing pieces, you could leverage your talents and fund success as a seamstress.
A seamstress is a woman who earns her living in the sewing trade. Typically, sewists end up working in alteration shops or for clothing manufacturers, but they also have the option of working as personal stylists, costume designers, or starting their own independent shop. The more skilled a seamstress becomes, the more they can charge their clients, and a career in this field of work can actually end up being a very lucrative endeavour. Read on to find out more about the ins and outs of what it takes to become a professional seamstress.
Key Skills
Every profession calls for key skills that serve as a groundwork that can be built upon. Individuals that are interested in pursuing a career as a seamstress should possess the following skills:
· Attention to detail
· Manual dexterity
· Highly creative
· Customer-service skills
· Ability to operate sewing equipment
Learn to Sew
Once you’ve identified your core strengths, it’s time to learn the fundamentals of sewing. Ideally, a sewist should be well versed in how to sew both with a machine and by hand. Contrary to popular belief, basic hand stitches can sometimes achieve better results than sewing with a machine and having a good balance of both can elevate the look and strength of a garment.
There’s more than one approach you can take to learn how to sew. You can turn to books to learn the basics about sewing techniques and strategies, you can make use of handy YouTube tutorials, or you can sign up for a beginners sewing class. Pick the method that works best for you and stick with it. At the end of the day, all that really matters is that you know how to use sewing tools like rulers, sergers, measuring tape, needles, trimming shears, seam rippers, and sewing machines correctly!
Get Formal Training
Attending classes and obtaining a certificate is not a requirement to become a seamstress, though you’ll probably learn some invaluable lessons that will come in handy by doing so. Certification programs for sewists teach advanced sewing concepts and techniques as well as professional practices you’ll need to know about and abide by over the course of your career. Enrolling in a community college or vocational program also helps when it comes to getting started on your portfolio, which is something every aspiring sewist needs to have.
Gain Experience
Whether you get an apprenticeship opportunity or end up finding employment as an assistant seamstress, nothing will teach you more about being a seamstress than actually getting some hands-on experience. Working alongside professional sewists is a great way to refine your sewing skills and learn more about the business side of things.
Pinpoint a Specific Career Path
After you’ve got the basics down and gained some experience in the field, it’s time to pinpoint exactly what type of work you want to do as a seamstress. Do you want to do wedding dress alterations at a bridal boutique? Would you prefer to work for a well-known clothing manufacturer? Does starting your own business and being self-employed appeal to you? There are many career paths that sewists can take, but successful ones tend to have a clear vision of their future early on.
Further Your Education and Refine Your Skills
To stay up to date with the latest fashion trends and sewing technologies, sewists oftentimes continue their education throughout their careers. This can be accomplished through classes, workshops, competitions, conventions, and trade shows. You know what they say – there’s always “one more thing” to learn!
There’s no one path that aspiring sewists have to take to reach their career goals, and that’s part of the beauty of becoming one! No matter how you go about your journey into the world of tailoring, you can rest easy knowing that this occupation is both fulfilling and fun.
Why Love Your Tailor
At Love Your Tailor, we pride ourselves on hiring some of the best seamstresses in the city and providing top-of-the-line clothing alterations to Torontonians. From customized suits to leather repairs to jacket alterations, we do it all at our 10,000 square foot facility. Contact us today to get a free quote!