Clothing Alteration Worker

Introduction

Clothing alteration workers make alterations and repairs to all types of garments. They use sewing machines and do hand stitching. A small number of alteration workers specialise in work on theatrical costumes.

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Work Activities

Clothing alteration workers make adjustments to all types of garments, such as dresses, trousers, skirts and jackets. They work from instructions given by the customer. Garments may be altered by hand or by machine. Garments are pressed when alterations are complete.

Alterations include:
• repairing damaged garments
• shortening or lengthening clothes
• unpicking seams and restitching them to take in or let out garments
• carrying out invisible mending
• replacing zips and buttons.

Work is done on various types of fabric, including silk, cotton, linen, leather, wool and synthetics, such as polyester. Tools used include sewing machines, needles, pins and scissors. Alteration workers usually maintain their own machines.

Many alteration workers combine this type of work with tailoring or dressmaking.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You need good practical skills. In particular, you need nimble fingers and should be able to work neatly and quickly without making mistakes.

You should have a good working knowledge of sewing techniques. A basic knowledge of sewing machines is helpful.

You need to be patient, as the work can be detailed and require careful attention. Some work demands specialist skills, for example work on theatrical costumes. You must work accurately and follow spoken and written instructions carefully.

Many alteration workers are self-employed, so business skills are useful.

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Pay and Opportunities

Pay rates for clothing alteration workers vary depending on the type of work they undertake.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Full-time clothing alteration workers earn in the range of £220 - £250 a week, rising to £270 - £300. Higher earners can make around £330 a week.

Alteration workers usually work a basic 39-hour week, which may include shift work. There may be opportunities for part-time work and work at home.

Employers throughout the UK are dressmakers, fashion houses, tailors, dry cleaners, theatres, and television and film production companies. Self-employment is common.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Most entrants have skills and abilities in some form of garment manufacturing. Many have worked as sewing machinists or in tailoring.

Practical work in the clothing manufacturing industry is valuable. An interest in fashion and design is helpful.

Modern Apprenticeships may be available in some areas.

• 73% of people in occupations such as clothing alteration are self-employed.
• 63% work part-time.
• 8% have flexible hours.

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New Developments

This occupation may involve homeworking.  Find out more about Working from home.