CAREERS

Clothing alteration hands modify and repair items of clothing. They may use hand or machine sewing techniques and will have expert knowledge of garment construction.

 

They may be involved in fastening new zips, taking in or letting out seams, shortening or lengthening hems and replacing trims. Clothing alteration hands may also work on specialist pieces, such as bridal gowns.

 

Alteration hands will usually meet with the customer to take measurements and discuss requirements. Several fittings may be required for specialist and complex alterations. An estimated cost is usually given at the beginning, based on the amount of work and materials required.

 

When starting out, a clothing alteration hand could expect to be paid around £11,700 a year or £7 an hour. Those working on a piecework basis (where they are paid for each alteration or repair made) could earn around £10 an hour. Supervisors and experienced alteration hands could earn £22,000 a year or more.

 

 

Alteration hands usually work around 40 hours a week. Saturday work is common for those employed in laundries and dry-cleaners. Part-time work and flexible hours are very common.

 

Working environments vary; a self-employed alteration hand may have a small, home-based workroom. Those based in a laundry or dry-cleaners may have a small workroom or working area within the store. Workrooms are usually warm and well-lit but can be small and cramped.

 

 

To have a career as a clothing alteration hand, it is important to have good sewing skills. These can be obtained on a relevant course but on-the-job experience is also very valuable. The following skills and interests would also be useful:

 

·      an interest in fashion and a knowledge of tends and fabrics

·      a focused approach to work with attention to detail

·      to be self-motivated and able to work alone and to deadlines

 

It may be possible to begin a career in this area as an assistant to a tailor or dressmaker. However, larger companies will often prefer candidates to have a relevant qualification. The following courses are relevant to a career in this area:

 

·      ABC Level 3 Certificate in apparel manufacturing technology

·      ABC Level 3 Diploma in handcraft tailoring

·      ABC Level 1 Award, Certificate and Diploma in fashion and textiles

·      ABC Level 2 Award, Certificate and Diploma in fashion and textiles

·      ABC Level 3 Award, Certificate and Diploma in fashion and textiles

 

For more information visit the ABC awards website: www.abcawards.co.uk.

 

Apprenticeships are also available in manufacturing sewn products, apparel manufacturing technology, apparel and bespoke cutting and tailoring. For more information on apprenticeships, visit the apprenticeship website: www.apprenticeships.org.uk.

 

Vacancies in this area may be advertised in newspapers, Jobcentre Plus offices and trade publications such as Drapers.

 

Mastering different sewing techniques comes with experience. It can be useful to work alongside more experienced alteration hands to enhance practical knowledge.

 

Alteration hands may be able to work towards vocational qualifications whilst on the job (see information on the ABC awards above).

 

A wide range of short courses, qualifications and workshops in tailoring and garment production are also available from the London College of Fashion (www.fashion.arts.ac.uk).

 

Opportunities for promotion may be limited, although supervisory posts may be available in larger companies to those with the relevant experience.

 

Candidates who gain a relevant NVQ at Level 2 can progress to Level 3 in a related subject. This may also allow them to gain a broader knowledge of garment construction, such as pattern cutting or grading. These skills could lead to employment in other areas.

 

Experienced alteration hands could become self-employed and may combine alteration work with design and craft roles. Strong business and marketing skills are useful for those who become self-employed. Experienced clothing alteration hands may also move into teaching.

 

 

 

Qualification information (external sources)

 

 

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