Dressmaking is not longer just a hobby or something that you do when you repair clothes and zippers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were about 31,500 Americans who were working as dressmakers in 2007. If you think you have the skill and the fashion sense, why dont you go ahead and give dressmaking a career try?
A dressmaker does not only work part time or contractual basis, there are dressmakers who have their own business. Currently, dressmakers are about earning $18,510 to $28.800 every year. Some dressmakers also offer tailoring and patternmaking services to add some bucks to their paycheck. Patternmakers and tailors would earn about $14.78 per hour.
What kind of work do dressmakers deal with?
Daily dressmaker tasks would include measuring and assisting customers, doing alterations in clothes, and sewing clothes. It is also a responsibility of the dressmaker to assist the customer in making correct pattern and fabric decisions. If no existing pattern suits the customer, then it falls for the dressmaker to create a suitable pattern.
If you are planning to apply for a dressmaker position, some employers would look for knowledge in design, craft, pattern cutting, sewing and knowledge in textiles. To have better chances of landing a dressmaking job, it would be great to take a course or training that covers general aspects of dressmaking.
Where to look for the training? There are dressmaking courses offered in different educational institutions and colleges. Short courses offered here can actually get you started with the basic things that you should know when entering this professions. There are associate degrees and vocational diplomas offered to dressmakers and tailors.
Some would take their training and education in a higher level and get a bachelors and masters degree leaning towards fashion and design. Getting higher education and training like these would help you get top-class positions and high-end fashion job opportunities. In these kind of programs, not only is basic dressmaking skill required but students also learn something about fashion history, fashion trends, and working with textiles and colors.
If you are having problems taking classes because of time constraints, then the good thing is that there are online dressmaking career training that you can have. Home training are good for those who are juggling a lot between their hands. Studying can last from six months to two years.
Aside from fashion knowledge, dressmaking students are also introduced to merchandising, marketing, and apparel manufacturing to equip them if they are interested in establishing a dressmaking business.
This knowledge would definitely come handy if you have decided to set up your business. Aside from helping you with your business, it can also give you an edge with employers who are looking for those who can make a change with a manufacturing and design company.
Aside from studying or taking courses, you could also do apprenticeship or internship. This would give you hands-on experience which will be very important and at the same time, this could even help you land a job in the company where you are training for.
Just like any job, dressmaking as a career is something that would need training and skill. It may not be similar to the training and education like lawyers and doctors get, but it is still essentially in pursuing your interests and preferred career. Dressmaking is something that needs you to be prepared for.