Custom sewers, tailors and dressmakers, make clothing according to the needs and requests of their customers. Custom tailors work on tailored or shaped garments, such as coats and suits for men or women. Custom dressmakers usually work on women's garments, such as dresses and blouses. Most custom tailors and dressmakers work in small shops. Many have their own businesses. A few work from their homes.

Custom sewers first help their customers choose the kind and color of fabric they want and the style of the garment to be made. They need to know all about the different kinds of fabrics and the latest styles. Sometimes they stock fabric in their shops. Otherwise they get it from another store or use fabric that the customer supplies.

Tasks:

1. To measure customers, using tape measures, record measurements
2. To confer with customers to determine types of material and garment styles desired
3. To develop, copy, or adapt designs for garments, and design patterns to fit measurements, applying knowledge of garment design, construction, styling, and fabric
4. To estimate how much a garment will cost to make, based on factors such as time and material requirements
5. To make a mock-up garment - a 'toile' - using cheaper fabrics and to fit the toile and make any alterations
6. To assemble garment parts and join parts with basting stitches, using needles and thread or sewing machines
7. To sew garments, using needles and thread or sewing machines
8. To make garment style changes, such as tapering pant legs, narrowing lapels, and adding or removing padding

Key skills for Custom Sewer:

• Excellent hand-sewing and machining skills
• Creativity and the ability to visualise designs
• It skills to use computer software in the design process
• Pattern construction and cutting skills
• The ability to put clients at ease and a patient and tactful manner
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• The ability to maintain concentration, sometimes for long periods
• A smart appearance

Average Salary (2013):

United Kingdom: £15,870 per year
United States of America: $29,330 per year
Australia: AU$20.68 per hour

Qualifications and training required:

Custom sewers should have a high school education. However, retailers often place more emphasis on a person's previous experience in apparel manufacture, design, or alterations when making hiring decisions. In high school it is helpful to take courses in tailoring and sewing, art, design, and business. Sewing clothing for oneself or for family members and friends will help to improve skills. Prospective tailors and dressmakers can continue training at a trade school or two-year college. They can also get on-the-job training in a custom tailoring or dressmaking shop, in a garment factory, or in a clothing or department store. There are some formal apprenticeship programs for sewers.