Dressmaker

Typical Salary

£13,500 To £22,000

Typical Hours

36 to 38 a week

weekends

How To Become a Dressmaker

You can get into this job through:

a college course
an apprenticeship
applying directly
short specialised training courses

College / University

You could take a college course before looking for work. Courses include:

Level 2 Certificate in Fashion
Level 2 Diploma in Fashion and Clothing
Level 3 Award in Creative Craft using Dressmaking

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You may be able to get into this job through an intermediate apprenticeship in fashion and textiles, or by doing a garment maker advanced apprenticeship.

some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

You can apply directly to work as a dressmaker. You would need experience and the ability to demonstrate to employers and clients that you have the skills they are looking for.

Other Routes

You can find short courses in dressmaking techniques at adult education centres and with private training providers. These include how to use a sewing machine, pattern making and pattern cutting, They may not lead to a qualification, but they will teach you some of the skills needed for this kind of work.

Some dressmakers teach themselves through online guides or books.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to work well with others
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
sensitivity and understanding
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
customer service skills
the ability to work well with your hands
excellent verbal communication skills
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day duties may include:

discussing the client’s needs
giving the client advice on fabrics and patterns
taking measurements
changing an existing pattern, or creating a new pattern for the client
costing the work
using the pattern to cut out the fabric pieces
tacking the fabric pieces together for a fitting
making samples or ‘toiles’
using a sewing machine or sewing by hand
fitting the garment and making adjustments to create a perfect fit
keeping your accounts, if self-employed

Working Environment

You could work in a workshop or from home.

Career Path & Progression

Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Career tips

Experience in art and design can help you get into this job.

Further information

You can find out more about working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.