Description
Sew, alter, repair, and fit garments by hand and machine, following measurements, patterns, and customer specifications.
- • Fit garments on customers to determine required alterations.
- • Sew garments using needles, thread, and sewing machines.
- • Measure sleeves, hems, and seams; mark or pin alteration lines.
- • Shorten or lengthen hems on sleeves, skirts, and pant legs.
- • Take in or let out seams to improve fit.
- • Assemble garment pieces and baste before final stitching.
- • Remove stitches for alterations using rippers or razor blades.
- • Record alteration details on tags and attach to garments.
- • Review work orders or tags to identify needed changes.
- • Make, fit, alter, and repair made-to-measure clothing per specifications.
- • Preserve garment drape, balance, and proportions during alterations.
- • Press seams and finished garments with irons or pressing machines.
- • Trim excess fabric and threads with scissors.
- • Adapt patterns or copy designs to fit measurements and fabric properties.
- • Update styles, such as tapering legs, adjusting silhouettes, or adding/removing padding.
- • Take and record customer measurements with tape measures.
- • Estimate time, materials, and cost for sewing and alterations.
- • Repair or replace zippers, buttons, snaps, pockets, and linings.
- • Consult with customers on fabric choices, trims, and style details.
- • Lay out patterns on fabric and cut along outlines.
- • Sew buttonholes and attach buttons and fasteners.
- • Insert interfacing, padding, and shaping materials.
- • Maintain sewing machines and a clean, organized work area.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
