Seamstress

Seamstress Job Description:

Primary Responsibilities

• Here’s a list of common tasks Seamstresses are required to complete.
• Making women’s garments and accessories (e.g. dresses, blouses, shirts, tops, sweater, jumper, cape, cardigan, culottes, crop top, turtle neck, pants, skirts, hats, face masks, scarves, and coats):
• Marking patterns and designs or using pre-designed ones to cut fabric into the necessary shapes;
• Being able to draft, drape, and translate designs from concept to delivery;
• Being able to imagine how the end garment will look like from the pattern design; and
• Making samples out of cheaper fabrics in order to check the design and fit before cutting an expensive fabric.
• Defining technical specifications for the garments and being knowledgeable about fabrics, patterns, shapes, and colours:
• Selecting and testing different fabrics;
• knowing about pattern-making and fittings, adapting and creating patterns as needed; and
• keeping up-to-date with the latest fashion trends and techniques, as well as finding the best quality fabrics.
• Using specialized equipment such as sewing machines and irons.
• Organizing and maintaining fabrics, trims, and other materials.
• Preparing a budget based on time of work, costs of fabrics, and any special materials necessary.

Daily Tasks

• Creating, altering, and repairing garments.
• Working with different fabrics.
• Estimating costs and materials.
• Maintaining a network of customers, vendors, and suppliers.

Seamstress Skills & Qualifications

• Strong sewing skills and vivid imagination are required. Prospective seamstresses do not need a college degree to enter the field, but we do look for individuals with the following abilities and qualifications:
• Must be able to work in our private downtown Oakland Studio.
• Can work Full time or Part-time.
• High school diploma or GED.
• The ability to work under time constraints.
• The ability to safely use different types of sewing machines.
• Good hand-eye coordination.
• Effective communication skills.
• Exceptional customer service skills.
• Detail-oriented.
• Experience operating an industrial sewing machine.
• Must possess exceptional sewing skills and can be self-taught or learned in a course.
• Design and fashion knowledge – should have a basic understanding of design and fashion principles. Must know how to choose fabrics, accessories, and patterns.
• Basic math skills – must know how to accurately measure, add, and subtract
• Creativity – must have the ability to visualize how a garment will look before it is finished. They must also be capable of choosing the appropriate garment parts.
• Interpersonal skills – must have excellent written and verbal communication skills. They must also be capable of communicating effectively with coworkers and superiors.
• Sound knowledge of various fabrics and sewing techniques.
• Must have an eye for design.
• Proven experience working in small- to mid-sized shops.
• Proven experience working for fashion designers or clothing manufacturers.