Tailors/Dressmakers

Individuals who cut fabric and other materials and sew it into clothing and related products. Most workers in the apparel industry perform specialized tasks in the production of large numbers of garments that are shipped to retail establishments for sale to the public, though some make custom clothing and alter and repair garments for individuals. Cutters and trimmers take the patterns and cut out material using an electric knife or other cutting tools. Delicate materials may be cut by hand. In some companies, computer-controlled machines do the cutting. Sewing machine operators join the parts of a garment together, reinforce seams and attach buttons, hooks, zippers and accessories to produce finished articles of clothing. After the product is sewn, other workers remove lint and loose threads and inspect and package the garments.