Clothing Alteration Hand

Clothing alteration hands are responsible for repairing and altering garments and soft furnishings. They may use sewing machines or hand sewing techniques.

Typical projects include:

• fixing zips, holes or tears
• taking in or letting out seams
• shortening or lengthening hems
• tailoring items for personal taste, size or fashion style
• replacing decorative trimmings, such as beading or embroidery.

Alteration hands usually work around 40 hours a week. For many this will include Saturday shifts. Part-time work and flexible hours are common. They may work from home or in a small workroom attached to a clothing or soft furnishing shop, a High Street laundry or dry-cleaners.

Salaries may range from around £11,700 to more than £22,000 a year for supervisory positions.

A clothing alteration hand should:

• have excellent hand and machine sewing skills
• have good manual dexterity and hand-to-eye co-ordination
• be knowledgeable about different fabrics and stitching techniques
• have an understanding of garment construction
• be creative, with an interest in textiles and fashion
• be patient, self-motivated and willing to do repetitive work.

Alteration hands are employed by dry cleaners, laundries and a small number of clothing retailers. They can also work for private clients as well as bridal, special occasion wear and fabric retailers. Many are self-employed and charge on a piecework basis.

There are no formal academic requirements to become an alteration hand, although GCSEs in English, maths and textiles may be beneficial. Apprenticeships may be available.

Mastering the different techniques of sewing and garment construction comes with experience. Many alteration hands improve their skills by working alongside more experienced colleagues or by attending external sewing and tailoring courses. Those working in this area may also work towards vocational qualifications, such as the NVQ Level 2 in manufacturing sewn products.

Opportunities for promotion in this area may be limited, although supervisory posts may be available in larger companies. Those with a broad set of skills may be able to move into a related area such as pattern cutting/grading, tailoring or with further study, design work. Many become self-employed and work on a freelance basis. There may also be opportunities to teach for those with experience of the industry.

Further details