1. Home: Explore careers
  2. Dressmaker

Dressmaker

Alternative titles for this job include Seamster

Dressmakers create and alter clothing like dresses, trousers and shirts for their customers.

Average salary (a year)

Variable

Typical hours (a week)

36 to 38 a week

You could work

in your own business managing your own hours

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Dressmaker

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly
  • short specialised training courses

College

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

  • Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Fashion
  • Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Fashion and Textiles
  • T Level in Craft and Design

Entry requirements

You may need:

  • 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

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job through a garment maker advanced apprenticeship.

You may be able to gain some of the skills you would need through a sewing machinist intermediate apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 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

More Information

Direct Application

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. 

More Information

Further information

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

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • customer service skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • the ability to organise your time and workload
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • knowledge of maths
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

You could:

  • meet with a client to discuss their needs
  • give advice on fabrics, patterns and styles
  • take measurements
  • cost the work
  • create a garment pattern or use a ready made one
  • cut out the fabric using the pattern pieces
  • tack the fabric pieces together for a fitting
  • make samples or 'toiles'
  • operate a sewing machine or stitch by hand
  • fit the garment and make any adjustments to suit the client

Working environment

You could work in a workshop or from home.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience you could take on a supervisory role, move into a related career like fashion or textile buying, or become self-employed.

You could specialise in making or altering particular garments like children's clothes, dance costumes or wedding dresses.

You could also work in costume production for theatre, TV and film.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Sewing Machinist - 14596

  • Wage: £13,312 a year Annually
  • Location: Unit 1, Turbine Road, Birkenhead

Apprentice Sewing Machinist - 14718

  • Wage: £18,720 a year Annually
  • Location: Preston, Lancashire
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Dressmaking

  • Provider: CITY OF YORK COUNCIL
  • Start date: 14 January 2025
  • Location: York

Dressmaking Intermediate

  • Provider: NORTH NORTHAMPTONSHIRE COUNCIL
  • Start date: 13 January 2025
  • Location: Northants
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

You can call 0800 100 900 or use webchat to speak to an adviser.

We're open:

  • 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
  • 10am to 5pm Saturdays and bank holidays

We're closed on Sundays, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.