Tailors and Dressmakers

Read Ultimate Illustrated Guide to Sewing Clothes: A Complete Course on Making Clothing for Fit and Fashion, by Joi Mahon, and other books to learn more about sewing techniques. Take sewing classes at school. Also, check with the local park district or fabric and craft stores—they often offer lessons year-round. Find summer or part-time employment at a local tailor shop. This will give you valuable work experience. Contact schools regarding their programs in fashion design. If their course descriptions sound interesting, take a class or two. You can also create and sew your own designs or offer mending and alteration services to family and friends. Visit department stores, clothing specialty stores, and tailor's shops to observe workers involved in this field.

The Association of Sewing and Design Professionals offers membership to college students who are studying a business or apparel-, textile-, or merchandising-related field. It also offers an annual student design challenge for those ages 16 and older. Finally, check out its Explore Sewing & Design Careers web page, https://sewingprofessionals.com/Careers-in-Sewing-&-Design.

Other ways to learn more about this career include participating in information interviews and getting involved in summer exploration programs in sewing, fashion design, and related fields that are offered by 4-H, Fashion Institute of Technology, SCAD: The University for Creative Careers, and other organizations and schools.