How to find seamstress jobs near you

Where to look

• Job sites, using several job titles and your city.
• Dry cleaners, many of which offer alterations.
• Bridal shops and formal wear stores, especially before wedding and prom seasons.
• Tailors and menswear stores.
• Theaters, dance schools and costume rental shops.
• Upholstery and interior design businesses.
• Garment and textile manufacturers in your area.

Approach shops directly

Many small shops never post jobs. Visit at a quiet time, bring a short résumé and a few photos of your work, and ask whether they need help during busy seasons.

Prepare a portfolio

• Before and after photos of alterations.
• Close-ups of finished hems, zippers and seams.
• Any special work such as beading, bridal or costumes.

The sewing test

Many employers ask you to complete a task, such as a hem or a zipper. Practice common jobs until you can do them neatly and quickly, and ask what machine you will use.

Questions to ask an employer

1. Is the work hourly, per piece or a mix?
2. Which machines and tools are provided?
3. Are hours steady or seasonal?
4. Is there training on the shop's methods?

Seasonal demand

Many alteration shops are busiest before weddings, proms and holidays. Applying shortly before those seasons can help.

A simple résumé layout

1. Name, phone, email and city.
2. A one-line summary, such as "Seamstress with experience in hems, zippers and bridal alterations".
3. Skills: machines you use, garment types and specialty work.
4. Experience: paid and unpaid, including freelance work for customers.
5. Training: classes, programs or apprenticeships.
6. A link to photos of your work.

Practice these jobs before a sewing test

• A blind hem on trousers.
• Replacing a zipper.
• Taking in a side seam.
• Shortening sleeves.
• Sewing on buttons neatly.