As a dressmaker, you would be required to make made-to-measure clothing for men, women and children. You could manage your own business and choose one area of specialty for instance bridal wear. You could also offer alteration and retouching services.

Usual tasks would include:

• discussing the customer’s requirements
• showing different fabrics and designs to the customer
• providing advice about different combinations of fabrics, patterns and designs that would work well together
• taking measurements
• modifying existing patterns, or creating new patterns for the customer
• informing the customer about the time and the cost required for completion of the assignment
• making a sample out of cheaper fabric (called a ‘toile’) to check the design
• making embroidery or bead work by hand and showing the sample to the customer for approval
• cutting and stitching the fabric
• fitting the clothing and making adjustments to make sure it fits perfectly