Dressmaker

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

• 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

You can get into this job through:

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

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.