What does a sewer do?

What is a Sewer?

A sewer is a professional who sews textile goods by hand. Many sewers make clothing, while others focus on curtains, upholstery, and other fabric goods.

Although many tasks formerly done by sewers are now automated, hand sewing is still invaluable in many applications, including embroidery, beading, and bespoke clothing creation.

What does a Sewer do?

Simply put, sewers sew by hand. Some common tasks include creating patterns, cutting out pieces, and sewing them together. Sewers are in great demand in the quilting industry and in alterations. Many types of clothing, such as formal gowns, suits, and tuxedos, may be purchased 'off the rack' but need to be tailored for a perfect fit; most of these alterations are delicate and must be done by hand.

Sewers are also in demand in the fashion industry, where they create intricate beading designs and add embroidery by hand. A sewer may also make custom corsets. Corsetry is a difficult and complicated art that requires a fine aesthetic eye, a steady hand, and a knowledge of materials; sewers who work in this field must be comfortable working with various boning materials and know the tensile strength of various fabrics used in corset fabrication. Mistakes in calculations may cause a corset to burst open during wear.

Sewers often create and customize clothing patterns and design custom clothing for couture customers — excellent knowledge of materials is essential for this job. As well, the sewer must know the properties of many different fabrics and the applications for which they're best suited. Furthermore, the sewer must understand the client's body type and select fabrics and flattering designs based on that information. To that end, a sewer must also be empathetic; clothing size and body type are very emotional issues for many people, and a sewer may need to explain, as tactfully as possible, why a certain fabric or a certain cut of clothing is not flattering for the client.

The antiques and upholstery trades rely heavily on sewers. Those who specialize in antique restoration need a solid understanding of historical design principles and a high degree of spatial intelligence so that they may visualize the best way to fix damaged upholstery without breaking the design conventions of the period in question. Antiques that are extremely old or badly damaged require an especially delicate hand; the restoration specialist is responsible for removing the damaged upholstery and installing the new, all without scratching, scuffing, or otherwise marring the wood or metal frame.

Sewers are in high demand in the entertainment industry, particularly in opera and musical theatre. Many small theatre companies rent all their costumes, but these need to be temporarily altered to fit the specific performers who will wear them. Temporary alterations can be incredibly difficult; the sewer must alter the garment in a way that can be easily reversed when the costumes are returned to the rental company.

They should expect to be on call during evening and weekend performances, and may need to perform emergency repairs on an important costume that's been damaged during a show. In some situations, the sewer may have only several minutes to fix a popped button or torn strap because the costume — and its occupant — are due back on stage for the next scene.

What is the workplace of a Sewer like?

Sewers may work in a variety of settings. Those who specialize in tailoring and alterations may work at a dry cleaner's, or have a small storefront in a strip mall. Others work from their homes, where they have more space and reduced overhead costs.

Sewers who work in the entertainment industry normally work in costume shops and theatrical warehouses; however, they must often work in darkened theatres as well — particularly in the days leading up to opening night.

Artisanal sewers who work for couture designers may work in large factories and warehouses; those who specialize in beading elaborate couture wedding gowns may work at a bridal salon or a larger warehouse environment.