Sewers, Hand

What the job really is

Sew, join, reinforce, or finish, usually with needle and thread, a variety of manufactured items. Includes weavers and stitchers.

At a glance

• Sector: Production
• O*NET-SOC code: 51-6051
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 11
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Select thread, twine, cord, or yarn to be used, and thread needles.
• Measure and align parts, fasteners, or trimmings, following seams, edges, or markings on parts.
• Trim excess threads or edges of parts, using scissors or knives.
• Sew, join, reinforce, or finish parts of articles, such as garments, books, mattresses, toys, and wigs, using needles and thread or other materials.
• Use different sewing techniques such as felling, tacking, basting, embroidery, and fagoting.
• Fit garments on clients, altering as needed.
• Smooth seams with heated irons, flat bones, or rubbing sticks.
• Draw and cut patterns according to specifications.
• Fold, twist, stretch, or drape material, and secure articles in preparation for sewing.
• Sew buttonholes, or add lace or other trimming.
• Tie, knit, weave or knot ribbon, yarn, or decorative materials.

Tools and technology

Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe FreeHand MX, Computer laser printers, Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite, Drawing software, Embroidery design software, Embroidery machines, Fabric shears

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
• Sewing Machine Operators
• Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers
• Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers
• Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders
• Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
• Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials
• Upholsterers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Sewers, Hand — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.