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Hand Sewer

What They Do

Sewers, Hand Career Video

About This Career

Sews, joins, reinforces, or finishes, usually with needle and thread, a variety of manufactured items. Includes weavers and stitchers.

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster Production pathway.

A person in this career:

  • Sews, joins, reinforces, or finishes parts of articles, such as garments, books, mattresses, toys, and wigs, using needles and thread or other materials.
  • Trims excess threads or edges of parts, using scissors or knives.
  • Selects thread, twine, cord, or yarn to be used, and threads needles.
  • Draws and cuts patterns according to specifications.
  • Folds, twists, stretches, or drapes material, and secures articles in preparation for sewing.
  • Smooths seams with heated irons, flat bones, or rubbing sticks.
  • Measures and aligns parts, fasteners, or trimmings, following seams, edges, or markings on parts.
  • Uses different sewing techniques such as felling, tacking, basting, embroidery, and fagoting.
  • Sews buttonholes, or adds lace or other trimming.
  • Waxes thread by drawing it through a ball of wax.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

  • You would sit most of the time. There's some walking and standing. You may have to lift and carry things like books, papers or tools weighing 10 lbs. or less.
  • Work in this occupation involves using your hands to hold, control, and feel objects more than one-third of the time
  • Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
  • Work in this occupation involves making repetitive motions more than one-third of the time
  • Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

  • Seeing clearly up close

Work Hours and Travel

  • Regular working hours and limited travel

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:

  • Alteration Specialist
  • Couturier
  • Custom Clothier
  • Custom Designer
  • Custom Seamstress
  • Designer
  • Dressmaker — Makes women's garments, such as dresses, coats, and suits, according to customer specifications and measurements.
  • Seamstress

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

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