Hello everyone and welcome to another blog post!
Today I'm going to give you some things to know before seeing a seamstress or a tailor for any of your clothing repair/alteration needs!
As a seamstress, I sometimes have customers who are not sure how to tell me what they want done, or how to prepare their clothes for me, or what may need to be done before I can get started.
So here are some helpful things to do!
1. If you need something hemmed, it helps to put a pin or mark where you want it.
The job gets done a lot faster that way, and it helps you to make sure it will be exactly where you want it! The seamstress should know what to do from there. If you don't have any pins or fabric chalks/pencils/markers, be dressed to change into the garment when you get to your seamstress/tailor so they can measure where you want the hem properly.
2. If you need something repaired or altered, always consider the sewing level of the seamstress you are going to!
If it's a small tear that can be easily fixed by hand or a button that needs to be reattached, that sort of job is usually inexpensive and not very difficult for the seamstress to do. However, if there is an extensive amount of damage, or a complicated alteration, expect to either have the job turned down because they don't feel strong enough to do it well if the seamstress or tailor is not a professional, or if they are professional, expect for the job to take a while, and be expensive to do.
3. If you are getting something commissioned, either purchase materials in advance or be ready to add the material cost to your seamstress' rate.
Most people who see a seamstress forget how much time, effort, and money is put into a custom garment, and how expensive sewing and crafting materials can be.
The average rate of a seamstress is at least $15 an hour, so always ask for an estimate of the total. Also, always ask if they take payment plans, and how they receive payment, either via app or cash.
4. Tip Generously!
If you support artists, you should support seamstresses and tailors too! In a way, they are artists as well! Tip your local artists!
So those are just a few things to consider before seeing a tailor or seamstress! It is really great to get to know one. You could save your favorite clothes, save your money from not having to purchase new clothes, and save the environment from having your clothes made more sustainable!
Thank you for reading, and make sure your garments are in good hands!
-Blandis