# Tasks & work activities — costume maker

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 51-6052.00 (Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers) — manual nearest-occupation mapping via ISCO group 7531; the official ESCO crosswalk has no entry for this ESCO occupation.

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Fit and study garments on customers to determine required alterations.
- **[Core]** Sew garments, using needles and thread or sewing machines.
- **[Core]** Measure parts, such as sleeves or pant legs, and mark or pin-fold alteration lines.
- **[Core]** Take up or let down hems to shorten or lengthen garment parts, such as sleeves.
- **[Core]** Let out or take in seams in suits and other garments to improve fit.
- **[Core]** Assemble garment parts and join parts with basting stitches, using needles and thread or sewing machines.
- **[Core]** Remove stitches from garments to be altered, using rippers or razor blades.
- **[Core]** Record required alterations and instructions on tags, and attach them to garments.
- **[Core]** Examine tags on garments to determine alterations that are needed.
- **[Core]** Fit, alter, repair, and make made-to-measure clothing, according to customers' and clothing manufacturers' specifications and fit, and applying principles of garment design, construction, and styling.
- **[Core]** Maintain garment drape and proportions as alterations are performed.
- **[Core]** Press garments, using hand irons or pressing machines.
- **[Core]** Trim excess material, using scissors.
- **[Core]** Develop, copy, or adapt designs for garments, and design patterns to fit measurements, applying knowledge of garment design, construction, styling, and fabric.
- **[Core]** Make garment style changes, such as tapering pant legs, narrowing lapels, and adding or removing padding.
- **[Core]** Measure customers, using tape measures, and record measurements.
- **[Core]** Estimate how much a garment will cost to make, based on factors such as time and material requirements.
- **[Core]** Repair or replace defective garment parts, such as pockets, zippers, snaps, buttons, and linings.
- **[Core]** Confer with customers to determine types of material and garment styles desired.
- **[Core]** Position patterns of garment parts on fabric, and cut fabric along outlines, using scissors.
- **[Core]** Sew buttonholes and attach buttons to finish garments.
- **[Core]** Put in padding and shaping materials.

## Detailed work activities

- Adjust fabrics or other materials during garment production.
- Confer with customers or designers to determine order specifications.
- Cut fabrics.
- Design templates or patterns.
- Estimate costs of products, services, or materials.
- Mark products, workpieces, or equipment with identifying information.
- Measure clients to ensure proper product fit.
- Measure materials to mark reference points, cutting lines, or other indicators.
- Operate sewing equipment.
- Position patterns on equipment, materials, or workpieces.
- Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
- Record operational or production data.
- Repair textiles or apparel.
- Sew clothing or other articles.
- Smooth garments with irons, presses, or steamers.
- Trim excess material from workpieces.