The profession of dressmaker is halfway between art and technique. This professional remains in high demand, despite the emergence of the ready-to-wear concept. It becomes tempting to start as an independent seamstress in such a context. To succeed in this field, it is essential to know the different factors that influence the course of the profession and its many aspects.
The Job of an Independent Seamstress
A freelance seamstress specializes in the creation of clothing and custom accessories. The seamstress can create standard or custom-made pieces (adapted to the morphology of her clients) and intervene for alterations or repairs. As a stylist, she must show taste and look for the latest textile and fashion trends. As a pattern maker, she must ensure all stages of creating a garment goes well.
Specialized Seamstress
Specialization is an essential step in the profession of a seamstress. There are many specializations, and the choice depends on the target clientele, the market trend, and the skills you wish to acquire. It is essential to make a place for yourself among the competition.
As a professional dressmaker and fashion accessory designer, an independent sewist can become a costume designer, a tailor, a wedding dress designer. She can work with all materials: from cotton canvas to leather and lace. Working at home or in a workshop, she can meet the demands of a wide range of clients: individuals, companies, theaters, ready-to-wear stores, haute-couture houses (in subcontracting).
Qualities Required To Be an Independent Seamstress
Sewing is a set of techniques that must be mastered. To be an independent seamstress, it is essential to have specific skills.
The Essential Skills to Exercise the Profession
The profession of the seamstress is not regulated. Thus, no particular skill is required to practice the trade. However, getting started in the field can be difficult, especially for beginners. In this case, it is ideal to follow training courses related to the area (CAP fashion trades, Bac pro fashion trades – clothing option, diploma of Art Costume Designer). A seamstress must also know fabrics and a sense of shapes and colors. In addition, skills in management, accounting, and marketing are helpful to measure the profitability of the activity.
Additional Qualities Required To Be an Independent Seamstress
In addition to training in the trade, other qualities are essential to becoming an independent seamstress
The Ability To Listen and To Relate to Others
A sewist must be attentive to the requests of her customers. She must have a great sense of listening and suggest solutions and advise. She must also be patient, knowing that the production of a garment requires many hours of work.
A Sense of Work Well Done
The reputation of an independent seamstress depends above all on the quality of her work. Indeed, a satisfied customer contributes to the development of the activity. Creativity and a sense of aesthetics are thus required. In addition, perfectionism, organization, rigor, attention to detail, speed, and reactivity are required.
The Choice of the Legal Form of the Company
To be an independent seamstress, it is essential to define the company’s status. There are different legal statuses to choose from.
The Status of a Sole Proprietorship
The EI or EIRL is a practical choice for starting the activity (easy administrative procedures, reduced accounting). However, it is essential to know how to pay social security contributions.
The Status of a One-person Company
In the case of the EURL, the company director determines his remuneration and the basis of his social contributions. In the case of the SASU, the system is more expensive.
