Sewing Techniques That Employers Are Looking For
Introduction
In the fast-growing fashion and textile industry, sewing is no longer just a basic skill—it’s a technical craft that employers take seriously. Whether you’re applying for a job in a garment factory, boutique, or fashion design house, the level and variety of your sewing skills can determine your chances of employment or promotion.
Employers today are not just looking for someone who can “sew clothes.” They want professionals who understand precision, efficiency, finishing, and modern machine operations. If you’re a tailoring or fashion graduate seeking employment, here are the sewing techniques and skills most sought after in Kenya’s fashion industry and beyond.
- Industrial Sewing Machine Proficiency
What Employers Want:
- Confident operation of straight stitch, overlock (serger), and coverstitch machines
- Ability to change needles, threads, and tension settings
- Basic machine maintenance (oiling, cleaning, troubleshooting)
Why It Matters:
Most professional tailoring jobs involve mass production or standardized garment creation using industrial machines. Employers want staff who can work fast without constant supervision or machine breakdowns.
- Seam Accuracy and Consistency
Key Techniques:
- Straight stitching with uniform seam allowance (often 1cm or 1.5cm)
- Precision in topstitching and edge stitching
- Backstitching at start and end for durability
Why It Matters:
Neat and accurate seams reflect professionalism. Mistakes waste time and materials—two things employers can’t afford in production.
- Professional Finishing Techniques
What Employers Look For:
- Clean inside finishing: overlocking, binding, or French seams
- No raw edges, fraying, or untidy hems
- Invisible or matching stitches where required
Techniques to Master:
- Overlock finishing
- Bias binding
- Hong Kong seams
- Rolled hems
Why It Matters:
Good finishing means garments look good inside and out—critical for client satisfaction and brand reputation.
- Zipper Attachment (Various Types)
Must-Know Zipper Types:
- Centered zipper
- Invisible zipper
- Lapped zipper
- Fly front zipper (trousers)
Why It Matters:
Garments with poorly attached zippers reflect bad workmanship. Employers look for tailors who can install zippers accurately and cleanly, even in bulk production.
- Buttonhole and Button Attachment
Skills Required:
- Use of machine buttonhole setting
- Hand-sewn buttonholes (for couture or finishing)
- Strong, neat, and aligned button stitching
Why It Matters:
Incorrectly placed or weak buttons and buttonholes ruin a garment’s fit and function. Employers want reliability here, especially in shirts, uniforms, and suits.
- Dart and Pleat Construction
Must-Know Techniques:
- Proper dart positioning and shaping
- Sharp knife pleats, box pleats, and gathers
- Even spacing and balanced shaping
Why It Matters:
Darts and pleats shape the garment to the body. Uneven or sloppy work leads to poor fit—something fashion clients and supervisors won’t accept.
- Sleeve and Collar Insertion
Key Elements:
- Matching armhole and sleeve cap properly
- Easing techniques for smooth insertion
- Precise collar shaping and alignment
Why It Matters:
Sleeves and collars are the hardest parts of a garment to perfect, and where mistakes are most visible. Employers highly value professionals who can execute this cleanly.
- Lining and Interfacing Application
Techniques to Learn:
- Attaching full or partial linings (especially for jackets and dresses)
- Proper use of fusible and sew-in interfacing
- Creating clean, bagged linings without visible seams
Why It Matters:
Lining improves comfort and durability. Employers expect tailors who can handle both the fashion fabric and internal structure of garments.
- Hemming Techniques
Techniques to Master:
- Blind hemming (machine or hand)
- Rolled hems (for chiffon, silk, lightweight fabrics)
- Double-fold hems (for trousers, shirts, dresses)
- Baby hems and curved hems
Why It Matters:
Hemming finishes the garment and affects both aesthetics and durability. Employers appreciate workers who can hem quickly and neatly, regardless of fabric type.
- Garment Pressing and Finishing
What to Practice:
- Pressing darts, seams, pleats, and hems correctly
- Using steam irons or industrial pressing tools
- Shaping garments during pressing (not flattening!)
Why It Matters:
A perfectly sewn garment still needs professional pressing to look good on the rack. Many tailors lose points for ignoring this final stage of garment production.
- Working with Different Fabrics
Important Skills:
- Sewing slippery fabrics (silk, satin)
- Managing stretch fabrics (jersey, lycra)
- Handling heavy materials (denim, canvas)
Why It Matters:
Employers want tailors who can handle orders for weddings, uniforms, casualwear, and heavy-duty garments. Versatility boosts your employability.
- Garment Alteration and Repair Skills
Techniques:
- Taking in and letting out garments
- Replacing zippers, buttons, and linings
- Fixing torn or worn areas invisibly
Why It Matters:
Many boutiques and shops offer alteration services to clients. Being able to fix garments quickly and professionally adds to your value.
Bonus: Speed and Efficiency in Production
Employers Value:
- Meeting time targets (e.g., 5 shirts per day)
- Following a production plan or sample
- Minimizing material wastage
Why It Matters:
Fashion businesses depend on fast turnaround. Tailors who are both fast and accurate are in high demand in factories, workshops, and design houses.
How to Improve These Skills
- Practice daily with various fabrics and patterns
- Work under supervision or apprentice in busy tailoring shops
- Take advanced short courses in industrial sewing or finishing
- Watch professional tutorials (YouTube, Skillshare, TVET platforms)
- Sit for NITA exams to get certified in your trade
Conclusion
If you want to succeed in Kenya’s fashion industry—whether in a local workshop, big factory, or your own business—you need to go beyond basic stitching. Employers look for sewing professionals who can deliver clean, accurate, and professional results under pressure. Mastering these techniques will not only open up job opportunities but also build your reputation as a skilled and reliable tailor.
So don’t just sew—sew with excellence. The industry is waiting for your hands.
