dressmaking
The craft of sewing clothes and dresses by following a pattern. This includes the assembly of cutout clothing parts.
Costume makers construct, sew, stitch, dye, adapt and maintain costumes to be used in events, live performances and in movies or television programs. Their work is based on artistic vision, sketches or finished patterns combined with knowledge of the human body to ensure the wearer maximum range of movement. They work in close cooperation with the designers.
Competences and skills
48 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 1 competence
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Cross-sector
1 competenceEssential skills and competences 26 competences
Occupation specific
2 competencesassemble costume parts
Assemble cutout costume parts manually or by operating a sewing machine.
finish costumes
Finish costumes by adding zippers, elastics, buttonholes, decorative stitching, jewellery, rosettes, and other decorations.
Sector-specific
12 competencesadapt costumes
Adapt, stitch or sew stage outfits for performing actors.
adapt to artists' creative demands
Work with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your talents and skills to reach the best possible result.
cut fabrics
Cut fabrics and other wearing apparel materials considering measures, placement of the fabrics in the cutting table in multiple layers, and making the most efficient usage of the fabric avoiding waste. Cut fabrics by hand, or using electric knives, or other cutting tools depending on the fabric. Use computerised systems or automatic cutting machines.
draw up costume patterns
Draw and cut out costume patterns using scissors and measuring instruments.
dye fabrics
Dye costume fabrics for live onstage purposes.
maintain rigging equipment
Check rigging equipment before fitting up, and make small repairs if necessary.
- Scope note
- This excludes regular in-depth maintenance checks done in the workshop.
maintain theatre equipment
Check up on, maintain and repair tools and machinery used for onstage purposes, such as lighting equipment, stage sets or scene-change machinery.
maintain workshop space
Keep your workshop space in working order and clean.
perform costume settings
Organise and manage costume settings.
understand artistic concepts
Interpret an artist's explanation or demonstration of their artistic concepts, inceptions and processes and strive to share their vision.
use manual sewing techniques
Use manuel sewing and stitching techniques to manufacture or repair fabrics or textile-based articles.
work safely with chemicals
Take the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.
Cross-sector
12 competencesdraw up artists' measurements
Draw up the measurements and sizes of performing artists for clothing purposes.
finish project within budget
Make sure to stay within budget. Adapt work and materials to budget.
follow work schedule
Manage the sequence of activities in order to deliver completed work on agreed deadlines by following a work schedule.
keep up with trends
Monitor and follow new trends and developments in specific sectors.
meet deadlines
Ensure operative processes are finished at a previously agreed-upon time.
prepare personal work environment
Correct settings or positions for your working instruments and adjust them before starting operations.
sew pieces of fabric
Operate basic or specialised sewing machines whether domestic or industrial ones, sewing pieces of fabric, vinyl or leather in order to manufacture or repair wearing apparels, making sure the threads are selected according to specifications.
- Scope note
- In the case of industrial sewing machines, the operations are computerised.
translate artistic concepts to technical designs
Cooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.
use personal protection equipment
Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.
work ergonomically
Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
work safely with machines
Check and safely operate machines and equipment required for your work according to manuals and instructions.
- Scope note
- Includes more generally used small electrical and mechanical tools like drills, manual sawing machines, washing machines, sewing machines, etc. that are also used in non professional environment.
work with respect for own safety
Apply the safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the prevention measures and risks to your own personal health and safety.
Optional skills and competences 21 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
14 competencesadapt existing designs to changed circumstances
Adapt an existing design to changed circumstances and ensure that the artistic quality of the original design is reflected in the final result.
define costume fabrication methods
Define costume manufacturing methods and techniques.
develop drama production process
Have and develop a thorough understanding of the dramatic production process.
develop the look of a production
Develop the overall look or style of a theatre, opera, television, or film set.
draw up costume sketches
Draw sketches of costumes and clothing accessories; note specifications such as size, material type and colour scheme.
manage technical resources stock
Manage and monitor technical resources stock to ensure that production demands and deadlines can be met at all times.
organise costume fittings
Organise fitting sessions for the actors and decide on the required actions. Assign the right size costume to each actor.
organise workshop space
Arrange the space of an equipment workshop for maximum efficiency, such as, install lighnting, install a workbench, etc. Decide on the activities and equipment to fit in, and the most convenient way to work.
plan workshop activity
Plan workshop activities according to production needs.
prevent fire in a performance environment
Take steps to prevent fire in a performance environment. Make sure the space complies with fire safety rules, with sprinklers and fire extinguishers installed where necessary. Make sure staff are aware of fire prevention measures.
support a designer in the developing process
Support designers in the course of the developing process.
work safely with mobile electrical systems under supervision
Take the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution for performance and art facility purposes under supervision.
- Scope note
- This competence is limited to mobile, temporary installations with connectors. In some countries, workers are only alowed to perform this kind of actions under supervision of a qualified person.
work with the camera crew
Work with the crew responsible for the camera operation and movement to get directions from them on where to stand for an aesthetic result.
work with the director of photography
Work with the director of photography on the artistic and creative vision that needs to be followed during production of a movie or theatre production.
Cross-sector
7 competencesattend rehearsals
Attend rehearsals in order to adapt sets, costumes, make-up, lighting, camera set up, etc.
develop professional network
Reach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up to date on their activities.
- Scope note
- This includes the development of social relationships with patients and customers.
follow directions of the artistic director
Follow the instructions of the director while understanding his creative vision.
keep personal administration
File and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.
manage consumables stock
Manage and monitor consumables stock to ensure that the production demands and deadlines can be met at all times.
manage personal professional development
Take responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional development based on reflection about own practice and through contact with peers and stakeholders. Pursue a cycle of self-improvement and develop credible career plans.
research
work with the lighting crew
Work with the crew responsible for the lighting setup and operation to get directions from them on where to stand for an aesthetic result.