How to Find a Seamstress/Tailor
One of the more common questions I get asked is people asking where they can find a seamstress or tailor. They’re actually a lot easier to find than you’d think! Here’s a list of the top 10 places I recommend to look when trying to find a tailor or seamstress in your area!
1. Google/Internet search - Seriously this can be your best friend! All you have to do is search for something along the lines of “seamstress in my area” or “alterations near me”. You’ll find at least 3 options close to you immediately. From there, try checking each posting’s rating on Google and the following search results.
2. Yelp - Yelp isn’t just for reviewing restaurants and entertainment venues, people! This is a great resource to check out local seamstress and tailor options in your area and posts all of your necessary info (like address, phone number, hours) in addition to amenities they offer (like parking or accepting credit cards) and customer ratings/reviews!
3. Yellow Pages - The old school Yellow Pages got an online makeover: Think Google but local! It works just like the Yellow pages books but now online! Search “seamstress” or “alterations” for options to pop up. Just make sure you check on their times to make sure they’re open and accepting customers!
4. Facebook - I’ve seen a lot of people taking to Facebook to ask their friends for suggestions lately! This is a great way to get a bunch of recommendations from people you directly know! I’ve also seen plenty of people join local sewing groups on Facebook to see if there’s anyone taking on clients or ask for recommendations!
5. Dry Cleaner - More often than not, your local dry cleaner either employs at least one seamstress for alterations! Obviously, available alterations vary from shop to shop but they’re a great option for (especially) those simpler fixes (like hemming - especially if you have an idea on how much shorter you need it, zipper replacement, etc.).
6. Joann Fabrics (or other craft stores) - At the Joann’s stores in my area, I know they have these “community boards” near the restrooms. Anyone can post local news to them and I’ve seen quite a few people advertise their seamstress businesses through it. When I was taking on clients regularly I also got a number of inquiries so if you’re someone looking to make a little extra cash, this is a great way to do it!
7. Check with your local sewing machine dealer - When I was working for my local sewing machine dealer (not big box like Joann’s), we always had customers calling or coming in to ask if we did alterations or custom work. Some of the ladies that worked with me would take on projects on the side (obviously they’re working separately from the shop so please don’t try to pay with credit cards to reflect on your experience with them individually on the company). If nobody working at the store is able to, they’ll sometimes have peoples’ business cards behind the desk to pass on as recommendations! (Also a great way to make some extra cash if you want to take on some alterations work!)
8. Ask the store you’re shopping at - I wouldn’t really apply this to smaller, fast fashion brands like H&M or Target but it’s definitely an option you can apply when you’re spending a little more money at, say, Macy’s or Torrid! Since you’re investing in your clothes, why not spend a little extra to make sure they fit perfectly?! (Attn Seamstresses: This is another great place to leave business cards! I had quite a bit of traffic coming in from my local Macy’s and Dillard’s after giving them my cards, especially around Homecoming and Prom seasons!)
9. Ask a friend or family member - Has anyone in your immediate circle had a special event like a wedding or school dance? Ask them where they took their clothes to have them altered! There are quite a few people out there who, like myself (now), take on clients but don’t advertise it heavily since they do it on the side to supplement their main streams of income. I’ve been told that (certain) less-known seamstresses have done better jobs than those who do it regularly. They may charge a little more or less than your typical alterations place depending on the circumstances but please consider adding in a tip (especially if they charge a lot less) since we tend to undercharge a lot.
10. Check in with your local sewing teachers - As you can probably tell from some of the previous ideas, a lot of people involved in sewing will occasionally take on alterations clients, including sewing teachers. Know of anyone that teaches? It never hurts to ask (unless they’ve explicitly said they don’t do alterations)! They may have some great recommendations if they’re not taking anyone on too.