How to Approach Alterations in a Professional Setting (tips for every level)

[@Roxxi33]

I would love to see more videos about fitting on customers... I know a lot of people might not want to be on camera, but it would be so helpful to see the process! It's so hard as a beginner to see that something isn't fitting but not know what in particular to change! Thank you for all you do 💖

[@DowntownTailoring]

I completely agree with you! As my channel grows, I’m hoping to find more models and customers who are willing to be on camera! I agree it really makes it more complete! 🥰

[@carolemarple3395]

How would you pre-pin alterations on a customer for a flat butt without sticking them with the pins?

[@Alisonytc]

Sewing Garments &Alteration is now my business my source of living i started 2007 till now still standing.I love watching you here from Lebanon

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much 🥰

[@debm6507]

I love that tip of putting elastic in the underarm area and understitching! Your videos are like gold! Thank you so much!

[@judyblackmancallender3663]

Yes yes. Thanks much for sharing these tips. I have recently restarted my sewing business, but with a friend in her shop till mine is fixed up and comfortably usable. However, I have come to realize that I really enjoy doing the repairs to clothing than making garments from scratch. Only thing is, that some pieces are so much more challenging, that I wished you were living close by to teach me much of what you would have done to rectify the particular problems I encounter. So, with that being said, let me say that I also enjoy watching and learning from All your videos. And may I suggest that you make as many more Repair/Alteration videos as you can come up with. This will certainly make me very happy, and of course, my customers will be excitedly happy too. Lots of love to you and your business. And may Almighty God continue to bless the work of your hands. Take care now. 😂😊❤❤❤

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you very much for your kind words! They inspire me to keep creating more content. I wish you good luck on your new journey! 🥰🥰🥰

[@wayne00k]

Your knowledge is amazing and your ability to teach - not only what to do but also why to choose one method over another is priceless. Thank you so much for sharing these with us!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks for watching!

[@deoara1]

I love that you share the tips from your experience to customize the alterations where other tailors couldn’t.

[@annemckenzie7382]

Thanks so much for this . I started a small business part time two years ago whilst working retail full time. When Covid hit we got stood down . I decided to make my alterations business my full time job . I love what I am doing. Thanks for all your tips and tricks 😘

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much for your comment. I wish the best on your new endeavors!

[@elementgypsy]

That's great. Me too. I am learning embroidery digitizing too. I don't know what to charge for hems, taking in simple dress or perhaps some embroidery on a pillow case or that bag.

[@CleverEwe]

I would enjoy knowing more about the business side. I am so happy to see your pride in your workmanship! My grandmother always told me that 'if a job is worth doing, it is worth doing right.'

[@DowntownTailoring]

Wao! I like that! 🥰🥰🥰

[@BJP1973LEEDS]

I really like the way you show and explain the dos and the donts in order to respect the garments the clients left to you . Clients satisfaction is pinnacle .

[@DowntownTailoring]

Indeed! Thanks 😊

[@lafabricadebodas]

That elastic tip!!

[@patriciarodriguez3863]

I really really enjoy learning I just started sewing in September when my brother passed away it helps me cope but I also fell in love with it so I’m learning as much as I can since I can’t afford to go to school for it I would Love to learn more and also the business side to it thank u so much for all ur videos may God bless u always

[@DowntownTailoring]

My condolences for your loss. ❤️ KZbin is a fantastic place to start, I’m so glad I can be of help to you! Wishing you the best on your sewing journey!

[@mjhovey595]

I have no aspirations to do this as a business, but I am learning how much I do not know. Wow! Watching an expert is inspirational! I love seeing someone who is a true professional and thank you for giving me a glimpse of how much is involved - it is true problem solving but more. It is an art, balancing what your customer wants vs what you can do for them.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much for your comment 😊 It is pleasant to feel understood!

[@minerva5025]

Always waiting for your videos. Love to watch you work, learn so much, is just great. Can't thank you enough for the knowledge you share with us.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Wooow such kind words! Thank you for being a loyal subscriber!

[@lyndadwyer352]

i love all your videos, i always learn something new even though i have been sewing for years, thank you so much. lynda.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks for your support Lynda 💗

[@joycelove5454]

Your skill and attention to detail is fantastic! I’m watching to learn how to do simple alterations myself, but I wish I lived close enough to just bring everything to you!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you so much! You are so kind 🥰

[@RandomalinaLF]

Wowww that dress looked amazing on the customer!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you! She looked great!!

[@frankrueger8538]

Madam, you are a genius! I may never do the kinds of alterations you show us, but I love knowing these things are possible and I am always smiling at how simple you make them look. Thank you so much for your videos. Bless you

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much for your kind comment 😊

[@cmmahone]

You are so kind to share your tips and tricks with us. It really is appreciated. I'm thinking of starting an alterations business. My skills are a little rusty, you are bringing back my confidence.

[@WXNXFofficial]

Thank you for the video! I was a seamstress at a big dry cleaners chain, but unfortunately left due to management issues. It was my first job as a seamstress (i did have sewing experience prior the job) and seeing this video made me realize the difference of how my job was. I was the only seamstress as well. Your video made me think about making my own alterations business instead. Thank you!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much 🥰 I'm glad you are reconsidering coming back to the alteration business!

[@Sandy-be8wq]

I am always open to learning more, really enjoyed this. Thank you!!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you so much Sandy!!

[@susanrussell8195]

When you replaced the zipper, you fixed it so the tops matched. I 👀 how you fixed more than was needed. That is pride in workmanship.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you so much Susan!! :)

[@mjhovey595]

@@DowntownTailoring Exactly! A person can see that something is wrong - but you know what is involved in correcting the issue and making it perfect! Amazing work!

[@helenr.2184]

I’m not a professional, but I do alterations for friends (free of charge). I have a friend coming tomorrow, whose daughter needs alterations on a ball gown. I think I may be using the hints you showed on that second dress. Thank you‼️😊.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Ouuu how exciting! Thank you and good luck 🥰

[@helenr.2184]

I followed your advice and declined the job. It was very complicated…beyond my skills. Without your advice, I might have attempted it…and failed!

[@DowntownTailoring]

@@helenr.2184 Thank you for updating me! I also have to decline jobs often. Many times, because I just know that the customer's expectations aren't realistic. I'm so glad that you took a decision that was good for you, sometimes the torture isn't good for our wellness!

[@beachygurls6]

Thank you for sharing and explaining. I learn something every time I see one of your videos!

[@miracle.edits.lyngdoh]

Enjoying your videos 😍

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much 🥰

[@AsYouLikeIt_Zendi21]

I REALLY LOVE YOUR POSITIVE MENTALITY. AND TO AVOID CONFLICTS COMMMUNICATE WITH YOUR CUSTOMER. THANK YOU MUCH FOR POSTING.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks for watching 🥰

[@proudasiangirl576]

I just came across your channel and find it so interesting that you are showing what professional seamstresses do with alterations. I love for you to tell us more about the inside nuances of how the business works. Thanks for sharing.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Welcome aboard!

[@paulasiefert2059]

I learn so much from you! I can’t wait to see what you do to fix the zipper in the flowered dress. It was obviously inserted wrong in the first place. Your work is womderful

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you! 😊

[@debbieshuler2435]

I enjoy watching your post you explain things very well you make things seem like they are so easy you take pride in what you do thank you sometimes I watch different instructions that people and they are so hard to understand but you are very easy to understand thank you

[@DowntownTailoring]

I'm so glad with your comment. I try to be clear. Thanks 🥰

[@mspayitforward5295]

This is good business communication advice for ANY service related business. Excellent information.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Glad you think so! Thanks 😊

[@judithglaser1286]

I have learned so much from you. I appreciate all of your videos.

[@mollysowiak2929]

thank you for your wonderful videos. I run a small alteration shop and i check things with you all the time! (i made pants into shorts this morning and had seen your relevant video pop up last night, so i watched that one today, and i'm going to re-watch your video for making a v-neck for a job tomorrow.) One of the hardest things for me with customers is deciding which alteration will be the best to achieve what is desired! today i took in the sides of a swimsuit when i should have known better and checked if taking in the back would work. i ended up reshaping the underarm seam and not charging the customer for that time because i felt it was a mistake. I have been doing this full time for 4 months now and i have plenty of "learning experiences" but so far no catastrophes, and many many successes in large part thanks to you! (Ban roll changed gown hems for me! and I have been gifting pieces of it to friends.) Your videos are the most relevant to my work that i have found. Thanks!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Aweee! Your feedback means the world to me! I'm grateful for your support, and I'm glad I could provide value through my videos. Thanks so much for sharing 😊

[@nicolec2470]

I loved the information that you shared today. It is very useful. Thank you

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you Nicole! 🥰

[@pattigriffith6728]

I am hooked on your videos. I am learning so much about altering clothes. Love it!!!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks 🥰 😊 ☺

[@bettyhung6352]

Hi , your tutorial is excellence and very precisely , i am so glad to learn the professional work especially the corner of the man jacket sleeve. Again , thank you so much for your sharing ! You are special !

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much 🥰 🥰🥰

[@Kaila4388]

I learned a lot. Thank you! ❤️

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you for letting me know! :)

[@JimeOide]

such a good video as always! I enjoy it! and a will enjoy more of this kind of videos. Lots of love!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you Jimena! You always have such kind words!

[@kimbrachet5695]

This video is so useful, I work on costumes for a middle school, i often have to do major repairs & sizing alterations on formal wear to adapt our clothes to fit a wide range of sizes & less than gentle wearing. Thank you so much.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Oh wow that sounds like challenging work! Thank you for the kind words!

[@izabeau1953]

I love all your alteration tips, gosh that is going to help me so much, thank you so much for sharing all your ideas. I always have to do alterations on my families , cloths. And I do pouches as a pass time for gifts. I actually would like to do alterations for public , but I don’t always feel to sow. And I have my grand children sometimes to look after. But you have solved do many problems for me . ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@paulabeaudry8596]

Wonderful advice

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you Paula!

[@mariamparo9]

Thanks for your tips, I really appreciate you take your time to teach us!

[@DowntownTailoring]

It’s my absolute pleasure!

[@nancysonleitner3598]

Thank you for sharing your experience with business!

[@DowntownTailoring]

It’s my absolute pleasure! :)

[@lindahanke]

Great info. Thank you. You are so talented. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you kindly!!

[@TheSophia4ever]

Very good alterations 👏👍

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you Sophia!

[@abigailpip112]

Thank you, Ive used your tips and iseas, I find they work well and are very useful. Love the friendly style of the video, thanks again

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks 🥰 I'm glad to be helpful!

[@ebbram9879]

Brilliant videos thank you

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you!!

[@romonaelrod7870]

You did a great job on all of the repairs and alterations. The last dress fits the customer perfectly and is much improved in the way that the zipper lays. I have had to repair some of my own clothes because of wear and tear because of age of the garment. I fixed a skirt in a similar way to what you did on the floral top? that had the black red and blue on it.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you so much Ramona! Such sweet words from you, I'm very flattered. Maintenance alterations are also a big part of the job! We don't want to have to say goodbye to our favorite garments just because we have loved them so much we've worn it often over time. Cheers!

[@romonaelrod7870]

@@DowntownTailoring when I was much younger I made some of my own clothes,skirts,tops,and dresses. My mom would mark my hems and she would help me with the zippers. I have issues with zippers and button holes. I want to make some quilts for myself and family members and I want to make a Boro style denim coat and a quilted patchwork coat for myself. I will probably make a few dresses for my almost 2 yr old niece and my almost 5 yr old great niece. I like to make doll clothes too. I enjoy your videos.

[@tatianamedvedeva1289]

Great alteration tips! Thank you!

[@DowntownTailoring]

My pleasure! :))

[@1954evelyn]

Awesome I love your videos and I love learning everything you want to teach us. You are such a good teacher. Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@DowntownTailoring]

Hi Evelyn! Thanks so much. I'm glad you like our videos!

[@hafsafossie7074]

I love your videos. I too want to start a alteration business. Thank you for your tips

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks. I'll keep posting about it!

[@chocmeltingcake]

Great tips ! Thank you !

[@GeorginaChaplin]

Love the video! It would be great to see more like it!!

[@DowntownTailoring]

More to come! 🥰

[@sawsandeeb3242]

Thank you we are in need for this good work👍

[@laineywright2696]

Very wise advice.

[@BelindaTOV]

Love that last floral dress!

[@DowntownTailoring]

It’s so beautiful!

[@cherylsimmons784]

Yes!😁 Please do more videos like this one😉 Thank you so much 💓

[@DowntownTailoring]

I will keep this in mind!! Thank you!

[@maringrachart]

Hi I love your demonstration in altering the clothes. You are doing a great job and advising others too. I am also a seamstress and fairly new viewer 😁😁😁!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much! Welcome to our community 🥰

[@katietomasello490]

Ahh… the old elastic trick… lol. I too have used that so many times. It really works in emergencies. One of my young ladies (Haylee) who’s getting married this year… I’ve been showing for her since she was in about 8th grade called frantic on prom night. I’ve sewn for her entire family who has sent me so many referrals I’ve lost count. Her dress of course was already done but a friend showed up as did about 20 other couples & their parents, ready… for prom!! The girl had lost about 20 pounds & never tried her dress on during this time. It was strapless, slinky & way too big. Of course armed w/ several things that “could” work with a red dress, that was falling down, I made a house call. Obviously this is not the norm but felt compelled to help. With a sewing machine I could’ve done it in minutes, but that wasn’t an option. I hand picked a casing around the entire top & waist so I could distribute the elastic without forming gathers. The young lady wasn’t very appreciative, in fact kind of snobby, which blew my mind. She couldn’t have gone to prom w/ nothing else to wear. Everyone else… especially Haylee, her family & the girls mom made me feel like a rockstar… so happy the problem was solved & with about a dollar’s worth of elastic!! Elastic (different widths) should be in every seamstress arsenal… lol Love your videos.. I wish they had been available when I was learning. Fyi I don’t normally use interfacing with horse hair braid. I think that’s a great idea.❤

[@spacemutti6684]

Your tips for alteration are so incredible 👌 Greetings from Hamburg Germany 😊🌹

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you so much! Greetings from Canada! 🥰

[@susierubio1096]

thanks so much. great advice

[@DowntownTailoring]

🥰🥰🥰

[@terryjanisch905]

Thank you so much. You are wonderful

[@DowntownTailoring]

🥰🥰🥰

[@lillianten2152]

You did a great job

[@DowntownTailoring]

🥰🥰🥰

[@clothingalterations]

I love your videos. You are talented.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much 🥰

[@taravarnell7042]

Great video. Thanks..

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks 😊

[@RS-il7pn]

Good day I've been learning a lot thank you so much. Is it possible to do a video on the different interface for different projects?

[@DowntownTailoring]

Great suggestion!

[@Evelyn22harry]

Fantastic video !!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks 😊 I'm glad you liked it!

[@tammyislandsewingtutor]

Very good job!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks 🥰

[@karenmunoz7662]

Hi!!! I’m going to start on work alterations but also on the front to attend customers, but can you please show us ho to attend and how make sure I pin the right amount of material it needs to be removed, or how to make sure the garment comes good

[@DowntownTailoring]

Hi. If it looks good with the pins it might be good as long as what you pinned for removing is doable. I hope this helps.

[@schap562]

You are AWESOME!!!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks 🥰

[@annjannace6957]

thank you Amazing teacher ! watching you....things dont seem as chalenging the elastic to shrink the armhole "WOW" Yo have "A SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE" over you ...God Bless the work of your hand's

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you so much Ann, this is so sweet!

[@hjalniblomerus2055]

Thanks.

[@vickipatridge5094]

Great video

[@DowntownTailoring]

🥰🥰🥰

[@hafsafossie7074]

I would love to know more about alterations business

[@nkg8034]

Thank you for these awesome techniques! May I know what type of interfacing that you are using in this video? I would like to purchase it for my projects.

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks 🥰 I'm using a woven fusible interfacing.

[@nkg8034]

@@DowntownTailoring Thank you so much, I really appreciate it. Aloha from Hawaii ‼️

[@DowntownTailoring]

@@nkg8034 Aloha!

[@bettyochoa4099]

I love your work and I do alterations and learn so much from u, now I have a dress that I need your help with! It has layers of three inches wide all around the dress and client needs me to widen it, she can’t zip it from waist up can u help ?

[@DowntownTailoring]

Hi. Yes, of course. For this, you have 2 very nice options.: 1) add 2 panels at the side with a matching material or a contrasting one that looks good. 2) Add a triangular panel at the center back. You can add criss-cross ribbons to make it look intentional and pretty.

[@BRENDA87781]

What machine to buy for hemming,please thank you

[@zahraalkahlawiaziz306]

🤚🏻Hil, is sooo nice and it is a wonderful job!😃 👏🏻Thanks!😘

[@DowntownTailoring]

Hiii!! Thank you Zahra!!

[@Nadel_u_Faden_Handwerk]

You're great 👍😃

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you kindly!

[@angelarutherford1840]

💜

[@glendaphillips-hickman2376]

Where do you buy The Ban Roll

[@DowntownTailoring]

If you are in the USA, try Wawak. Good luck 😉

[@karenfreeman8232]

How do you calculate your expenses per hour cost of thread equipment, maintenence, taxes, etc.

[@sandreawhite7534]

Your excellent. I was doing alterations but people don’t want to pay.

[@DowntownTailoring]

That's certainly very common. I guess people underestimate the work involved in alterations. Cheers 🙂

[@sandreawhite7534]

They don’t understand you have to deconstruct a reconstruct and that takes time.

[@sawsanalawami9704]

Hi, YOU are a good teacher, bravo, I like your Chanel very much, please contenio

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thank you 🥰

[@almawolf4192]

could you please say what the reinforcment material is called? do you recommend any that work really well? and last question :) can you reinforce any kind of material?

[@DowntownTailoring]

I used woven interfacing. You can get it at Wawak. Cheers 🙂

[@almawolf4192]

@@DowntownTailoring great thank you so much :)) x

[@annapomorski5431]

Thankyou so much. There is always something I can earn from your videos. One thing that is always bothering me is how should I put a price to a job. Usually I set a timer and charge by the time I need to finish a job but i don't always feel it's the right way to do this. Can you help please?

[@DowntownTailoring]

Yes. I've been thinking about it as other viewers have requested this too. Keep in touch!

[@sweetcandy8793]

Hi, a have a cuestión. what is the name of the reforcé material?

[@DowntownTailoring]

Fusible woven interfacing or interlining. I hope this helps!

[@sweetcandy8793]

@@DowntownTailoring Thanks!

[@francesmitchell4400]

With this type of alterations how to do change for it. One of the dress

[@DowntownTailoring]

Yes! I'm working on a video about it. Stay tuned!

[@DedeSews]

I’m sure you get a lot of questions about pricing. I just wish I had some guidance on how to price. I know ai am not charging enough for most jobs.

[@maromaro6118]

hi I do alterations I wanted to ask how much do you charge just to give me an idea.

[@DowntownTailoring]

It depends on the time it takes to make an alteration.

[@mozu517]

I do repairs/alterations for friends (for free) from time to time. You still have to be mindful of their expectations. Some jobs they think are simple are not, and vice versa.

[@DowntownTailoring]

That's right!

[@jayneeojeda5677]

do you have a patreon? your info is so valuable i want to give back!

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks so much. We are working on it! 🥰

[@elementgypsy]

I am never sure what to charge. My neighbor has a blanket and the satin edging is coming off. I should stitch the whole thing because it probably will start to come off the other parts later. I did a few easy buttons too. I don't charge my neighbor because she is a sweet young woman..

[@DowntownTailoring]

Yes. I know. Sometimes it is like that. Cheers!

[@lisavaniderstine6212]

I can never put in a zipper in a dress and make it match up at the bottom without a bump in the fabric

[@DowntownTailoring]

It's a little tricky. I might have to make a video about it.

[@cornbreadfedkirkpatrick9647]

Where are you actually located?

[@DowntownTailoring]

I'm in Ottawa. Canada's capital!

[@cornbreadfedkirkpatrick9647]

@@DowntownTailoring Okay I'm in the USA a good distance from you.

[@deanjames3831]

an🥰🥰🥰d

[@AllieSheffield]

You are so sweet, I wish you were in my area, I would be your customer 🥂👍

[@DowntownTailoring]

Thanks 🥰

[@jaybell1390]

The Same way you Do a Weeeeve alteraration.....

[@jaybell1390]

👍

[@manuellebron3404]

Curvy but not curvy!

[@DowntownTailoring]

😉😉😉

[@dindog22]

once I had this lady bring me a bikini top that had molded cups. she wanted me to "add fabric to the sides of the cups for more coverage". I knew this wouldn't work out the way she thought it would because the fabric would flop around. I couldn't add to the cups. I tried to explain that this wouldn't work out and she wouldn't be happy with the result and she kept demanding that I just add fabric to the sides. I ended up refusing the job because I could tell she was going to be a pain in my ass. don't be afraid to refuse a job

[@satsboui900]

You need to learn more before making videos put in KZbin 80% you did wrong way don't tell people do wrong way you need to learn techniques

[@DowntownTailoring]

Trolling won't work this time!