• Sew, join, reinforce, or finish parts of articles, such as garments, books, mattresses, toys, and wigs, using needles and thread or other materials.
• Trim excess threads or edges of parts, using scissors or knives.
• Select thread, twine, cord, or yarn to be used, and thread needles.
• Draw and cut patterns according to specifications.

Typical day

On a daily basis, Hand Sewers trim excess threads or edges of parts, using scissors or knives. The smooth seams with heated irons, flat bones, or rubbing sticks.

A typical day for a Hand Sewer will also include:

• Sew, join, reinforce, or finish parts of articles, such as garments, books, mattresses, toys, and wigs, using needles and thread or other materials.
• Select thread, twine, cord, or yarn to be used, and thread needles.
• Use different sewing techniques such as felling, tacking, basting, embroidery, and fagoting.
• Measure and align parts, fasteners, or trimmings, following seams, edges, or markings on parts.
• Wax thread by drawing it through a ball of wax.

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Hand Sewers also draw and cut patterns according to specifications. They may also sew buttonholes, or add lace or other trimmings.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Hand Sewers tie, knit, weave, or knot ribbon, yarn, or decorative materials. They might also use different sewing techniques such as felling, tacking, basting, embroidery, and fagoting.

In addition, they soften leather or shoe material with water to prepare it for sewing.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them measure and align parts, fasteners, or trimmings, following seams, edges, or markings on parts.

To some Hand Sewers, it is also their responsibility to the wax thread by drawing it through a ball of wax.