Tailoring Workshop Management – JSS3 Fashion and Garment Making Lesson Note (Second Term)

Tailoring workshop management is the planning and care of the space, tools, time and records of a sewing business so that work runs smoothly.

Behavioural objectives

1. Define tailoring workshop management.
2. Name and describe the key areas of a tailoring workshop.
3. List the essential equipment needed to start a tailoring business.
4. Explain how to look after sewing tools and machines.
5. Explain how to manage time, keep records and follow shop rules.

What is tailoring workshop management?

Workshop management is organising your tools, space, time and records so that you can produce good clothes without stress.

• Planning: deciding where the shop will be, how it will look and how you will work each day.
• Organising: giving every tool, task and customer order a place and a record.
• Caring: keeping the shop, machines and fabrics clean and safe.

Starting a business needs more than a sewing machine. You can begin in a small room at home, but the space must be organised.

What does a successful tailoring workshop need?

A successful workshop needs three things: a good space, the right tools and a good system.

What are the key areas of a tailoring workshop?

There are four key areas in a tailoring workshop: the cutting table, the sewing station, the ironing corner and the fitting area.

• The cutting table: it must be waist-high so you do not hurt your back.
• Size of the cutting table: it should be wide enough to spread out 4 yards of fabric.
• The sewing station: the place where the machine sits, with a comfortable chair and good lighting.
• The ironing corner: a pressing station, because good sewing needs ironing as you go.
• The fitting area: a small corner with a mirror where customers try on clothes and see how they look.

How do you keep a workshop safe?

A workshop is safe when the floor, light and furniture cannot cause injury to the tailor or customer.

• Clear floor: pick up needles, pins and off-cut fabrics so nobody slips or gets pricked.
• Good lighting: bright light at the sewing station protects your eyes from strain.
• Right table height: a waist-high cutting table protects your back.
• Safe pressing: keep the iron, especially a charcoal iron, away from fabrics and walkways.

What equipment does a new tailor need?

A new tailor needs only the basic tools and can buy more as the business earns money.

1. Sewing machine: a sturdy manual or electric machine.
2. Large scissors: for cutting fabric only. Cutting paper makes them blunt.
3. Measuring tape: keep it around your neck so you do not lose it.
4. Seam ripper: for removing wrong stitches when you make a mistake.
5. Charcoal or electric iron: for a crisp, neat finish.

How do you take care of tailoring tools?

Tools last longer when you clean, oil and use them correctly, because the sewing machine is the tailor’s source of income.

• Oil the machine: do this once a week.
• Clean the shuttle area: remove dust and thread ends regularly.
• Protect the scissors: use them on fabric only.
• Store tools: return tape, scissors and seam ripper to their place after use.

How do you manage time in a tailoring workshop?

Time management means planning your work so that every customer receives clothes on the promised date.

• The problem: many tailors in Nigeria have a bad reputation for not finishing clothes on time. This is often called the “Tailor’s Lie”.
• The rule: add extra days to your estimate. If a dress takes 3 days, give the customer 5 days.
• The benefit: you finish early instead of late, and customers trust you.

What records should a tailor keep?

A tailor should keep a small notebook for money and orders, usually a cash book and a customer book.

• Cash book: a record of money received and money spent.
• Customer book: a record of each customer’s measurements and collection date.

What are shop rules?

Shop rules are simple instructions that keep a workshop clean, safe and professional.

• No food or drink: do not eat or drink near customers’ fabrics.
• Clean hands: wash your hands before touching light-coloured cloth, such as white lace.
• Tidy floor: keep the floor free of needles and off-cuts.

Evaluation

1. Why should a cutting table be waist-high?
2. Mention three essential areas every tailoring workshop should have.
3. Why is it important to have a fitting area with a mirror?
4. How can a tailor avoid the “Tailor’s Lie” (not meeting deadlines)?
5. State two things recorded in a cash book and two things recorded in a customer book.

Assignment

Draw a simple plan of a small tailoring workshop showing the four key areas. Write one rule for each area.