# Sewers, Hand

> Sew, join, reinforce, or finish, usually with needle and thread, a variety of manufactured items. Includes weavers and stitchers.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 51-6051.00
- **Summary:** Sew, join, reinforce, or finish, usually with needle and thread, a variety of manufactured items. Includes weavers and stitchers.

## Aliases

- Alteration Specialist
- Couturier
- Custom Clothier
- Seamstress
- Custom Designer
- Custom Seamstress
- Stitcher
- Apparel Specialist
- Bale Sewer
- Baseball Hand Sewer
- Beadworker
- Casing Sewer

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Fit garments on clients, altering as needed. | Supplemental | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Select thread, twine, cord, or yarn to be used, and thread needles. | Core | 4.A.2.b.1.j |
| Measure and align parts, fasteners, or trimmings, following seams, edges, or markings on parts. | Core | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Trim excess threads or edges of parts, using scissors or knives. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.l |
| Smooth seams with heated irons, flat bones, or rubbing sticks. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.o |
| Sew, join, reinforce, or finish parts of articles, such as garments, books, mattresses, toys, and wigs, using needles and thread or other materials. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.e |
| Use different sewing techniques such as felling, tacking, basting, embroidery, and fagoting. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.e |
| Draw and cut patterns according to specifications. | Supplemental | 4.A.2.b.2.k |
| Fold, twist, stretch, or drape material, and secure articles in preparation for sewing. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.f |
| Sew buttonholes, or add lace or other trimming. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.e |
| Tie, knit, weave or knot ribbon, yarn, or decorative materials. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.aj |

## Emerging Tasks

| Text |
| --- |
| Patch materials, such as cotton or leather. |

## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Sew clothing or other articles. | 4.A.3.a.2.e |
| Trim excess material from workpieces. | 4.A.3.a.2.l |
| Select production input materials. | 4.A.2.b.1.j |
| Design templates or patterns. | 4.A.2.b.2.k |
| Cut industrial materials in preparation for fabrication or processing. | 4.A.3.a.2.l |
| Adjust fabrics or other materials during garment production. | 4.A.3.a.2.f |
| Smooth surfaces of objects or equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.o |
| Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications. | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly. | 4.A.3.a.2.ao |
| Assemble garments or textile products. | 4.A.3.a.2.aj |
| Measure materials to mark reference points, cutting lines, or other indicators. | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Measure clients to ensure proper product fit. | 4.A.1.b.3.e |
| Cut materials according to specifications or needs. | 4.A.3.a.2.l |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 4.12 |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 4.12 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 4 |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.75 |
| Customer and Personal Service | knowledge | 3.38 |
| Control Precision | ability | 3.25 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3.12 |
| Category Flexibility | ability | 3.12 |
| Visualization | ability | 3.12 |
| Administration and Management | knowledge | 3.03 |
| Multilimb Coordination | ability | 3 |
| Visual Color Discrimination | ability | 3 |
| English Language | knowledge | 2.93 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 2.88 |
| Time Management | transferable_skill | 2.75 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 2.75 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 2.75 |
| Far Vision | ability | 2.75 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 2.62 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 2.62 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 2.62 |
| Complex Problem Solving | transferable_skill | 2.62 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 2.62 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 2.62 |
| Depth Perception | ability | 2.62 |
| Reading Comprehension | essential_skill | 2.5 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 2.5 |
| Mechanical | knowledge | 2.5 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 2.5 |
| Fluency of Ideas | ability | 2.5 |
| Flexibility of Closure | ability | 2.5 |
| Wrist-Finger Speed | ability | 2.5 |
| Speech Recognition | ability | 2.5 |
| Education and Training | knowledge | 2.42 |
| Active Learning | essential_skill | 2.38 |
| Originality | ability | 2.38 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 2.38 |
| Speech Clarity | ability | 2.38 |
| Mathematics | knowledge | 2.29 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Excel | Common Skill |
| Adobe Photoshop | Specialized Skill |
| Adobe Illustrator | Specialized Skill |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Presentation Software | Specialized Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Adobe Illustrator | Graphics or photo imaging software | yes | no |
| Adobe Photoshop | Graphics or photo imaging software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software | yes | no |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Presentation software | yes | no |
| Adobe FreeHand MX | Graphics or photo imaging software | no | no |
| Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite | Graphics or photo imaging software | no | no |
| Drawing software | Graphics or photo imaging software | no | no |
| Embroidery design software | Computer aided design CAD software | no | no |
| Graphics digitizing software | Optical character reader OCR or scanning software | no | no |
| Template design software | Computer aided design CAD software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 4.75 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.47 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 4.3 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 4.19 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 4.13 |
| Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | 3.82 |
| Spend Time Standing | 3.74 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 3.6 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 3.51 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 3.38 |
| Contact With Others | 3.36 |
| Time Pressure | 3.21 |
| Deal With External Customers or the Public in General | 3.15 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 3.13 |
| Level of Competition | 3.12 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 3.07 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 3 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 2.88 |
| Physical Proximity | 2.85 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 2.84 |
| Telephone Conversations | 2.83 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 2.72 |
| Spend Time Sitting | 2.65 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 2.61 |
| Consequence of Error | 2.59 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 2.59 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 2.49 |
| E-Mail | 2.47 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 2.43 |
| Written Letters and Memos | 2.39 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 2.23 |
| Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | 2.12 |
| Degree of Automation | 2.12 |
| Conflict Situations | 2.08 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 1.95 |
| Public Speaking | 1.87 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 1.7 |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 1.59 |
| In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment | 1.53 |
| Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | 1.53 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 2
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- **Experience:** Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- **Svp Range:** (Below 6.0)

### Education Distribution

| Label | Percentage |
| --- | --- |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 82.18 |
| High School Diploma | 10.83 |
| Some College Courses | 4.06 |
| Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 2.03 |
| First Professional Degree | 0.52 |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 0.38 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 6.48 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 3.25 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 2.67 |
| Applied Arts and Design | specific_interest_area | 2.61 |
| Visual Arts | specific_interest_area | 2.5 |
| Artistic | career_interest_type | 2.39 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 2.38 |
| Dependability | work_style | 2.11 |
| Personal Service | specific_interest_area | 1.97 |
| Social | career_interest_type | 1.56 |
| Cautiousness | work_style | 1.41 |
| Performing Arts | specific_interest_area | 1.19 |
| Teaching/Education | specific_interest_area | 1.16 |
| Enterprising | career_interest_type | 1.15 |
| Construction/Woodwork | specific_interest_area | 1.15 |
| Marketing/Advertising | specific_interest_area | 1.15 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 51-6031.00 | role-51-6031-00 | Sewing Machine Operators | Primary-Short |
| 51-6052.00 | role-51-6052-00 | Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers | Primary-Short |
| 51-6041.00 | role-51-6041-00 | Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers | Primary-Short |
| 51-6042.00 | role-51-6042-00 | Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders | Primary-Short |
| 51-6092.00 | role-51-6092-00 | Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | Primary-Short |
| 51-6021.00 | role-51-6021-00 | Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials | Primary-Long |
| 51-6093.00 | role-51-6093-00 | Upholsterers | Primary-Long |
| 51-9031.00 | role-51-9031-00 | Cutters and Trimmers, Hand | Primary-Long |
| 51-6063.00 | role-51-6063-00 | Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | Primary-Long |
| 51-4062.00 | role-51-4062-00 | Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Long |
| 51-9195.00 | role-51-9195-00 | Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic | Supplemental |
| 51-6011.00 | role-51-6011-00 | Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Arts, Entertainment, & Design | arts-entertainment-design |

## Education Level

- **Category:** No formal educational credential

## Study Programs


## Market

- **Median Wage:** 33760
- **Mean Wage:** 34810
- **Pct10Wage:** 25530
- **Pct25Wage:** 29210
- **Pct75Wage:** 38180
- **Pct90Wage:** 46320
- **Employment:** 2240
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 1210 | 33280 | 6.53 |
| 44-45 | 44-45 | Retail Trade | Sector | 440 | 33420 | 1.94 |
| 81 | 81 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | Sector | 160 | 34820 | 2.49 |
| 71 | 71 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | Sector | 50 | 36650 |  |
| 62 | 62 | Health Care and Social Assistance | Sector | 30 | 31230 |  |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector |  | 35770 |  |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector |  | 35360 |  |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 1210 | 6.53 |
| 81 | 81 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | Sector | 160 | 2.49 |
| 44-45 | 44-45 | Retail Trade | Sector | 440 | 1.94 |
- **Count:** 7

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.99 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | -0.5987218 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | 0.5866556 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -1.019362 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 21
- **Percentile:** 18
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 31 | felten_aioe |
| 12 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 19 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | -0.5987218 | 31 | Low | How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss. |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0.08333333333333333 | 12 | Low | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.07369399630672933 | 19 | Low | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Frey Historical

- **Source:** frey
- **Label:** Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)
- **Value:** 0.99
- **Percentile:** 99
- **Band:** High
- **Note:** A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
- **Teleworkable:** no

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0
- **Beta:** 0.041666666666666664
- **Gamma:** 0.08333333333333333

### Usage Tasks


### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** -7
- **Growth Percentile:** 8
- **Direction:** Declining
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 0.7
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 11
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 5.4
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 5

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| dingel_neiman | dingel-neiman-workathome |
| felten_aioe | felten-raj-seamans-aioe |
| frey_osborne | frey-osborne-automation |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 11
- **Skills:** 36
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 11
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** 9ade8c215fc13f58