Tailoring as a trade

A tailor is a person who makes, repairs and alters clothing professionally, especially suits and dresses. Tailoring is one of the most widely practised trades in West Africa, where apprenticeships typically last between three and five years. A trainee normally starts by learning basic stitches, hemming and button-attachment, then moves on to taking measurements, pattern-drafting, cutting fabric, and assembling complete garments on a sewing machine. In Ghana, master tailors and dressmakers often combine tailoring with related work such as fabric design (kente, batik, wax print) and embroidery. A formal certificate from CTVET can be obtained on top of practical training.