15 Sewing Interview Questions and Answers

Sewing is a vital skill in many industries, from fashion to home decor. If you’re looking for a job that involves sewing, you may be asked to interview for the position.

In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common sewing-related interview questions and answers. Whether you’re applying for a job as a seamstress or a tailor, these questions will help you prepare for your interview and give you the best chance of landing the job.

1. What are the basics of sewing?

This question is a basic test of your sewing skills. Interviewers ask this to make sure you have the necessary knowledge and experience to perform the job well. When answering, list the most important aspects of sewing that are relevant to the position.

Example: “The basics of sewing include threading the needle, using the right type of needle for the fabric and knowing how to use the machine properly. You also need to know how to operate the different types of machines, such as industrial machines, home machines and embroidery machines. I’ve worked with all these machines in my previous positions.”

2. What is your favorite type of fabric to sew with and why?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and how your personality might fit in with their company culture. It also helps them understand what types of fabrics you’re familiar with, which is important for sewing professionals. When answering this question, try to be honest about why you like that fabric type while also showing off your knowledge of different fabrics.

Example: “I really enjoy working with leather because it’s so durable and I love seeing the finished product. However, my favorite fabric to work with overall is cotton because it’s easy to sew with and comfortable to wear.”

3. How do you plan out a complex project before starting it?

This question can help the interviewer understand your organizational skills and how you plan out a project. Use examples from past projects to explain how you organize your time, materials and other important details before starting a sewing project.

Example: “I usually start by reading through the instructions for the project and making notes on what I need to complete each step of the process. Then, I’ll create a list of all the supplies I need for the project and make sure that I have enough fabric or thread to complete it. Finally, I’ll lay out my workspace so that I have plenty of room to work with the project.”

4. Can you explain how to choose the right size needle for a given task?

This question is a great way to test your sewing knowledge and skills. It also shows the interviewer that you can apply what you know to different situations. Use this question as an opportunity to show how you use your critical thinking skills to solve problems.

Example: “When choosing a needle, I first consider the fabric type. For example, if I’m working with delicate fabrics like silk or lace, I’ll choose a smaller needle size than if I’m working with thicker fabrics like denim or leather. Next, I check the thickness of the thread I’m using. If it’s thick, I’ll need a larger needle, but if it’s thin, I’ll want a thinner one. Finally, I make sure the needle fits through the eye of my machine.”

5. Do you think that some needles are better than others at certain tasks? If yes, then which ones and why?

This question is a good way to test your sewing knowledge and see how you apply it in the real world. It also shows that you have experience with different needles and their uses, which can be helpful when working on projects. When answering this question, try to think of an example needle type and what its best use is.

Example: “I do believe some needles are better than others at certain tasks. For instance, I prefer using ball-point needles for denim because they’re strong enough to handle thick fabrics like denim without breaking. They’re also great for stitching through multiple layers of fabric. However, I would not recommend using them for delicate fabrics or lightweight materials.”

6. What types of fabrics can be used in making clothes?

This question is a basic one that tests your sewing knowledge. It also shows the interviewer how you can use different fabrics to create clothing items. Use examples from your experience in making clothes and mention the types of fabric you used for each project.

Example: “I have worked with many types of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, nylon, wool and linen. I find that these are the most common ones used in creating clothes. However, I’ve also worked with leather, suede and silk. Each fabric has its own unique properties, so it’s important to know what type of fabric you’re working with before starting a project.”

7. What’s the difference between silk and cotton when it comes to garments?

This question is a great way to test your sewing knowledge and see how you apply it in the real world. When answering this question, try to focus on the practical differences between silk and cotton garments and avoid getting too technical with terminology.

Example: “Silk and cotton are both natural fabrics that have different characteristics when it comes to garment construction. Silk is more durable than cotton, but it’s also more expensive. It’s best for evening wear or formal occasions because of its durability. Cotton is much softer than silk, which makes it better for casual wear. It’s also less expensive than silk.”

8. What are some common mistakes made by beginner sewers?

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you can identify common mistakes and how to avoid them. They want to know that you have the skills necessary to teach others about sewing, so they might be looking for an answer like “I would tell beginners not to rush through their projects because it’s easy to make a mistake when you’re going too fast.”

Example: “One of the most common mistakes I’ve seen from beginner sewers is rushing through their project. It’s important to take your time and focus on what you’re doing so you don’t make any mistakes or damage your fabric. Another common mistake is using the wrong needle size for the type of fabric you’re working with. For example, if you’re working with thick fabric, you need to use a larger needle than you would for thin fabric.”

9. What tools and materials do we need to get started with sewing?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of sewing tools and materials. Interviewers ask this question to see if you know what supplies are necessary for the job. Before your interview, make sure you read through the job description to learn about any specific tools or materials that may be required. In your answer, explain which tools and materials you have experience using and why they’re important.

Example: “The most basic sewing supplies include needles, thread, scissors, thimbles, measuring tape, seam ripper, pins, pincushion and ironing board. These tools are essential because they help us complete our work more efficiently. For example, I use an ironing board when pressing seams so I can get rid of wrinkles and creases. Thread is also very important because it’s what holds together all other components of a garment.”

10. What are the different types of stitches that can be created using a sewing machine?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of sewing stitches. You can answer this question by naming the different types of stitches and describing what they are used for.

Example: “There are many different types of stitches that you can create using a sewing machine. The most common stitch is the straight stitch, which is used for general stitching. A backstitch is another type of stitch that’s commonly used because it creates strong seams. Another stitch is the zigzag stitch, which is used when you want to make sure that the fabric doesn’t fray. There are also decorative stitches, such as the chain stitch and blanket stitch.”

11. What are seam allowances and what are they used for?

This question is a basic seam allowance test. It’s important to know the definition of this term and how it can be used in sewing projects. Your answer should include a clear definition of seam allowances, along with an example of when you’ve used them in your past work experience.

Example: “Seam allowances are the extra space between the fabric and the stitching on either side of a project. This allows for more flexibility in the garment or item being sewn because there is room for movement. I use seam allowances often in my work as a tailor. For instance, if I’m making a suit jacket, I’ll leave about 1/2 inch of space between the edge of the fabric and the stitching so that the jacket has enough room to move.”

12. What is your opinion on patterned vs plain fabrics? Which one would you recommend for making clothes and why?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of fabrics and how they can be used in sewing. It also allows you to show off your creativity by recommending which fabric type you would use for different projects.

Example: “I think both patterned and plain fabrics have their uses, but I prefer working with plain fabrics because they are more versatile. Plain fabrics allow me to create unique designs that stand out from the crowd while still being fashionable. Patterned fabrics are great for making clothes that match an existing design or theme, such as a specific color scheme.”

13. What do you understand about hemming? When should it be done?

Hemming is a sewing skill that many employers look for in their employees. They may ask this question to see if you understand the basics of hemming and when it should be done. In your answer, explain what hemming is and give an example of when you would use this skill.

Example: “Hemming is when you shorten or lengthen the bottom of a garment by turning up the edge. I have hemmed garments before because sometimes they come with the wrong length. It’s important to know how to do this so customers can get the right fit. Hemming also helps keep garments from fraying at the bottom.”

14. Describe a situation where you had to use interfacing and give details about its usage.

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your sewing skills and how they apply to the job. Use examples from past experience that show your knowledge of interfacing, its purpose and how it can be used in different projects.

Example: “In my last position as a seamstress, I worked with clients who wanted their garments to have structure and support. In these cases, I would use interfacing to reinforce certain areas of the garment where extra strength was needed. For example, if a client wanted a structured skirt, I would use interfacing on the waistband and hemline to give them the shape they were looking for.”

15. What is thread count? How is it calculated? Why is it important?

Thread count is a term used to describe the number of threads per inch in a fabric. Interviewers may ask this question to see if you have sewing skills that are specific to their industry. In your answer, explain what thread count is and how it’s calculated. Also, give an example of when you’ve used thread count to determine which type of fabric was best for a project.

Example: “Thread count refers to the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric. It’s important to know the thread count because different fabrics require different types of needles and stitches. For instance, I once worked on a wedding dress where the bride wanted a very fine lace look. To achieve this, we had to use a needle with a smaller eye and a thinner thread. We also needed to use a lower stitch count so the lace would be more delicate.”