First Hand Tailor - Historic Clothing & Dress

First Hand Tailor – Historic Clothing & Dress

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, founded in 1926, is a private, not‑for‑profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that preserves and restores the 18th‑century Williamsburg capital. We engage, inform, and inspire visitors through our historic area, museums, and cultural programs.

The First Hand Tailor reports directly to the Cutter/Draper/Patternmaker and assists with fittings, cutting, preparation of fabric, and pattern making. This role acts as a lead for lower level staff, provides day‑to‑day guidance and mentoring, and may serve as a Tailor based on business need.

• Take direction from the Cutter/Draper to take notes, plan and manage workflow, and prepare and cut fabric.
• Collaborate with the Cutter/Draper to complete all pattern making, cutting, and preparation work.
• Record and document instructions from the Cutter/Draper for each project and provide daily direction to Tailors.
• Assist the Cutter/Draper with fittings, including handing pins, taking detailed notes, and photographing the fitting.
• Prepare and set up the fitting room for client visits, providing pins, markings, and necessary clothing items.
• Notate fitting photos, measurement sheets, and fitting notes digitally and upload to CW One Drive.
• Promptly communicate complications, textile issues, garment construction problems, or needs to Tailors and the Cutter/Draper.
• Perform analysis of garment construction methods in accordance with the textile selected and its historical accuracy; recommend more efficient or historically accurate methods to the Cutter/Draper or manager.
• Consult with the manager, specialized fashion tradespeople, and the Historical Clothing and Dress Committee to further knowledge of technique and skill development.
• Perform repairs and mending of garments to keep them in top quality.
• Other duties as requested.

This is a non‑exempt position, eligible for overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. Overtime may apply during high peak times as directed and approved by the supervisor.

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a professional sewing environment such as a professional costume shop, tailor shop, or clothing factory. Personal online shops and home sewing environments do not qualify.

• Bachelor’s degree in textiles, historical clothing, or a related field.
• Working knowledge of historical clothing with a preference for the late 18th century.
• Working knowledge of research practices to create academic‑style presentations about material culture.

• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, creative environment.
• Familiarity with pattern making, sewing, and historical clothing terminology.
• Proficient in hand sewing with an emphasis on speed and accuracy.
• Excellent machine sewing skills on both commercial and domestic sewing machines with an emphasis on speed and accuracy.

• Standing between 2–5 hours per shift.
• Sitting for prolonged periods of time.
• Using hands constantly.
• Stooping, crouching, and kneeling up to 2 hours per shift.

• 40 hours per week (full‑time).
• Shift schedule 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Seniority level:
Mid‑Senior level

Employment type:

Full‑time