DRAPERY OCCUPATIONS Number 91 Interest Area 6 1998
THE JOB
Custom-ordered draperies are made to exactly fit a window or other space, to solve decorating problems. They are important to the overall look of homes, motels, hotels, business offices and public buildings. Draperies can be made to fit any area. They may be made of a fabric that is sheer, heavy- lined, or unlined. Draperies are used to shut out light, give privacy, act as a room divider, add a decorator's touch, or some combination of these functions. The work of preparing, cutting, and assembling the material and sewing it into draperies is done by various drapery workers. The occupations covered in this guide are Drapery Cutters, Drapery Operators, Tablers and Pleaters.
Drapery Cutters unroll the fabric and check it for flaws and then layout and measure it on a cutting table. They cut the fabrics into lengths using scissors, knives, or electric cutters. Using the lengths of cut fabric, Drapery Operators match up the selvages (finished edges), cut off the selvages, and sew drapery pieces together to the correct width. They machine hem drapery sides and bottoms with a blind-stitch hemming machine.
Tablers lay out the unfinished draperies on a table and measure them to the correct size. They fold down the heading (top) and press a stiffening fabric into it.
Pleaters fold the top of the drapery panel at designated places to form the pleats, either by hand or machine. They sew the pleats with loose stitches (tack) to hold them in place and steam, shape, fold, and tie the draperies.
In some custom drapery workrooms, much of the selvage cutting, blind stitching, and pleat tacking are done by hand, while in other shops, machines are used almost exclusively. Some drapery shops have steam rooms where draperies are hung, then blocked to shape. Experienced workers sometimes make matching bedspreads or cover cornices. Well-qualified drapery workers can usually perform two or three operations. In smaller shops, drapery workers may do all the steps in making draperies.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Drapery work is usually done in large, bright, well-ventilated rooms. Noise from power machines and lint from fabrics may cause minor annoyances. The work requires repeated stooping, bending, stretching, and walking. Sitting or standing for long periods of time may be required, as well as lifting bolts of material weighing up to 25 pounds or more. Eye strain can result from the close attention to stitching.
Workers use sewing machines with a variety of attachments. They use specialized machines for tacking, serging (finishing fabric edges) and blind-hemming. Hand tools such as scissors, needles, pins, measuring tapes, and yardsticks are used for measuring. Ordinarily, the employer furnishes this equipment. Equipment such as the automatic pleat-figuring machine and automatic pleat-folding machine are used in larger establishments. If safety standards are followed, workers are seldom injured in this occupation.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division. The figures represent the broad occupational group Sewing Machine Operator, Non-garment, which includes Drapery Occupations.
Estimated workers in 1993 12,830 Estimated workers in 2005 13,040 Projected Growth 1993 - 2005 2% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 2,500
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
The occupational group of Sewing Machine Operators, Non-garment will grow much slower than the average rate for all occupations in California.
Little growth is expected in Drapery Occupations. Demand for draperies continues to decline as mini-blinds become the most common window treatment for both homes and many commercial buildings.
Experienced workers who are good at their job usually have little difficulty finding work. Some drapery workers obtain a city or county business license that permits them to take custom orders and work at home.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Starting salaries for drapery workers are at the minimum wage or slightly higher. Experienced workers earn between the minimum wage and $10.00 or more an hour. Large shops may offer insurance, medical, and pension plans.
The normal workweek for drapery workers is 40 hours, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. During peak periods, they sometimes work overtime or Saturdays at time and one half pay.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
There are no educational requirements for this occupation. However, acceptable applicants must be able to use rulers and yardsticks, measure material accurately, and solve simple arithmetic problems, including fractions. Employers prefer to hire applicants with some experience operating power sewing machines. High-school sewing classes or any type of sewing experiences are helpful. Adult education Regional Occupational Programs (ROP) programs have courses in sewing. Some retail fabric and sewing machine stores offer sewing classes as a way to get likely customers into their showrooms.
Training is almost always done on the job in this occupation.
ADVANCEMENT
Promotional opportunities for a drapery worker are limited. Higher pay comes with promotion to workroom supervisor. After a number of years learning the business, some drapery workers open a shop of their own. This usually requires only a business license issued by the city or county where the business is located.
Those who go into business for themselves should take business administration courses such as the ones offered at community colleges or by the federal Small Business Administration agency.
FINDING THE JOB
Job seekers should apply to the nearest California Employment Development Department Job Services office. They should also apply in person to custom drapery shops. Some employers list openings in newspaper want ads.
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Sewing Machine Operators No. 146 Laundry Workers No. 207
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991) Drapery Operator 787.682-018 Sewing Machine Operator 787.682-066 Hemmer, Automatic 787.685-018 Pleater 787.685-026
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Sewing Machine Operators - Non-Garment 927210
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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