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Drapery Occupations

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.