Tailor's Ham
A Tailor's Ham (also known as a dressmaker's ham or pressing ham) is a firmly stuffed, curved pressing tool that helps create smooth, professional-looking curved or shaped areas in garments. It's like a specially shaped ironing board that helps tailors and dressmakers press curved areas that can't be properly ironed flat, such as bust darts, sleeve caps, or collar shapes. This tool is essential for achieving high-quality finished garments, similar to how a regular ironing board is needed for flat surfaces.
Examples in Resumes
Trained junior staff in proper use of Tailor's Ham and other pressing equipment
Utilized Dressmaker's Ham for precise pressing of complex curved garment sections
Improved garment finishing quality through expert application of Pressing Ham techniques
Typical job title: "Tailors and Dressmakers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Tailors and Dressmakers
Online Communities
Professional Networks
Industry Events
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you train others in the proper use of a tailor's ham for different fabric types?
Expected Answer: A senior tailor should explain teaching methods for different fabric handling, temperature settings, and steam usage based on material type, demonstrating leadership and knowledge transfer skills.
Q: What alternative pressing techniques do you use when a tailor's ham isn't available?
Expected Answer: Should discuss creative problem-solving using rolled towels or creating temporary pressing tools, showing extensive experience and adaptability in different working conditions.
Mid Level Questions
Q: When would you choose to use a tailor's ham versus a sleeve roll?
Expected Answer: Should explain that hams are better for curved areas like bust darts and collars, while sleeve rolls are for long, narrow areas, showing understanding of proper tool selection.
Q: How do you maintain the shape and effectiveness of a tailor's ham?
Expected Answer: Should discuss proper storage, cleaning methods, and when to replace the tool, demonstrating knowledge of equipment maintenance.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is a tailor's ham used for?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic purpose of pressing curved areas in garments and give simple examples like pressing darts or curved seams.
Q: How do you position a garment on a tailor's ham?
Expected Answer: Should describe basic positioning of fabric on the ham and mention the importance of proper steam and heat settings.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic pressing techniques
- Understanding of common fabric types
- Simple dart and seam pressing
- Basic equipment maintenance
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced pressing techniques
- Work with delicate fabrics
- Complex garment shaping
- Equipment selection expertise
Senior (5+ years)
- Training and supervision
- Complex garment construction
- Quality control expertise
- Advanced problem-solving
Red Flags to Watch For
- No hands-on experience with pressing equipment
- Lack of knowledge about different fabric types
- Poor understanding of garment construction basics
- No experience with quality control standards
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