A Tailor

Although the term ‘tailor’ dates back to the 13th century, it took on its modern sense in the late 18th century. Today, tailor refers to makers of gents’ and ladies’ coats, suits, trousers and similar garments, usually of wool, cotton, silk and linen.

A tailor depends upon his tools and equipment, especially his sewing machine. He also requires a pair of scissors, a measuring tape, a sharp needle, a thimble on his middle finger, colourful threads, thread reels and an iron press. If any one of these tools is missing, he cannot do his work. He puts on thimble on his middle finger to protect it from needle pricks. He also needs a wooden plank, a piece of coloured chalk and a register to note down the measurements of the customers.

A tailor’s shop is generally seen in the main market. His shop exhibits new coats, pants, suits, shirts and blouses, etc. As a village tailor works on small scale, his shop has no attraction. On the other hand, in a city, his shop has a signboard, which bears the name of the owner and the name of the shop.

The tailor’s work is very hard. It requires complete mastery, accuracy and concentration. His success and efficiency go together. An experienced tailor does his work with excellence. He takes the measurement very carefully. When a piece of cloth is brought to him, he measures it. Then with the help of his measurement tape, he takes the measurement of customer’s body. He notes them in his register. Then he marks the piece of cloth with a piece of chalk. He then cuts the cloth into pieces to the measurements. He stiches them together and makes the required cloth. He then irons it and puts it in a showcase.

The tailor is sometimes a bit dishonest. He tries to keep a piece of cloth for himself. He overcharges a customer. He rarely keeps his promise and the customers have to go to him thrice or four times before the clothes are actually ready. Some tailors are good cutters. They cut cloth exactly to the measurements and prepare decent clothes.

Therefore, a tailor is a very important member of our society. He stitches clothes and is found in every village and town. No civilized person can do without him. He earns his living by working hard.