Sewing rooms are an essential part of any housekeeping department. They are used to repair and maintain linens, uniforms, and other textiles. They also play an important role in creating new items, such as curtains, tablecloths, and bedspreads.
In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of sewing rooms in housekeeping, as well as the different types of activities that take place in these rooms.
What is sewing room in housekeeping?
A sewing room in a hotel housekeeping department is a small room or area set aside for the purpose of repairing and altering linens, uniforms, and guest clothing. It is usually equipped with sewing machines, ironing boards, and other sewing supplies.
Importance of Sewing room
Maintain the quality of linens and uniforms – The sewing room is responsible for repairing tears and holes in linens, replacing buttons and zippers, and altering uniforms to fit different staff members. This ensures that the linens and uniforms are always in good condition and that they look presentable.
Provide a professional service to guests – The sewing room can repair minor tears and holes in guest clothing, so that guests do not have to go out and buy new clothes. This is a valuable service that can help to improve guest satisfaction.
Save money – Repairing linens and uniforms is often less expensive than replacing them. This can save the hotel money in the long run.
To reduce waste – By repairing linens and uniforms, the hotel can reduce the amount of waste that is generated. This is a more environmentally friendly approach.
Activities in the Sewing Room
- Altering of Uniforms
- Patching of table linen
- Repairing expensive linen such as curtains, bedcovers, and slipcovers that require a minimum of repair
- Making of pillowcases, sheets and bed spreads
- Repairing hems of sheets
- Mending of guest clothing
- Repairing mats and rugs
- Making of pads for the polishing of silver from used mattress pads
- Converting condemned linen into reusable forms
- Stitching of upholstery
- Making recommendations for the quantity of material required for upholstery, curtains and so on.
The sewing room is typically staffed by a seamstress or tailor who has experience in sewing and mending. The seamstress or tailor should be familiar with the different types of fabrics used in linens and uniforms, as well as the different sewing techniques required for each task. They should also be able to work quickly and efficiently to meet the demands of the housekeeping department.
Equipment used in Sewing room
There are many different types of equipment used in a sewing room, but some of the most common include.
Sewing machines – There are many different types of sewing machines available, but the most common ones in a sewing room are general-purpose machines and overlock machines. General-purpose machines can be used for a variety of sewing tasks, while overlock machines are used to finish seams and prevent them from fraying.
Sergers – Sergers are also known as overlock machines. They are used to finish seams and prevent them from fraying. They can also be used to create decorative stitches.
Irons and ironing boards – Irons and ironing boards are essential for pressing fabrics and seams.
Measuring tapes – Measuring tapes are used to measure fabric and seams.
Scissors – Scissors are used for cutting fabric. There are many different types of scissors available, including dressmaker’s shears, fabric shears, and embroidery scissors.
Pins – Pins are used to hold fabric in place while sewing. There are many different types of pins available, including straight pins, safety pins, and marking pins.
Needles – Needles are used to sew fabric together. There are many different types of needles available, including hand-sewing needles and sewing machine needles.
Thread – Thread is used to sew fabric together. There are many different types of thread available, including cotton thread, polyester thread, and silk thread.
Notions – Notions are small sewing supplies, such as buttons, zippers, and bias tape.
In addition to these essential pieces of equipment, there are many other tools and supplies that can be found in a sewing room, such as seam rippers, thimbles, pattern paper and marking pencils. The specific equipment and supplies that are needed will vary depending on the type of sewing that is being done.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a sewing room is an important part of the housekeeping department in a hotel. It helps to ensure that the linens, uniforms, and guest clothing are always in good condition, which contributes to the overall cleanliness and appearance of the hotel. It also provides a professional service to guests and saves the hotel money.