As a contract seamstress, you provide seamstress services on an independent, freelance basis. Your duties vary according to customer standards and needs. You may be asked to perform basic alterations, sew patterns, provide minor repairs, such as mending seams, replacing hems, or adding a missing button, create a product from scratch, or carry out more complex fitting responsibilities. A contract seamstress can produce material for apparel, drapery, industrial design, or furniture. While many contract seamstresses accept short term, individual jobs, you may also be able to find temporary positions at a business when they are short staffed.