ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Costume Sewing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Skydance Media

Costume Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$131.95 - $182/hr

The ideal candidate combines strong creative vision with deep technical expertise in garment construction, tailoring, fabrics, and sewing techniques. The Costume Designer will play a pivotal role in ...

Skydance Media

Associate Costume Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$92.30 - $103.32/hr

Additionally, this position will also bring technical expertise in costume packing, supported by a solid foundation in garment construction, tailoring, fabrics, and sewing techniques. The ideal ...

AMDA

Assistant Costume Shop Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$33 - $34/hr

Knowledge of home and industrial sewing machines and sergers. * Knowledge of theatrical garment construction and historical sewing. * Knowledge, ability, and experience in costume coordination or ...

AMDA

Assistant Costume Shop Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Knowledge of home and industrial sewing machines and sergers. * Knowledge of theatrical garment construction and historical sewing. * Knowledge, ability, and experience in costume coordination or ...

AMDA

Assistant Costume Shop Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$33 - $34/hr

Knowledge of home and industrial sewing machines and sergers. * Knowledge of theatrical garment construction and historical sewing. * Knowledge, ability, and experience in costume coordination or ...

AMDA

Assistant Costume Shop Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$33 - $34/hr

Knowledge of home and industrial sewing machines and sergers. * Knowledge of theatrical garment construction and historical sewing. * Knowledge, ability, and experience in costume coordination or ...

Amda

Fall 2026 Costume Shop Student Worker

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Sewing and makeup experience are not required, but a willingness to learn, strong work ethic, and reliability are essential. Position Overview The Costume Shop Student Worker supports daily costume ...

UCI

Costume Shop Director, UCI Arts

Irvine, CA · On-site

$65.70 - $90.40/hr

Demonstrated knowledge of costume materials and equipment, including fabrics, notions, craft supplies, dyes, adhesives, industrial and domestic sewing machines, steam irons, cutting tools, dress ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCostume Sewing JobsCostume Sewing Jobs in California

Costume Sewing information

What is costume sewing?

Costume sewing involves creating, altering, and repairing garments specifically designed for theater, film, television, or events such as cosplay and parties. Costume sewers work with patterns, fabrics, and embellishments to bring character designs to life, often requiring both technical sewing skills and creativity. They may collaborate with costume designers and other team members to ensure that costumes fit performers comfortably and achieve the desired visual effect. This job can involve working with a wide range of materials, from delicate silks to sturdy leathers, and may also require knowledge of historical garment construction.

What are costume sewing jobs?

There are several jobs in a variety of industries that involve custom sewing. As a tailor, costume designer, or wardrobe assistant, you work in a theater or as part of the crew on a film or tv show. Your duties and responsibilities include costume design and sewing, and you are in charge of fittings, during which you alter or repair costumes so that they are appropriate for your actors. You work with actors, directors, writers, and producers to understand your characters, and you do research to inform your designs. In some roles, you also repair and maintain masks, wigs, and other accessories, so you need to be knowledgeable about different textiles and materials that are used on stage and on the screen.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a costume sewing professional, and why are they important?

To thrive in Costume Sewing, you need strong garment construction skills, attention to detail, and a background in textiles or fashion design, often gained through formal training or apprenticeships. Familiarity with industrial sewing machines, sergers, pattern-making software, and hand-finishing tools is typically required. Creativity, time management, and effective communication with designers and production teams are important soft skills. These abilities ensure high-quality, visually accurate costumes are produced efficiently and collaboratively for theater, film, or events.

What are some common challenges faced by costume sewing professionals when working on large productions?

Costume sewing professionals working on large productions often encounter tight deadlines, frequent last-minute alterations, and the need to collaborate closely with designers, performers, and other costume staff. Managing a high volume of costumes while maintaining consistent quality and adherence to design specifications can be demanding. Flexibility, strong communication skills, and the ability to adapt to changing requirements are essential for success in this dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Costume Sewing vs Dressmaker?

AspectCostume SewingDressmaker
CredentialsOften requires sewing skills, costume design knowledgeRequires sewing skills, fashion design or tailoring experience
Work EnvironmentTheatrical, film, TV productions, themed eventsFashion boutiques, custom clothing shops, personal clients
Industry UsageEntertainment, theater, film, cosplayFashion, personal styling, custom clothing

Costume sewing and dressmaking both involve sewing skills, but costume sewing focuses on creating outfits for entertainment and themed events, often requiring knowledge of theatrical design. Dressmakers primarily craft custom clothing for individual clients, emphasizing fashion and fit. While overlapping in skills, their work environments and industry applications differ significantly.

More about Costume Sewing jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Costume Sewing jobs in California?

The most popular types of Costume Sewing jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Costume Sewing jobs in California?

For Costume Sewing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Costume Sewing jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Costume Sewing jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Costume Sewing jobs?

Cities in California with the most Costume Sewing job openings:

Costume Sewing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Costume Sewing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 10% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, and 13% Remote job distribution.

Costume Designer

Loyola Marymount University

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$23.51 - $29.90/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Loyola Marymount University rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 630 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The part-time Costume Design position will work 20 hours per week with the Dance Program within the LMU Theatre and Dance Department, part of the LMU College of Communication and Fine Arts, in the creation and execution of costumes for four annual productions. The Costume Designer will work primarily within Dance though there will be coordination and collaboration as needed with the Costume Shop Manager and Supervisor in the Theatre Program. Duties will include sewing, pattern making, alterations, working with professional and student choreographers, costume crafts, assisting in costume storage, costume purchasing rentals and returns. Attending tech/dress rehearsals (either evening or weekend) is also required. Other duties as assigned.
Position Specific Responsibilities/Accountabilities
  • Costume Design and sewing including, but not limited to, making and altering costumes for Dance Program productions (4 annually). 70%
  • Work with choreographers (student and professional) to understand their vision and support their work 10%
  • Assist with costume purchases, rentals and returns 10%
  • Assist with costume storage and organization for the dance department 5%
  • Attend weekly faculty meeting and production meetings; other duties as assigned or requested 5%
  • Perform other related duties.

Loyola Marymount University Expectations
Exhibit behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the university. Communicate and employ interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct. Demonstrate a commitment to outstanding customer service.
Requisite Qualifications
  • Typically a Bachelor's degree in theatre or equivalent professional experience. Incumbent will be expected to continue upgrading knowledge, skills, and abilities and to keep abreast of regulation/policy changes.
  • Minimum 2 years in a professional costume shop.
  • Demonstrated knowledge in the areas of: sewing, pattern-making, costume crafts, etc.
  • Exemplary communication skills (both written and oral)
  • Highly developed organizational and leadership skills
  • Demonstrated computer competency and adherence to university purchasing guidelines and timelines.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this position.
#HERC# #HEJ#
Hiring Salary Range
$23.51 - $29.90
Staff Regular
Salary range
$23.51 - $29.38 Salary commensurate with education and experience.
Please note that this position may not be eligible for visa sponsorship now or in the future.
Loyola Marymount University, a Carnegie classified R2 institution in the mainstream of American Catholic higher education, seeks outstanding applicants who value its mission and share its commitment to inclusive excellence, the education of the whole person, and the building of a just society. LMU is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an environment free from discrimination and harassment as defined by federal, state and local law. We invite all persons in the full diversity of their being, life experience, and beliefs to apply. (Visit www.lmu.edu for more information.)
LMU is committed to providing equal access to employment opportunities and ensuring a comprehensive recruitment and selection process for all applicants.
Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the application, interview, or selection process may contact Human Resources at hr@lmu.edu or by phone at (310) 338-2723. Applicants who use relay services or other assistive communication technologies are welcome to utilize those services when contacting Human Resources.
When contacting Human Resources, please include the job posting number, title of the position and department for which you are applying. Applicants are not required to disclose the nature of a disability or provide medical information when requesting an accommodation during the recruitment process.
LMU will work with applicants in a timely and interactive process to identify and provide reasonable accommodations consistent with applicable federal and state law.

What Loyola Marymount University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply