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Costume Sewing Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Liberty

Theatre Arts Costume Assistant

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$12.77/hr

Costume laundry. Additional information may be found here QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALSEducation ... Familiar with garment construction and sewing tools, notions, etc. ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ...

Janie's Tailoring

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Seamstress / Tailor

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$14 - $25/hr

Experience sewing clothing, costumes, home projects, or other fabric items. * Familiarity with sewing machines and common sewing tools. * Ability to follow instructions and learn new techniques.

Janie's Tailoring

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Seamstress / Tailor

Hampton, VA · On-site

$14 - $25/hr

Experience sewing clothing, costumes, home projects, or other fabric items. * Familiarity with sewing machines and common sewing tools. * Ability to follow instructions and learn new techniques.

Janie's Tailoring

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Seamstress / Tailor

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$14 - $25/hr

Experience sewing clothing, costumes, home projects, or other fabric items. * Familiarity with sewing machines and common sewing tools. * Ability to follow instructions and learn new techniques.

Janie's Tailoring

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Seamstress / Tailor

Hampton, VA · On-site

$14 - $25/hr

Experience sewing clothing, costumes, home projects, or other fabric items. * Familiarity with sewing machines and common sewing tools. * Ability to follow instructions and learn new techniques.

Janie's Tailoring

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Seamstress / Tailor

Yorktown, VA · On-site

$14 - $25/hr

Experience sewing clothing, costumes, home projects, or other fabric items. * Familiarity with sewing machines and common sewing tools. * Ability to follow instructions and learn new techniques.

Janie's Tailoring

Be Seen First

Seamstress / Tailor

Yorktown, VA · On-site

$14 - $25/hr

Experience sewing clothing, costumes, home projects, or other fabric items. * Familiarity with sewing machines and common sewing tools. * Ability to follow instructions and learn new techniques.

Chesterfield

$57K - $87K/yr

Computer 20% Lighting & Sound Equipment, such as cables, microphones, cd players, sound boards, lighting boards, lighting instruments, gels, and lamps, 25% Sewing & Costume Equipment, such as sewing ...

All JobsCostume Sewing JobsCostume Sewing Jobs in Virginia

Costume Sewing information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do costume sewing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for costume sewing in Virginia is $16.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $17.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Virginia?

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

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

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

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

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

Costume Sewing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Costume Sewing job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 17% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,491 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Theatre Arts Costume Assistant

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA • On-site

$12.77/hr

Part-time

Posted 17 days ago

Liberty University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

188th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Student worker will assist Costume Shop staff with execution of costume making.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Student will assist in execution of costume making.
  • Student will help with organization and cleaning of the Costume Shop.
  • Student will assist in dressing room organization.
  • Costume laundry.

Additional information may be found here
QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS
Education and Experience
Liberty University Student
Work Study Eligible
Must have knowledge of sewing machines and basic sewing skills.
1-2 years sewing experience.
Familiar with garment construction and sewing tools, notions, etc.
ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB
Communication and Comprehension
  • Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well articulated information.
  • Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Excellent computer skills.
  • Basic Sewing Skills

Problem Solving
  • Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.
  • Excellent time management skills.

Physical and Sensory Abilities
  • Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.
  • Occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the building.
  • Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Work Environment
The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled costume shop or theater. It is well lighted and the noise level is moderate.
Driving Requirements
No driving required.
Time Type
Part time
Location
Onsite
Pay Rate
Starting at $12.77
Student employees are paid at least the current Virginia minimum wage per hour. Pay may vary by position and department based on job responsibilities, required skills, available funding, and market conditions.
The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University's hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the "religion" component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.

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