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Fabric Mender Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Burlington operation in Raeford, NC has been proudly producing dress uniform fabric for the US Military for more than 50 years. If you or someone you know has ever served in the US Military ...

Fabric Mender information

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$8

$16

$35

How much do fabric mender jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for fabric mender in the United States is $16.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.78 and $16.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fabric mender?

Fabric menders are skilled workers who repair damaged textiles, such as clothing, upholstery, or industrial fabrics. They identify flaws like holes, tears, or worn spots and use techniques such as patching, darning, or reweaving to restore the fabric's appearance and durability. Fabric menders may work by hand or with specialized sewing equipment, often in garment factories, dry cleaners, or textile repair shops. Their expertise helps extend the life of fabrics and reduce waste by making items reusable.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fabric mender?

To thrive as a Fabric Mender, you need detailed knowledge of textiles, strong manual dexterity, and experience with fabric repair techniques, often acquired through vocational training or on-the-job learning. Familiarity with industrial sewing machines, darning tools, and fabric inspection systems is typically required. Attention to detail, patience, and problem-solving abilities are essential soft skills for identifying flaws and producing seamless repairs. These skills ensure repaired fabrics meet quality standards and extend the usability of textile products, which is crucial for customer satisfaction and efficiency.

What are some common challenges fabric menders face, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Fabric menders often encounter challenges such as working with delicate or rare fabrics, matching thread colors and textures, and repairing complex damages without compromising the garment's appearance. Addressing these challenges requires strong attention to detail, dexterity, and a good understanding of various fabric types. Many fabric menders collaborate closely with tailors or garment inspectors to ensure repairs meet quality standards. Regular training and hands-on experience can help fabric menders develop the specialized skills needed to overcome these obstacles and produce seamless repairs.

What is the difference between Fabric Mender vs Textile Repair Technician?

AspectFabric MenderTextile Repair Technician
CertificationsMay require sewing or textile repair certificationsOften requires similar sewing or textile certifications
Work EnvironmentWorkshops, manufacturing facilities, or repair shopsRepair shops, clothing stores, or textile factories
Industry UsageUsed in clothing, upholstery, and textile industriesCommon in apparel, upholstery, and fabric restoration sectors
Job FocusRepairing and patching fabrics, mending tearsRestoring and repairing textiles, including sewing and patching

Fabric Menders and Textile Repair Technicians both focus on repairing fabrics and textiles, often requiring similar skills and certifications. While Fabric Menders may specialize more in patching and mending in manufacturing or repair shops, Textile Repair Technicians often work in clothing or upholstery repair settings. Both roles are essential in maintaining fabric longevity and quality in various industries.

What job categories do people searching Fabric Mender jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Fabric Mender jobs are:

Infographic showing various Fabric Mender job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,273 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Fabric Mender *Night Shift*

Raeford, NC • On-site


Burlington
Retail • 10K+ employees

4.5

Company rating: 4.5 out of 10

Based on 943 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 21 rated department stores

Recommended by students

Respectful managers

Uninterrupted breaks


$17/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Hi, we are Burlington!!
The Burlington operation in Raeford, NC has been proudly producing dress uniform fabric for the US Military for more than 50 years. If you or someone you know has ever served in the US Military, whether in the Army, Air force, Coast Guard, Navy or Marines, they have worn Burlington Raeford fabric. We are looking for new team members who are excited to learn new skills and eager to share in the success, pride and honor that we have in clothing our military service members. Don't have manufacturing have or textile experience? No problem! This only means we can impart a strong textile foundation, the Burlington Way! We offer all new employees a comprehensive training program, including on-the-job training. Come, join our team and celebrate in the opportunities that this can lead you in.
Job Purpose:
To remove or repair defects in our cloth using burling and mending and sewing procedures. This is a meticulous job that requires good hand dexterity and precise attention to detail.
Pay range: $17/hour with advancement opportunities to cross-train on other positions.
Required (no waivers):
-Pass a vision test. Must read printed material and have satisfactory near vison. Glasses or contacts are required if needed.
-Pass a color vision test. Must be able to distinguish quality defects of color variance.
-Must be dexterous in use of arms, hands, fingers and wrist in order to remove defects.
-Must be able to tolerate exposure to lint and contact with wool cloth
-Successfully complete drug and background screenings
Physical Requirements:
-Standing up to 10 hours per shift on wooden floor
-Squat or kneel at floor lever to thread machine approx. 10 times/shift
-Must grasp cloth across a 2ft. table top to a height of 44 inches to thread top of machine.
Essential Duties and/or Responsibilities (this is not a complete job description):
-Work safely in a fast-paced production environment
-Verify numbers on cloth and piece ticket
-Select proper mending procedure card, as given on piece ticket
-Run cloth over table, burling knots, thinning slubs, removing waste
-Inspect greige fabric for defects such as broken ends, thick and thin places, slubs, knots, holes, skips, mispicks, waste, and other irregularities that may affect fabric quality
-Perform greige mending using appropriate tools and procedures to remove, correct, or minimize defects while maintaining fabric appearance and integrity
-Sew or stitch fabric as needed to repair holes, tears, open seams, or other repairable defects according to established quality and production standards
-Use mending needles, sewing tools, scissors, tweezers, and related equipment safely and accurately to complete fabric repairs
-Identify defects that cannot be repaired and communicate quality concerns or unusual fabric conditions to supervision or quality personnel
-Review quality of cloth on tables and give directions
-Able to use a scanner
-Must be able to communicate with co-workers and management
-Meet or exceed company quality standards
-Maintain regular and predictable attendance (being able to work assigned schedule)
-Comply with company processes and procedures
-Follow verbal and written instructions
-Work cooperatively, courteously, and respectfully with all team members, vendors, and visitors
-Perform job duties in variable temperatures based on weather condition (including hot weather)
-Ensure good housekeeping of all areas and company premises
Education:
-Must have the ability to read, write and do simple math as determined by the manner in which application is completed.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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About Burlington

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Burlington, we embrace the many facets of diversity that strengthen our communities where we live and work every day. If you want to grow your retail career with a caring and inclusive organization, come join the Burlington Stores team as a Customer Service Supervisor, Selling Floor Supervisor or Receiving Team Supervisor!

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Burlington, NJ, US


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