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Hand Sewing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Amda

Fall 2026 Costume Shop Student Worker

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Key Responsibilities Assist with hand sewing, arts and crafts, and painting projects for costumes and productions Support costume, hair, and makeup needs for AMDA productions Crew productions as part ...

Singer Vehicle Design

Trimmer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$26 - $38/hr

Hand-sewing decorative interior panels where required * Reads specifications sheets and follow templates to ensure accuracy * Maintains a clean, safe, and orderly work environment Who We're Looking ...

REVOLVE

Sample Sewer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$22 - $24.50/hr

He or she must apply his or her extensive sewing experience and be very comfortable running many ... Must be able and willing to lift and carry up to 10 lbs., perform frequent repetitive finger, hand ...

SPSV ENTERTAINMENT LLC

Wardrobe Assistant

Skyforest, CA

$16.90 - $17/hr

Perform quality alterations, repairs, modifications, and construction of costumes, mascots, and uniforms using hand and machine sewing. * Inspect garments and costumes to ensure stitching, buttons ...

SPSV ENTERTAINMENT LLC

Wardrobe Assistant

Skyforest, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $17/hr

Perform quality alterations, repairs, modifications, and construction of costumes, mascots, and uniforms using hand and machine sewing. * Inspect garments and costumes to ensure stitching, buttons ...

Taylor Nicole Professional

Be Seen First

Assembler

Gardena, CA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Must have experience using hand tools. * Must be able to lift to 50lbs. * Must be able to read ... Manual Industrial sewing machine experience is a must. * Single needle machines. * Sewing ...

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All JobsHand Sewing JobsHand Sewing Jobs in California

Hand Sewing information

See California salary details

$645

$806

$939

How much do hand sewing jobs pay per week?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average weekly pay for hand sewing in California is $806.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $730.77 and $882.69 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is hand sewing?

Hand sewing is the process of stitching fabric or other materials together using a needle and thread, entirely by hand rather than with a sewing machine. This technique allows for precise, detailed work and is often used for repairs, alterations, decorative stitching, or creating garments from scratch. Hand sewing is valued for its versatility and is essential in many crafts, tailoring, and upholstery jobs. It requires patience, dexterity, and knowledge of various stitches to ensure durable and neat results.

What are the most common challenges faced by hand sewing professionals in a production environment?

Hand sewing professionals often face challenges such as maintaining consistent stitch quality over long periods, managing hand fatigue, and meeting tight production deadlines. Working in a team setting, clear communication is essential to ensure that individual pieces match the overall quality standards. Additionally, adapting to different fabrics and designs, as well as handling repetitive tasks efficiently, are key aspects of the role. Staying organized and collaborating closely with quality control and designers can help overcome these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hand sewer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hand Sewer, you need excellent manual dexterity, attention to detail, and strong knowledge of stitching techniques, often gained through experience or vocational training. Familiarity with sewing needles, threads, different fabric types, and sometimes specialized tools like thimbles or embroidery hoops is important. Patience, precision, and problem-solving skills help ensure consistent quality and the ability to handle intricate or custom work. These skills are essential for producing high-quality, durable, and aesthetically pleasing hand-sewn products while meeting client specifications and deadlines.

What is the difference between Hand Sewing vs Machine Sewing?

AspectHand SewingMachine Sewing
Skills & CertificationsBasic sewing skills, sometimes certifications in tailoring or dressmakingAdvanced sewing skills, often requiring training or certification in machine operation
Work EnvironmentTypically done manually, in workshops or at homePerformed on sewing machines, in factories or sewing studios
Industry UsageUsed for detailed, custom, or delicate workUsed for mass production and faster sewing tasks

Hand Sewing involves manual stitching, ideal for detailed or custom projects, while Machine Sewing uses sewing machines for faster, large-scale production. Both roles require sewing skills, but Hand Sewing emphasizes precision and craftsmanship, whereas Machine Sewing focuses on efficiency and volume.

Can I make a career out of hand sewing?

Hand sewing can be a viable career path for those skilled in tailoring, costume design, or custom garment creation. Professionals often work as freelance artisans, in small studios, or for clothing and textile companies, and may need to develop a strong portfolio and customer base to succeed.

What can I make with hand sewing?

Hand sewing allows you to create a variety of items such as clothing repairs, personalized accessories, home décor like pillows and curtains, and small crafts like stuffed animals or embroidery projects. It is a versatile skill useful for customizing and mending fabric items, often requiring basic tools like needles and thread.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Hand Sewing jobs?

Cities in California with the most Hand Sewing job openings:

Hand Sewing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hand Sewing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,943 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

On-Call, Costume Shop Assistant

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$25.05 - $30.05/hr

Part-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Position Title:
On-Call, Costume Shop Assistant
Position Type:
Fixed Term (Fixed Term)
Hiring Range:
$25.05 - $30.05 per hour; Compensation will be based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role, and internal equity.
Pay Frequency:
HourlyA. POSITION PURPOSE
The Costume Assistant assists in the execution of costume designs for departmental productions through patterning, construction, alterations, and costume maintenance. Working closely with the Costume Shop Manager, designers, and student staff, this position helps maintain an organized and productive shop environment while supporting student learning and the production process.
B. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Costume construction and alterations
  • Perform costume construction tasks as coordinated by the Costume Shop Manager,
  • Act as Cutter/Draper as needed.
  • Act as First Hand as needed,
  • Act as stitcher as needed
  • Act as craftsperson as needed
  • Perform costume alterations for department productions as coordinated by the Costume Shop Manager
  • Complete construction tasks in the costume shop according to a schedule coordinated with the Costume Shop Manager - typically Monday-Friday between 1pm and 6pm.

2. Training Student Crew
  • Work with the Costume Shop Manager to assist in training student shop crew in costume construction skills.
  • Supervise work study and costume student assistants in the builds and alterations necessary to produce costumes for productions.

C. PROVIDES WORK DIRECTION
  • Aligned with best practices in the field, educate, guide and supervise students on appropriate technique during use of sewing, dying or mending equipment and construction or repair of costumes
  • Coordinates with the Costume Shop Manager for construction work flow.

D. GENERAL GUIDELINES
  • Recommends construction and alteration techniques to achieve the desired designs.
  • Conveys construction techniques to other costume shop members to facilitate the garment's construction.
  • Identifies potential functional issues caused by materials or construction techniques.

E. QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The items below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience required or preferred.
1. Knowledge
  • Advanced sewing skills, working with a variety of textiles and sewing machines required
  • Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of costume construction and costume crafts,
  • An understanding of the work flow in both professional and educational costume shops.
  • An understanding of and appreciation for teaching theatre within a liberal arts context desired
  • Knowledge of historical period costume designs, patterns and materials.

2. Skills
  • Time management
  • Clear communication with both professionals and students
  • Skills in patterning and/or draping
  • Skills in cutting various textiles
  • Skills in sewing using hand sewing, domestic machines, industrial machines, overlock machines
  • Skills in costume construction tools such as industrial irons, steamers, dye vats, etc.
  • Skills in fitting both mock up and final garments to bodies of all sizes, statures, and genders.
  • Skills in craftwork, such as dying, painting, and distressing.

3. Abilities
  • Ability to visualize 2D designs and line drawings translate to 3D construction.
  • Ability to collaborate with the costume shop manager and designer to realize the costume vision for a production.
  • Ability to maintain high levels of detail regarding silhouette, measurements, color and pattern matching, and trim placement.
  • ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within an inclusive multicultural environment and to promote and contribute to a respectful workplace.

4. Education
  • Bachelor's degree in theatre, preferred

5. Years of Experience
  • 0-2 years of professional costuming experience, required.

F. PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, the California Fair Employment & Housing Act, and all other applicable laws, SCU provides reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities. A qualified individual is a person who meets skill, experience, education, or other requirements of the position, and who can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Able to carry 20lb items.
  • Able to stand for periods of time (2-4 hours) at the cutting table.

G. WORK ENVIRONMENT
  • Mostly shared workshop environment with windows.
  • Workshop with costume equipment noise.
  • Workshop with frequent interruptions.
  • Collaborative and often fast-paced periods to adhere to production schedules.

Telecommute
Santa Clara University is registered to do business in the following states: California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and Illinois. Employees approved to telecommute are required to perform their work within one of these states.
EEO Statement
Equal Opportunity/Notice of Nondiscrimination
Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy or related conditions, reproductive health decision making, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. For a complete copy of Santa Clara University's equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX website at https://www.scu.edu/title-ix/.
Clery Notice of Availability
Santa Clara University annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Santa Clara University report, please visit the Campus Safety Services website. To request a paper copy please call Campus Safety at (408) 554-4441. The report includes the type of crime, venue, and number of occurrences.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Consistent with its obligations under the law, Santa Clara University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources ADA Team at hraccommodations@scu.edu or by phone at (408)554-4392. Please note: This contact information is intended for accommodation requests only. Resumes or inquiries about application status sent to this inbox will not be reviewed or forwarded. For resumes or questions regarding application status, please contact hrservicedesk@scu.edu.

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