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Hand Sewing Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Tailor

Reading, PA · On-site

$18/hr

Sewing and Assembly: Cut, sew, and assemble uniform pieces using sewing machines, hand-stitching, and other techniques, including tapering shirts, adjusting waists, and hemming trousers,

Presses garment, using hand iron or pressing machine as needed * Maintain a clean and safe work environment * Maintain sewing machines in good working order * Performs work as assigned by department ...

Presses garment, using hand iron or pressing machine as needed * Maintain a clean and safe work environment * Maintain sewing machines in good working order * Performs work as assigned by department ...

Seamstress/Tailor

Erie, PA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Resew merchandise using needle and thread or sewing machine. * Press merchandise, using a hand iron or steamer. * Repair defective merchandise. * Remove spots or stains from merchandise. * Record all ...

Seamstress/Tailor

Erie, PA

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Resew merchandise using needle and thread or sewing machine. * Press merchandise, using a hand iron or steamer. * Repair defective merchandise. * Remove spots or stains from merchandise. * Record all ...

Seamstress/Tailor

Erie, PA

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Resew merchandise using needle and thread or sewing machine. * Press merchandise, using a hand iron or steamer. * Repair defective merchandise. * Remove spots or stains from merchandise. * Record all ...

Seamstress/Tailor

Erie, PA

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Resew merchandise using needle and thread or sewing machine. * Press merchandise, using a hand iron or steamer. * Repair defective merchandise. * Remove spots or stains from merchandise. * Record all ...

Linen Room Attendant

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$16.28 - $18.09/hr

Telephone, pen/pencil, sewing machine, hand irons * Steam presser, washing machine, dryers Working Environment: * Interior of hotel. Exposure to extreme heat and humidity. * Exposure to hazardous ...

Showing results 21-40

Hand Sewing information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$655

$819

$954

How much do hand sewing jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average weekly pay for hand sewing in Pennsylvania is $819.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $742.31 and $896.15 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 job categories do people searching Hand Sewing jobs in Pennsylvania look for?

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

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Hand Sewing jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Hand Sewing job openings:

Infographic showing various Hand Sewing job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,602 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Description

About Us

Established in 2001, MES is the nation's largest provider of PPE, fire apparatus, uniforms, and services to first responders. With over 25 locations, MES is the most trusted source of equipment and service for firefighters, law enforcement, and EMTs. Our dedicated team of over 300 sales representatives and certified service technicians allows us to bring unparalleled quality and service to our industry. MES supports its customers with innovative digital commerce solutions and a nationwide warehousing system with three strategically located hubs that carry thousands of products representing the best brands on the market.


MES offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. MES is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.


MES will only employ those legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a pre-employment screening.


Job Description: Tailor

The uniform tailor specialist creates and alters uniforms for various first responder groups and municipal organizations within MES, Inc's customer base. Their primary responsibility is designing, sewing, repairing, and customizing uniforms to meet specific client needs and requirements. This role plays a crucial part in helping individuals and organizations present a professional image while ensuring comfort and functionality in their uniforms. The ideal candidate will have technical skills, creativity, and great attention to detail.


Roles and Responsibilities

  • Uniform Design: Create uniform designs based on client specifications or industry requirements as per Workorder instructions.
  • Sewing and Assembly: Cut, sew, and assemble uniform pieces using sewing machines, hand-stitching, and other techniques, including tapering shirts, adjusting waists, and hemming trousers,
  • Customization: Place zippers, add pant stripes, apply patches, apply name strips, and apply stripes with accuracy and efficiency.
  • Alterations: Perform alterations to ensure uniforms fit properly and are comfortable for wear.
  • Fabric Selection: Advise clients on fabric choices and ensure that selected fabrics are suitable for the intended purpose of the uniforms.
  • Measurement: Accurately measure clients to ensure proper fit, mark garments for alterations, problem-solve individual sizing issues and maintain detailed records of measurements.
  • Quality Control: Inspect finished uniforms for quality, accuracy, and durability, making any necessary adjustments.
  • Deadlines: Meet production deadlines based on agreed customer delivery timeframes
  • Repair Work: Repair damaged uniforms by patching, re-stitching, or replacing worn-out sections.
  • Customer Service: Interact with clients to understand their needs, offer recommendations, and provide excellent customer service.
  • Cost Estimation: Provide clients with uniform creation, alterations, and repair estimates.
  • Equipment Maintenance: Ensure that sewing machines and other equipment are well-maintained and in working order.
  • Inventory Management: Maintain an inventory of fabrics, threads, and other sewing supplies.
  • Trend Awareness: Stay updated on the latest fashion trends and techniques in uniform design and tailoring.



Requirements

Required Qualifications

  • Proven experience as a tailor or seamstress, preferably with a focus on uniform creation and alterations.
  • Proficiency in sewing, stitching, and fabric manipulation techniques.
  • Understanding of different types of designs, fabrics, threads, and sewing equipment.
  • Knowledge of safety guidelines when working with sewing machinery and tools.
  • Must be able to multitask, prioritize, and work under deadlines/pressure.
  • A great understanding of feeding a thread through machine guides.
  • Ability to pick the correct tool or equipment needed to do a job
  • Familiarity in adjusting machine functions depending on the type of fabric being used
  • Experience in selecting the proper thread to use for certain types of materials
  • Ability to apply pins and markings to the fabric from different types of designs
  • A high school diploma or equivalent is required
  • Bilingual (English and Spanish)
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in the tailoring industry


Desired Characteristics

  • Strong attention to detail and precision in measurements and sewing.
  • Excellent customer service and communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Demonstrates self-confidence
  • Self-starter - takes the initiative.
  • Follow through
  • High level of integrity
  • Customer service mindset with excellent interpersonal skills
  • Formal training or certification in tailoring or fashion design is preferred.


Physical Requirements

  • This work may require standing for extended periods and operating sewing machines and other equipment using continuous repetitive motions.
  • Be able to lift up to 50 lbs.


Pay and Benefits:

  • Hourly rate based on experience
  • 401(k)
  • Paid Holidays Annually
  • Dental Insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
  • Employee rewards and recognition program

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