ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Sewing Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

BAGGU

Product Design Assistant

Mundelein, IL · On-site

$70K/yr

About the Role BAGGU is looking for a Full-Time Assistant Product Designer to join our Product ... Experience sewing development samples or equivalent professional sewing experience * Must be able ...

Just In Time Staffing LLC

Be Seen First

Maintenance Technician

Skokie, IL · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Assess, monitor, troubleshoot, and repair sewing machines and other production equipment promptly ... * Assist with areas including fire safety, building engineering assessments, insurance ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSewing JobsSewing Assistant JobsSewing Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL

Sewing Assistant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$20

$32

How much do sewing assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for sewing assistant in Chicago, IL is $20.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.36 and $22.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sewing assistant?

Sewing Assistants are professionals who support seamstresses, tailors, or garment production teams by performing tasks such as cutting fabric, threading machines, organizing materials, and assisting with basic sewing operations. They help maintain workflow, ensure that supplies are ready, and may also handle minor repairs or finishing touches on garments. Sewing Assistants play an essential role in both small tailoring shops and larger manufacturing settings, where their work helps increase efficiency and maintain quality standards.

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

To thrive as a Sewing Assistant, you need fundamental sewing skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with various fabrics and garment construction, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Experience with sewing machines, sergers, and basic garment repair tools is typically required. Strong organization, time management, and the ability to follow instructions precisely are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure high-quality work, efficient production flow, and reliable support for designers or tailors.

What are some common challenges sewing assistants face when working on team-based projects?

Sewing Assistants often work within a team environment, collaborating with designers, pattern makers, and other sewing professionals. A common challenge is maintaining clear communication to ensure everyone is aligned on project specifications, fabric choices, and deadlines. Additionally, balancing multiple tasks and adapting to changes in design or production schedules can be demanding. Developing good organization and time-management skills is crucial to thriving in this collaborative, fast-paced setting.

What is the difference between Sewing Assistant vs Tailor?

AspectSewing AssistantTailor
CredentialsBasic sewing skills, on-the-job trainingAdvanced sewing skills, often certification or apprenticeship
Work EnvironmentFactories, garment production facilities, workshopsCustom shops, boutiques, individual clients
Industry UsageSupporting role in garment manufacturingCreating and altering custom clothing
Search/Comparison IntentEntry-level support role in sewingSkilled clothing alteration and creation

While a Sewing Assistant primarily supports sewing operations with basic skills in manufacturing environments, a Tailor is a skilled professional who creates and alters custom garments. The Sewing Assistant focuses on assisting in production, whereas the Tailor offers specialized tailoring services. Both roles require sewing knowledge, but the Tailor's expertise is more advanced and customer-focused.

How to turn sewing into a job?

To turn sewing into a job, you can start by developing your skills through practice and possibly taking sewing or tailoring courses. Building a portfolio of your work, setting up a home-based or commercial sewing space, and marketing your services through social media or local networks can help attract clients. Many sewing professionals also pursue certifications or join industry associations to enhance credibility and find job opportunities.

What jobs can I do with sewing assistant?

A sewing assistant can work in roles such as garment production, alterations, or tailoring, supporting sewing operations in clothing factories, dry cleaners, or custom tailoring shops. These positions often require skills in sewing, fabric handling, and familiarity with sewing machines, and may involve working in retail or manufacturing environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sewing jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Sewing jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Sewing Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Sewing Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sewing Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Sewing Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Sewing Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sewing Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,640 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Industrial Sewing Specialist

Altimate Medical Holding, Inc.

Frankfort, IL

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Industrial Sewing Specialist is responsible for operating industrial sewing equipment to manufacture high-quality textile and soft goods products according to production specifications. This role ensures accuracy, efficiency, and adherence to quality and safety standards in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Industrial Sewing Specialist I

The Industrial Sewing Specialist - Level 1 performs foundational production sewing operations in a manufacturing environment. This position is responsible for assembling standard soft goods products in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, quality standards, and production schedules. The role focuses on developing machine proficiency, accuracy, and consistency while maintaining a safe and organized workspace.

Production & Sewing

  • Read and understand work orders, patterns, technical drawings, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other work instructions
  • Follow templates, patterns, and approved samples to ensure accurate construction
  • Sew standard products and subcomponents using established SOPs and work instructions
  • Operate industrial sewing machines including straight stitch, serger, binder, and bartack
  • Assemble components such as seats, backs, overlays, hip guides, laterals, and related soft goods items
  • Use tools as instructed and required, including measuring tapes, cordless drills, wrenches, bag sealers, hex keys, and label guns.
  • Maintain expected daily production output and quality standards

Preparation & Material Handling

  • Review work orders and assembly instructions prior to production
  • Pull and stage required materials and components
  • Verify materials meet specifications before use
  • Properly package and label completed work orders; place in designated location.

Quality Control

  • Inspect completed work for stitching accuracy, material conformity, and workmanship
  • Measure components using rulers and measuring tools (inches and fractions)
  • Compare materials (color, texture, shape) to approved standards
  • Report discrepancies or quality concerns to supervisor

Documentation & Workplace Standards

  • Accurately complete required production documentation
  • Record material usage as required
  • Maintain clean, organized, and safe workstations
  • Comply with all company safety policies and procedures
  • Contributes to a respectful, non-hostile, non-violent work environment.
  • Understands the purpose, value, and impact work has on product customers and users.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Industrial Sewing Specialist II

The Industrial Sewing Specialist II is experienced and proficient with sewing and soft good operations. They are able to produce standard order products as well as custom orders.

Advanced Production Capability

The Industrial Sewing Specialist II must be able to proficiently perform all duties of Industrial Sewing Specialist I in addition to advanced production abilities

Proficient in operation of all primary department sewing machines

Independently sew standard products with minimal supervision

Maintains consistent production rates while meeting quality standards

Assist in workstation setup and material preparation

Performs more complex sewing and soft good operations, including custom orders

Read the Custom Order and review the Configurator page and any notes or drawings included to make items to custom seating specifications.

Perform routine machine adjustments to support routine sewing applications.

Perform machine maintenance and report mechanical issues

Able to proficiently operate at least one of the advanced cutting systems: Laser cutter, pad printer, or M8 pattern cutter

Inventory & Workflow Support

  • Perform cycle counts and assist with inventory verification
  • Monitor material levels and communicate shortages or discrepancies
  • Recognize production bottlenecks and report workflow issues

Training & Team Support

  • Provide guidance and informal training to Level 1 Technicians
  • Assist with onboarding and skill development of new team members
  • Promote teamwork and positive communication within the department

Continuous Improvement

  • Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce waste
  • Suggest process improvements to supervisor

Additional Competencies

  • Competent in operating multiple industrial machines within the department
  • Increased independence in interpreting complex work instructions

Apply