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Sewing Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Harper College

CE Instructor - Art

Palatine, IL · On-site

... seeks part-time Art instructors to provide instruction in group adult classes, mostly in the ... Quilting, Sewing, Crochet, Embroidery, Tapestry Weaving, mosaics, and silkscreen. Ability to ...

Harper College

CE Instructor - Art

Palatine, IL

... seeks part-time Art instructors to provide instruction in group adult classes, mostly in the ... Quilting, Sewing, Crochet, Embroidery, Tapestry Weaving, mosaics, and silkscreen. Ability to ...

Harper College

CE Instructor - Art

Palatine, IL · On-site

Collaborate with other instructors. Organize and maintain consistent teaching schedule. Prepare ... Quilting, Sewing, Crochet, Embroidery, Tapestry Weaving, mosaics, and silkscreen. Ability to ...

Chicago Park District

Artcraft Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$25.63/hr

Artcraft Instructor CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS: Under general supervision, responsible for ... sewing, ceramics, painting, illustrating and handicrafts. Performs related duties as required.

All JobsSewing Instructor JobsSewing Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL

Sewing Instructor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11.3K

$42.4K

$45.8K

How much do sewing instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for sewing instructor in Chicago, IL is $42,390.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,200.00 and $44,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to start teaching sewing classes?

To start teaching sewing classes as a sewing instructor, gain proficiency in sewing techniques and consider obtaining relevant certifications or teaching credentials. Develop a curriculum, gather necessary tools and materials, and find a suitable location or offer online lessons to reach students. Building a portfolio or website can also help attract clients and establish credibility in the field.

How to become a certified sewing instructor?

To become a certified sewing instructor, individuals typically complete a sewing or fashion design program and gain experience in sewing techniques. Certification programs are offered by professional organizations or sewing schools and often require passing an exam or demonstrating teaching skills. Having strong sewing skills, patience, and the ability to teach others are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Sewing Instructor position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sewing Instructor, you need strong sewing skills, pattern-reading ability, and experience with various fabrics and techniques, often supported by formal training or relevant certifications. Familiarity with sewing machines, sergers, and instructional materials is important, and completing courses such as Certified Sewing Educator can be beneficial. Excellent communication, patience, and the ability to adapt teaching methods for diverse learners make someone stand out in this position. These skills and qualifications ensure you can effectively teach students of all skill levels and create a positive, productive learning environment.

What is a Sewing Instructor job?

A Sewing Instructor teaches individuals or groups how to sew, guiding them on techniques, patterns, and equipment use. They may work in schools, community centers, sewing studios, or online. Their responsibilities include creating lesson plans, demonstrating sewing methods, and providing hands-on assistance. Some instructors specialize in areas like fashion design, quilting, or garment construction.

What is the hourly rate for sewing?

For sewing instructors, the hourly rate typically ranges from $15 to $40, depending on experience, location, and whether they work independently or for a school or workshop. Rates may also vary based on the complexity of projects and the instructor's certifications or skills.

What are the most common challenges faced by Sewing Instructors, and how can I prepare for them?

Sewing Instructors often encounter classes with a wide range of skill levels, requiring flexibility and creativity in lesson planning to keep all students engaged. Adapting to students’ learning speeds and troubleshooting technical issues with sewing machines are also frequent challenges. To prepare, it’s helpful to develop strong classroom management skills, keep up-to-date with the latest sewing techniques, and become comfortable with different types of equipment. Being proactive and approachable helps create a supportive atmosphere where students feel encouraged to ask questions and share their progress.

How much does a sewing instructor make?

Sewing instructors typically earn between $20,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and whether they work for a school, community center, or independently. Many also charge hourly rates ranging from $15 to $50 for private lessons or workshops.
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Sewing Instructor jobs near you

Adult Sewing Instructor (Part-Time)

Making It SewFun

Chicago, IL

$25 - $30/hr

Part-time

Posted 9 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Making It SewFun — Part-Time Adult Sewing Instructor


Making It SewFun is seeking a part-time Adult Sewing Instructor who is skilled, confident, and passionate about teaching the craft of sewing to adult learners. This is an opportunity to lead a classroom of motivated adult students in a structured, supportive, creative environment on Chicago's South Side.


About the Role


This role is designed for an advanced sewist who can meet adult learners exactly where they start — which, for most of our students, is at the very beginning. Our adult students — men and women — enter the You Can Make It® program as beginners and progress through a structured seven-level curriculum that builds foundational skills and takes them from basic garment construction to advanced garment construction. You will need the technical depth to teach the full range of that journey, and the patience and instinct to make every step feel achievable, encouraging, and rewarding for an adult learning something new.


Responsibilities
  • Open and close the studio according to established procedures
  • Deliver structured lessons aligned with our You Can Make It® curriculum
  • Demonstrate advanced sewing techniques with clarity and confidence
  • Guide students through sewing pattern reading, fitting, and alteration
  • Assist students in troubleshooting construction challenges
  • Conduct fittings and demonstrate pattern adjustments for a range of body variations
  • Ensure safe and appropriate use of all sewing equipment and tools
  • Record attendance and complete student evaluation sheets
  • Communicate supply needs and class updates to students as needed


Qualifications
  • Minimum 7 years of sewing experience, personal or professional
  • Advanced proficiency in garment construction, fitting, and pattern alteration
  • Ability to read, explain, and work from commercial and PDF sewing patterns with confidence
  • Experience teaching or instructing adults in sewing or a related creative skill
  • Ability to adapt instruction for students at different skill levels within the same class
  • Strong communication skills — clear, encouraging, and technically precise
  • Comfortable leading a class independently from open to close
  • One year of formal teaching or training experience preferred


About Making It SewFun


Making It SewFun opened its doors in 2004 with a belief that sewing education deserved more than a one-size-fits-all approach — not just classes, but a structured, intentional pathway that takes every student seriously and meets them where they are.


Twenty years and more than 1,000 students later, that belief has grown into something bigger. Making It SewFun is not just a sewing school. We are a creative education hub on the South Side of Chicago where serious practitioners and passionate teachers do meaningful work together.


If you are looking for more than just a part-time job — if you want to be part of a purpose-driven community that is genuinely changing lives through creativity — this is the place for you.


Location

9107 S. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60643

makingitsewfun.com


If you are an advanced sewist who loves sharing the craft with adult learners, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and bring your expertise to the Making It SewFun family.



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