Sewers, Hand
Sew, join, reinforce, or finish, usually with needle and thread, a variety of manufactured items. Includes weavers and stitchers.
Common Job Titles
- Alteration Specialist
- Couturier
- Custom Clothier
- Seamstress
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onExecute hand-sewing techniques including joining, reinforcing, and finishing seams using needles, thread, and specialized hand tools on a variety of manufactured items.Developing
- Hands-onOperate embroidery machines and related sewing equipment following production specifications and quality standards.Developing
- KnowledgeIdentify defects, inconsistencies, and quality issues in sewn items through visual inspection during production processes.Developing
- KnowledgeApply time management and work prioritization strategies to meet production deadlines while maintaining quality standards.Developing
- Hands-onHandle measuring tools, fabric shears, and cutting implements to prepare materials and ensure accurate dimensions for sewing projects.Developing
- KnowledgeAnalyze work orders and pattern specifications to determine appropriate sewing techniques and material requirements.Developing
- KnowledgeApply quality control procedures and inspection standards to evaluate finished products before completion.Developing
- MindsetEngage in effective communication with supervisors and team members to clarify project requirements and coordinate workflow.Developing
- KnowledgeInterpret design specifications and technical drawings using embroidery design software and graphics digitizing tools.Developing
- Hands-onManipulate various fabrics and materials during weaving and stitching processes maintaining consistent tension and stitch quality throughout production.Developing
- KnowledgeApply problem-solving techniques to address sewing defects and equipment issues during production to minimize waste and maintain workflow efficiency.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Sewers, Hand (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
2,240
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $25,530. 25th percentile: U.S. $29,210. 50th percentile: U.S. $33,760. 75th percentile: U.S. $38,180. 90th percentile: U.S. $46,320. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $25,530 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $46,320 |
| Workers on average earn | $34,810 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Customer and Personal Service3.4/5
- Administration and Management3.0/5
- English Language2.9/5
- Mechanical2.5/5
- Education and Training2.4/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Technology Skills
- Adobe FreeHand MX
- Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
- Drawing software
- Embroidery design software
- Graphics digitizing software
- Template design software
Tools & Equipment
- Computer laser printers
- Embroidery machines
- Fabric shears
- Foot rules
- Gridded rulers
- Lacing fids
- Laptop computers
- Leather punches