Sample Sewer & Cutting Assistant

Coda Search│Staffing; Gardena (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Coda Search in Gardena, CA seeks a Temporary Sample Sewer & Cutting Assistant to join our apparel design and denim innovation studio on-site, Monday–Friday. You will assist in prototyping, fabric prep, cutting, and finishing, turning patterns into finished garments for fit checks under mentor guidance.

You will collaborate with technical design and production teams, operate industrial sewing machines, and follow tech packs to minimize waste while upholding safety in a fast-paced studio

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional sample-sewing experience within apparel manufacturing, an atelier, or a design studio.
• Familiarity with denim, twill, and stretch woven/knit textiles preferred.
• Able to read specification sheets, markers, and pattern templates.

Responsibilities

• Interpret tech packs, cut tickets, pattern cards, and sewing directives.
• Construct full prototype garments using industrial sewing machinery (overlock, coverstitch, flatlock).
• Perform precise sample alterations and rework based on fitting notes.
• Support fabric preparation and staging of textile yardage and rolls.
• Build cutting-room proficiency under mentorship of senior cutters.
• Prepare and cut shrinkage test swatches and ensure tracking tags and spec sheets are attached.
• Conduct quality control checks to match technical design standards.
• Manage daily sample queues to meet deadlines.
• Collaborate with patternmakers, designers, and shop leads to resolve construction questions.

Skills

Sample sewing

Industrial sewing

Reading tech packs

English communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Single-needle machines

Overlock

Coverstitch

Flatlock

Job description

Position Title:

Temporary Sample Sewer & Cutting Assistant

Schedule:

Full-time, On-site (Monday - Friday)

About the Company:

Our client is a established apparel design and denim innovation facility operating under a prominent international fashion retail group. Committed to craftsmanship, advanced textile development, and sustainable design practices, we foster a collaborative studio environment where team members can build their craft and advance alongside our global brand portfolio.

Role Overview:

The Sample Sewer and Cutting Assistant plays a key role in the prototyping cycle by assembling high-grade garment samples and supporting raw material handling, fabric prep, cutting, and finishing. Collaborating closely with technical design and production teams, you will turn flat patterns and tech packs into finished garments for fit evaluations, wash treatments, and production testing, while gaining hands-on training from seasoned sample cutters.

Key Responsibilities:

• Interpret tech packs, cut tickets, pattern cards, and sewing directives provided by design and technical development teams.
• Construct full prototype garments using industrial sewing machinery, including specialized operations such as overlock, coverstitch, and flatlock.
• Perform precise sample alterations and rework based on fitting notes and construction feedback.
• Support fabric preparation by moving, staging, and relaxing textile yardage and rolls alongside sample cutters.
• Build cutting-room proficiency under the mentorship of senior cutters.
• Prepare, measure, and cut shrinkage test swatches and fabric blankets; ensure all trial pieces carry correct tracking tags and spec sheets.
• Conduct quality control checks on finished pieces to guarantee alignment with technical design standards and measurements.
• Manage daily sample queues to ensure prototypes meet production and fitting deadlines.
• Partner with patternmakers, designers, and shop leads to resolve construction questions and minimize material waste.
• Keep tools, machinery, trims, and workstation clean, calibrated, and well organized.
• Adhere strictly to shop safety guidelines when running high-speed machinery and handling cutting implements.

Qualifications & Background:

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent practical trade experience.
• 3+ years of professional sample-sewing experience within apparel manufacturing, an atelier, or a design studio.
• Prior experience handling denim, twill, and stretch woven/knit textiles preferred.
• Familiarity with industrial machines (single-needle, overlock, coverstitch, and flatlock).
• Competence in reading specification sheets, markers, and paper/digital pattern templates.
• Comfortable handling fractional measurements and standard garment-sizing math.
• Solid communication skills in English; bilingual proficiency in Spanish is a strong plus.

Core Skills & Competencies:

• Eagerness to expand skills in precision cutting and technical garment construction.
• Meticulous eye for stitch consistency, tension, seam integrity, and finished garment details.
• Dexterity and steady hand-eye coordination for delicate and heavy-duty sewing operations.
• Strong time management to balance multiple quick-turn proto requests simultaneously.
• Safety-first mindset with a collaborative, adaptable team approach.