Sewing Machine Operator

ClearStaff, Inc.; Illinois; On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

ClearStaff Inc. is seeking seamstresses for Summer 2026 to operate industrial sewing machines at our Illinois facility. You will work with double-needle, cover-stitch, serger, and standard sewing tasks to produce garments to specification.

The role requires 40 hours per week, Monday–Friday, with a focus on accuracy, reliability, and the ability to switch tasks quickly. Fluency in Spanish or English (or both) is preferred, and candidates will be tested during interviews.

Qualifications

• Prior experience using industrial sewing machines is required.
• Experience with 2+ machine types: single needle, cover-stitch, serger/overlock, or double needle.
• Knowledge of basic garment assembly and multi-step construction.
• Must be able to commute to the workplace reliably.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English is preferred.
• Sewers will be tested during the interview.
• Must be available to work 40 hours Monday–Friday.

Responsibilities

• Complete orders efficiently and cleanly during daily shifts.
• Meet or exceed quotas.
• General machine operating knowledge.
• Re-threading, needle replacement, winding bobbins.
• Perform general machine maintenance such as cleaning and minor repairs.

Skills

Sewing machine operation

Attention to detail

Reliability

Communication skills

Tools

Industrial sewing machines

Job description

Job Description

Skills:

• Proven experience (1-2 years) as a sewing machine operator (Juki cover-stitch, double needle, single needle, and serger)
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and switch between tasks when asked
• Strong sense of responsibility and accountability
• Reliable attendance and reliable transportation
• Attention to detail
• Must be able to sit or stand for long hours throughout shift depending on the given task
• Must be able to understand process specifications and use them to complete the assigned task.
• Great communication skills

Responsibilities:

• Complete given orders efficiently and cleanly during daily shifts
• Meet or exceed given quotas for the day
• General machine operating knowledge
• Re-threading machine, replacing needles, and winding bobbins
• Perform general machine maintenance such as cleaning and small repairs

Candidate Qualifications for Seamstress (for agency):

• Candidate must have prior experience using industrial sewing machines.
• Must have experience with 2 or more of the following machine types: o Single needle straight stitch o Cover-stitch o Serger/overlock o Double Needle Straight stitch
• Knowledge of basic garment assembly. We require our seamstresses to do more than one step of the process, such as only sewing on a collar, so knowing how a basic garment is put together is key.
• Must be able to reliably commute to and from work.
• Fluent in Spanish, English, or bilingual
• Sewers will be tested during their interview
• Must be able to work 40hrs Monday-Friday
• Must present a resume with applicable working history Seamstresses needed for Summer 2026

Season:

• Double Needle Straight Stitch – 5 seamstresses o Experience using a double needle machine and o Experience using a flat- felled folder/hemmer
• Single Needle, Serger, Cover-stitch – 16 Seamstresses o Experience with basic garment assembly o Designated machine experience o Zipper installation experience (preferred not required)

Company Description

ClearStaff Inc. - an industrial staffing company - We place candidates with the right skill sets to perform their duties, and match every candidate to the right job where they can succeed.