Lead Sewing & Fashion Design Instructor

Calling all fashion designers, sewing enthusiasts, and creative educators!

The Fashion Class is coming to Ladue, and we're building an incredible team of talented, energetic instructors who love fashion, creativity, and working with kids.

Our studio offers hands-on sewing and fashion design classes, camps, workshops, and birthday parties where students learn real skills, use real sewing machines, and create projects they're proud to wear and take home.

We're looking for fun, outgoing, highly skilled designers who can bring their creativity, technical expertise, and enthusiasm into the classroom.

About the Role

As a Lead Sewing & Fashion Design Instructor, you'll lead engaging sewing classes, camp sessions, workshops, and birthday parties for children and teens.

You'll guide students through our established curriculum, teach proper sewing techniques, keep projects on schedule, and create a safe, welcoming environment where creativity and confidence thrive.

Our ideal instructor is equally comfortable constructing a garment, troubleshooting a sewing machine, and encouraging a student who has never sewn before.

Key Responsibilities

Lead engaging, well-organized sewing and fashion design classes for children and teens.
Teach students how to safely operate sewing machines, follow patterns, and construct wearable garments and accessories.
Guide students through projects while maintaining the designated curriculum and class schedule.
Demonstrate sewing techniques, garment construction, and age-appropriate design skills.
Troubleshoot sewing machines, threading issues, tension problems, and other common equipment challenges.
Adapt instruction to accommodate different ages, skill levels, and learning styles.
Create an upbeat, encouraging classroom environment that makes students excited to return.
Supervise and collaborate with assistant instructors.
Prepare and organize classroom materials, sewing machines, and project supplies.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom.
Support specialty workshops, birthday parties, and seasonal camps as scheduled.
Communicate professionally with parents and studio management regarding student progress and classroom needs.

Required Qualifications

Strong sewing skills, including machine operation, garment construction, pattern reading, and basic alterations.
Demonstrated experience creating finished garments, costumes, accessories, or other sewn projects.
Ability to confidently operate and troubleshoot domestic sewing machines.
Ability to explain and demonstrate sewing techniques clearly to beginners.
Outgoing, engaging personality with a genuine enthusiasm for teaching children and teens.
Strong classroom management, communication, and organizational skills.
Patience, adaptability, and the ability to encourage students with varying skill levels.
Dependability, professionalism, and the ability to manage a class independently.
Willingness to follow The Fashion Class curriculum and instructional standards.

Preferred Qualifications

Degree or coursework in fashion design, apparel design, costume design, textiles, or a related creative field.
Professional experience as a fashion designer, seamstress, tailor, costume designer, or sewing instructor.
Previous teaching experience with children or teens.
Experience with garment fitting, alterations, patternmaking, or fashion illustration.
Background in theater costuming, bridal alterations, fashion production, or independent apparel design.
Experience leading creative workshops, summer camps, or enrichment programs.

A fashion degree is not required. We welcome self-taught designers and experienced sewing professionals who can demonstrate excellent technical skills and a passion for teaching.

Portfolio & Interview Requirements

Candidates selected for an interview will be required to bring samples of their work.

Please be prepared to share:

3–5 examples of garments, costumes, accessories, or other sewing projects you've personally created.
At least one physical sample of your sewing work, when possible, so we can evaluate construction quality and finishing techniques.
A brief explanation of your design process, sewing techniques, and experience with patterns.

Photos or a digital portfolio are welcome for additional examples.

Selected candidates may also be asked to complete a brief sewing skills demonstration and explain a beginner-friendly technique as part of the interview process.

What We're Looking For

Beyond excellent sewing skills, we're looking for instructors with personality!

Someone who brings positive energy into the classroom, connects naturally with children, celebrates their creativity, and makes learning feel exciting.

We want students to leave each class feeling proud of what they've created and eager to come back.

Why Join The Fashion Class?

Creative, inspiring studio environment in the heart of Ladue.
Opportunity to share your fashion and sewing expertise with the next generation of designers.
Established curriculum and classroom support.
Flexible part-time opportunities, including classes, camps, workshops, and birthday parties.
Be part of the founding teaching team at our new Ladue location!

Ready to inspire the next generation of designers?

Apply today and tell us about your sewing experience, creative background, and why you'd love to teach at The Fashion Class Ladue!

Pay: From $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 3.0 – 15.0 per week

Benefits:

Paid training

Application Question(s):

Are you comfortable independently teaching garment construction and operating sewing machines?
Can you read commercial sewing patterns and troubleshoot common sewing machine issues?
Are you available weekday evenings and/or Saturdays?
Are you willing to bring 3–5 samples of your sewing work to an interview?

Experience:

Sewing: 5 years (Preferred)
teaching: 2 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person