Sewing Fabricator: Branches Mobile Gallery (Santa Barbara)
compensation: $22 / hour (DOE for advanced skills)
employment type: part-time / project-based
job title: Sewing Fabricator – Shade Canopies & Embellishments
LOOKING FOR WORK, A GREAT TEAM, AND INSPIRING PROJECTS TO BUILD TOGETHER? LOOK NO FURTHER!
We create beautiful shade structures with giant bamboo and colorful fabric canopies for the events industry and have been a successful project since 2016.
Branches Mobile Gallery is hiring temporary employees and independent contractors when applicable.
THE ROLE:
This role focuses on fabrication of shade canopies and decorative fabric elements (banners, valances, appliqué panels, trims) that integrate with our bamboo builds. You’ll translate sketches and measurements into durable, clean, production-ready pieces.
Core responsibilities
Measure, pattern, and cut textiles (mesh shade cloth, canvas, nylon, Sunbrella-type fabrics)
Operate walking-foot/industrial machines (e.g., Juki/Consew) for straight, zig-zag, and bartack seams
Install webbing, edge binding, reinforcement patches, and load points
Add grommets/eyelets, keder/rope edges, and buckle/ratchet interfaces
Perform finishing, labeling, and quality checks; document measurements for reorders
Collaborate with build leads to ensure correct fit, tensioning, and aesthetics
(Occasional) On-site fitting during installs and minor field adjustments
What we’re looking for
1–3+ years industrial or sail/tent/awning/upholstery sewing (or equivalent portfolio)
Accuracy with measuring, grain alignment, seam allowances, and repeatability
Comfortable reading simple drawings and converting notes into patterns
Organized, clean work habits; able to meet deadlines with minimal rework
Able to lift/move fabric rolls and materials up to 40–50 lbs
Nice to have: pattern drafting experience; hot-knife use; serger/binder attachments; appliqué
Characteristics of the work
Detail-oriented, safety-minded, and collaborative
Mix of shop fabrication with occasional on-site support
Tools, machines, and materials provided; appropriate shop attire and closed-toe shoes required
Schedule varies by project; typical fabrication windows precede Thurs–Sun event installs
COMPENSATION:
Sewing Fabricator compensation starts at $22/hr and may increase DOE (advanced patterning, sail/awning background, field fit expertise). Drive time for any required shop-to-site travel is paid at minimum wage. Most work originates from our Goleta, CA location; team transport options may be available for installs.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please reply via email with a brief intro and either a resume and/or a small portfolio (photos of sewn projects). If you’ve worked on sails, awnings, tents, upholstery, soft-goods, or stage décor, we’d love to see it.
EXAMPLES OF OUR PROJECTS:
For more about our work, visit: www.branchesmobilegallery.com
And
https://www.instagram.com/instaflyingshade?igsh=bnZ3aWF5NmtsM3Nm
