Fabric Assistant

Job Title: Fabric Assistant (Part Time)

Location: Vancouver, WA on-site

The Challenge and The Opportunity 

As our Fabric Cutting Assistant, you will assist the Merchandising Team with fabric-related duties that aid in the production of quilt samples and exclusive fabric collections. Your role will be key in creating an efficient workflow to help maximize the output of fabric and quilt samples. You will come to have deep product knowledge and be the in-house expert that helps the team maintain a timely schedule during our production process. 

Your primary responsibilities will include: 

• Gather supplies and cut fabric to send to contract sewers. 
• Prepare new fabric samplers for photography. 
• Sew samples and machine quilts small projects for Connecting Threads catalogs and website, noting and discussing any pattern errors with the designer. 
•  Prepare backings for finished quilt tops being sent to long-arm quilters; trims and sews binding on finished quilts upon their return. 
• Organize and maintain incoming fabric samples, batting, thread, and other tools and supplies used in the sewing center. 

In 30 days, you will have a basic understanding of the fabric lines, ancillary components, and systems to manage them and where the information lives, etc.  

In 60 days, you will be working with the product, assisting both fabric design and production, updating and requesting product information, having a solid understanding of the tools and systems to manage products, and where to gather and store information, etc.  

In 90 days, you will have a full understanding of product lines and product needs, be able to jump in as needed with production-related duties, and assist with production samples and design assets.  

The Company 

Local Crafts, (formerly Premier Needle Arts), manages a variety of well-known brands, including Connecting Threads, Superior Threads, Jimmy Beans Wool, Madeline Tosh, DellaQ, Knit Picks, Crochet.com and Berroco. Our hands-on approach helps us provide fabrics, threads, yarns, and tools that meet our customers' preferences while maintaining exceptional quality. 

Available through dedicated consumer websites, Amazon, wholesale distributors, local retail partners, and consumer shows, our products are loved by craft enthusiasts at every level. We help our customers love what they make! 

As an equal opportunity employer, Local Crafts is committed to creating and maintaining a supportive and inclusive work environment. We empower each team member to reach their full potential and foster an atmosphere that inspires creativity among our customers. 

• Knowledge of quilting cotton, fabric design, sewing, and/or thread.  
• Working knowledge of sewing machines and sewing terms.  
• Ability to see color accurately and be able to read and understand quilting patterns. 
• The ability to cut fabric accurately using a rotary cutter and ruler safely. 
• Maintain a flexible schedule to arrive early based on fabric shipments and sewist pick-up/drop-offs. 
• Basic math skills and ability to understand and work in spreadsheets and databases (emphasis on Excel and Google Sheets).  

Nice to have: 

• Genuine interest in the quilt and craft industry with an emphasis in development and production.  
• Familiarity working in textile production and with overseas vendors preferred but not required.  

Physical Requirements:  

• Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time, as well as bend, stoop, reach and lift up to 30 lbs. 

Compensation 

$17.00/hour to $19.00/hour, DOE 

15-19 hours/week 

Employee discount at all Local Crafts Companies!