Did you know there are over 50 businesses in Tucson (and over 200 in Phoenix Metro) that require sewing machine operators and related jobs?
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​But here's the problem....Right now, the workforce is LOW. Industrial sewers, technicians, digital pattern makers, and 3D Modelers are needed more than ever.

So what's the solution?
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Provide a simplified and effective training program to grow the workforce, and create a hub for the industry in Arizona.

FREE OF CHARGE TO PARTICIPANTS
This is where we come in.

Learn more below about the program, our employer partnerships, our team, and more...

Are you an employer who would like to hire AZ Stitch Lab students and/or partner in some way with Tucson's AZ Stitch Lab?  

If so, click below to complete our Employer Survey.

Program Details
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Arizona Stitch Lab is a statewide workforce development program that aims to provide industrial sewing skills and training to our community at no cost to the participant. In our 6-week Basic Industrial Sewing Skills course students will learn the following: industrial machine operations, patterns, factory setting safety protocols, and construction and manufacturing.
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What will the training include? 

After training, where can I find work? 

Sample Training Topics 
The training program features 6-week courses in industrial sewing, digital pattern making, 3D modeling and entrepreneurship. There will also be training for sewing machine technicians and logistics and fulfillment. 
  • Sewing and Vacuum Stores
  • Embroidery
  • Interior Design Products including Window Treatments
  • Design/Promotional Businesses (Tshirts, hats, etc)
  • Airline/Automotive Interiors 
  • Apparel Manufacturing 
  • Canvas products for Boating/Awnings
  • Furniture Upholstery
  • Sample/Prototyping
  • Leatherwork
  • Clothing Boutiques
  • Tailors/Alteration businesses
  • Bridal/Special Occasion
  • ​NOTE: Careers in industrial sewing are expected to offer graduates starting wages of $15 an hour with annual earning potential as high as $75,000 to $100,000 as training is extended. ​
  • ​Safety
  • Sewing Terms/Language
  • Understanding Garment Construction
  • Upskill option: Other garments (specialty)
  • Patterns
    • ​a. Upskill option: Other garments (speciality)
    • ​b. Upskill option: Cutting
  • Stitch Types
    • Upskill Option: Speciality Machines
  • Machine Operations
  • ​ Hand Sewing 

Employer Partnerships (Tucson)
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Meet Our TUCSON AZ Stitch Lab Team

We're excited to share our AZ Stitch Lab team below. To read full bios, click here or click on the photos below.

STEPHANIE PIEROTTI

Statewide Executive Director, AZ Stitch Lab

MARIE TEEMANT

Instructor - TUCSON
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ERICA YNGVE

Founder, Sonoran Stitch Factory - TUCSON

DENNIS PHILLIPS

Instructor - TUCSON
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MAGGIE SALCEDO

Production Supervisor - TUCSON

SCOTT HATHCOCK

CEO, Moonshot (Nonprofit)
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Pascua Yaqui Tribe Partnership

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Arizona Stitch Lab also has established a unique relationship with the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, which the tribe will assist with sourcing candidates for each cohort for training organized by Moonshot. Tribal members may receive the following benefits:
  • Childcare Assistance
  • Program Participation Stipends
  • Travel Assistance

AZ Stitch Lab TUCSON Sponsors