Footwear hand sewer
Also known as: shoes hand sewer, hand sewer, shoes, shoes hand stitcher, mocassin sewer, mocassin hand stitcher
About this occupation
Footwear hand sewers join the cut pieces of leather and other materials using simple tools, such as needles, pliers and scissors to produce the uppers. Also, they perform hand stitches for decorative purposes or for assembling the uppers to soles in case of complete footwear.
A specialisation of shoemaker.
Essential skills and knowledge
- footwear manufacturing technology
- footwear components
- footwear materials
- apply pre-stitching techniques
- footwear stitching techniques
- work in textile manufacturing teams
- footwear quality
- pre-stitching processes and techniques for footwear and leather goods
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic (O*NET 51-4062.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Read and interpret blueprints or drawings of parts to be cast or patterns to be made, compute dimensions, and plan operational sequences.
- Verify conformance of patterns or template dimensions to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, scales, and micrometers.
- Assemble pattern sections, using hand tools, bolts, screws, rivets, glue, or welding equipment.
- Repair and rework templates and patterns.
- Clean and finish patterns or templates, using emery cloths, files, scrapers, and power grinders.
- Set up and operate machine tools, such as milling machines, lathes, drill presses, and grinders, to machine castings or patterns.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Artistic
Top skills: Operation and Control, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Operations Monitoring, Quality Control Analysis, Active Listening
US median pay: US$58,000 a year (2025), 1,470 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (4.1)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (4.0)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (4.0)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (3.9)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
- Patternmakers, Wood
- Tool and Die Makers
- Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
- Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
- Etchers and Engravers
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
- Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.