Careers

Freelance Sewing & Upcycling Instructor/Tutor

Location: Primarily Co. Roscommon and surrounding counties; however, we welcome applications from across Ireland as we aim to grow our workshop offering nationwide
Contract Type: Freelance / Panel-Based (Ad Hoc)

About CycleUp Textiles

CycleUp Textiles is a circular economy social enterprise under Roscommon Women’s Network. We transform waste textiles into high-quality products while delivering training, education, and employment opportunities within the community.

As our workshop programme continues to grow, we are expanding our panel of freelance instructors to support delivery across a range of locations and groups.

Role Overview

We are seeking experienced and passionate sewing and upcycling instructors to join our freelance panel. Successful applicants will be contacted on a needs basis to deliver workshops and training sessions for a variety of groups, including beginners, community groups, schools, and vulnerable participants.

This role is ideal for individuals who are highly skilled in sewing and enjoy sharing their knowledge in a supportive, engaging way.

Key Responsibilities

Deliver sewing and upcycling workshops to groups of varying skill levels
Provide clear, hands-on instruction in both hand and machine sewing
Support participants in developing confidence and practical skills
Adapt teaching style to suit diverse groups, including beginners and vulnerable individuals
Assist with workshop setup and basic materials preparation where required

Skills & Experience

Extensive experience in sewing, dressmaking, or textiles
Strong competency using sewing machines
Experience or familiarity with upcycling (e.g. garment deconstruction and reconstruction) is an advantage
Previous teaching, tutoring or workshop facilitation experience is desirable but not essential
Comfortable working with groups, including children and vulnerable adults

Personal Qualities

Patient, kind, and encouraging teaching style
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Reliable and flexible
Passionate about sustainability, creativity, and community engagement

Availability & Requirements

Availability on weekdays and/or weekends
Full, clean Category B driving licence preferred
- (Alternatively, access to reliable transport)
Garda Vetting desirable (can be arranged if required)

Contract & Payment

This is a paid freelance role, with instructors engaged on a per-workshop or per-project basis
Rates will be agreed in advance depending on the workshop type, duration, and location
Instructors will be contracted and paid through Roscommon Women's Network
Instructors will be required to submit an invoice for completed work in order to receive payment

Who This Role May Suit

Retired or semi-retired dressmakers or seamstresses/tailors
Retired Home Economics teachers (or those available during school holidays)
Experienced hobbyists or makers with strong technical skills and a passion for teaching