Sample Machinist
What is the work like?
Sample machinists are a key part of the design team in clothing manufacturing. Their work involves producing samples or 'mock-ups' of garments to show designers or customers how the finished items will look. They work with a variety of materials, such as cotton, wool and leather.
As a sample machinist, you may work on a number of different product lines or concentrate on a particular style, for example sportswear.
When making up sample garment, you would:
- follow fabric, colour and size instructions from the designer, pattern cutter and garment technologist
- stitch sections together and add labels to each section
- press the garment to give it a 'finished' appearance.
Once you have made a 'mock-up' garment, you would:
- advise the design team about the best way to construct it
- discuss any 'tweaks' to the design instructions before the item goes into production
- return the sample for final approval before manufacturing begins.
As an experienced sample machinist, you would carry out quality control checks during a production run and you may help the other machinists during busy periods. You may also work directly with customers who supply their own design details.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You would normally move into this job after gaining experience as a sewing machinist on a production line (see Sewing Machinist profile for more details).
Alternatively, you could take a college course in creative arts, which would cover some of the skills needed to get started in this career. Courses like the City & Guilds in Design and Craft, levels 1 to 3, includes options in:
- Sewing Machine Techniques
- Machine Knit Textiles
- Machine Embroidery
- Tailoring
- Pattern Cutting.
You may also be able to get into this work through an Apprenticeship scheme with a clothing manufacturer or textiles company. Some companies may ask for a number of GCSEs before offering you a place. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
For more details about roles in the clothing and textiles industries, visit the Can U Cut It? website.
What further training and development can I do?
Once working, your employer may provide training covering different production methods, techniques, fabrics and product types.
You could go on to take a range of courses that may help your career prospects, for example:
- NVQ in Manufacturing Sewn Products Level 2
- ABC Awards in Fashion and Textiles, or Sewing and Textiles
- ABC Level 3 Award in Sample Production Techniques: Clothing
- Certificate and Diploma in Apparel / Footwear Production at levels 2 and 3.
Where can I go for more information?
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Sample machinists may earn between £11,000 and £18,000 a year.
- With experience, this can rise to between £20,000 and £30,000.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work around 37 hours a week. Occasionally, you may need to cover additional hours to meet deadlines.
You would work alongside the design team in an office, away from the main production area, to allow you to share ideas quickly and easily.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent sewing skills (hand and machine)
- a flexible and creative approach
- a knowledge of production methods
- an understanding of fabric types and their uses
- an interest in design and basic understanding of design methods
- the ability to communicate ideas clearly
- good listening skills.
What opportunities are there?
There is often a steady demand for skilled and experienced sample machinists. With the right experience, you may get the opportunity to progress to higher-level technical roles or quality control (see Garment Technologist and Quality Control Technician profiles for more information). Alternatively, you could use your knowledge of the production process to move into clothing design.
Jobs can be advertised in the local press, Jobcentre Plus, in industry magazines like Textile Horizons and Textile Month and on websites such as Drapers.
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