Sewing Machinist

Also known as:

Machinist, Sewing

Introduction

Sewing machinists work in clothing factories. They use sewing machines to make up garments or parts of garments. Most machinists specialise in operating one type of machine. There are a variety of machines that perform different tasks, eg, overlocking.

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Work Activities

Sewing machinists stitch fabric by guiding it through a sewing machine to make up garments. They usually use one particular machine to sew one part of the garment, such as the collar or waistband. However, some machinists make a complete garment, especially in knitwear.

Team working is being introduced in some companies, so machinists can become multi-skilled operators. This makes the work more interesting, as the machinist has a variety of tasks to do.

Tasks may include lockstitching, overlocking, cup seaming and bar tacking. The sewing machinist has to thread up the machine, perform the required machining process, check for mistakes, and correct faults. The material is then passed on to the next stage. Work is organised into dozens.

Lockstitching, in particular, requires a high level of skill and is used for a wide variety of operations.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You need to be practical with good hand skills and good eyesight. You must follow instructions, and work quickly and accurately. You will probably have to sit down all day while working and must not mind doing repetitive tasks.

Different skills are required for different fabrics. You also have to transfer skills between styles of clothing, so you must be flexible.

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Pay and Opportunities

Sewing machinists are usually paid on piecework rates.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Sewing machinists earn in the range of £210 - £230 a week, rising to £240 - £280. Higher earners can make around £320 a week.

Machinists usually work a basic 39-hour week, which may include early starts and shift work. There are opportunities for part-time work, and working from home.

Sewing machinists are employed throughout the UK. Employers are firms in the clothing industry, ranging from those with a few machinists to large companies with many staff.

Opportunities exist in lingerie, leisurewear, knitwear, hosiery, and dressmaking. Other employers in the textile industries include soft furnishing and bedding manufacturers.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Practical skills and abilities gained in the clothing manufacturing industry, using machinery, can be helpful.

An interest in fashion and design can also be useful.

• 13% of sewing machinists are self-employed.
• 29% work part-time.
• 8% have flexible hours.
• 8% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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New Developments

This occupation may involve homeworking.  Find out more about Working from home.