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Sewing machinists follow patterns to create products like clothes, textiles, accessories and soft furnishings.
You could work: between 8am and 6pm; on shifts
As a sewing machinist, you would:
You could work in a factory, in a creative studio or from home.
Your working environment may be noisy.
You can get into this job through:
You could do a college course to learn some of the skills needed for this job.
Courses include:
You could apply to a manufacturing company for an apprenticeship, such as:
This may be helpful if you want to get into other skilled work like sample machining and knitwear production.
You'll usually need:
You could apply directly to work as a sewing machinist. Employers would normally expect you to have basic sewing machine skills and the ability to read and understand written pattern instructions. Most companies would ask you to take a practical test at the interview.
Experience of using different types of industrial sewing or knitting machines may give you an advantage.
You could get experience of using different fabrics and sewing techniques at home. Look out for short courses in adult education centres and online to help you develop your skills.
You can find out more about a career as a sewing machinist from:UKFT Futures; Discover Creative Careers
With experience, you could become a workshop supervisor, trainer or production manager.
You might also work as a sample machinist, making up product samples for a designer, dressmaker or tailor.