Sewing Machinist

Typical Salary

£14,000 To £21,000

Typical Hours

38 to 40 a week

early mornings on shifts

How To Become a Sewing Machinist

You can get into this job through:

a college course
an apprenticeship
applying directly

College / University

A college course could teach you the skills needed for this career. Relevant courses include:

Level 1 Award in Fashion - Sewing Machine Skills
Level 1 Certificate in Textiles

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through a sewing machinist intermediate apprenticeship.

some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

You could apply directly to work as a sewing machinist. Employers would normally expect you to have basic sewing skills and the ability to read and understand written pattern instructions. Most companies would ask you to take a practical test at the interview.

Sewing skills developed at home or on a college course could help you to get a job.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to work well with your hands
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
the ability to work well with others
the ability to work on your own
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
thinking and reasoning skills
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

changing machine settings for different jobs
feeding material through the machine
stitching together clothes or other items
checking finished work against the pattern instructions
cleaning and oiling machines
sewing different fabrics like cotton, wool, leather or industrial textiles

Working Environment

You could work in a factory.

Your working environment may be noisy and dusty.

Career Path & Progression

With experience you could work with a designer, or as a 'sample machinist', making up samples of products.

You could also become a supervisor or move into staff training, quality control or pattern cutting. You could set up your own business as a tailor or dressmaker.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Further information

You can find out more about using your sewing skills in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.