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Sewing machinist

sewing machine operator seamstress
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Manufacturing and production
Produce

Career outlook for sewing machinist

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£15,500

Experienced

£21,000

Currently employed in Scotland

2,700

Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

You would stitch pieces of material together to make products such as clothes and furniture.

You would:

  • Choose the right sewing machine settings for each job
  • Feed fabric sections through the machine
  • Stitch together clothing or fabric products
  • Check that finished work matches pattern instructions
  • Clean, oil and look after machines
  • Follow health and safety guidelines

You would need to be good at following plans.

You could specialise on one machine such as a flatbed, or use a number of machines to produce different finishes. You might also use computerised sewing machines that read from a digital design pattern.

You may work with a variety of fabrics, such as cotton, synthetics, wool and leather, and on a number of different product lines. You may stitch industrial textiles, for example those used in making sails or car mats.

Working conditions

Hours

In a full-time job you would usually work around 40 hours a week. This could be on a shift basis, and early starts are common. There may be opportunities for overtime or part-time hours.

Environment

You would normally work as part of a team in a factory and spend most of your time sitting at a machine. The work can be repetitive and factories can be noisy.

UK employment status

Full-time

65%

Part-time

21%

Self employed

14%

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  • Reliable
  • Time management
  • Taking initiative
  • Managing resources
  • Implementing ideas
  • Concentrating
  • Attention to detail
  • Cooperating
  • Observation
  • Problem solving

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Qualifications

There are no formal qualifications required to enter this role but some employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF level 4/5. 

It may be helpful to gain a fashion and textile National Certificate, National Qualification or BTEC Diploma (SCQF level 5/6).

To enter a relevant National Certificate, National Qualification or BTEC Diploma (SCQF level 5/6) you will require a minimum of four subjects at National 4 or three subjects at National 5.

Useful subjects

  • English
  • Maths
  • Fashion and Textile technologies

Helpful to have

Relevant work-based qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Manufacturing Textile Products (SVQ level 1/2/3) or be willing to work towards qualifications once in a job.