Career outlook for sewing machinist
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
£17,680
Currently employed in Scotland
2,500
Average UK salary
£17,680
Currently employed in Scotland
2,500
"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "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
Environment
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.
Related industries
