Sewing machinist
Stitch pieces of material together to make products such as clothes and furniture.
Also known as: sewing machine operator, seamstress
About the job
What it's 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.
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.
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Related industries
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Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- sewing
- garment alterations
- textiles
- garment construction
- production process
- manufacturing processes
- regulatory compliance
- photo stitching
- machine operation
- upholstery
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- problem solving
- observation
- cooperating
- attention to detail
- concentrating
- implementing ideas
- managing resources
- taking initiative
- time management
- reliable
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Fashion and Textile Technology (Home economics)
Practical Craft Skills
Skills for Work: Creative Industries
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.
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.
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