Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
•   Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Training and Teaching Others Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Working Life

Sewing machinists stitch fabric by guiding it through a sewing machine to make up garments. They usually use one particular machine to sew one part of the garment, such as the collar or waistband. However, some machinists make a complete garment, especially in knitwear.  
 
Team working is being introduced in some companies, so machinists can become multi-skilled operators. This makes the work more interesting, as the machinist has a variety of tasks to do.  
 
Tasks may include lockstitching, overlocking, cup seaming and bar tacking. The sewing machinist has to thread up the machine, perform the required machining process, check for mistakes, and correct faults. The material is then passed on to the next stage. Work is organised into dosens.  
 
Lockstitching, in particular, requires a high level of skill and is used for a wide variety of operations.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Monitor machine operation to detect problems such as defective stitching, breaks in thread, or machine malfunctions.
• Place spools of thread, cord, or other materials on spindles, insert bobbins, and thread ends through machine guides and components.
• Position items under needles, using marks on machines, clamps, templates, or cloth as guides.
• Guide garments or garment parts under machine needles and presser feet to sew parts together.
• Remove holding devices and finished items from machines.
• Match cloth pieces in correct sequences prior to sewing them, and verify that dye lots and patterns match.
• Fold or stretch edges or lengths of items while sewing to facilitate forming specified sections.
• Cut excess material or thread from finished products.
• Select supplies such as fasteners and thread, according to job requirements.
• Examine and measure finished articles to verify conformance to standards, using rulers.

Further Information

• Clothing Alteration Hand- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Sewing Machinist- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Some Sewing Machinists can enter the Industry from school. Applicants may be given a machine test on a sample of work. This indicates whether the applicant has the aptitude for machining and the ability to carry out precise instructions. Entry to trades is often by access to Textile Design Guilds & Associations

Training is provided 'on the job' as employees enter the sewing industry for the first time. The employee begins training in a workshop and learns how to use the machines, how to assemble a garment, find and repair faults, clean, oil and thread machines, change needles, and follow safety procedures.

People interested in a career in Textile & Design can choose from a variety of PLC options at Colleges of Further Education, many of which offer courses in textiles, fashion, or creative design.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: manufacturing, textiles, retail.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: fashion, design, creative textile, sewing, fashion portfolio.

Search for PLC Courses

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €25k - €36k

Salaries Vary by employer, location, role, duties, shift pattern, and experience.

Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Payscale/ Glassdoor

Last Updated: February, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Assemblers (electrical and electronic products), Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods), Routine inspectors and testers, Weighers, graders and sorters, Tyre, exhaust and windscreen fitters, Sewing machinists, Assemblers and routine operatives n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

A large decline in employment levels in 2023 for this occupation (by 6,100 persons) resulted in a below average growth rate. The share of non-Irish citizens, at 28%, was above the national average and over a third employed held third-level qualifications, indicating that over-qualification may be a factor for some persons in these roles.

• Design & Craft Council of Ireland

  • Castle Yard, Kilkenny
  • (056) 77 61804
  • Click Here