A sample machinist creates clothing mockups for designers and developers to review. This job necessitates familiarity with industrial sewing machines and mass clothing production techniques. The sample machinist can be involved in the development of templates and patterns for mass production in addition to producing samples during the development process. Jobs in garment factories, fashion houses, and small clothing companies that specialize in specialty items may be available.
The sample machinist can meet with the designers to discuss fabrics and other materials as the clothing progresses through development. Sample machinists can create examples in fabric, leather, and other materials requested the designer using drawings to show what the garment should look like and how it should be constructed. These can be shown to the development team so that they can make changes to the fit and style as needed. With the help of templates established the sample machinist, the company can move into large-scale production once the design is finalized.
Each garment made a sample machinist is carefully handled. Machinists create finished, polished pieces that resemble the items that will be sold in stores using techniques similar to those used on the actual production line. They can think about how to streamline production to make things easier on an assembly line as they work. Cutting fabrics efficiently with minimal waste, as well as developing seams and other features that are simple to sew, are all examples of this.
Some companies use computer numerical control (CNC) equipment in their garment production in addition to industrial sewing machines. Sample machinists may need to be familiar with such machinery in order to program it to complete sewing tasks and keep track of any issues that arise during garment construction. Some designers may provide CAD renderings of their projects, and the sample machinist may expect to work with these.
Starting in a lower-ranking position and working your way up in a company can be a good way to learn how to become a sample machinist on the job. Another option is to take industrial sewing classes at a technical or trade school and gain experience on CNC machines. Such training can be a useful job qualification in a competitive market, where employers may prefer to hire people with experience to reduce the amount of time they need to invest in training their new personnel.