Hiring A Freelance Sample Machinist
Sample Machinists.
53. In London the best sample machinists are in high demand, while less experienced machinists may struggle to find work. This inevitably means that the best sample machinists are always busy.
Not all fashion designers and small clothing businesses can afford to employ full time sample machinists, especially if they want the best. They need more flexibility, even if at a higher hourly rate.
Full time sample machinists in London earn £12000 – £30000 per year, depending on experience and ability. A freelance sample machinists may charge £15 – £40 per hour.
The best freelance sample machinists are kept constantly busy, either working in-house, for one of the thousands of fashion brands throughout London. Or from their own home Some or sampling studio.
London used to have many sampling and small production studios set up in peoples homes. They would create samples, repeats, and do small runs.
An experienced sample machinist can earn far more freelancing than as a full time machinists, although their income is not guaranteed, and they do not get the same benefits as full timers.
Most sample machinists will also provide sample cutting services. Some will provide limited pattern cutting services, although it is generally best to employ specialist pattern cutters where possible.
Many Fashion Designers are not keen to risk losing their best machinists by recommending them to others, so you cannot always find reliable and experienced machinists through recommendation.
A good sample machinist is an essential part of any fashion business, not just because they produce high quality samples, but because they can spot potential problems before manufacture, and can suggest more efficient ways to make a garment.
The sample machinist usually works directly with the pattern cutter, providing them with useful feedback about the pattern, the fabric, and the construction of the sample.
Some sample machinists are very good at machining, but not so good at giving the feedback essential for the high quality results we require.
A careless sample machinist may take an inaccurate pattern and force the fabric pieces to fit together without pointing out any pattern faults, or potential problems.
This means that the final pattern may be graded with all the faults intact. Then these faults may only be discovered when the style goes into production.
The factory may just sew the garments in the same faulty manner as the sample, or they may insist that the patterns are altered before manufacture.
Sample Machinist. Or Sewing Machinist. Seamstress. Or dressmaker.
Some people new to the fashion business may not be aware of the difference between a sample machinist, a seamstress, or a dress maker. A sample machinist is someone who has the skills and knowledge to make a garment efficiently, just as a factory would do.
They dont just make the garment – They work with the pattern cutter to find the best and most cost effective way of making.
Our Sewing Services.
We at The London Pattern Cutter, specialise in producing high end sampling and production services for small fashion businesses and new designers throughout the UK.
We have skilled sample machinists and specialist machinery for every type of fabric, and every type of garment. We have a swimwear department with all the specialist machinery that requires.
We have a multi talented team of fashion industry experts to help with new startup brands too.
We have experts in all areas of garment making, from sportswear and lingerie, to streetwear and tailoring. We only use the best sample machinists, experienced in their own fields and skilled with using our specialist sewing machinery.
EMAIL [email protected]
Employing a Freelance Sample Machinist.
Because sample making is so important, it is worth trying to find the best freelance sample machinist you can afford.
Normally we would advise finding a good pattern cutter first, because the pattern cutter should work with a sample machinist they know can do the job properly, at an affordable price.
The very best freelance sample machinists will be able to make most anything you can throw at them, as long as they have the machinery to do the job.
But freelance sample machinists, just like pattern cutters, will normally specialise in a certain area, such as tailoring, evening dresses, lingerie, sportswear, or swimwear.
The longer a sample machinist has been freelance, the better is the chance that they can do a wide range of styles.
As mentioned, the freelance sample machinist does have to have the required machinery for the job, although sometimes they will just have to produce a sample that is not entirely as the factory would make it.
For instance, most freelance sample machinists dont have specialist swimwear machinery, but they may be able to mock up a swimwear garment adequately for its purpose.
EMAIL [email protected]