A sample mechanic creates clothing mockups for designers and developers, using industrial sewing machines and techniques for mass production. They work with designers to discuss fabrics and materials, and may use CNC equipment and CAD. Training can be on the job or through technical school.
A sample mechanic prepares clothing mockups for review by designers and developers. This job requires familiarity with industrial sewing machines and the techniques used in the mass production of clothing. In addition to producing samples during the development process, the sample mechanic may also be involved in the development of models and patterns for mass production. Employment opportunities may be available at clothing factories, fashion houses and small clothing companies that focus on specialty items.
As the garment progresses, the swatch mechanic may meet with the designers to discuss fabrics and other materials. Using drawings to show how the garment should look and how it should be constructed, sample machinists can produce examples in fabrics, leather and other materials requested by the designer. These can be shown to the development team to allow for tweaks to change the fit and style. Once the design is finalized, the company can move into full-scale production with the assistance of templates established by the sample mechanic.
Every garment produced by a sample mechanic is handled with care. Machinists use techniques similar to those employed on the actual production line to create polished, finished parts that resemble items that will be sold in stores. As they work, they can think about how to optimize production to make the assembly line easier. This can include cutting fabric efficiently with minimal waste, as well as developing seams and other features that will be easy to sew.
In addition to industrial sewing machines, some companies use computer numerical control (CNC) equipment in the production of clothing. Sample machinists may need to get comfortable with this equipment so that they can program it to complete sewing tasks and note any issues that occur during garment construction. Familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD) can be helpful, as some designers may provide CAD renderings of their designs and may expect the sample mechanic to work with them.
Training to become a sample mechanic can take place on the job, starting at a lower ranking position and working at a company. Another option is to attend courses at a technical or trade school to learn about industrial sewing and gain experience with CNC machines. Such training can be a useful qualification for working in a competitive market where employers may prefer to hire people with experience to reduce the time needed to invest in training their new staff.
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