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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Lingerie Maker

💰 $45,000 - $80,000

FashionManufacturingDesignApparel

🎯 Role Definition

A Lingerie Maker is a specialized artisan and technician who transforms design concepts and patterns into tangible, beautifully crafted intimate apparel. This role is the bridge between design and production, requiring a high degree of technical sewing skill, an intimate knowledge of delicate materials like lace and silk, and a meticulous eye for detail. You will be responsible for constructing prototypes, fit samples, and sometimes small production runs, collaborating closely with designers and patternmakers to perfect the fit, feel, and function of each garment. This position is critical for upholding the brand's quality standards and ensuring every piece is both beautiful and impeccably made.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Apparel/Fashion Design Graduate
  • Seamstress/Tailor with an interest in delicates
  • Assistant Patternmaker

Advancement To:

  • Senior Lingerie Maker / Head Sample Maker
  • Sample Room Manager
  • Lingerie Technical Designer or Garment Technologist
  • Lingerie Patternmaker / Grader

Lateral Moves:

  • Swimwear Maker / Designer
  • Quality Control Specialist (Intimates)
  • Bespoke Corsetry Maker

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Expertly operate a variety of industrial sewing machines, including single needle lockstitch, overlock/serger, coverstitch, and zigzag, to construct complex intimate apparel.
  • Meticulously interpret and follow technical packages, design sketches, and pattern specifications to create high-quality first samples, prototypes, and showpieces.
  • Work with a diverse range of delicate, stretch, and challenging fabrics such as silk, chiffon, lace, powermesh, and microfiber, applying appropriate handling and sewing techniques.
  • Execute intricate sewing operations specific to lingerie, such as precise elastic application (picot, fold-over), underwire channeling, boning insertion, and hook-and-eye attachment.
  • Construct complex bra shapes and styles, including padded, non-padded, plunge, and full-coverage, ensuring symmetry, support, and a flawless finish.
  • Collaborate directly with designers and patternmakers during the development process, providing expert feedback on construction feasibility, garment fit, and potential quality issues.
  • Participate actively in fit sessions, offering insights on how construction adjustments can improve comfort, support, and the overall aesthetic of the garment on a live model.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve construction challenges, proposing alternative sewing methods or pattern modifications to enhance manufacturability and product quality.
  • Ensure all samples meet the brand's stringent quality standards for stitching, finishing, and overall appearance before they are presented for review.
  • Maintain a high level of precision and consistency across all sewn samples, ensuring duplicates for sales or PR are identical to the approved master sample.
  • Manage workflow and timelines effectively to meet tight deadlines for sample development and seasonal collection launches.
  • Cut sample fabrics with extreme accuracy, paying close attention to grainlines, fabric nap, and lace placement to ensure optimal garment drape and pattern matching.
  • Perform delicate finishing techniques by hand when required, such as applying appliqués, hand-tacking, or finishing delicate seams.
  • Maintain and perform basic troubleshooting on sewing machines and other equipment to ensure they are in optimal working condition.
  • Keep a detailed record of construction steps and sewing notes for each style to assist in the creation of production-ready technical packs.
  • Assist in the costing process by providing accurate estimates of the time required to construct a garment.
  • Develop and create mock-ups or stitch trials to test new construction techniques, trims, or fabrics before applying them to a final sample.
  • Adhere to all health and safety protocols within the sample room and studio environment.
  • Press and finish garments to a professional standard, using appropriate temperature and techniques for delicate materials.
  • Organize and manage fabric, trim, and component inventory for sampling, communicating any shortages to the relevant team members.

Secondary Functions

  • Support the design and technical teams by creating mock-ups and testing new construction techniques.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of sewing standards, quality control processes, and workshop organization.
  • Collaborate with the patternmaking team to translate design concepts into tangible, well-constructed garments.
  • Participate in fit sessions, providing expert feedback on garment construction, comfort, and finish.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Industrial Sewing Machine Proficiency: Mastery of lockstitch, overlock, coverstitch, and zigzag machines.
  • Delicate Fabric Expertise: Confident handling of lace, silk, mesh, satin, and high-stretch knits.
  • Lingerie Construction Techniques: Proven ability in bra making, underwire/boning application, and elastic attachment.
  • Pattern and Tech Pack Interpretation: Ability to read and accurately execute complex technical specifications.
  • Precision Cutting: Skill in accurately cutting delicate and slippery fabrics, including lace placement.
  • Garment Fitting & Alterations: Understanding of garment balance and the ability to make precise adjustments.
  • Quality Control Assessment: A sharp eye for identifying and correcting construction flaws.
  • Component Application: Expertise in attaching lingerie hardware like hooks & eyes, rings, and sliders.
  • Seam and Finishing Knowledge: Deep understanding of various seam types (e.g., French seams) suitable for delicates.
  • Pressing and Finishing: Skill in professionally pressing and finishing fine fabrics without damage.

Soft Skills

  • Meticulous Attention to Detail
  • Exceptional Problem-Solving Abilities
  • Strong Collaboration and Communication Skills
  • Time Management and Organization
  • High Level of Manual Dexterity and Hand-Eye Coordination
  • Patience and Persistence
  • A Developed Aesthetic Sensibility
  • Proactive and Self-Motivated

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent, supplemented by vocational training, an apprenticeship in sewing, or significant on-the-job experience.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Construction, Technical Design, or a related certificate from a fashion institute.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Fashion Design
  • Apparel Manufacturing & Construction
  • Textile Arts
  • Technical Design

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-10+ years of professional experience as a sample maker or industrial sewing machinist, with at least 2 years specifically focused on lingerie, swimwear, corsetry, or other intricate garments.

Preferred:

A portfolio showcasing a range of self-constructed, high-quality lingerie pieces. Experience working within a fast-paced luxury or contemporary brand's sample room is highly desirable.

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