r.l.e is looking for a highly experienced Senior Sample Machinist to join our London atelier.  We are seeking someone with an exceptional understanding of luxury womenswear construction, refined finishing techniques, and high-quality garment making.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience working with designer or luxury womenswear, with the ability to independently construct garments from patterns through to finished samples at a high professional standard.  r.l.e is particularly looking for someone who understands the difference between simply making a garment and creating a beautifully finished luxury garment. Precision, patience and craftsmanship are essential to this role.

Key Responsibilities of the Sewing Machinist:

• Construct high-quality womenswear samples from patterns, sketches and technical references
• Work confidently across a wide range of luxury and delicate fabrics, including silk, chiffon, organza, satin, lace, wool, cashmere and fine knit fabrics
• Execute advanced sewing and finishing techniques suitable for luxury and occasionwear
• Produce clean and refined internal garment finishes with strong attention to detail
• Understand complex garment construction, including dresses, tailoring, eveningwear and bridal pieces
• Work closely with the designer and pattern cutter to identify and resolve construction issues
• Make adjustments and improvements during fittings and sample development
• Maintain consistency and a high standard of craftsmanship across all samples
• Handle delicate and high-value fabrics with care and precision

What r.l.e is looking for:

• Extensive professional experience as a Sample Machinist / Sewing Machinist
• Experience in luxury womenswear ateliers, designer studios, couture, bridal or high-end sample rooms
• Excellent knowledge of advanced garment construction and couture-level finishing techniques
• Strong experience working with delicate fabrics, particularly silk, chiffon, organza and lace
• Confident using industrial sewing machines, overlockers and specialist machinery
• Excellent understanding of garment structure, sewing sequence and finishing
• Able to work independently from a pattern and understand how a garment should be constructed
• Extremely high attention to detail and quality
• Good problem-solving skills during sample development
• Experience with bridal, eveningwear or couture garments is a plus.
• Hand-sewing and hand-finishing skills are a plus.