Senior Sample Maker / Sewer

Rachel Comey; New York (NY); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare + PTO

401k and Roth IRA retirement plans

Job summary

Rachel Comey is seeking a Senior Sample Maker / Sewer to join our in-house Sample Room in New York City. The role collaborates with Patternmaking, Technical Design, and Product Development to construct development samples and SMS garments.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of experience, strong garment construction knowledge, and the ability to work from patterns and sketches. This on-site, full-time position offers an engaging environment with opportunities across fabrics and finishes.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as a sample room sewer or similar role.
• Strong garment construction knowledge and industrial sewing techniques.
• Experience with diverse fabrics and garment constructions.
• Ability to read patterns and technical sketches.
• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving.
• Able to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Construct prototypes, development samples, and SMS garments from start to finish.
• Follow patterns, sketches, and verbal directions to execute garments.
• Collaborate with pattern makers, tech design, and product development.
• Sew toiles, mock-ups, and test pieces to support fit and construction.
• Identify construction, fit, or sewing issues and propose solutions.
• Apply interlinings, trims, closures, and hardware as required.
• Meet development deadlines while maintaining quality.
• Support runway and VIP garments when needed.

Skills

Technical sewing

Attention to detail

Fabric knowledge

Pattern interpretation

Job description

Senior Sample Maker / Sewer | New York, NY

Rachel Comey Design team is looking for an experienced Sample Room Sewer to join our in-house Sample Room in New York City.

The Sample Room Sewer works closely with Patternmaking, Technical Design, Product Development, and the Sample Room team to construct development samples, prototypes, and SMS garments. The ideal candidate has strong technical sewing skills, excellent attention to detail, and experience working with a wide range of fabrics and garment constructions.

Key Responsibilities

• Construct prototypes, development samples, and SMS garments from initial assembly through final finishing.

• Work from patterns, technical sketches, construction notes, and verbal direction to accurately execute each garment.

• Partner closely with Patternmakers, Cutters, Technical Design, and Product Development throughout the sample development process.

• Sew toiles, mock-ups, and test pieces to support fit and construction development.

• Identify and communicate construction, fit, or sewing issues and help find appropriate solutions.

• Execute a wide range of sewing and construction techniques across different fabrications, including silk, denim, leather, and specialty fabrics.

• Apply interlinings, fusibles, trims, closures, and other garment components as required.

• Make sample corrections and alterations following fittings and development reviews.

• Support runway, special projects, and VIP garments when needed.

• Complete samples accurately and efficiently while meeting development deadlines.

• Maintain an organized, clean, and efficient Sample Room environment.

• Work collaboratively with the Sample Room and Design teams to maintain a high standard of quality and craftsmanship.

About You

• 5+ years of experience as a Sample Room Sewer, preferably within a designer or high-end fashion environment.

• Strong knowledge of garment construction and industrial sewing techniques.

• Experience working across a variety of garment categories, silhouettes, and fabrications.

• Ability to work from patterns, technical sketches, and verbal instructions.

• Strong understanding of garment finishing and construction quality.

• Excellent attention to detail, precision, and consistency.

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to communicate construction issues.

• Comfortable working independently as well as collaboratively with a team.

• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven Sample Room environment.

• Mandarin, Cantonese and Spanish speakers encouraged to apply.

Compensation & Benefits

• Full-time position Manhattan

• Excellent working environment. Long-term position.

• Salary range: $25-$35 an hour (dependent on experience and qualifications)

• Healthcare + PTO

• 401k and Roth IRA retirement plans