Apparel & Product Sample Development

Century Martial Arts
Full-Time | 40 Hours/Week | Hourly / Non-Exempt
Reports to: Sewing Supervisor
Location: Oklahoma City Metro Area

Century Martial Arts is seeking an experienced Sample Sewer / Industrial Sewing Machine Operator to join our product development and manufacturing team.

The Sample Sewer is responsible for constructing, finishing, and modifying prototype and fit samples from initial development through production approval. This position works closely with the Pattern Maker, Product Designers, Technical Design, Fabric Cutters, and Manufacturing team to turn new product designs into accurate, high-quality physical samples.

The ideal candidate has strong industrial sewing skills, experience working with a variety of fabrics and materials, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to produce quality work within established deadlines.

• Sew prototype, development, fit, and production-approval samples according to patterns, specifications, and technical instructions.
• Accurately assemble cut fabric and material pieces into finished sample products.
• Select and operate the appropriate industrial sewing machine, tools, and techniques for each project.
• Work with a variety of fabrics and materials, including twill, canvas, vinyl, and other weights and constructions.
• Maintain a high standard of workmanship, accuracy, and consistency.
• Complete samples within established production timelines and deadlines.

• Work closely with the Pattern Maker, Product Designers, Technical Design, and Manufacturing team throughout the sample-development process.
• Compare patterns to cut sample pieces to ensure they correspond correctly.
• Check samples for proper size, measurements, construction, fit, and overall appearance.
• Identify sewing, construction, or pattern-related issues and communicate them to the Pattern Maker or appropriate team member.
• Troubleshoot construction issues and participate in identifying root causes and corrective solutions.
• Discuss appropriate sewing techniques with the Pattern Maker when construction instructions or a sew-by sample are not provided.
• Make approved construction adjustments as needed to improve sample quality and production readiness.

• Complete finishing details according to specifications and technical packages.
• Perform tasks such as pressing, steaming, sewing labels, attaching buttons, adding trims, and other finishing work.
• Inspect completed samples for accuracy, workmanship, and quality.
• Ensure samples meet design specifications and established quality standards.
• Communicate concerns or discrepancies promptly.

• Maintain an organized and safe work area.
• Properly care for and operate sewing equipment and tools.
• Follow company safety procedures and applicable workplace regulations.
• Maintain professionalism, reliability, and a strong work ethic.
• Protect company proprietary and product-development information.
• Perform other duties, projects, and responsibilities as assigned.

The successful candidate should have experience operating multiple types of industrial sewing machines, which may include:

• Single-needle
• Double-needle
• 4-thread and 5-thread overlock/serger
• Coverstitch
• Flatlock
• Buttonhole
• Keyhole
• Bartack
• Other specialized industrial sewing equipment

Experience with additional tools and equipment used in sample construction is also beneficial.

• Previous experience operating industrial sewing machines.
• Ability to accurately sew and construct samples from patterns and specifications.
• Knowledge of sewing techniques for different fabrics, materials, and fabric weights.
• Strong attention to detail and quality.
• Ability to work efficiently while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to identify and communicate sewing or construction problems.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Strong hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
• Reliable and dependable attendance.
• Ability to work cooperatively with Pattern Makers, Designers, and Manufacturing team members.

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience in apparel manufacturing, garment construction, textile manufacturing, product development, or prototype/sample sewing.
• Experience working with technical specifications, tech packs, patterns, or sample garments.
• Experience sewing twill, canvas, vinyl, or other heavy-weight/durable materials.
• Experience making prototypes, fit samples, or production samples.
• Experience troubleshooting sewing and construction issues.

We are looking for a skilled sewing professional who:

• Takes pride in producing high-quality, accurate work.
• Has excellent attention to detail.
• Can work efficiently while maintaining workmanship.
• Understands how different fabrics and materials affect sewing techniques.
• Can identify potential construction problems before they become production issues.
• Is comfortable working independently while communicating effectively with the product-development team.
• Can adapt to different sewing machines, materials, products, and construction techniques.
• Has a strong sense of urgency and respect for deadlines.
• Is dependable, professional, and team-oriented.

This is a hands-on sewing position requiring repetitive movements and extended periods of seated work.

• Approximately 75% sitting and 25% standing/walking, depending on machine and assignment.
• Frequent repetitive hand and arm movements.
• Frequent grasping and fine manipulation using hands and fingers.
• Ability to reach, bend, squat, and perform other movements necessary for sample construction.
• Ability to visually inspect materials, stitching, measurements, and finished samples.
• Correctable visual acuity of approximately 20/40 or better.
• Ability to lift up to 45 pounds with assistance.

This position primarily works in a manufacturing/warehouse sewing environment.

The work environment may include:

• Sewing machinery and equipment.
• Noise from machinery and nearby vehicles.
• Changes in temperature.
• Proximity to moving mechanical parts and vehicles.
• Routine use of sewing equipment and hand tools.

Employees are expected to follow all company safety policies and procedures.

• Full-time
• 40 hours per week
• Hourly / Non-exempt
• Reports to: Sewing Supervisor
• No direct supervisory responsibilities
• No travel required

Century Martial Arts is an established company with a long history of developing and manufacturing products for the martial arts, fitness, and training industries. This position provides an opportunity to work directly on the development of new products—from initial prototype through fit approval and production.

If you are an experienced industrial sewing machine operator who enjoys hands-on work, takes pride in quality, and wants to contribute to the development of new products, we'd like to hear from you.

Apply today for the Sample Sewer / Industrial Sewing Machine Operator position.