Sewing Machine Operators
What is a Sewing Machine Operator?
Sewing Machine Operators are skilled professionals who operate and maintain sewing machines to manufacture a wide variety of textile products, including clothing, upholstery, and other fabric items. They are responsible for assembling, altering, and repairing garments and other textiles using a variety of sewing techniques and equipment. Their work often involves interpreting patterns, ensuring precision in stitching, and adapting designs to fit the desired specifications.
Tasks
- Monitor machine operation to detect problems such as defective stitching, breaks in thread, or machine malfunctions.
- Place spools of thread, cord, or other materials on spindles, insert bobbins, and thread ends through machine guides and components.
- Position items under needles, using marks on machines, clamps, templates, or cloth as guides.
- Guide garments or garment parts under machine needles and presser feet to sew parts together.
- Remove holding devices and finished items from machines.
Technology Skills
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Electronic mail software
- Email software
- Microsoft Outlook
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Office suite software
- Microsoft Office software
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Word processing software
- Microsoft Word
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Internet browser software
- Web browser software
Tools Used
- Sewing machines
- Rulers
- Sewing patterns
- Rotary paper or fabric cutter
- Bobbins or bobbin holders
Knowledge
Skills
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Abilities
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Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
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Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Finger Dexterity
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Less than high school diploma
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Associate's degree
Work Activities
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Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
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Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
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Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Detailed Work Activities
- Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.
- Cut fabrics.
- Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
- Feed materials or products into or through equipment.
- Load materials into production equipment.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$25360.0 - $45360.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.