Sewing machine operator

Sewing machine operators tend specific sewing machines in the industrial production chain of wearing apparel. They perform operations such as joining, assembling, reinforcing, repairing, and altering of wearing apparel.

The duties of a sewing machine operator include, but are not limited to:

• Deciding on appropriate sewing techniques before work commences.
• Meeting with consumers and inspecting patterns to determine each job’s requirements.
• Performing alterations to existing patterns or creating your own ones.
• Selecting suitable thread and placing this onto the spool spin.
• Cutting, sewing, and gluing fabric according to the requirements of each article.
• Affixing buttons, zippers, clasps, laces, and similar fittings.
• Operating the foot pedal, plus the stitch length and width regulators, as you sew.
• Replacing the sewing machine’s needle, as required.
• Detecting and repairing basic faults with the sewing machine as they occur.
• Scheduling repairs for the sewing machine and its fittings, as needed.

Sewing machine operators typically work in factories or other industrial settings. They may be required to stand for long periods of time and to perform repetitive motions. The work can be fast-paced, and operators may be under pressure to meet production quotas. In some cases, operators may work at home, but they are usually required to work on-site.

The following job titles also refer to sewing machine operator:

computer stitcher
serger machine operator
edging machine operator
custom sewer
garment maker
joiner
pleating machine operator
clothing machinist
bartack machinist
stitching machinist
hook and eye machine operator
fastener sewing machine operator
sewing machine tender
flat sewing machine operator

A high school diploma is generally required to work as sewing machine operator.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Sewing machine operator is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to sewing machine operator.

embroidery machine operator
sewing machinist
embroiderer
milliner
made-up textile articles manufacturer

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of sewing machine operator. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of sewing machine operator with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

clothing process control technician
clothing CAD technician
textile chemical quality technician
textile sourcing merchandiser
textile quality technician

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of sewing machine operator.

• Buttonholing: The methods of buttonholing using specialised buttonholing machines in order to make buttonholes to wearing apparel.
• Manufacturing of wearing apparel: The  processes used to fabricate wearing apparel and the different technologies and machinery involved in the manufacturing processes.
• Manufacturing of made-up textile articles: Manufacturing processes in wearing apparel and made-up textiles. Different technologies and machinery involved in the manufacturing processes.
• Apparel manufacturing technology: Traditional and advanced apparel manufacturing technologies. Technologies including processes, machinery, etc. in order to compile and design pattern requirements, contribute to product costing and finalise assembly sequence and quality assurance criteria.
• Properties of fabrics: The influence of chemical composition and molecular arrangement of yarn and fibre properties and fabric structure on the physical properties of textile fabrics; the different fibre types, their physical and chemical characteristics and different material characteristics; the materials used in different processes and the effect on materials as they are processed. 

These skills are necessary for the role of sewing machine operator.

• Manufacture wearing apparel products: Manufacture either mass-product or bespoke wearing apparels of various types, assembling and joining together wearing apparel components using processes such as sewing, gluing, bonding. Assemble wearing apparel components using stitches, seams such as collars, sleeves, top fronts, top backs, pockets.
• Coordinate manufacturing production activities: Coordinate manufacturing activities based on production strategies, policies and plans. Study details of the planning such as expected quality of the products, quantities, cost, and labour required to foresee any action needed. Adjust processes and resources to minimise costs.
• Distinguish accessories: Distinguish accessories in order to determine differences among them. Evaluate accessories based on their characteristics and their application in wearing apparel manufacturing.
• Sew textile-based articles: Sew different products based on textiles and wearing apparel articles. Combine good hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and physical and mental stamina.
• Embroider fabrics: Embroider fabrics of different proveniences or finished articles by using embroidery machines or by hand.
• Distinguish fabrics: Distinguish fabrics in order to determine differences among them. Evaluate fabrics based on their characteristics and their application in wearing apparel manufacturing.
• Alter wearing apparel: Alter wearing apparel repairing or adjusting it to the clients/manufacturing specifications. Perform altering by hand or using equipment.
• Operate garment manufacturing machines: Operate and monitor machines which make miscellaneous wearing apparel articles. Operate and monitor machines that fold cloth into measured length, and measure size of pieces.
• Sew pieces of fabric: Operate basic or specialised sewing machines whether domestic or industrial ones, sewing pieces of fabric, vinyl or leather in order to manufacture or repair wearing apparels, making sure the threads are selected according to specifications.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of sewing machine operator. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Manufacture personal protective equipment made of textile: Manufacture personal protective equipment made out of textiles following standards and norms, and depending on the application of the product.
• Use textile technique for hand-made products: Using textile technique to produce hand-made products, such as carpets, tapestry, embroidery, lace, silk screen printing, wearing apparel, etc.
• Decorate textile articles: Decorate wearing apparels and made up textile articles by hand or using machines. Decorate textile articles with ornaments, braided cords, golden yarns, soutaches, jewellery, and cristals.
• Bundle fabrics: Bundle fabrics and place several cut components together in a single package. Join related products and items together. Sort the cut fabrics and add them with the accessories required for assembling. Care for the adequate transportation to the sewing lines.

8153 – Sewing machine operators

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References

1. Sewing machine operator – ESCO
2. Sewing Machine Operator Job Description: Salary, Duties, & More – ClimbtheLadder
3. Sewing Machine Operator Job Description – Betterteam
4. Featured image: By Elkagye – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0