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Sewing Machine Operators

Also called: Sample Maker, Seamstress, Sewer, Sewing Machine Operator

What they do:

Operate or tend sewing machines to join, reinforce, decorate, or perform related sewing operations in the manufacture of garment or nongarment products.

On the job, you would:
  • 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.
On the job, you'll need:

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods

  • manufacture and distribution of products

Basic Skills

  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • hold or move items with your hands

Controlled Movement

  • quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
  • change when and how fast you move based on how something else is moving

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Cooperation
  • Self Control
  • Independence

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Electronic mail software

  • Email software
  • Microsoft Outlook

Office suite software

  • Microsoft Office software

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Below Average.

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $31,740

Education

No high school diploma/GED or high school diploma/GED is usually needed.

Explore More

See other careers in the Manufacturing industry.