51-6031.00Apprenticeship

Sewing Machine Operators

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

Career Cluster:Advanced Manufacturing
Job Family:Production
Job Zone:Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
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Technology Tools

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Key Tasks

  • Monitor machine operation to detect problems such as defective stitching, breaks in thread, or machine malfunctions.
  • Cut materials according to specifications, using blades, scissors, or electric knives.
  • Position items under needles, using marks on machines, clamps, templates, or cloth as guides.
  • Place spools of thread, cord, or other materials on spindles, insert bobbins, and thread ends through machine guides and components.
  • Guide garments or garment parts under machine needles and presser feet to sew parts together.
  • Fold or stretch edges or lengths of items while sewing to facilitate forming specified sections.
  • Select supplies such as fasteners and thread, according to job requirements.
  • Cut excess material or thread from finished products.
  • Remove holding devices and finished items from machines.
  • Match cloth pieces in correct sequences prior to sewing them, and verify that dye lots and patterns match.
  • Examine and measure finished articles to verify conformance to standards, using rulers.
  • Inspect garments, and examine repair tags and markings on garments to locate defects or damage, and mark errors as necessary.
  • Start and operate or tend machines, such as single or double needle serging and flat-bed felling machines, to automatically join, reinforce, or decorate material or articles.
  • Record quantities of materials processed.
  • Attach buttons, hooks, zippers, fasteners, or other accessories to fabric, using feeding hoppers or clamp holders.
  • Turn knobs, screws, and dials to adjust settings of machines, according to garment styles and equipment performance.
  • Repair or alter items by adding replacement parts or missing stitches.
  • Attach tape, trim, appliques, or elastic to specified garments or garment parts, according to item specifications.
  • Position material or articles in clamps, templates, or hoop frames prior to automatic operation of machines.
  • Perform equipment maintenance tasks such as replacing needles, sanding rough areas of needles, or cleaning and oiling sewing machines.
  • Draw markings or pin appliques on fabric to obtain variations in design.
  • Tape or twist together thread or cord to repair breaks.
  • Baste edges of material to align and temporarily secure parts for final assembly.
  • Mount attachments, such as needles, cutting blades, or pattern plates, and adjust machine guides according to specifications.
  • Position and mark patterns on materials to prepare for sewing.
  • Perform specialized or automatic sewing machine functions, such as buttonhole making or tacking.

Skills

Monitoring
53%
Time Management
44%
Active Listening
44%
Operations Monitoring
44%
Complex Problem Solving
44%
Quality Control Analysis
44%
Critical Thinking
44%
Judgment and Decision Making
44%
Reading Comprehension
41%
Operation and Control
41%
Coordination
38%
Social Perceptiveness
35%
Troubleshooting
28%
Speaking
28%
Active Learning
28%
Learning Strategies
28%
Mathematics
25%
Writing
25%
Instructing
25%
Equipment Maintenance
25%
Repairing
22%
Systems Analysis
22%
Systems Evaluation
22%
Negotiation
19%
Service Orientation
19%
Management of Material Resources
19%
Persuasion
19%
Management of Personnel Resources
19%
Management of Financial Resources
19%
Operations Analysis
16%
Equipment Selection
13%
Installation
0%
Science
0%
Programming
0%
Technology Design
0%

Knowledge

English Language
43%
Production and Processing
38%
Mathematics
32%
Education and Training
31%
Customer and Personal Service
29%
Public Safety and Security
28%
Mechanical
27%
Administration and Management
25%
Transportation
18%
Computers and Electronics
15%
Design
14%
Sales and Marketing
13%
Administrative
12%
Psychology
12%
Personnel and Human Resources
11%
Law and Government
10%
Communications and Media
9%
Sociology and Anthropology
8%
Building and Construction
7%
Foreign Language
6%
Chemistry
6%
Telecommunications
6%
Medicine and Dentistry
5%
Engineering and Technology
5%
Economics and Accounting
5%
Therapy and Counseling
5%
History and Archeology
4%
Geography
4%
Physics
4%
Fine Arts
3%
Philosophy and Theology
3%
Food Production
3%
Biology
2%

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Abilities

Arm-Hand Steadiness
69%
Manual Dexterity
66%
Control Precision
63%
Near Vision
60%
Finger Dexterity
56%
Multilimb Coordination
53%
Information Ordering
53%
Rate Control
53%
Deductive Reasoning
50%
Reaction Time
50%
Visualization
50%
Problem Sensitivity
50%
Visual Color Discrimination
50%
Category Flexibility
47%
Oral Expression
47%
Oral Comprehension
47%
Inductive Reasoning
47%
Selective Attention
47%
Perceptual Speed
47%
Far Vision
44%
Depth Perception
44%
Flexibility of Closure
44%
Speech Recognition
41%
Written Comprehension
41%
Speech Clarity
38%
Wrist-Finger Speed
38%
Hearing Sensitivity
31%
Extent Flexibility
31%
Response Orientation
31%
Auditory Attention
28%
Stamina
28%
Static Strength
28%
Dynamic Strength
28%
Trunk Strength
28%
Written Expression
25%
Mathematical Reasoning
25%
Time Sharing
25%
Speed of Closure
25%
Number Facility
25%
Gross Body Coordination
25%
Fluency of Ideas
22%
Gross Body Equilibrium
22%
Memorization
22%
Speed of Limb Movement
19%
Originality
19%
Explosive Strength
10%
Spatial Orientation
3%
Dynamic Flexibility
3%
Night Vision
0%
Sound Localization
0%
Peripheral Vision
0%
Glare Sensitivity
0%

Work Activities

Handling and Moving Objects
64%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
61%
Controlling Machines and Processes
60%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
56%
Getting Information
56%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
55%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
49%
Performing General Physical Activities
48%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
47%
Training and Teaching Others
47%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
44%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
42%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
42%
Processing Information
41%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
41%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
40%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
39%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
39%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
36%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
36%
Thinking Creatively
35%
Coaching and Developing Others
34%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
34%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
33%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
32%
Assisting and Caring for Others
32%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
31%
Documenting/Recording Information
30%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
29%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
29%
Developing and Building Teams
29%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
28%
Analyzing Data or Information
27%
Performing Administrative Activities
26%
Scheduling Work and Activities
24%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
24%
Working with Computers
22%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
17%
Selling or Influencing Others
16%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
15%
Staffing Organizational Units
15%

Work Context

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

92%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

86%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

86%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

75%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

69%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

64%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

64%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

63%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

62%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

61%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

57%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

57%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

57%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

51%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

50%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

49%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

47%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

45%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

43%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

42%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

42%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

41%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

40%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

40%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

37%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

33%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

28%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

26%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

22%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

22%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

21%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

21%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

20%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

19%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

19%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

19%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

16%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

16%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

16%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

14%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

13%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

12%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

12%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

12%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

11%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

9%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

9%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

5%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

3%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

2%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

1%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

0%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

0%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

0%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

0%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

0%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

0%

Education

Less than high school diploma

53%

High school diploma or equivalent

41%

Associate's degree

5%

Interests

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, t

96

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 hum

49

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

12

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

6

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

3

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

3

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
78%
Dependability
74%
Cautiousness
52%
Perseverance
26%
Stress Tolerance
19%
Cooperation
16%
Achievement Orientation
15%
Integrity
15%
Self-Control
14%
Self-Confidence
6%
Sincerity
1%
Optimism
0%

Work Values

Support
56%
Relationships
28%
Independence
22%
Working Conditions
20%
Achievement
17%
Recognition
11%

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