A sewing machine operator is responsible for creating textile products using the tools, equipment, and machinery associated with sewing machines. The sewing machine itself is the main piece of equipment used by a sewing machine operator, but the types of machines range from simple one-needle machines to large industrial designs. There are also tools used to perform tasks related to the creation of textiles, such as needles, cutting blades, fasteners, and measuring devices. Before doing this type of work, the machine operator should usually get some field training, but this can also be done on the job.
Sewing machine operators are in charge of operating a sewing machine to assist in the creation of a variety of textile products, such as clothing, furniture coverings, and industrial textile products. Depending on the sewing machine operator’s experience and expertise, he or she may work at a small machine making a single small piece of an item or at a large machine producing large, industrial products all at once. In general, the operator works in a factory or other setting where other operators are also working on similar products.
Depending on the nature of the textile product that the sewing machine operator is producing, he or she may use a variety of tools and small pieces of equipment on a daily basis. An operator, for example, might be responsible for measuring the cloth before sewing it to the proper specifications, which necessitates the use of measuring tools. Different types of fasteners may be required to secure a piece of fabric, necessitating knowledge of how to fasten various materials. Depending on the nature of his or her job, a sewing machine operator may be required to learn how to use a variety of tools.
Finishing garments is another aspect of this position. This is usually left to an experienced operator who can examine a product, ensure that any errors have been corrected, and then pass it on to the next person in the chain of command for approval. Operators must also ensure that their machine is properly maintained and operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. Every day, it is the operator’s responsibility to ensure that the machine is properly set up and disassembled after each use.