Sewing Machine Operators

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• Monitor machine operation to detect problems such as defective stitching, breaks in thread, or machine malfunctions.85
• Cut materials according to specifications, using blades, scissors, or electric knives.84
• Place spools of thread, cord, or other materials on spindles, insert bobbins, and thread ends through machine guides and components.83
• Position items under needles, using marks on machines, clamps, templates, or cloth as guides.83
• Guide garments or garment parts under machine needles and presser feet to sew parts together.82
• Remove holding devices and finished items from machines.79
• Match cloth pieces in correct sequences prior to sewing them, and verify that dye lots and patterns match.79
• Fold or stretch edges or lengths of items while sewing to facilitate forming specified sections.79
• Cut excess material or thread from finished products.79
• Select supplies such as fasteners and thread, according to job requirements.79
• Examine and measure finished articles to verify conformance to standards, using rulers.78
• 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.77

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

• Monitoring53

  Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

• Active Listening44

  Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Complex Problem Solving44

  Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Critical Thinking44

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Judgment and Decision Making44

  Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

• Operations Monitoring44

  Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

• Quality Control Analysis44

  Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

• Time Management44

  Managing one's own time and the time of others.

• Operation and Control41

  Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

• Reading Comprehension41

  Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

• Coordination38

  Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

• Social Perceptiveness35

  Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

• English Language43

  Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

• Production and Processing38

  Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

• Mathematics32

  Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

• Education and Training31

  Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

• Customer and Personal Service29

  Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

• Public Safety and Security28

  Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

• Mechanical27

  Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• Administration and Management25

  Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

• Transportation18

  Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

• Computers and Electronics15

  Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

• Design14

  Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

• Sales and Marketing13

  Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Arm-Hand Steadiness69

  The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

• Manual Dexterity66

  The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

• Control Precision63

  The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

• Near Vision60

  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Finger Dexterity56

  The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

• Information Ordering53

  The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

• Multilimb Coordination53

  The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

• Rate Control53

  The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.

• Deductive Reasoning50

  The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

• Problem Sensitivity50

  The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

• Reaction Time50

  The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

• Visual Color Discrimination50

  The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Handling and Moving Objects64

  Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials61

  Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

• Controlling Machines and Processes60

  Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

• Getting Information56

  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events56

  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates55

  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work49

  Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

• Performing General Physical Activities48

  Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings47

  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

• Training and Teaching Others47

  Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems44

  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships42

  Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

• Attention to Detail78

  A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

• Dependability74

  A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

• Cautiousness52

  A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

• Perseverance26

  A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

• Stress Tolerance19

  A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

• Cooperation16

  A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

• Achievement Orientation15

  A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

• Integrity15

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Self-Control14

  A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

• Self-Confidence6

  A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

• Sincerity1

  A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.

• Optimism0

  A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

• Realistic96

  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.

• Conventional50

  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.

• Artistic13

  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, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

• Investigative6

  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 fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

• Enterprising3

  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/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

• Social3

  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.

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

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

  • Continually or almost continually84%
  • More than half the time11%

• Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

  • Continually or almost continually71%
  • More than half the time14%
  • Less than half the time11%

• Spend Time Sitting

  • Continually or almost continually70%
  • More than half the time14%

• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

  • Extremely important35%
  • Very important34%
  • Important28%

• Time Pressure

  • Every day62%
  • Never23%

• Contact With Others

  • Constant contact with others38%
  • Contact with others most of the time14%
  • Contact with others about half the time20%
  • Occasional contact with others22%

• Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

  • Every day62%
  • Never32%

• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

  • Every day36%
  • Once a week or more but not every day22%
  • Once a month or more but not every week11%
  • Once a year or more but not every month19%
  • Never12%

• Physical Proximity

  • Moderately close (at arm's length)50%
  • Slightly close (e.g., shared office)30%

• Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

  • Extremely important24%
  • Very important19%
  • Important36%
  • Fairly important15%

• Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

  • A lot of freedom19%
  • Some freedom31%
  • Limited freedom20%
  • Very little freedom20%

• Duration of Typical Work Week

  • More than 40 hours25%
  • 40 hours64%
  • Less than 40 hours12%

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

• Less than high school diploma
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• Spreadsheet software

  Microsoft Excel

• Electronic mail software

  Email software, Microsoft Outlook

• Office suite software

  Microsoft Office software

• Word processing software

  Microsoft Word

• Internet browser software

  Web browser software

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

• American Apparel and Footwear Association
• Industrial Fabrics Association International
• SEAMS

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Shoe and leather workers
• Tailors, Dressmakers, and Sewers
• Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials
• Cutting Workers
• Cutting Workers
• Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Machine Feeders and Offbearers
• Shoe and leather workers
• Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
• Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders
• Crushing, Grinding, Polishing, Mixing, and Blending Workers
• Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers
• Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Print Binding and Finishing Workers
• Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood
• Machine tool cutting setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
• Tailors, Dressmakers, and Sewers
• Machine tool cutting setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• 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.
• Maneuver workpieces in equipment during production.
• Adjust fabrics or other materials during garment production.
• Compare physical characteristics of materials or products to specifications or standards.
• Remove accessories, tools, or other parts from equipment.
• Remove products or workpieces from production equipment.
• Select production input materials.
• Trim excess material from workpieces.

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

• Fur Finisher
• Industrial Sewing Machine Operator