MightyRecruiterSewing machine operators tend and control industrial sewing machines to create both garments and non-garment items. They use patterns and written instructions to guide their work.
When writing your sewing machine operator job description, you should state that the ideal candidate will have strong technical and problem-solving skills, while also being able to work as part of a team. Mention that previous experience with sewing machines may be helpful.
Attention to detail, manual dexterity and time management are also vital skills in this job, so listing these as requirements can help you attract qualified applicants. Study the sewing machine operator job description below to get a better idea of what to include and what to leave out.
Sewing Machine Operator Job Summary
Do you enjoy working with your hands to make tangible products that brighten up people’s lives and homes? Do you have an eye for color and a mind for details? Put your strengths to work as a sewing machine operator with our company. In this role, you will work as part of small team creating and assembling household soft goods such as bedding, table linens and accent pillows in all the latest styles. In addition to operating machinery, you will learn solid construction and design principles and get a feel for upcoming seasonal home decor trends. This is the perfect role for a mechanically inclined, detail-oriented problem solver who is interested in the field of interior design.
Job Responsibilities
- Operate and maintain sewing machines and related parts, including pattern plates, needles, presser feet, automatic cutting tools and blades
- Read and interpret work orders and adjust machines and materials to match, including selecting fabric, thread and needles, mounting necessary attachments and double-checking settings before beginning a large run
- Inspect and repair finished products as needed and make machine adjustments to compensate for errors or quality issues
- Record accurately the materials used, maintenance performed and number of pieces completed during each shift, keeping each of these metrics within target ranges
- Attach elastic, cord, zippers, hooks, buttons and other trimmings to sewn pieces according to work order instructions and diagrams
- Prepare materials for machine embroidery and other automatic embellishment, including securing fabric in hoops, templates or clamps and guiding into machine
- Troubleshoot basic machinery problems and request service or repairs as needed
- Meet or exceed consistent daily and weekly output and quality goals
Job Skills & Qualifications
Reqiured:
- Must be at least 18 years old to work with industrial machines
- Able to stand throughout shift
- Good physical (hand/eye) coordination
- Able to lift 50 pounds on a regular basis
Preferred:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Some experience with sewing machines
Sewing Machine Operator Job Responsibilities
As you write the job responsibilities section of your sewing machine operator job description, keep in mind these tips. Rank tasks beginning with the most important and separate them into two lists, one for the central duties and another for the supplementary tasks. This allows you to list only the responsibilities that are essential to the role, as well as those you feel jobseekers need to read to understand the position’s place in the company. Use a bullet point for each task to make your lists easier for jobseekers to skim.
Job responsibilities may seem like just one part of a sewing machine operator job description, but this section is actually the heart of your job description. This is because the information it contains paints a picture of the position for jobseekers. It demonstrates the daily duties your new employee will take on, as well as how this person will help the company flourish. Jobseekers use these responsibilities to determine if your job is one they would like to apply for.
The examples below demonstrate some of the tasks you may wish to include in your sewing machine operator job responsibilities:
- Hand-sew garments to include fine details
- Form chain stitches and buttonholes with sewing machines
- Fold finished garments
- Repair industrial sewing machines
Sewing Machine Operator Job Specifications
It can be easy to overlook the skills and qualifications your ideal candidate will have. However, it is important to be clear about the specifications of the job when you write your sewing machine operator job description. Create two lists, one with required skills and another with skills that are ideal but not mandatory. This allows you to attract the jobseekers who have all of the qualifications you need.
This small section is important because it sorts through jobseekers before they even apply for your job. Applicants use the job qualifications and skills section to determine if they are right for your position. Without clear sewing machine operator job specifications, you may find yourself looking at resumes for jobseekers who may have the necessary experience but lack the qualifications you wish to see. You can avoid this situation by consulting with the people who will work with your new hire as you put together your list of skills. These employees can point out which skills and qualifications are truly necessary, allowing you to write an accurate list.
The following samples demonstrate the qualifications you may list in a sewing machine operator job description:
- Minimum 1 years’ experience sewing garments on industrial sewing machines
- Ability to alter garments for different specifications
- Strong knowledge of hand sewing techniques
- Ability to read patterns and instruction sheets
- Experience maintaining industrial sewing machines
