Sewing Machine Operators Go Back to List Operate or tend sewing machines to join, reinforce, decorate, or perform related sewing operations in the manufacture of garment or nongarment products.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Electronic mail software

Tasks
	Monitor machine operation to detect problems such as defective stitching, breaks in thread, or machine malfunctions.
	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.
	Match cloth pieces in correct sequences prior to sewing them, and verify that dye lots and patterns match.
	Guide garments or garment parts under machine needles and presser feet to sew parts together.
	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.
	Inspect garments, and examine repair tags and markings on garments to locate defects or damage, and mark errors as necessary.
	Select supplies such as fasteners and thread, according to job requirements.
	Mount attachments, such as needles, cutting blades, or pattern plates, and adjust machine guides according to specifications.

Skills
	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
	Active Listening - 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 Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
	Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
	Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
	Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
	Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Knowledge
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
	Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
	Education and Training - 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 Service - 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 Security - 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.
	Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
	Administration and Management - 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.
	Transportation - Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
	Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

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Education & Training   Education:   Some of these occupations may require a high school diploma or GED certificate.   Related Experience:   Little or no previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, a person can become a waiter or waitress even if he/she has never worked before.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $40,966.00 $19.70  $16.47  $17.40 - $21.86  Bridgeport/Stamford $42,559.00 $20.46  $16.64  $17.93 - $23.00  Danbury $44,110.00 $21.21  $16.90  $17.32 - $24.36  Hartford $40,717.00 $19.57  $16.16  $16.55 - $20.42  New Haven $42,062.00 $20.22  $16.61  $17.59 - $22.46  New London/Norwich $40,572.00 $19.50  $16.06  $17.28 - $21.09  Waterbury $38,255.00 $18.39  $15.67  $15.52 - $18.18

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   105   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than average, and the number of annual openings will offer limited job opportunities.

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	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.