What do Sewing Machine and Seamstress do?

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. Turns knobs, screws, and dials to adjust settings of machine, according to garment style and observation of operation. Guides garment or garment parts under machine needle and presser foot to sew parts together. Sews replacement parts or missing stitches, according to repair tickets.

Replaces sewing machine parts and performs basic maintenance, such as oiling machine. Draws markings or pins applique on fabric to obtain variation in design and marks stitching errors with pins or tape. Bastes edges of material to align and temporarily secure garment parts for final assembly. Selects supplies, such as fasteners and thread, according to specifications or characteristics of fabric. Removes holding devices and finished item from machine.

Attaches tape, trim, or elastic to specified garments or garment parts, according to item specifications. Folds or stretches edges or length of items, while sewing, to facilitate forming specified sections. Attaches buttons or fasteners to fabric, using feeding hopper or clamp holder. Starts and operates or tends machines that automatically join, reinforce, or decorate material or fabricated articles. Observes sewing machine operation to detect defects in stitching or machine malfunction, and notifies supervisor.

Records number of garment parts or complete garments sewn. Inspects garments and examines repair tags and markings on garment to locate defects or damage. Cuts material and threads, using scissors. Positions material or article in clamps, template, or hoop frame prior to automatic operation of machine. Replaces and rethreads needles. Positions item under needle, using marks on machine, clamp or template, edges of cloth, or markings on cloth as guides. Draws thread through guides, tensions, and needles and adjusts machine functions, according to fabric type.