Directory of Semiskilled Trades

Sector : 05 - Woodworking and Furniture Making Info

8752 Sewing Machine Operator - Furniture Coverings

The competency has been added.
M752
Field of application Sewing machine operators (furniture coverings) work for companies that make upholstered furniture, mattresses and seats for automobiles and aircraft; they may also work in furniture re-upholstery workshops
Other job titles Sewing machine operators (armchair or sofa arm covers); sewing machine operators (armchair or sofa back covers); sewing machine operators (armchair or sofa seat covers)

825201 - Prepare the work station 2

Performance criteria

  • Compliance with work instructions
  • Compliance with the production plan or procedures
  • Observance of manufacturer’s specifications
  • Accurate interpretation of the terminology used in lsewing
  • Accurate identification of the covering materials
  • Proper application of work techniques
  • Precise, methodical work
  • Precision of measurements
  • Concern for using materials sparingly
  • Correct visualization of the product to be made

Tasks

  • Receive instructions from the person in charge.
  • Consult the sewing pattern.
  • Place spool threads on bobbins.
  • Prepare the sewing machine (hand-operated, pedal-driven, assembly-line, 3-thread serger, etc.): install the pedal, needle or any other accessories; thread the sewing machine and adjust the settings (length of stitch, thread tension).
  • Adjust the settings on the sewing machine. Optional task or competency
  • Make a trial run.
  • Make sure that you have all the cut pieces of covering materials (textile materials with a satin finish, other textile materials and leather) and check their quality.
  • Set aside any pieces of covering material that do not comply with specifications and deposit them in the places designated for that purpose.
  • Detect any problems and inform the person in charge.

825202 - Assemble covering materials with identical or different contours 2

Performance criteria

  • Compliance with occupational health and safety rules
  • Compliance with work instructions
  • Compliance with quality standards
  • Proper application of work techniques
  • Proper use of equipment
  • Meticulous work
  • Concern for the attainment of the production objectives
  • Concern for using materials sparingly
  • Cleanliness of the sewn furniture coverings

Tasks

  • Receive instructions from the person in charge
  • Overlap the pieces of covering materials taking into account proper sewing measurements and ensuring that the notches and patterns of the covering material match, if applicable.
  • Make backstitches.
  • Make straight and curved stitches.
  • Make curved stitches in corners.
  • Sew on trim.
  • Check the quality of the assembly (lack of stretch and fullness, lack of wrinkles and fabric puckers, straight and sturdy seam lines, even stitching, stitch lines consistent with contours, etc.).
  • Cut off any excess thread.
  • Fold the sewn pieces and store them in the place designated for that purpose.
  • Detect any problems and inform the person in charge.

825203 - Whipstitch patterns 2

Performance criteria

  • Compliance with occupational health and safety rules
  • Compliance with work instructions
  • Compliance with quality standards
  • Proper application of work techniques
  • Proper use of equipment
  • Meticulous work
  • Concern for the attainment of the production objectives
  • Concern for using materials sparingly
  • Cleanliness of the sewn furniture coverings

Tasks

  • Receive instructions from the person in charge.
  • Overlap the pieces of covering materials taking into account proper sewing measurements and ensuring that the notches, back or face of the covering material match.
  • Make overstitches.
  • Check the quality of the assembly (uniformity of lines and edges, thorough overcasting of edges, minimal trimming of edges, etc.).
  • Cut off any excess thread.
  • Fold the sewn pieces and store them in the place designated for that purpose.
  • Detect any problems and inform the person in charge.

825204 - Topstitch the assembled pieces 2

Performance criteria

  • Compliance with occupational health and safety rules
  • Compliance with work instructions
  • Compliance with quality standards
  • Proper application of work techniques
  • Proper use of equipment
  • Meticulous work
  • Concern for the attainment of the production objectives
  • Concern for using materials sparingly
  • Cleanliness of the sewn furniture coverings

Tasks

  • Receive instructions from the person in charge.
  • Overlap the pieces of covering materials.
  • Make topstitches.
  • Check the quality of the assembly (parallel overstitching, no underside protrusion, etc.).
  • Cut off any excess thread.
  • Fold the sewn pieces and store them in the place designated for that purpose.
  • Detect any problems and inform the person in charge.

825205 - Maintain the work areas and equipment 1

Performance criteria

  • Compliance with occupational health and safety rules
  • Compliance with work instructions
  • Observance of maintenance schedule
  • Compliance with storage plan
  • Proper application of work techniques
  • Concern for using materials sparingly

Tasks

  • Put away the parts and materials in their designated areas.
  • Clean the sewing machine.
  • Lubricate the components of the sewing machine.
  • Clean and sweep the work areas.
  • Salvage scrap materials for recycling and dispose of waste.
  • Report signs of breakage to the maintenance service or person in charge.
Info Optional competency or task. Competencies or tasks marked with this symbol are not required in all workplaces. They could be included in a student’s training plan if the practicum setting offers the opportunity for the student to apply them.