Directory of Semiskilled Trades

Sector : 18 - Fashion, Leather and Textiles Info

8777 Sewing Machine Operator (commercial production)

M777
Field of application Sewing machine operators are employed by companies that manufacture clothing, shoes or boots, household articles, etc. Such a company may be a commercial operation or it may be an adapted enterprise with membership in the Conseil québécois des entreprises adaptées (CQEA).
Other job titles Industrial sewing maching operator

827701 - Interpret instructions 2

Performance criteria

  • Attentive listening to explanations
  • Asking of relevant questions
  • Correct identification of materials, if applicable
  • Accurate interpretation of the terminology used in lsewing

Tasks

  • Listen to instructions from the person in charge concerning the assembly work (stitching, overlocking, overcasting, etc.) or finishing work to be done (sewing on buttons, zippers, decorative elements, etc.).
  • Read a sewing diagram.
  • Observe the features of a prototype.
  • Recognize materials visually and by touch: natural or synthetic fabric, natural or synthetic leather, etc.
  • Inquire about the characteristics of materials with reference to sewing operations.

827702 - Prepare the workstation 2

Performance criteria

  • Observance of occupational health and safety rules
  • Compliance with work instructions
  • Observance of manufacturer’s specifications
  • Correct interpretations of threading diagrams .
  • Proper application of work techniques
  • Optimal operation of the sewing machine

Tasks

  • Consult the production sheet.
  • Select needles according to the work to be carried out and the type of sewing machine, and then install them.
  • Select the presser feet according to the work to be done and the type of sewing machine, and then install them.
  • Select and install the accessories.
  • Thread the sewing machine.
  • Wind thread on the bobins.
  • Adjust the thread tension.
  • Adjust the stitch length.
  • Configure the sewing machine. Optional task or competency
  • Perform a test.
  • Detect any problems and inform the person in charge.

827703 - Assemble pieces or sections of fabric or leather 2

Performance criteria

  • Observance of occupational health and safety rules
  • Compliance with work instructions
  • Compliance with quality standards
  • Proper application of work techniques
  • Appropriate use of the sewing machine
  • Adoption of postures appropriate to repetitive tasks
  • Meticulous work
  • Concern for the attainment of the production objectives
  • Semi-finished and finished products in conformity with the prototype
  • Cleanliness of finished and semi-finished products

Tasks

  • Consult the production sheet.
  • Make sure that you have all the cut pieces or all the sections and check their quality.
  • Deposit the substandard pieces or sections in the place designated for that purpose.
  • Lay out the pieces or sections, taking into account the seam allowances and making sure to match the notches.
  • Start the sewing machine to do overlock stitches.
  • Check the quality of the assembly (straight, curved or angled seams, regularity of stitches, absence of stretch or puckering, etc.).
  • Cut off the excess threads.
  • Repeat the process, if necessary.
  • Deposit the semi-finished or finished products in the place designated for that purpose.
  • Detect any problems and inform the person in charge.
  • Fill out a work sheet.

827704 - Overcast stitch on curved edges 2

Performance criteria

  • Observance of occupational health and safety rules
  • Compliance with work instructions
  • Compliance with quality standards
  • Proper application of work techniques
  • Proper use of sewing machine
  • Adoption of postures appropriate to repetitive tasks
  • Meticulous work
  • Concern for the attainment of the production objectives
  • Semi-finished and finished products in conformity with the prototype
  • Cleanliness of finished and semi-finished products

Tasks

  • Consult the production sheet.
  • Make sure you have all the cut pieces or all the sections and check their quality.
  • Deposit the substandard pieces or sections in the place designated for that purpose.
  • Overlap the pieces
  • Start up the sewing machine to carry out the overlock stitches
  • Check the quality of the overlocking (minimal trimming, overlocking of all curves of the piece, etc.)
  • Cut off the excess thread
  • Repeat the process, if necessary
  • Deposit the semi-finished or finished products in the designated place
  • Detect any problems and inform the person in charge
  • Fill out a work sheet

827705 - Topstitch assembled pieces 2

Performance criteria

  • Observance of occupational health and safety rules
  • Compliance with work instructions
  • Compliance with quality standards
  • Proper application of work techniques
  • Proper use of sewing machine
  • Adoption of postures appropriate to repetitive tasks
  • Meticulous work
  • Concern for the attainment of the production objectives
  • Semi-finished and finished products in conformity with the prototype
  • Cleanliness of finished and semi-finished products

Tasks

  • Consult the production sheet.
  • Make sure you have all the cut pieces or all the sections and check their quality.
  • Deposit the substandard pieces or sections in the place designated for that purpose.
  • Lay out the pieces.
  • Start the sewing machine to carry out the overstitching.
  • Check the quality of the overstitching (parallel overstitches, etc.)
  • Cut off the excess threads.
  • Repeat the process, if necessary.
  • Deposit the semi-finished or finished products in the place designated for that purpose.
  • Detect any problems and inform the person in charge.
  • Fill out a work sheet.

827706 - Carry out various finishing operations Optional task or competency 2

Performance criteria

  • Observance of occupational health and safety rules
  • Compliance with work instructions
  • Compliance with quality standards
  • Proper application of work techniques
  • Proper use of sewing machine
  • Adoption of postures appropriate to repetitive tasks
  • Meticulous work
  • Concern for the attainment of the production objectives
  • Semi-finished and finished products in conformity with the prototype
  • Cleanliness of finished and semi-finished products

Tasks

  • Consult the production sheet.
  • Make sure you have all the materials required (buttons, thread, etc.) and the semi-finished or finished products.
  • Place the items on the plate of the machine for sewing on buttons, making buttonholes, hemming, embroidering patterns, etc.
  • Start the sewing machine and carry out the finishing operations.
  • Check the quality of the work.
  • Cut off the excess threads.
  • Deposit the semi-finished or finished products in the place designated for that purpose.
  • Detect any problems and inform the person in charge.
  • Fill out a work sheet.

827707 - Carry out preventive maintenance of the sewing machine 2

Performance criteria

  • Observance of occupational health and safety rules
  • staying within the limits of the occupation
  • Compliance with work instructions
  • Observance of manufacturer’s specifications
  • Observance of maintenance schedule
  • Proper application of work techniques

Tasks

  • Unplug the sewing machine.
  • Clean the inside of the bobin case: remove the bobin; clean, lubricate and wipe each part; dust the interior of the case; put it back together.
  • Wipe the exterior of the sewing machine with a cloth.
  • Change the light bulb. Optional task or competency
  • Replace the dust cover on the sewing machine.
  • Report any breakage to the maintenance department or the person in charge.

827708 - Maintain the workstation 1

Performance criteria

  • Observance of occupational health and safety rules
  • Compliance with storage plan
  • Concern for using materials sparingly
  • Cleanliness

Tasks

  • Put away accessories in the correct storage locations.
  • Store pieces or sections of fabric or leather in the places designated for that purpose.
  • Clean and sweep the work area.
  • Collect remainders of materials for recycling and discard scraps.
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.