# Tasks & work activities — embroiderer

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 51-6031.00 (Sewing Machine Operators).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Monitor machine operation to detect problems such as defective stitching, breaks in thread, or machine malfunctions.
- **[Core]** Position items under needles, using marks on machines, clamps, templates, or cloth as guides.
- **[Core]** Place spools of thread, cord, or other materials on spindles, insert bobbins, and thread ends through machine guides and components.
- **[Core]** Match cloth pieces in correct sequences prior to sewing them, and verify that dye lots and patterns match.
- **[Core]** Guide garments or garment parts under machine needles and presser feet to sew parts together.
- **[Core]** 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.
- **[Core]** Record quantities of materials processed.
- **[Core]** Select supplies such as fasteners and thread, according to job requirements.
- **[Core]** Mount attachments, such as needles, cutting blades, or pattern plates, and adjust machine guides according to specifications.
- **[Core]** Cut excess material or thread from finished products.
- **[Core]** Fold or stretch edges or lengths of items while sewing to facilitate forming specified sections.
- **[Core]** Perform equipment maintenance tasks such as replacing needles, sanding rough areas of needles, or cleaning and oiling sewing machines.
- **[Core]** Examine and measure finished articles to verify conformance to standards, using rulers.
- **[Core]** Turn knobs, screws, and dials to adjust settings of machines, according to garment styles and equipment performance.
- **[Core]** Repair or alter items by adding replacement parts or missing stitches.
- **[Core]** Remove holding devices and finished items from machines.
- **[Core]** Attach tape, trim, appliques, or elastic to specified garments or garment parts, according to item specifications.
- **[Supplemental]** Inspect garments, and examine repair tags and markings on garments to locate defects or damage, and mark errors as necessary.
- **[Supplemental]** Cut materials according to specifications, using blades, scissors, or electric knives.
- **[Supplemental]** Position and mark patterns on materials to prepare for sewing.
- **[Supplemental]** Position material or articles in clamps, templates, or hoop frames prior to automatic operation of machines.
- **[Supplemental]** Perform specialized or automatic sewing machine functions, such as buttonhole making or tacking.
- **[Supplemental]** Attach buttons, hooks, zippers, fasteners, or other accessories to fabric, using feeding hoppers or clamp holders.
- **[Supplemental]** Baste edges of material to align and temporarily secure parts for final assembly.
- **[Supplemental]** Tape or twist together thread or cord to repair breaks.
- **[Supplemental]** Draw markings or pin appliques on fabric to obtain variations in design.

## Detailed work activities

- Adjust fabrics or other materials during garment production.
- Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly.
- Attach decorative or functional accessories to products.
- Clean production equipment.
- Compare physical characteristics of materials or products to specifications or standards.
- Cut fabrics.
- Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
- Feed materials or products into or through equipment.
- Inspect garments for defects, damage, or stains.
- Load materials into production equipment.
- Maintain production or processing equipment.
- Maneuver workpieces in equipment during production.
- Mark products, workpieces, or equipment with identifying information.
- Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
- Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
- Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
- Operate sewing equipment.
- Position patterns on equipment, materials, or workpieces.
- Record operational or production data.
- Remove accessories, tools, or other parts from equipment.
- Remove products or workpieces from production equipment.
- Repair textiles or apparel.
- Replace worn equipment components.
- Select production input materials.
- Trim excess material from workpieces.
- Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.