Operators are also classified by the products they work on. The main division is between those who make clothing and those who make non-garment items, such as towels and sheets. Sewing Machine Operators is in the Manufacturing and Processing Career Cluster. Occasionally lift and move objects that weigh up to 20 pounds Occasionally need to match colors or tell the difference between them Occasionally judge the distance between objects Work Setting Sewing machine operators work indoors. Working conditions vary by the establishment and the type of job.
Older factories tend to be more crowded, less well lit, and less well ventilated.
Sewing areas tend to be noisy, although workers generally do not wear ear protection. Most sewing machine operators spend 35 to 40 hours a week on the job. Some may work evening shifts. Although there are no life threatening dangers in this occupation, sewers need to pay attention to their work. In some factories, sewing machine operators are expected to work as members of a team rather than as individuals.