Drapery work is usually done in large, bright, well-ventilated rooms. Noise from power machines and lint from fabrics may cause minor annoyances. The work requires repeated stooping, bending, stretching, and walking. Sitting or standing for long periods of time may be required, as well as lifting bolts of material weighing up to 25 pounds or more. Eye strain can result from the close attention to stitching.
Workers use sewing machines with a variety of attachments.
Hand tools such as scissors, needles, pins, measuring tapes, and yardsticks are used for measuring. Ordinarily, the employer furnishes this equipment. If safety standards are followed, workers are seldom injured in this occupation. The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division. The figures represent the broad occupational group Sewing Machine Operator, Non-garment, which includes Drapery Occupations.