Operates industrial sewing machines to sew and finish garments and soft furnishings such as curtains.

• Threads machines, inserts bobbins and positions parts to be sewn; starts, stops and controls speed of machines with pedals and knee levers to coordinate actions of presser feet, clothes guides, blades and other attachments, and guides parts under needles, following edges, seams and markings; changes needles and adjusts, secures and modifies attachments to machines; finishes items by cutting excess material and threads.

• Works indoors in workrooms. May be a home-based contract worker.
• The work area will usually be adequately heated and ventilated.

• Light demand work levels.
• Sits constantly at sewing machines.
• Occasionally walks about the work area to collect materials and other supplies.
• Stretches out and across on a regular basis to adjust and check sewing machine operations and adjust material being sewn.
• Does not usually squat, crouch or kneel.
• Twisting of the body or neck is unlikely to be required
• Substantial contact with water or chemical substances is not required.
• Light lifting is occasionally required.
• Bends frequently over work table in order to carry out the required tasks.
• Machine sewing requires constant repetitive hand and arm movements.
• Driving is not required.
• Uses a range of hand sewing equipment or operates a commercial sewing machine. Uses pins, needles and a variety of other minor sewing equipment items.
• Mental skills necessary include sewing and other practical skills as well as problem-solving design and organisational skills.

An NZQF Level 4 qualification, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3).

In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

For entry-level positions on-the-job training may be sufficient.

• There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited