What does an embroidery machine operator do?
Embroidery machine operator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real embroidery machine operator resumes:
- Observe sewing operation to detect defects in stitching, repairs defective embroidery, regulates machine settings
- Observe sewing operation to detect defects in stitching, and make corrections if need.
- Decorate t-shirts and sweat shirts for college bookstores.
- Digitize graphics to print and cut for t-shirts and decals.
- Replace empty bobbins and doing weekly cleaning such as oiling and dusting.
- Create patterns, cut fabric and sew large custom drapes, bedding and cushions for high end homes and businesses.
- Fold, count and pack shoe covers, hats, lab coats, disposable coveralls, and aprons in boxes.
- Perform equipment maintenance tasks such as replacing needles, sanding rough areas of needles, and cleaning and oiling sewing machines.
- Sew quality coats while increasing production
- Operate Juki industrial sewing machine.
- Manufacture aircraft seat cushions and upholstery covers for seating.
- Lead operator on embroidery machines; produce military service name tapes and custom embroidery orders.
- Record statistics on ISO documentation, and coordinate with machine technicians and electrical technicians to keep machines operating at maximum efficiency.
Embroidery machine operator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 56% of Embroidery Machine Operators are proficient in Embroidery, Stitching, and Quality Standards. They’re also known for soft skills such as Computer skills, Dexterity, and Mechanical skills.
We break down the percentage of Embroidery Machine Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Embroidery, 56%
Performed all aspects of Embroidery Machine operation *Customer Service Skills *Completed Customer embroidery orders *Cash Register and Telephone Sales
- Stitching, 6%
Observed sewing machine operation to detect defects in stitching and machine malfunction and notified supervisor.
- Quality Standards, 5%
Maintained daily production sheets, ensured quality standards for the production of garments, and authorized orders for accuracy
- Detect Defects, 4%
Observe operations to detect defects, malfunctions, or supply shortages.
- Oiling, 4%
Performed equipment maintenance tasks such as replacing needles, sanding rough areas of needles, and cleaning and oiling sewing machines.
- Machine Operation, 3%
Programed machine operation for the sole supplier of the PGA Tour.
Most embroidery machine operators use their skills in "embroidery," "stitching," and "quality standards" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential embroidery machine operator responsibilities here:
Computer skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an embroidery machine operator to have is computer skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "metal and plastic machine workers often must be able to use programmable devices, computers, and robots on the factory floor." Embroidery machine operators often use computer skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "set up logo arts, in embroidery machine computer system. "
Dexterity. Another essential skill to perform embroidery machine operator duties is dexterity. Embroidery machine operators responsibilities require that "metal and plastic machine workers who work in metal and plastic machined goods manufacturing use precise hand movements to make the necessary shapes, cuts, and edges that designs require." Embroidery machine operators also use dexterity in their role according to a real resume snippet: "fast with hands and as most would say, i have a talent for doing embroidery. "
Mechanical skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of embroidery machine operators is mechanical skills. This skill is critical to many everyday embroidery machine operator duties, as "metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machinery." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "operated and maintained barudan and tajima embroidery machines performed mechanical adjustments loaded programs for soft goods"
Physical strength. embroidery machine operator responsibilities often require "physical strength." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "metal and plastic machine workers must be strong enough to guide and load heavy and bulky parts and materials into machines." This resume example shows what embroidery machine operators do with physical strength on a typical day: "operated embroidery machine, quality control, data entry, physical labor and clean up. "
The three companies that hire the most embroidery machine operators are:
- Cutter & Buck8 embroidery machine operators jobs
- L.L.Bean4 embroidery machine operators jobs
- Tyndale4 embroidery machine operators jobs
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Compare different embroidery machine operators
Embroidery machine operator vs. Tacker
A seamstress designs, repairs, and alters clothing as well as fashion accessories like hats and purses. Your duties and responsibilities may vary depending on your employer, including taking a customer's body measurements to fit clothes to their specifications, constructing garments specified by the customer, and advising customers on the appropriate types of patterns and fabrics that meet their needs. The skills and qualifications for this role include strong sewing skills, knowledge with design and fashion, and creativity.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an embroidery machine operator are more likely to require skills like "embroidery," "quality standards," "detect defects," and "oiling." On the other hand, a job as a tacker requires skills like "tack welding," "carbon steel," "tack-weld," and "aluminum." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Tackers tend to reach similar levels of education than embroidery machine operators. In fact, tackers are 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Embroidery machine operator vs. Lining closer
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, embroidery machine operator responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "embroidery," "stitching," "quality standards," and "detect defects." Meanwhile, a lining closer has duties that require skills in areas such as "front line," "back line," "temperature logs," and "evening shifts." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
In general, lining closers achieve similar levels of education than embroidery machine operators. They're 0.8% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Embroidery machine operator vs. Seamstress
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, embroidery machine operators are more likely to have skills like "quality standards," "detect defects," "oiling," and "head embroidery machine." But a seamstress is more likely to have skills like "punctuality," "industrial sewing machines," "upholstery," and "cushions."
Seamstresses make a very good living in the manufacturing industry with an average annual salary of $34,146. On the other hand, embroidery machine operators are paid the highest salary in the professional industry, with average annual pay of $32,767.When it comes to education, seamstresses tend to earn similar degree levels compared to embroidery machine operators. In fact, they're 1.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Embroidery machine operator vs. Sewing
Types of embroidery machine operator
Updated January 8, 2025
