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Manufacturing & ProductionISCO 8153

Embroidery machine operator

An embroidery machine operator is a person who decorates garments by running embroidery machines of various technologies to produce embroidery and ornament on clothing.

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Rate 5 of the 8 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

manufacture wearing apparel products

sew textile-based articles

embroider fabrics

decorate textile articles

manufacturing of wearing apparel

About embroidery machine operator

The operator works from knowledge of textile material properties, because the same design on a knit, on a woven shirt fabric and on a heavy jacket needs different backing, different tension and a different stitch density. Designs are embroidered onto fabrics from a digitised pattern, and the operator checks the first piece before the run.

The operator sews garment articles and makes clothing products, decorates textile goods, and works within garment manufacturing and the manufacturing of finished textile goods. Embroidery is one of the stages in making a garment.

The operator also knows garment production technology: where in the making a piece is embroidered, what has to be done flat before assembly, and what can only be done once a garment exists. The operator positions the design on the piece, watches the machine and catches thread breaks, needle breaks and tension drift before they ruin a piece. Requirements for the job are set by the employer.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (8)

manufacturing of wearing apparelmanufacturing of wearing apparelThe processes used to fabricate wearing apparel and the different technologies and machinery involved in the manufacturing processes.properties of textile materialsproperties of textile materialsThe characteristics and properties of different textile and fabric materials. These include strength, flexibility, elasticity, softness, durability, heat insulation, low weight, water absorbency/repel...manufacturing of made-up textile articlesmanufacturing of made-up textile articlesManufacturing processes in wearing apparel and made-up textiles. Different technologies and machinery involved in the manufacturing processes.apparel manufacturing technologyapparel manufacturing technologyTraditional and advanced apparel manufacturing technologies. Technologies including processes, machinery, etc. in order to compile and design pattern requirements, contribute to product costing and fi...manufacture wearing apparel productsmanufacture wearing apparel productsManufacture either mass-product or bespoke wearing apparels of various types, assembling and joining together wearing apparel components using processes such as sewing, gluing, bonding. Assemble weari...sew textile-based articlessew textile-based articlesSew different products based on textiles and wearing apparel articles. Combine good hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and physical and mental stamina.embroider fabricsembroider fabricsEmbroider fabrics of different proveniences or finished articles by using embroidery machines or by hand.decorate textile articlesdecorate textile articlesDecorate wearing apparels and made up textile articles by hand or using machines. Decorate textile articles with ornaments, braided cords, golden yarns, soutaches, jewellery, and cristals.
Optional (5) — show
coordinate manufacturing production activitiescoordinate manufacturing production activitiesCoordinate manufacturing activities based on production strategies, policies and plans. Study details of the planning such as expected quality of the products, quantities, cost, and labour required to...use textile technique for hand-made productsuse textile technique for hand-made productsUsing textile technique to produce hand-made products, such as carpets, tapestry, embroidery, lace, silk screen printing, wearing apparel, etc.operate garment manufacturing machinesoperate garment manufacturing machinesOperate and monitor machines which make miscellaneous wearing apparel articles. Operate and monitor machines that fold cloth into measured length, and measure size of pieces.sew pieces of fabricsew pieces of fabricOperate basic or specialised sewing machines whether domestic or industrial ones, sewing pieces of fabric, vinyl or leather in order to manufacture or repair wearing apparels, making sure the threads ...make made-to-measure garmentsmake made-to-measure garmentsMake garments and other wearing apparel according to specific measures and tailored patterns.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

sewing machine operator7 shared essential skillsclothing alteration machinist6 shared essential skillsembroiderer6 shared essential skillssewing machinist6 shared essential skillsclothing sample machinist5 shared essential skillsclothing development manager4 shared essential skillsclothing technologist4 shared essential skillstailor4 shared essential skills

Frequently asked questions

What does an embroidery machine operator do?

Embroidery machine operators decorate wearing apparel by tending embroidery machines varying in their technology in order to embroider and ornamental wearing apparel.

What skills does an embroidery machine operator need?

An embroidery machine operator needs 8 essential skills, including manufacturing of wearing apparel, properties of textile materials, manufacturing of made-up textile articles, apparel manufacturing technology, manufacture wearing apparel products.

Will AI replace embroidery machine operator jobs?

The AI disruption score for embroidery machine operator is 41/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: manufacturing of made-up textile articles, operate garment manufacturing machines, apparel manufacturing technology. Most resilient: use textile technique for hand-made products, make made-to-measure garments, sew textile-based articles.

Quick Facts

SectorManufacturing & Production
ISCO GroupStationary plant and machine operators
Essential Skills8

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