Is becoming a sewing machine operator right for me?
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How to become a Sewing Machine Operator
Experience is the most valuable asset for a sewing machine operator. There is no substitute for it; even those who hold degrees in fashion design won't be able to sew well without practice and repetition. Good eyesight and small, thin fingers are ideal; those with larger, thicker fingers must exercise extra caution so that they don't get caught by the sewing needle. Patience is a virtue for a sewing machine operator; these professionals must also be able to visualize a three-dimensional garment as it takes shape from a pile of flat pieces of fabric. They must also be neat and well-organized so pattern pieces don't get damaged or lost.
Many sewing machine operators work in cramped conditions, hunched over their machine for hours at a time. Good health and a strong back are helpful; those who need a bit of extra help in this area may be most comfortable in a lumbar support chair, which reduces pressure on the tailbone and lower spine. Sewing machines generate moderate noise, so conversation is impractical when they are running. Sewing machine operators must therefore be comfortable working in solitude; even if there is another person working close by.