Sewing Machine Operator

Syllabus/Curriculum

This programme is aimed at training candidates for the job of Sewing Machine Operator , in the Apparel Sector/
industry and by the end of the program aims at building the following key competencies amongst the learner:
1. The trainees will be able to stitch/sew fabrics
2. The trainees will be able to stitch/sew fur
3. The trainees will be able to stitch/sew synthetic materials
4. The trainees are able to accurately work with the sewing machines and are able to perform hand works
Operator and work accordingly to increase productivity
5. The trainee are able to identify quality defects and can perform improvements to avoid defects
6. The trainee are able to maintain a clean and healthy working environment.
7. The trainee is able to understand the rules and regulations related to apparels in a country specific manner.
This course encompasses 5 out of 5 National Occupational Standards (NOS) of Sewing Machine Operator
Qualification Pack issued by Apparel Sector Skill Council.
S.No Topic
1

Durati Key Learning Outcomes

on(hrs)

Correspondi
ng NOS Code

Carrying out Stitching activities using machine or by hand AMH/N0301

Introduction:

1a

1. Ice breaking

To know the participants and their background

session.
2. General

rules to be
followed in
institute

1b

Introduction
to Trade and
Working areas
of Sewing
Machine
Operator

Scope of
Sewing
Machine
Operator

PC1. Make sure the work area is free from hazards

PC2. Follow the instructions on the work ticket/ job card in line with the responsibilities of
respective job role
PC3. Ask questions to obtain more information on tasks when the instructions you have are
AMH/N0301
unclear
PC4. Agree and review your agreed upon work targets with your supervisor and check for
special instructions, if any
PC16. Report any damaged work to the responsible person
PC17. Follow company reporting procedures about defective tools and machines which affect
work and report risks/ problems likely to affect services to the relevant person promptly and
accurately
PC18. Sort and place work to assist the next stage of production and minimise the risk of
damage
PC19. Leave work area safe and secure when work is complete
PC20. Complete forms, records and other documentation

Page 1 of 4

S.No Topic

1c

Introductions
to Fabric and
Apparels

Pre-checks for
sewing
1d

Durati Key Learning Outcomes

on(hrs)

Correspondi
ng NOS Code

PC5. Use the correct tools and equipments

PC6. Check that equipment is safe and set up in readiness for use
PC7. Select the correct component parts for the style being worked on
PC8. Check that the materials to be used are free from faults
PC9. Ensure the materials used meet the specification matching
a. Within a product
b. Between a pair of products where applicable
PC10. Carry out test sews
PC11. Check needles, awls and threads regularly
PC12. Check if fabric / Component is correctly marked and pieces cut as required
PC13. Fabric pieces and linings are pinned or sewn together as required, and appropriately
hung in readiness for assembly.
PC14. Report faults in the materials
PC15. Conform to company quality standards

PC21. Make sure the work area is free from hazards

PC22. Carry out work functions in line with the responsibilities of your job role
PC23. Examine the specific item to identify what type of stitching is best suited
PC24. Ask questions to obtain more information on tasks when the instructions are unclear
and finalize the stitching option with the supervisor, in case of queries
PC25. Estimate the expected length of time for the process
PC26. Set up machine ((Apparel Sewing machine) according to manufacturers instructions and
production requirements
PC27. Use the correct machine, tools (eg: Scissors, Measuring tapes and rulers) and equipment
PC28. Set machine controls for the materials being stitched
AMH/N0301

Performing
Machining

1e

PC29. Cut the thread appropriately

PC30. Thread the needle in the machine and adjust the needle as per the requirements
PC31. Perform a test run to ensure machine is operating correctly
PC32. Report defective machines, tools and/or equipment to the responsible person
PC33. Operate machines safely and in accordance with guidelines
PC34. Optimize the positioning and layout of materials to ensure a smooth and rapid
throughput
PC35. Check the equipment prior to making the stitching, including:
PC36. Correct controls
PC37. Correct attachments
PC38. Changing needles
PC39. Changing threads
PC40. Changing awls
PC41. Correct Timing
PC42. Stitch the correct materials in the right sequence as required by the production
specification
PC43. Ensure stitched product conforms to shape and size requirement
PC44. Ensure stitched products meets specification in terms of labels and trimmings
PC45. Inspect stitched products against specifications
PC46. Identify mark and place rejects in the designated locations
PC47. Carry out alterations to meet customer requirements
PC48. Pass the stitched item to the next stage in the manufacturing process after validation
PC49. Respond accordingly where stitched items do not meet production specification
PC50. Minimise and dispose the waste materials in the approved manner
PC51. Seek feedback from team mates on work related performance
PC52. Check with in charge /others when unsure of new product details
PC53. Clean and make safe machines after use
PC54. Carry out basic maintenance of own machines
PC55. Report risks/ problems likely to affect services to the relevant person promptly and
accurately
PC56. Complete forms, records and other documentation
PC57. Sew and apply trims by hand and machine
PC58. Carry out Operations at a rate which maintains workflow and meets production targets

Page 2 of 4

S.No Topic
2

Correspondi
ng NOS Code

Contribute to achieve product quality in stitching operations AMH/N0302

2a
Quality
Control

Durati Key Learning Outcomes

on(hrs)

PC1. Identify and use materials required based on the job card/ work ticket
PC2. Take the necessary action when materials do not conform to company quality standards
PC3. Report and replace identified faulty materials and component parts which do not meet
specification
PC4. Identify modifiable defects and rework on them
PC5. Carry out work safely and at a rate which maintains work flow
PC6. Report to the responsible person when the work flow of other production areas disrupts
work
PC7. Test, sort, track feed and examine work in progress
PC8. Carry out quality checks at specified intervals according to instructions
AMH/N0302
PC9. Apply the allowed tolerances
PC10. Identify faults and take appropriate action for rectification
PC11. Make adjustments promptly to return product to specification
PC12. Fault-find materials and components for creased, stained, damage and incorrectly
made-up component parts
PC13. Report faults in other processes to the appropriate person
PC14. Maintain the required productivity and quality levels
PC15. Complete and maintain documentation

Maintain work area, tools and machines AMH/N0303

Maintenance
3

PC1. Handle materials, machinery, equipment and tools safely and correctly
PC2. Use correct lifting and handling procedures
PC3. Use materials to minimize waste
PC4. Maintain a clean and hazard free working area
PC5. Maintain tools and equipment
PC6. Carry out running maintenance within agreed schedules
PC7. Carry out maintenance and/or cleaning within ones responsibility
PC8. Report unsafe equipment and other dangerous occurrences
PC9. Ensure that the correct machine guards are in place
PC10. Work in a comfortable position with the correct posture
PC11. Use cleaning equipment and methods appropriate for the work to be carried out
PC12. Dispose of waste safely in the designated location
PC13. Store cleaning equipment safely after use
PC14. Carry out cleaning according to schedules and limits of responsibility

AMH/N0303

4 Comply with industry and organizational requirements AMH/N0305

Planning and
organizing
work:
1. Understand

ing policies
and
procedures
of
organizatio
n.
2. Performing
5S at the
work place

PC1. Carry out work functions in accordance with legislation and regulations, organizational
guidelines and procedures
PC2. Seek and obtain clarifications on policies and procedures, from your supervisor or other
authorized personnel
PC3. Apply and follow these policies and procedures within your work practices
AMH/N0305
PC4. Provide support to your supervisor and team members in enforcing these considerations
PC5. Identify and report any possible deviation to these requirements

5 Maintain health, safety and security at workplace

AMH/N0304

ASC/N00

Page06
3 of 4

S.No Topic

5a Importance of
safety

Introduction
5b to First Aid

Durati Key Learning Outcomes

on(hrs)

Correspondi
ng NOS Code

PC1. Comply with health and safety related instructions applicable to the workplace
PC2. Use and maintain personal protective equipment as per protocol
PC3. Carry out own activities in line with approved guidelines and procedures
PC4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and guard against dependency on intoxicants
PC5. Follow environment management system related procedures
PC6. Identify and correct (if possible) malfunctions in machinery and equipment
PC7. Report any service malfunctions that cannot be rectified
AMH/N0304
PC8. Store materials and equipment in line with manufacturers and organisational
requirements
PC9. Safely handle and move waste and debris
PC10. Minimize health and safety risks to self and others due to own actions
PC11. Seek clarifications, from supervisors or other authorized personnel in case of perceived
risks
PC12. Monitor the workplace and work processes for potential risks and threats
PC13. Carry out periodic walk-through to keep work area free from hazards and obstructions,
if assigned
PC14. Report hazards and potential risks/ threats to supervisors or other authorized personnel
PC17. Take action based on instructions in the event of fire, emergencies or accidents
PC18. Follow organisation procedures for shutdown and evacuation when required

PC15. Participate in mock drills/ evacuation procedures organized at the workplace

PC16. Undertake first aid, fire-fighting and emergency response training, if asked to do so

Functional
English

Candidates will get an understanding of:

Pronunciation of vowels, consonants

Basic English

Technical
Skills-Basic
Computer
Skills

Candidates will be able to perform:

Work on MS-Word, Excel, Internet

Differentiate between Hardware and software

Start typing on the keyboard accurately

Soft Skills

Basic communication and Team building

(This syllabus/ curriculum has been approved by Apparel Sector Skill Council)

Page 4 of 4