Tips for Training Embroidery Operators

May 22, 2009

By Deborah Jones, Contributing Writer

Many shops just hire a new worker and let them learn on the job. This “on-the-job osmosis” method usually results in uneven job skills and does not give your employee the best opportunity to excel. 

A defined training program has thresholds linked to a schedule, assuring that trainees get all relevant information within a finite time frame. This helps you judge whether or not the trainee has or will likely achieve the necessary competency level to become a permanent employee.

When you train an operator from the ground up, and let them know they can advance in the company, they are less likely to leave you to go to another embroidery shop. Also, if you have an established training program, and you lose an employee for any reason, you have a good idea how long it will take a new employee to get up to speed.

Machine Operation: The Ideal Candidate
A candidate for a machine operator should be bright, reasonably fit, and have good hand-to-eye coordination and dexterity. Many people look for sewing experience. That can be helpful, but keep in mind that commercial sewing machine operators sit while working, while embroiderers must be able to stand on their feet all day.

During the interview process, I show the machine area to the prospective employee. I like to hire a prospective trainee who is not intimidated either by the machine or the computer.

Principles of a Good Training Program

• The machine does not have a mind of its own.
Stress to trainees that the machine does only what you tell it to do. Machines rarely malfunction and stitch improperly — a possible result of electrical or electronic problem.  So don't be overly sympathetic when a trainee exclaims,  "I don't know why the machine did that." Reinforce in a gentle way that the machine most likely did what they instructed it to do.

• The machine can hurt you.
You don't want to frighten new employees, but they should have a healthy respect for the machine and understand that they could be hurt if safety procedures are not followed. Establish a signal that lets others know the machine is about to be started. Many operators say "Ready" or "Clear" loudly before the machine is engaged. This is a must on multihead machines, to help assure that no other worker has hands or fingers near any moving parts.

• Mistakes happen.
Enthusiastic trainees can sometimes persuade managers to accelerate the training program. Resist the temptation. Errors will occur — like hitting a hoop, misplacing embroidery or cutting a shirt. Remain calm; don't undermine the trainee's confidence and try to make it a positive, “What did we learn from this?” experience.

• Allow the trainee to operate the machine as soon as possible.
Research shows that people retain:   
    • 25% of what they hear
    • 45% of what they see
    • 70% of what they see, hear and do

The trainer should observe the trainee for a time, and then reverse the roles. For the first few days, the trainer should be available at all times and never walk away leaving the trainee alone at the machine. Have the trainee repeat instructions, or explain procedures, in their own words. Many trainees want to succeed and say they understand a concept even when they may not understand.

• Train operators according to their ability to absorb information.
Some large shops have specialists — setup operators and job operators — but most small shops cannot afford this luxury. Small shop operators should be comfortable with the machine as well as its controller. Allow a trainee to make notes to help them through the steps to load a design, assign needles and other controller tasks. Keep a laminated “Quick Start” reference card at the machine.

Getting Started with a Training Program
Set a defined curriculum and schedule. Start trainees with simple tasks, like changing thread over for a new job and progress to teaching tension basics, and identifying good embroidery from poor embroidery. Collect samples with mistakes like embroidery that’s off-register, jagged column stitches or other symptoms.

It's also a good idea to make a short video of operations in your shop that your trainee can take home. This serves a dual purpose; they will learn from it and they can show their family about their interesting new job.

Check out this tip sheet on the minimum training embroidery machine operators and supervisors should have.

Deborah Jones is a commercial and home embroiderer with more than 30 years experience in the computerized embroidery field. For more information or comment on this article, e-mail Deborah at deborah_jones247@yahoo.com.

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