Sewing Machine Operator
Boost your chances before you apply.
Apparel Redefined
IL
Summary
The Sewing Machine Operator is responsible for performing custom sewing and tackle twill work according to production specifications. They must inspect finished garments for quality and accuracy while maintaining organized equipment and supplies.
Job Description
Description
WHO WE ARE
Apparel Redefined is a custom apparel decoration and fulfillment company with roots going back to 1970. We combine skilled people, modern equipment and NOMOS, our proprietary operating system, to produce screen printing, embroidery, digital printing, sewing, tackle twill, fulfillment and print on demand programs for customers across the country.
We believe in grit over glamour, earned trust and doing what we say we will do. This is a hands on production environment where craftsmanship, pace, communication and accountability all matter.
THE ROLE
The Sewing Machine Operator completes custom sewing and tackle twill work accurately, efficiently and on schedule. This person operates commercial sewing equipment, follows production specifications and inspects finished garments to make sure every order meets Apparel Redefined standards.
This role reports to Production Leadership and works closely with the sewing, embroidery, heat application and finishing teams. You will fit here if you show up, move with purpose, speak up when something does not look right and take ownership of the result.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
• Read and follow digital and printed production work orders in NOMOS, including garment type, placement, material, thread color, size and quantity.
• Operate industrial sewing machines to apply names, numbers, patches, emblems, tackle twill, appliqué and other custom elements.
• Set up the proper needle, thread, bobbin, tension and stitch settings for each job.
• Use heat press equipment to position or tack materials before sewing when required.
• Inspect garments before, during and after production for placement, stitch quality, damage and order accuracy.
• Track completed quantities and move work through the correct production stages.
• Keep twill, thread, needles, bobbins and department supplies organized and ready for production.
• Complete routine machine cleaning and basic daily maintenance.
• Report equipment problems, material shortages and order concerns before they create delays.
• Support related production departments when workload requires it and maintain a clean, safe work area.
WHAT WE NEED
• At least one year of commercial or industrial sewing machine experience.
• Experience with Juki, Singer or comparable commercial sewing equipment preferred.
• Experience with tackle twill, appliqué, patches, athletic uniforms or apparel decoration is a strong plus.
• Ability to read and follow detailed written production instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and a real commitment to quality.
• Basic computer skills and comfort using a production management system.
• Reliable attendance and the ability to work with urgency when deadlines require it.
• Ability to communicate clearly with coworkers and production leadership.
• Ability to stand for the majority of the shift and lift up to 50 pounds.
HOW SUCCESS IS MEASURED
• Order accuracy of 99 percent or better.
• Consistent achievement of agreed daily, weekly and monthly production goals.
• Low rework, spoilage and preventable garment damage.
• Orders completed on schedule with production concerns communicated early.
• Work area, materials and equipment kept organized and production ready.
• Reliable attendance and a consistent willingness to help the team finish strong.
PAY, SCHEDULE AND BENEFITS
• Pay range of $17.00 to $20.00 per hour, based on experience and demonstrated skill.
• Part time or full time, first shift schedule, Monday through Friday.
• Overtime may be available or required based on production demand.
• Paid time off, 401(k) and employee discount.
• On site role at 4611 136th Street in Crestwood, Illinois.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Please apply with a brief work history and a summary of your sewing experience. Qualified applicants may be asked to complete a practical skills assessment on site.
Requirements
WHAT YOU WILL DO
• Read and follow digital and printed production work orders in NOMOS, including garment type, placement, material, thread color, size and quantity.
• Operate industrial sewing machines to apply names, numbers, patches, emblems, tackle twill, appliqué and other custom elements.
• Set up the proper needle, thread, bobbin, tension and stitch settings for each job.
• Use heat press equipment to position or tack materials before sewing when required.
• Inspect garments before, during and after production for placement, stitch quality, damage and order accuracy.
• Track completed quantities and move work through the correct production stages.
• Keep twill, thread, needles, bobbins and department supplies organized and ready for production.
• Complete routine machine cleaning and basic daily maintenance.
• Report equipment problems, material shortages and order concerns before they create delays.
• Support related production departments when workload requires it and maintain a clean, safe work area.
WHAT WE NEED
• At least one year of commercial or industrial sewing machine experience.
• Experience with Juki, Singer or comparable commercial sewing equipment preferred.
• Experience with tackle twill, appliqué, patches, athletic uniforms or apparel decoration is a strong plus.
• Ability to read and follow detailed written production instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and a real commitment to quality.
• Basic computer skills and comfort using a production management system.
• Reliable attendance and the ability to work with urgency when deadlines require it.
• Ability to communicate clearly with coworkers and production leadership.
• Ability to stand for the majority of the shift and lift up to 50 pounds.
HOW SUCCESS IS MEASURED
• Order accuracy of 99 percent or better.
• Consistent achievement of agreed daily, weekly and monthly production goals.
• Low rework, spoilage and preventable garment damage.
• Orders completed on schedule with production concerns communicated early.
• Work area, materials and equipment kept organized and production ready.
• Reliable attendance and a consistent willingness to help the team finish strong.
Born in 1970, Apparel Redefined was originally named Angie & Rich’s Custom Screening & Monogramming. It was a bonafide startup; Angie and Rich started the business working out of their garage. They made tees for the local rec, police, and fire departments.
The disco era ushered in a fashion revolution. T-shirts went from dull undershirts to blank canvases for self-expression. Angie & Rich’s grew substantially thanks to this culture shift.
In 1977 the company moved into a 3,500 sqft location in Bridgeview, IL. They built a screen printing production line, sewing and embroidery stations, and a front office.
After more than three and a half decades successfully running Angie & Rich’s, the couple decided it was time to move on in 2006. The name was shortened to A&R Screening under new ownership.
In 2006 apparel technology, trends, and fabrics were all changing. Cotton t-shirt demand fell sharply. Under Armor skyrocketed from zero by introducing high-performance dri-fit fabrics at scale. A&R recognized this shift early and carved out its niche in decorating athletic apparel. The company invested in new technology and developed processes that focused on quality and efficiency.
After 11 years of excellent service, dedication, and passion the President of A&R Screening, Jo-Ellen Doranzo, retired in July 2017. Vice President John LaRoy stepped into the role.
A&R achieved unprecedented growth, change, and focus the following 18 months. Consequently, the company sold its Bridgeview location and moved into a 22,000 sqft facility in Crestwood, IL in February ‘18.
Management decided to rebrand the company to reflect this radical evolution. They wanted to pay homage to A&R’s roots but clearly show stakeholders this startup-minded company is on the cutting-edge of innovation in its industry. A&R morphed into AR. The initials were repurposed to stand for Apparel Redefined. Apparel Redefined launched in December 2018.
Founded
1970
Company size
51-200 employees
Industry
Printing Services
Org type
Privately Held
Headquarters
Crestwood, Illinois
Born in 1970, Apparel Redefined was originally named Angie & Rich’s Custom Screening & Monogramming. It was a bonafide startup; Angie and Rich started the business working out of their garage. They made tees for the local rec, police, and fire departments.
The disco era ushered in a fashion revolution. T-shirts went from dull undershirts to blank canvases for self-expression. Angie & Rich’s grew substantially thanks to this culture shift.
In 1977 the company moved into a 3,500 sqft location in Bridgeview, IL. They built a screen printing production line, sewing and embroidery stations, and a front office.
After more than three and a half decades successfully running Angie & Rich’s, the couple decided it was time to move on in 2006. The name was shortened to A&R Screening under new ownership.
In 2006 apparel technology, trends, and fabrics were all changing. Cotton t-shirt demand fell sharply. Under Armor skyrocketed from zero by introducing high-performance dri-fit fabrics at scale. A&R recognized this shift early and carved out its niche in decorating athletic apparel. The company invested in new technology and developed processes that focused on quality and efficiency.
After 11 years of excellent service, dedication, and passion the President of A&R Screening, Jo-Ellen Doranzo, retired in July 2017. Vice President John LaRoy stepped into the role.
A&R achieved unprecedented growth, change, and focus the following 18 months. Consequently, the company sold its Bridgeview location and moved into a 22,000 sqft facility in Crestwood, IL in February ‘18.
Management decided to rebrand the company to reflect this radical evolution. They wanted to pay homage to A&R’s roots but clearly show stakeholders this startup-minded company is on the cutting-edge of innovation in its industry. A&R morphed into AR. The initials were repurposed to stand for Apparel Redefined. Apparel Redefined launched in December 2018.
Founded
1970
Company size
51-200 employees
Industry
Printing Services
Org type
Privately Held
Headquarters
Crestwood, Illinois
