A professional who operates stitching machine to perform specific function, such as to reinforce shoe parts or attach buckles. Responsibilities include:

• Places specified spool of thread or prewound bobbin on spindle or in shuttle and draws thread through guides, slots, and needles.
• Aligns parts to be stitched, following seams, edges, or markings.
• Positions parts under needle and depresses pedal to start machine.
• Cuts excess threads, using scissors or knife.
• May guide parts past machine head during stitching cycle.
• May be designated according to type of stitch used or part stitched as lockstitcher; platform stitcher; plug stitcher; rapid-outsole stitcher; sole stitcher.
• Important variables may be indicated by trade names of machines used.