A professional who operates single, double, or multiple-needle stitching machine to join or decorate shoe parts, or to reinforce edges. Responsibilities include:

• Selects spool of thread or prewound bobbin, places spool or bobbin on spindle or looper, and draws thread through guides and needles.
• Aligns parts and presses knee control or pedal to raise presser foot or roller.
• Positions parts under needle and lowers presser foot or roller.
• Presses foot or knee control to start machine and guides parts under needle, following seams, edges, or markings, or moves edges of part against guide.
• Cuts excess thread or material from shoe parts, using scissors or knife.
• When operating double or multiple-needle machine, may turn setscrew on needle bar and position one or more needles as specified.
• May be designated according to shoe parts stitched as back-seam stitcher; box-toe stitcher.
• May be designated according to machine operated as flatbed stitcher; zig-zag stitcher.
• May be designated according to number of needles in machine operated as double-needle stitcher; multiple-needle stitcher; single-needle stitcher.
• May be designated: backstay stitcher; barrer and tacker; binding stitcher; machine buckle sewer; california seamer; counter-pocket sewer; cover maker; cut-out stitcher; edge stitcher; fancy stitcher; flare stitcher; gore inserter; uco insole tape stitcher; label stitcher; lining closer; lining stitcher; lining-strap closer; lining vamper; neverslip stitcher; postbed stitcher; quarter-lining stitcher; rand sewer; saddle stitcher; saddle-lining stitcher; seam-stay stitcher; shank stitcher; sock-lining stitcher; utility stitcher; strap stitcher; tape stitcher; tip stitcher; toe-lining closer; tongue and quarter stitcher; tongue-lining stitcher; tongue stitcher; top stitcher; underlay stitcher; upper stitcher; vamp stitcher; front welting stitcher; wrapper stitcher.