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Zipper Machine Operator Jobs in North Carolina (NOW HIRING)

SEWER - LEATHER

Conover, NC · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

Run zipper machine. * Ability to hand welt borders. * Good knowledge of regular sewing machine. * Able to read and understand work tickets and sew note. * Must be quality minded. Valued but not ...

Zipper Machine Operator information

What is the difference between Zipper Machine Operator vs Sewing Machine Operator?

AspectZipper Machine OperatorSewing Machine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, training on zipper machineryHigh school diploma, sewing machine training
Work EnvironmentFactories producing zippers and fastenersGarment factories, textile plants
Industry UsageManufacturing of zippers and fastenersClothing and textile manufacturing
Job FocusOperating machinery to produce zippersOperating sewing machines for garment assembly

The Zipper Machine Operator and Sewing Machine Operator roles both involve operating specialized machinery in manufacturing settings. While the Zipper Machine Operator focuses on producing zippers using specific equipment, the Sewing Machine Operator works on assembling garments with sewing machines. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments, but they serve different stages in the textile and apparel manufacturing process.

Infographic showing various Zipper Machine Operator job openings in North Carolina as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Vanguard Furniture rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 52 rated furniture manufacturers


Job description

Position Summary: The marking, cutting and prepping of leather material to be sewed for upholstery.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Operates sewing machine to join cut leather pieces for upholstering.
  • Inspect fabric/material for any flaws and/or defects.
  • Joins pieces together according to sewing notes using sewing machine.
  • Aligns pieces and any trimmings following seams, edges or markings on parts.
  • Use polyester or nylon thread to sew the thick or slick leather material.
  • Use a long stitch length for sewing leather.
  • Hold leather in place with clips or double-sided tape instead of pins.
  • Use a leather sewing needle when sewing leather.
  • Use a walking foot or Teflon non-stick foot.
  • Secure the threads at the beginning and end of each row by tying them in a knot instead of backstitching.
  • Run zippers.
  • Walk borders around cushion.
  • Piece borders together.
  • Hand welt borders.
  • Responsible for fixing their own repairs before starting on new piece.
  • Maintains neat and orderly work station.
  • Wears required safety glasses.
  • Works safely and reports unsafe conditions to Department Supervisor.
  • Performs other duties as required by supervisor.

Essential Skills and Experience:

  • English required for understanding of ticket, job notes and directions.
  • Must be able to read ticket and job notes for directions.
  • Must be able to join cushion boxing to make TC cushions, bench cushions, and square cushions.
  • Must be able to sew box cushions, ottomans, stripes, flow match, spot, 4 way design and throw pillows.
  • Must be knowledgeable in sewing methods and be able to complete job to quality specifications.
  • May be required to operate stand-up sewing machine.
  • Run zipper machine.
  • Ability to hand welt borders.
  • Good knowledge of regular sewing machine.
  • Able to read and understand work tickets and sew note.
  • Must be quality minded.

Valued but not Required Skills and Experience:

  • Previous knowledge of sewing leather for upholstering of furniture.

Physical demands and work environment:

  • Lift / Carry: Frequently lifting less than 20 lbs.; occasionally lifting in excess of 35 lbs.; team lift greater

weights.

  • Push / Pull: Frequently pushing or pulling fabric to/from/on workstation weighing less than 20 lbs.
  • Sitting: Must be able to sit 7+ hours. Must be able to sit continuously for majority of work schedule.
  • Reach / Handle / Grasp: Repetitive use of feet and hands required.
  • Environment: Indoors, environmentally controlled; heated / air-conditioned.
  • Vision: Color Determination, observation of patterns, fabric textures and dye tones for quality control.
  • Near Acuity: Requires close vision of less than 3 feet, with or without corrective lenses, for precision.


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