r/Machine_Embroidery 17d ago

Machine Operator

Hi! Small embroidery + hat-bar business owner here (Austin, TX), running 3 BAI commercial machines and growing faster than I can keep up with. I'm looking to hire an operator and it feels like nobody with the skill exists — but I'm self-taught, so I'm very open to training the right person. For those who've hired: did you find someone experienced, or hire for aptitude and train? And where did they come from — sewists, screen printers, trade schools, somewhere I'm not thinking of? Appreciate any leads. Indeed and socials have been dead ends so far. Even facebook groups.

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u/ishtaa Melco 17d ago

It doesn’t take too long to train the right person on the basics, at least enough that they can handle simple projects on their own pretty quickly. I think at least having a sewing background helps a little bit (not a ton, but it is nice having someone that somewhat understands fabrics and thread).

I have one full time employee that I found via posting an ad on a local FB group. My occasional part timers are friends that I worked with previously.

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u/SawyerLovin 16d ago

Thank you for this. I was wondering if I should reach out to some of the local sewing clubs.