Industrial Sewing Fast Pass Test

Introduction

Before using the industrial sewing machines at TinkerMill, members are required to take the Industrial Sewing Machine Certification Training. The purpose of the training is to teach the proper usage of the equipment in order to ensure the safety of the user and to help prevent damage to the equipment. Members who have extensive prior experience with industrial sewing machines may consult the shop captain to request a "Fast Pass" certification test in order to get certified without taking the class. This page describes what the "Fast Pass" certification entails and can help a member determine if they may be a candidate for the test.

“Fast Pass” certification is available only to TinkerMill members, must be approved by the shop captain, and costs $25, which is a non-refundable fee. If the member is unable to pass the test, then the certification fee will be credited towards the cost to take the certification class at a future date.

Administration

This section discusses the "Fast Pass" test eligibility criteria and administration process.

• The member must be pre-approved by a shop captain and pre-pay the test fee in order to take the "Fast Pass" certification test.
• The test can be administered by a shop captain or one of the industrial sewing instructors.
• The member may select either the Kingmax or the Juki and may adjust the speed to their comfort level. Materials such as fabric, thread, needles, and poly webbing are provided.
• The test is divided into two sections - Working Knowledge and Skills Demonstration. The Working Knowledge portion is an oral test in which the member must describe and discuss fundamental aspects of the sewing machine and sewing techniques. The Skills Demonstration is the hands-on portion of the test in which the member must prepare the sewing machine and perform actual sewing. The member must pass the Working Knowledge section of the test before proceeding to the Skills Demonstration.
• The test administrator may stop the test at any time if it is clear that the member cannot pass it. The member cannot proceed to the Skills Demonstration if they are unable to pass the Working Knowledge section.
• If the member does not pass the test, the test fee will be credited towards taking the certification class at a future date.
• The test should not take longer than 1 hour.

Test Components

The "Fast Pass" certification test is divided into two sections - Working Knowledge and Skills Demonstration. The student must pass both of these sections in order to be certified. The criteria below is used as a "check list" by the test administrator and the member should be prepared to discuss and/or demonstrate all of the subject matter areas listed below.

Working Knowledge

• Identify parts of the machine. Parts to include: thread tree, thread path, tension discs, needle, foot, reverse lever, throat plate, bobbin case, bobbin, foot lift lever, knee bump, and bobbin winder. (Instructor can prompt the member to aid with identification of parts.)
• Explain the difference between a walking foot and a presser foot. Name at least one advantage of a walking foot over a presser foot.
• Name at least one fabric or application that would not be appropriate to sew with the industrial sewing machine.
• Explain how to select a thread weight and how to match the needle size to the thread.
• Discuss needle selection (system, type, and size) and when to change a needle.
• Discuss machine maintenance, such as oiling.
• Identify possible sources of injury when using the machine.

Skills Demonstration

• Show how to remove and install a needle.
• Show how to remove and re-install the foot.
• Show how to remove and replace the bobbin.
• Show how to set up the machine to wind a bobbin. A “cheat sheet” may be consulted, and winding a full bobbin is not necessary.
• Thread the machine and adjust the tension. A “cheat sheet” for the thread path may be used.
• Sew manually using the wheel.
• Examine stitch quality and adjust stitch length and tension as necessary.
• Sew with the foot pedal.
• Maintain control of thread while starting a stitch and pull slack thread after sewing.
• Show how to pivot when sewing corners.
• Demonstrate reversing the direction while sewing.
• Attach poly or cotton webbing using an “X” configuration.
• Work safely while demonstrating the above skills.