Weaving and knitting machine operators

Weaving and knitting machine operators set up, operate and monitor weaving and knitting machines which process yarn or thread into woven, non-woven and knitted products such as cloth, lace, carpets, rope, industrial fabric, hosiery and knitted garments or to quilt and embroider fabric.

Duties and tasks

• Setting up and operating batteries of automatic, link-type knitting machines to knit garments of specified pattern and design
• Threading yarn, thread and fabric through guides, needles and rollers of machines for weaving, knitting or other processing
• Tending automatic looms that simultaneously weave pile yarn, filling yarn and warp yarn material to produce carpets and rugs with various coloured designs
• Operating and monitoring looms on which yarn or twist is intersected and knotted at regular intervals to form mesh
• Operating and monitoring large automatic multi-needle machines to embroider material or to sew lengths of several layers of material to make yard goods, quilts or mattress coverings
• Tending circular knitting machines with automatic pattern controls that knit seamless hose
• Operating and monitoring knitting machines to knit hosiery to shape of foot and leg
• Operating and monitoring machines for knitting heels and toes of socks into ribs or tops cut from circular fabric
• Operating and monitoring machines which seam openings in toes of socks
• Operating and monitoring crochet machines to knit lace, trimming, etc. Of desired patterns or design
• Examining looms to determine causes of loom stoppage, such as warp filling, harness breaks or mechanical defects
• Repairing or replacing worn or defective needles and other components
• Cleaning, oiling, and lubricating machines, using air hoses, cleaning solutions, rags, oil cans and/or grease guns