Knitting machine operators process cotton, wool and similar forms of yarn into clothing, scarves and other articles. Their primary function is to attend to a number of industrial knitting machines.
Typical duties include:
- threading the machine
- setting the machine in motion
- lapping the end of the knitted cloth around the take-up roller
- observing the knitting process to detect yarn breaks, yarn defects and empty yarn packages
- tying broken yarn ends
- cutting and baling the knitted cloth.
Circular knitting machines are used in the production of knitted material. A knitter can operate from two to five of these machines simultaneously depending on the type of yarn used. Knitters are also required to clean and oil the machines every day and must notify the repair technician of any mechanical defects.
In factories where complete knitted garments are manufactured the knitter also has to: cut garments; machine sew parts together; make buttonholes and sew on buttons; and finish off garments.
Satisfying Aspects
- working with your hands
- working as part of a team
- seeing the finished product
Demanding aspects
- boredom due to routine tasks
- working in a noisy environment
Requirements
A knitter should:
- be able to perform repetitive tasks;
- work accurately;
- be able to work as part of a team;
- be observant
- have good hand and finger dexterity.
School Subjects
Grade 8 Certificate.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Consumer Studies
Training
Clothing factories offer in-service training which normally lasts for approximately 3 years.
Employer
- clothing factories that manufacture knitted materials and clothing.
- self-employment, with enough money for your own machine, you can make knitted articles on a contractual basis, with more orders may be able to employ other knitters and start a small factory
Contact
The Training Manager
The Industrial Council for the Knitting Industry
P O Box 4886
Johannesburg, 2000
Tel. (011) 337-5411