There are two types of weavers: hand weavers and operators of mechanised weaving machines.
Hand weavers weave cloth on table or floor looms. They need to have sufficient knowledge of the weaving process to enable them to control the quality of the final product. They work either to specific instructions in a factory-type setting or independently as an artistic weaver creating their own designs.
Weavers who operate automated weaving machines in textile factories need to acquire expertise in operating the automated machinery.
Their tasks include:
- observing the machine-weaving process for defects
- removing defects in the cloth by cutting and pulling out filling
- examining automated looms to determine the causes of stoppages
- marking or cutting cloth to specified lengths
- placing bobbins on non-automatic looms
Satisfying Aspects
- working with your hands
- creating beautiful items or cloth
- seeing the end results of your work
Demanding aspects
- physical demands of standing or sitting in the same position for long periods
- working with inferior thread at times
- noisy working environment
- not very high remuneration
Requirements
A hand weaver should:
- be patient and meticulous;
- enjoy working with his hands;
- have a creative imagination;
- have a flair for and knowledge of the principles of textile design.
A machine weaver should:
- have manual dexterity;
- have physical stamina;
- be able to concentrate on a monotonous process for long periods;
- have a 'quick' eye to detect weaving defects.
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
No specific requirements for the technical college courses
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Visual Arts, Mathematics
Training
Diploma: Textile Design and Technology is offered at CPUT, DUT, TUT. The duration of the course is 3 years.
FET colleges: Several FET colleges offer courses in weaving and can be contacted for further information. The different Weavers Guilds also offer courses from time to time.
In-service training is offered by some employers.
Employer
- Textile manufacturers
- Clothing factories
- Own weaving operations
- Self-employment, with enough experience and capital, can start own weaving operation
Contact
South African Institute for Entrepreneurship
P O Box 13805
Mowbray, 7705
Tel: (021) 447-2023 Fax: (021) 674-3920
Email: ventures@entrepreneurship.co.za
www.entrepreneurship.co.za