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Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders is the O*NET name for people who set up, operate, or tend machines that knit, loop, weave, or draw in textiles. The strongest interest signal is Realistic (7.0 of 7), then Conventional (4.3) and Investigative, which gives it the code RCI. The preparation level is some preparation, typically a few months to a year of learning on the job. O*NET’s skill data points to operations monitoring, monitoring, and operation and control as the ones to build. You may also need to observe woven cloth to detect weaving defects. If you want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world, keep it on your list. If you need helping, teaching or caring for people, it may feel thin.

What they do

Set up, operate, or tend machines that knit, loop, weave, or draw in textiles.

Main tasks

  • Observe woven cloth to detect weaving defects.
  • Thread yarn, thread, and fabric through guides, needles, and rollers of machines for weaving, knitting, or other processing.
  • Remove defects in cloth by cutting and pulling out filling.
  • Examine looms to determine causes of loom stoppage, such as warp filling, harness breaks, or mechanical defects.
  • Inspect products to ensure that specifications are met and to determine if machines need adjustment.
  • Notify supervisors or repair staff of mechanical malfunctions.

Skills

  • Operations Monitoring
  • Monitoring
  • Operation and Control
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Quality Control Analysis

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You want to start work after a short stretch of training.
  • You are comfortable relying on operations monitoring and monitoring.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
  • You want helping people to be at the center of your work. Social rates 1.0 out of 7 here.
  • You want a career built on years of advanced study.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RCI takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.

Preparation

Some preparation. Most people start with a high school diploma, then learn from experienced coworkers over a few months to a year.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED). This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Knitter
  • Knitting Machine Operator
  • Loom Fixer
  • Machine Operator
  • Operator

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.