Knitting machine operators set up, operate and monitor knitting machines. They work with specialised machinery, techniques and materials to process threads of yarn into knitted products such as clothing, carpets or rope. They maintain and repair knitting machinery and ensure operations run without problems.

Tasks

Tasks include -
(a) Setting up and operating batteries of automatic, link-type knitting machines to knit garments of specified pattern and design;
(b) Threading yarn, thread and fabric through guides, needles, and rollers of machines for weaving, knitting or other processing;
(c) Tending automatic looms that simultaneously weave pile yarn, filling yarn and warp yarn material to produce carpets and rugs with various coloured designs;
(d) Operating and monitoring loom on which yarn or twist is intersected and knotted at regular intervals to form mesh;
(e) 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;
(f) Tending circular knitting machines with automatic pattern controls that knit seamless hose;
(g) Operating and monitoring knitting machines to knit hosiery to shape of foot and leg;
(h) Operating and monitoring machine for knitting heel and toes of socks into ribs or tops cut from circular fabric;
(i) Operating and monitoring machine which seams openings in toes of socks;
(j) Operating and monitoring crochet machine to knit lace, trimming etc. of desired pattern or design;
(k) Examining looms to determine causes of loom stoppage, such as warp filling, harness breaks or mechanical defects;
(l) Repairing or replacing worn or defective needles and other components;
(m) Cleaning, oiling, and lubricating machines, using air hoses, cleaning solutions, rags, oil cans, and/or grease guns.