Weavers, Knitters and Other Fabric Making Workers
(NOC 9442)
in All Manufacturing and UtilitiesWeavers, knitters and other workers in fabric making workers use machines to process yarn or thread into woven, non-woven and knitted products like cloth, lace, carpets, rope, industrial fabric, hosiery and knitted clothes or to quilt and embroider fabric. This group also includes workers who carry out activities like reproducing patterns, drawing-in and tying warps and setting up looms. They work for textile companies and clothing and mattress manufacturing companies.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
Read more
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. Weavers, Knitters, and Other Fabric-Making Workers most commonly work full-time hours. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 72% of Weavers, Knitters, and Other Fabric-Making Workers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $35,671. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
$4,907
Minimum$33,055
Median$45,452
MaximumCompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$23.91
Median$35.04
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,056
Minimum$30,111
Median$70,518
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Weavers, knitters and other workers in fabric making workers use machines to process yarn or thread into woven, non-woven and knitted products like cloth, lace, carpets, rope, industrial fabric, hosiery and knitted clothes or to quilt and embroider fabric. This group also includes workers who carry out activities like reproducing patterns, drawing-in and tying warps and setting up looms. They work for textile companies and clothing and mattress manufacturing companies.
Job duties
Weavers, knitters and other fabric making workers:
- Set up looms or other processing machines.
- Read loom patterns and prepare loom pattern mechanisms for processing.
- Use looms to weave yarn or thread into textile fabrics or products.
- Use machines that produce twine, ropes or nets.
- Use batteries of knitting machines to make knitted fabric, hosiery, garments or other products.
- Use carpet tufting machines, felt making needle-punch machines, and other machines to make textile products.
- Use 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.
- Patrol machines and check fabrics or products for defects and to verify efficient operation.
- Investigate machine stoppages.
- Repair minor mechanical problems like broken or defective needles.
- Notify supervisor or repairers of mechanical malfunctions.
Sample job titles
- carpet weaver
- drawing-in machine operator
- embroidery machine operator
- hosiery knitter
- knitting machine operator
- loom operator
- mattress sewing machine operator
- pinning machine operator
- quilting machine operator
- tufting operator
- warp knitting machine tender
- warp tier-in
- weaver
Skills
You should be responsible, alert, and in good physical health. Coordination, agility, and mechanical skills are important. You must also be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.
Job requirements
- High school is usually required.
- On-the-job training is provided for up to several months, depending on the complexity of the product, whether equipment set-up and maintenance is done by the operator, and the number of machines used.
- Experience as a labourer in the same company may be necessary for some operators in this group.
Other considerations
Shift work may be typical for many of these jobs. Movement among employers may be limited by differences in machines and products. Movement to textile machinery mechanics and repairers or to supervisor positions is possible with experience and training.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Halifax
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Manufacturing
Professional, scientific and technical services
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
25-34
55-64
35-44
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
High school
$34,622 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
N/ALess than high school
N/ATrades certificate
N/ABachelor's degree
N/ACompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
High school
$28,505 median annual incomeLess than high school
$19,224 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$38,781 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$43,975 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$39,715 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.
Related jobs
Job postings
There are currently no job postings for this occupation.