Weaver or knitter

Weaver or knitter - overview

As a weaver or knitter, you’ll use your creativity and technical knowledge to weave fibers and knit products like clothing and soft furnishing using machinery or by hand. Learn more about a career in weaving and knitting, find out what it involves and what you’ll need to study and do to get a role.

Learn what the role involves below.

What does a weaver or knitter do?

As a weaver or knitter, you’ll enjoy interpreting instructions to create bespoke or mass-produced products. You’ll have a good eye for colour, texture and pattern, as well as a knowledge of yarns and textiles. You’ll be confident setting up, using and cleaning weaving and knitting machinery as well as working by hand.

The machinery used can make the working environment quite noisy and ear protection is usually needed. You might work in a factory or workshop, or if self-employed from home or a studio. Setting up your own business takes time and your working hours will vary. You’ll need to be confident promoting yourself on social media and by word of mouth and you’ll need good administration skills.

What will your days involve?

Daily tasks will vary but could involve:

Knitting and weaving by hand or using machines
Cleaning and oiling machinery
Setting up machines and aligning gears, dies, cutters, chains and needles
Selecting machine settings for different patterns
Adjusting machine tensions and speeds depending on the pattern and type of product
Liaising with colleagues and managers on orders, briefs and processes
Troubleshooting and reporting any machine malfunctions
Washing and blending wool and yarn

FAQs

How much can you earn as a weaver or knitter?

The average salary for a weaver or knitter in the UK is £23,400.

Does a weaver or knitter role involve travel in the UK or overseas?

Weaving and knitting professionals don't often travel for work unless collecting yarn, wool or thread or delivering finished products to clients.

Can you work from home as a weaver or knitter?

You can knit and weave from home but for mass production you’d need access to a machine-powered loom which is often provided in-house by manufacturers or retailers.