Textile machine operators use machines to make thread, yarn, fabric, and other textiles from a variety of materials. They move material from one stage of processing to another to ensure a quality finished product. Bleaching and dyeing machine operators treat fabrics with chemical solutions to change their color. They monitor machine displays and make adjustments to ensure processes run correctly, including those that wash, bleach, shrink, or dye textiles. Cutting machine operators use manual and electric devices to cut layers of fabric according to patterns. They adjust machine tension or speed, and maintain the machinery. Knitting and weaving machine operators produce fabric and knitted garments. They feed yarn and thread through guides and rollers to weave and knit materials on machines. They make sure woven cloth is free of defects and make adjustments and minor repairs when needed. Winding, twisting, and drawing out machine operators tend machines that wind or twist textiles; or draw out and combine materials such as wool, hemp, or synthetic fibers to make thread and yarn. They also wind thread and wire onto shuttle bobbins—thread for sewing machines, and wire to reinforce sheet glass as it’s manufactured. Textile machine operator positions typically require a high school diploma or equivalent.
What they do:
Set up, operate, or tend machines that knit, loop, weave, or draw in textiles.
On the job, you would:
Remove defects in cloth by cutting and pulling out filling.
Inspect products to ensure that specifications are met and to determine if machines need adjustment.
Observe woven cloth to detect weaving defects.
Business
management
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
manufacture and distribution of products
Basic Skills
keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Hand and Finger Use
keep your arm or hand steady
put together small parts with your fingers
Controlled Movement
quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Dependability
Persistence
Independence
Self Control
Cooperation
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
high school diploma/GED or no high school diploma/GED usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
Produced by 
License
