Textile materials

Have a good understanding of the properties of different textile materials.

textile types
textile artefacts
textile material

knowledge

sector-specific

Textile materials is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:

Weaver: Weavers operate the weaving process at traditional hand powered weaving machines (from silk to carpet, from flat to Jacquard). They monitor fabric quality and condition of machines such as woven fabrics for clothing, home-tex or technical end uses. They carry out  mechanic works on machines that convert yarns into fabrics such as blankets, carpets, towels and clothing material. They repair loom malfunctions as reported by the weaver, and complete loom check out sheets.
Textile pattern making machine operator: Textile pattern making machine operators create patterns, designs and decoration for textiles and fabrics using machines and equipment. They choose which materials to use and check the quality of the textiles both before and after their work.
Knitter: Knitters create textiles or fabric by knitting pieces of yarn. They use traditional techniques to create interlocking loops of yarn which form a uniform piece of fabric. Knitters use different techniques, needles and yarn materials to create knitted materials of diverse proportions.
Knitting machine operator: 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.
Textile, leather and footwear researcher: Textile, leather and footwear researchers combine knowledge of material sciences, chemistry, physics, process technologies, management, and engineering to contribute to future innovations within the fields of textile, wearing apparel, leather, and footwear. They collaborate in multidisciplinary projects in order to combine findings from a diverse array of science fields for product development.
Fashion designer: Fashion designers work on designs for the haute couture and/or ready-to-wear, high street fashion markets, and more generally on items of clothing and fashion ranges. Fashion designers can operate in a specialised area, such as sportswear, childrenswear, footwear or accessories.
Carpet handicraft worker: Carpet handicraft workers use handicraft techniques to create textile floor coverings. They create carpets and rugs from wool or other textiles using traditional crafting techniques. They can use diverse methods such as weaving, knotting or tufting to create carpets of different styles.
Mattress maker: Mattress makers form mattresses by creating pads and coverings. They tuft mattresses by hand and cut, spread and attach the padding and cover material over the innerspring assemblies.
Upholsterer: Upholsterers provide objects such as furniture, panels, orthopaedic devices, fixtures or vehicle parts with padding or soft covering. They can install, repair or replace the upholstery of objects with materials such as fabrics, leather, suede or cotton. Upholsterers install the webbings and springs necessary to cover the material.
Clothing shop manager: Clothing shop managers assume responsibility for activities and staff in specialised shops.
Textile shop manager: Textile shop managers assume responsibility for activities and staff in specialised shops.
Carpet weaver: Carpet weavers operate machinery to create textile floor coverings. They create carpets and rugs from wool or synthetic textiles using specialised equipment. Carpet weavers can use diverse methods such as weaving, knotting or tufting to create carpets of different styles.
Furniture upholsterer: Furniture upholsterers provide furniture with padding, springs, webbing and covers. Sometimes they have to remove old padding, filling and broken strings before to replace them using tools such as a tack puller, chisel or mallet. The aim is to provide comfort and beauty to seats as backs of the furniture.
Mattress making machine operator: Mattress making machine operators utilise machines to form mattresses. They create pads and coverings and cut, spread and attach the padding and cover material over the innerspring assemblies.

Textile materials is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Nonwoven filament machine operator: Nonwoven filament machine operators perform chemical nonwoven processing operations.
Braiding machine operator: Braiding machine operators supervise the braiding process of a group of machines, monitoring fabric quality and braiding conditions. They inspect braiding machines after set up, start up, and during production to ensure the product being braided is meeting specs and quality standards.
Materials engineer: Materials engineers research and design new or improved materials for a diverse number of applications. They analyse the composition of materials, conduct experiments, and develop new materials for industry-specific use that can range from rubber, to textiles, glass, metals, and chemicals. They advise companies in damage assessments, quality assurance of materials, and recycling of materials.
Fire prevention and protection engineer: Fire prevention and protection engineers study, design, and developed innovative solutions aimed to the prevention of fire and the protection of people, natural sites, and urban areas. They propose suitable materials for construction, clothing, or other applications and they design detection systems aiming to prevent fire or the propagation of it.

Toymaker: Toymakers create or reproduce hand-made objects for sale and exhibition made of various materials such as plastic, wood and textile. They develop, design and sketch the object, select the materials and cut, shape and process the materials as necessary and apply finishes. In addition, toymakers maintain and repair all types of toys, including mechanical ones. They identify defects in toys, replace damaged parts and restore their functionality.
Doll maker: Doll makers design, create and repair dolls using various materials such as porcelain, wood or plastic. They build moulds of forms and attach parts using adhesives and handtools.
Weaving machine operator: Weaving machine operators set up, operate and monitor weaving machines .They work with specialised machinery, techniques and materials to process threads of yarn into weaved products such as clothing, home-tex or technical end products. They maintain and repair weaving machinery and ensure operations run without problems.
Health and safety engineer: Health and safety engineers design objects and programs by combining engineering principles and health and safety requirements. They envision the protection and well-being of the people using designed objects or performing work under designed health and safety programs. They assess facilities and the risks that they might pose (e.g. contaminant materials, ergonomics, handling of dangerous substances, etc.) in order to design and improve health and safety measures.
Cotton gin operator: Cotton gin operators perform ginning operations for separating cotton fibres from the seeds. They tend bale presses and remove the processed bales from the gin. They perform machine maintenance and ensure smooth running of processing operations.
Chemical engineer: Chemical engineers design and develop large-scale chemical and physical production processes and are involved in the entire industrial process required for transforming raw materials into products.

References

1. Textile materials – ESCO