Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Knitting Technologist Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

The Knitting Technologist Assistant supports the knitting development team by executing technical sampling, preparing and maintaining tech packs, programming knitting machines (flatbed and circular), coordinating with yarn suppliers, performing fabric testing and quality checks, and ensuring samples meet design and production specifications. This role requires hands-on experience with knitting machines and CAD/CAM programming tools (e.g., Shima Seiki SDS-ONE, Stoll M1), strong attention to detail, excellent communication with cross-functional teams, and the ability to document and track technical changes from prototype to production.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Knitting Machine Operator / Knit Technician
Textile Laboratory Assistant / QC Analyst
Garment Sampling Assistant / Junior Product Developer

Advancement To:

Knitting Technologist / Knit Engineer
Senior Sample Technologist / Senior Knit Developer
Product Development Manager / Technical Manager

Lateral Moves:

Quality Assurance Specialist (Textiles)
CAD/CAM Programming Specialist
Yarn Sourcing / Materials Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist the knitting technologist in programming and editing knit patterns on CAD/CAM systems (e.g., Shima Seiki SDS-ONE APEX, Stoll M1), ensuring accurate translation of design sketches into machine-ready files and maintaining version control of programs and patterns.
Set up and run sampling trials on flatbed and circular knitting machines, including gauge conversion, needle selection, stitch pattern adjustments, machine speed and tension settings, and trial documentation to produce first-fit prototypes.
Prepare and maintain detailed tech packs and technical specification sheets for each style, including gauge, stitch maps, yarn codes, consumption estimates, construction notes, and finishing instructions to ensure production replicability.
Conduct yarn and raw material evaluations in partnership with sourcing teams, including assessing yarn counts, blends, twist, shrinkage, and dyeing performance to advise on suitable yarn choices for intended fabric performance.
Perform physical and mechanical fabric testing (e.g., dimensional stability/shrinkage, pilling resistance, bursting strength, hand-feel assessment, and appearance after washes) and record results in standardized lab reports for development sign-off.
Troubleshoot knitting machine faults and production issues during sample runs and early production stages by identifying root causes (e.g., needle selection errors, tension inconsistencies, yarn breakage) and implementing corrective actions with operators and maintenance teams.
Liaise with designers, product developers and production planners to translate creative intent into technically feasible knit constructions, advising on stitch patterns, trims placement, seam and finishing methods to maintain design integrity while optimizing manufacturability.
Maintain a structured sample library and development archives (physical and digital) including swatches, wash samples, tech packs, and program files to support reproducibility and future reference.
Generate accurate yield calculations and yarn consumption estimates for sample orders and production planning, supporting costing and lead time calculations for the production and sourcing teams.
Assist in preparing and coordinating lab-dips, color matching trials and dye-lot records with dye houses and QA to ensure color accuracy and consistency across batches and suppliers.
Support compliance and labeling requirements by verifying that fabric constructions and finishes meet the specified regulatory and sustainability standards (e.g., OEKO-TEX, GOTS, recycled content claims) and documenting certificates for sourcing and production audits.
Document all sample iterations, machine settings and process changes in PLM/ERP systems and internal trackers, ensuring traceability and fast retrieval of technical history for each style.
Collaborate with suppliers and contract manufacturers to transfer knitting programs, technical packs and sampling instructions, and follow up on sample returns, machine set-up support and capacity constraints to meet development timelines.
Monitor and report on sample timelines, production ramp-up issues and development KPIs (e.g., sample turnaround time, first-pass quality rate) to the knitting technologist and product leads, suggesting continuous improvement actions where applicable.
Conduct operator handovers and basic on-the-floor training to manufacturing staff and knitting machine operators on new programs, machine set-ups and quality checkpoints to reduce rework and sampling errors.
Perform detailed dimensional checks, sewing and finishing inspections and first article inspections on prototype garments, recording non-conformances and coordinating corrective action with technical and production teams.
Assist with equipment maintenance logs, needle and sinker inventories, and tooling checklists to ensure knitting machines are prepared for sampling and production trials.
Support sustainability and material optimization initiatives by suggesting fabric structure alternatives, loop density adjustments or yarn substitutions to reduce material usage, improve durability or meet cost targets without compromising design intent.
Prepare internal sample review packs and presentation-ready swatches, photos and technical notes for cross-functional sample reviews, design critiques and buyer approvals.
Participate in pilot production runs and pre-production meetings to ensure technical readiness, adapt machine programs for scale-up and support resolution of any technical issues emerging at low-volume production.
Keep current with industry developments in knitting technologies, yarn innovations and new machine capabilities, recommending opportunities for automation, improved efficiencies or quality gains to the knitting technologist and engineering teams.

Secondary Functions

Maintain and update the development sample tracker and PLM records; support ad-hoc queries on sample status and technical files.
Support supplier communication for sample logistics, label and packaging clarifications, and coordinate sample shipments and returns.
Assist QA teams during internal audits and supplier assessments by supplying technical files, sample history and testing records as required.
Help compile BOMs (bill of materials) and component checklists for new styles and feeding information into costing workflows.
Participate in cross-functional sprint meetings or development checkpoints to align on priorities, timelines and technical risks.
Provide administrative support for knitting lab operations, including ordering small tools and maintaining consumable inventories.
Contribute to continuous improvement projects by documenting recurring sample issues, workflow bottlenecks and proposing standardized templates or checklists.
Support sustainability reporting by gathering material certifications, test results and supplier declarations relevant to knitting developments.
Assist with photo documentation and archiving of physical swatches and prototype garments for visual records and marketing references.
Facilitate knowledge transfer sessions for junior staff or interns on basic knitting constructions, machine safety and sample documentation practices.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Practical experience programming and editing knit patterns on CAD/CAM systems such as Shima Seiki SDS-ONE APEX, Stoll M1plus or similar knit design software.
Proficiency with flatbed and circular knitting machine setups, including gauge conversion, needle selection, stitch transfer and tension adjustment.
Strong understanding of yarn properties (count, ply, twist, fiber content) and the ability to specify appropriate yarns for structure, weight and performance.
Ability to prepare and maintain detailed tech packs, construction sheets, stitch maps, and pattern files that feed directly into sampling and production.
Experience performing and interpreting common textile tests (shrinkage, pilling, bursting strength, GSM, dimensional stability) and generating standardized lab reports.
Familiarity with PLM, ERP or design data management tools to track sample versions, technical changes and BOMs.
Capacity to estimate yarn consumption and calculate yield for sample and production batches to support costing and material ordering.
Hands-on troubleshooting skills for knitting machine faults, including identification of mechanical or program-related issues and working with maintenance teams to resolve them.
Basic competency in MS Office tools (Excel for data tracking and reporting, PowerPoint for sample review decks) and digital file management systems.
Knowledge of textile regulations and certification standards (e.g., OEKO-TEX, GOTS, REACH basics) relevant to knitwear compliance and labeling.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and methodical documentation habits to ensure reproducible sample outcomes and accurate technical records.
Effective verbal and written communication for cross-functional collaboration with designers, suppliers, production and QA teams.
Problem-solving mindset with the ability to analyze technical issues, propose immediate fixes, and recommend longer-term improvements.
Time management and prioritization skills to meet demanding sample development timelines and multiple parallel projects.
Team player attitude with openness to on-floor work, hands-on sampling and coordinating across departments.
Adaptability to shifting development priorities and capacity constraints in fast-paced sampling environments.
Initiative to proactively seek clarifications, follow up on open items and escalate risks to the knitting technologist or product lead.
Analytical thinking to interpret test results and translate measurement outcomes into actionable technical adjustments.
Customer-focused orientation for internal customers (design, sourcing, buyers) ensuring sample outputs meet stakeholder expectations.
Coaching and knowledge transfer capability to support operators and junior staff in technical setup and quality checkpoints.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Diploma or Certificate in Textile Technology, Fashion Technology, Knit Engineering, or equivalent industry experience from vocational training.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Textile Technology, Textile Engineering, Fashion/Textile Design with a focus on knitwear, or related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Textile Technology / Knit Engineering
Fashion Technology / Apparel Engineering
Textile Science / Materials Science
Industrial Engineering (with textiles specialization)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1–4 years working in knit sampling, production support or textile lab environments; combination of hands-on machine experience and technical documentation.

Preferred:

2+ years supporting knitting development or working as a knit technician with exposure to CAD/CAM programming (Shima Seiki or Stoll), sampling cycles, and fabric testing protocols.
Demonstrated experience working directly on knitting machines, sampling labs, or in product development teams for knitwear brands or manufacturers.

Keywords: Knitting Technologist Assistant, knit sampling, pattern programming, Shima Seiki, Stoll, flatbed knitting, circular knitting, yarn sourcing, fabric testing, tech packs, PLM, knitwear development, textile compliance, sample tracking, knit troubleshooting.