Shima & Stoll Knitting Machine Operator

Knitster LDN; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

Knitster LDN is seeking an experienced Shima & Stoll Knitting Machine Operator in London’s Leyton studio. This part-time, shift-based role runs 3–6 months with potential extension. You will operate Shima and Stoll computerised knitting machines across sampling and production, supporting programmers and the wider team.

You will set up machines, load yarns, monitor production, and ensure high-quality fully fashioned knitwear while maintaining safety and organisation in the workspace.

Qualifications

• Experience operating Shima and/or Stoll computerized knitting machines.
• Good understanding of machine knitting and fully fashioned knitwear.
• Experience with different gauges and yarn types.
• Strong eye for quality and attention to detail.
• Ability to identify faults, dropped stitches, tension issues and other knitting problems.
• Ability to work independently and with programmers and the production team.
• Desirable experience in a knitwear factory or sampling studio.

Responsibilities

• Operate Shima and Stoll knitted machines to produce fully fashioned knitwear.
• Set up machines and prepare them for production.
• Load yarn, start programmes and monitor machines.
• Check knitted panels for quality, tension, sizing and consistency.
• Identify and resolve basic machine or knitting issues.
• Collaborate with programmers to ensure correct programmes.
• Make minor adjustments to machine settings as required.
• Keep accurate records of knitting output and issues.
• Keep work area clean and organised and perform regular machine checks.
• Support panel preparation and quality control for the wider production team.
• Work to production schedules and deadlines.
• Handle premium and natural fibres with care (e.g., wool, cashmere).

Skills

Machine operation

Quality awareness

Programmer interaction

Knitwear production

Attention to detail

Tools

Shima knitting machine

Stoll knitting machine

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Shima & Stoll Knitting Machine Operator to join our production team on a part-time, shift-based basis. You will operate our Shima and Stoll computerised knitting machines across sampling and production, working closely with our programmers and wider production team to produce high-quality fully fashioned knitwear.This is a 3–6 month fixed-term position, with the possibility of extension. The role is based on-site at our studio in Leyton, East London, with shifts agreed in advance around production requirements.

What you will be doing

• Operating Shima and Stoll computerized knitting machines to produce fully fashioned knitwear
• Setting up machines and preparing them for production
• Loading yarn, starting programmes and monitoring machines throughout production
• Checking knitted panels for quality, tension, sizing and consistency
• Identifying and resolving basic machine or knitting issues
• Working closely with programmers to ensure programmes are running correctly
• Making minor adjustments to machine settings where required
• Keeping accurate records of knitting output and any issues encountered
• Carrying out regular machine checks and keeping the work area clean and organised
• Supporting the wider production team with panel preparation and quality control
• Working to production schedules and agreed deadlines
• Handling premium and natural fibres with care, including wool, cashmere and other fine yarns

What you will bring

• Previous experience operating Shima and/or Stoll computerized knitting machines
• Good understanding of machine knitting and fully fashioned knitwear
• Experience working with different gauges and yarn types
• Good eye for quality and attention to detail
• Ability to identify faults, dropped stitches, tension issues and other knitting problems
• Comfortable working independently while also communicating with programmers and the wider production team
• Previous experience in a knitwear factory, sampling studio or similar production environment is desirable
• Experience with both Shima and Stoll machines is highly desirable

How you work

• Careful and detail-oriented
• Reliable and organised
• Takes pride in producing high quality work
• Comfortable working to deadlines and production targets
• Practical and solution-focused when problems arise
• Communicates clearly with colleagues
• Able to work independently and take responsibility for your workload
• Interested in knitwear, machinery and technical production

What you can expect from us

• Opportunity to work across Shima and Stoll computerized knitting machines
• Work with high quality natural fibres including British wool, lambswool, cashmere and other premium yarns
• Variety of sampling, development and production work
• Small, skilled production team with hands-on training and support
• Opportunity to develop your technical knitting and machine-operating skills
• Work on knitwear for fashion, commercial and creative clients
• A practical, hands-on studio environment