Occupation · SOC 51-6064
Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Set up, operate, or tend machines that wind or twist textiles; or draw out and combine sliver, such as wool, hemp, or synthetic fibers. Includes slubber machine and drawing frame operators.
Median wage
$37,660
$30,380–$46,940
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
20,600
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
1 mapped
Core skills
Operations MonitoringOperation and ControlQuality Control AnalysisSpeakingActive ListeningCritical ThinkingMonitoring
Knowledge areas
Production and ProcessingAdministration and ManagementMechanicalPublic Safety and Security
Technology & tools
Computer aided manufacturing CAM softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail softwareWord processing software
Representative tasks
Notify supervisors or mechanics of equipment malfunctions.Thread yarn, thread, or fabric through guides, needles, and rollers of machines.Start machines, monitor operation, and make adjustments as needed.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Yarn, thread, or fabric — thread through guides, needles, and rollers under direct supervisor guidance on a textile production floor.Machine start-up procedures — follow step-by-step protocols to power on winding and twisting equipment with a trainer present.Equipment malfunctions — recognize warning signs and promptly notify supervisors or mechanics during a monitored production shift.Supply packages — replace depleted bobbins or spools with full packages following written instructions on a winding line.Machine operation — monitor basic run conditions and alert senior operators when readings fall outside normal ranges.Production stop points — halt machines when the specified count or quantity of wound product has been reached per shift instructions.Product samples — perform visual inspections to check for obvious defects against a reference sample under supervisor oversight.Production records — record basic data such as bobbin counts and product types on paper logs or simple spreadsheets.Arm-hand steadiness and finger dexterity — apply controlled hand movements when manually threading fine yarns through machine components.Workplace safety rules — follow posted safety and equipment-handling protocols to prevent injury during entry-level machine tending tasks.
developing
Winding and twisting machines — start, monitor, and adjust tension and speed settings routinely with reduced supervisor oversight on a mid-volume production line.Thread paths and guides — re-thread yarn or fabric through complex machine paths independently after a break or material change.Equipment condition — inspect machinery at scheduled intervals to identify signs of wear or pending repair needs and document findings.Machine adjustments — modify roller pressure, guide alignment, or winding speed to correct minor product quality issues without waiting for a mechanic.Depleted supply packages — manage package changeovers efficiently to minimize downtime across multiple machines on an active production floor.Product specifications — compare wound or twisted output against dimensional and tension specifications and segregate non-conforming product.Production data — enter shift output figures, bobbin types, and downtime events into spreadsheet software for supervisor review.Malfunction communication — describe equipment issues clearly to maintenance staff using accurate mechanical terminology during a shift handoff.Multi-machine monitoring — track the operational status of several winding or drawing-out machines simultaneously and prioritize attention based on risk.Quality patterns — recognize recurring defect trends across a production run and escalate findings to quality or supervisory staff.
proficient
Full machine scope — operate, adjust, and troubleshoot winding, twisting, and drawing-out equipment autonomously across an entire shift without routine supervision.Non-routine threading problems — diagnose and resolve complex thread-path misalignments or yarn breakage issues that fall outside standard operating procedures.Repair determination — conduct thorough machinery inspections and provide maintenance teams with detailed assessments of required repairs and urgency.Process adjustments — independently calibrate tension, speed, and guide settings to maintain product quality when raw material lots vary in weight or texture.Production data analysis — use spreadsheet software to analyze output trends, identify efficiency gaps, and recommend process improvements to management.Quality control decisions — apply critical thinking to evaluate borderline product samples, determine root-cause machine factors, and implement corrective actions.CAM software utilization — interpret and enter parameters into computer-aided manufacturing software to set up machine programs for new product specifications.Shift communication — lead end-of-shift verbal briefings that convey equipment status, output results, and outstanding issues to incoming operators and supervisors.Safety incident prevention — identify and act on potential hazards such as fraying components or overheating parts before they cause injury or machine damage.Mentored skill transfer — guide newer operators through threading, monitoring, and inspection tasks on the production floor using demonstration and feedback.
advanced
Production workflow strategy — design and implement machine assignment plans and scheduling protocols to maximize winding-line throughput across the facility.Operator development programs — create structured on-the-job training curricula that build threading, monitoring, and quality skills in entry-level and mid-level staff.Quality system ownership — establish product inspection standards, specification tolerances, and non-conformance procedures that govern the entire textile production area.Maintenance partnership — collaborate with engineering and mechanics to set preventive-maintenance intervals and equipment upgrade priorities based on production data.CAM and office software integration — lead the adoption of computer-aided manufacturing and spreadsheet tools across the production team to improve data accuracy and reporting.Performance metrics leadership — define key production indicators, analyze shift and weekly data, and present findings and improvement plans to plant management.Cross-functional problem solving — lead root-cause investigations involving operations, quality, and maintenance teams when systemic winding or twisting defects emerge.Safety culture stewardship — champion compliance with public safety and security standards by revising procedures, conducting audits, and modeling cautious work practices.Supply chain coordination — liaise with procurement and inventory teams to ensure uninterrupted supply package availability and minimize line stoppages across shifts.Organizational knowledge retention — document institutional expertise in winding, twisting, and drawing-out processes through work instructions and reference guides that endure beyond individual tenure.
Also known as
282 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Fly Frame TenderTrimming-Machine OperatorWarp SplitterBeamer OperatorCarding Machine OperatorWarp HandGasket WinderWarp HangerHooking-Machine OperatorBonding Machine SetterSlubber TenderConerCable OperatorBackwinderJack Frame TenderCoilerQuill WinderRayon WinderTextile Draw-Out Machine OperatorWinding-Rack OperatorDraw-Frame TenderWarping Machine OperatorQuill Machine OperatorSpeeder Machine OperatorSpeed WinderDraw Frame RunnerTie in HandLap Machine TenderReeling-Machine OperatorSlubber OperatorPrecise WinderSlubber RunnerCalender-Wind-Up TenderRoving ChangerBallerDoubling-Machine OperatorRoving Winder, FiberglassRewind OperatorCloth ReelerSlubber