Read the story of Aaron-Wootten Farrell, Apprentice Tuner at Johnstons of Elgin. 

Young Textile Technician Story

Dr Gopika Rajan, a wearable technologist and material scientist at KnitRegen, undertook a technician’s training course on the new Stoll M1 Plus software at Stoll, Leicester. The training was split into three weeks with each week for the following: Stoll machine handling; M1 Plus software where the patterns are designed; and shaping of the garments. The UKFT Young Textile Technician Fund supported Gopika in being able to complete her Stoll M1 Plus software training courses over the last three months.

KnitRegen is a smart textiles start-up developing patent textile components as a form of wearable physiotherapy and stroke rehabilitation.

KnitRagen explained: “The training will enable us to sample in house at a faster rate and meet important milestones in our research and development journey. Sampling in house will support a new patent application for which we have a limited time for sampling for.

We need to be able to knit our new e-textile component into a textile to determine the best structure, stitch type and then test the device with stroke survivors. This is essential to enable us to refine the criteria for the medical device and gain crucial user feedback from our stroke survivors who will benefit from the technology.”

Gopika next to the Stoll knitting machine at Stoll Leicester.

As a wearable technologist, it was essential to learn how the knitted garments are patterned and produced in order to better integrate medical devices and other electronic components seamlessly within the textile garments. The training provides an overall understanding of how the garments are knitted with machines and also how they can be modified to produce technical textiles.

Trainee, Gopika said: “The training was an amazing experience that opened up a whole new way of looking at the garments we use on a regular basis. The intense training helped fill up the gaps in my knowledge of seamless integration of technical features.”

Example of a swatch knitted during the training period.

Gopika gained full knowledge of how to operate the knitting machines, understand the software interface and is now able to programme fully fashioned garments. Gopika is now confident in programming her own knitwear software and operating the Stoll machinery effectively.

The trainer said: “Gopika picked up the training with ease and followed all instructions and training elements with confidence. During the training Gopika learnt various knit techniques and how structured fabrics are achieved,  along with machine handling and programming.”

Example of a swatch knitted during the training period.

The Young Textile Technician Fund will cover 50% of the costs of in-depth training for young textile technicians, thanks to the generous support of The Worshipful Company of Weavers, The Worshipful Company of Clothworkers and The Worshipful Company of Drapers.

The Young Textile Technician Fund is now open to businesses applying to train textile technicians under the age of 35. To find out more, email paula.mcilwraith@ukft.org

Want to learn more about the Young Textile Technician Fund? Click on the link below:

Young Textile Technician Fund