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Knitting Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Knitting information

See Portland, OR salary details

$24.9K

$65.2K

$84.3K

How much do knitting jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for knitting in Portland, OR is $65,221.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,500.00 and $81,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is knitting?

Knitting is a method of creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with needles. It can be used to make a variety of items such as clothing, accessories, and home decor. Knitting can be done by hand using two needles or with machines, and it involves learning different stitches and patterns. It's a popular hobby for many people due to its relaxing and creative nature, as well as its potential for making personalized, handmade items.

What are knitting jobs?

The apparel industry offers various jobs for people who are skilled at knitting. As a technical designer, you work in manufacturing and collaborate with knitting machine operators to design and produce knitwear. You use CAD software to design sweaters and other apparel based on knit samples, swatches, and market research. Alternately, if you have leadership skills and previous managerial experience, you can work as a knitting manager with responsibilities that include physical and human resource management and meeting production targets. Machine operator positions are also available, and in these jobs, your duties revolve around using knitting machines to produce fabrics, assessing quality, and performing routine equipment maintenance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a knitter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Knitter, you need proficiency in textile techniques, pattern reading, and yarn selection, often supported by formal training or hands-on experience. Familiarity with knitting machines, specialized needles, and design software like Adobe Illustrator can be beneficial, especially in professional or production settings. Attention to detail, creativity, and strong time management are important soft skills to excel in this craft. These abilities ensure the creation of high-quality, consistent, and innovative knit products that meet client or market expectations.

What are some common challenges faced by professional knitters working in a production environment?

Professional knitters in production settings often face challenges such as tight deadlines to meet large orders, maintaining consistency in stitch quality, and managing repetitive strain from long hours of manual work. Collaboration with designers and pattern makers is also crucial to ensure finished products meet specifications. Adapting to new techniques or machinery and troubleshooting issues quickly are important for maintaining efficiency and product quality.

What is the difference between Knitting vs Crocheting?

AspectKnittingCrocheting
Required SkillsUsing two needles to create fabric with interlocking loopsUsing a single hook to create fabric with interlocking loops
Work EnvironmentTypically done in craft rooms, studios, or at homeSimilar environments, often at home or in craft classes
ToolsKnitting needlesCrochet hooks
Industry UsageFashion, textiles, handmade craftsFashion, textiles, handmade crafts

Knitting and crocheting are both textile crafts involving creating fabric with loops, but they use different tools and techniques. Knitting uses two needles to produce a flexible, stretchy fabric, while crocheting uses a single hook for a denser, textured fabric. Both skills are popular in fashion and craft industries and are often learned together by hobbyists.

How much do professional knitters make?

Professional knitters' earnings vary based on experience, location, and whether they work as freelancers or for companies. On average, they earn between $20,000 and $50,000 annually, with skilled artisans potentially earning more through custom orders or sales. Many knitters supplement income through craft fairs, online sales, or teaching knitting classes.

What are popular job titles related to Knitting jobs in Portland, OR?

For Knitting jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Knitting jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Knitting jobs in Portland, OR are:

Infographic showing various Knitting job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,221 per year, or $31.4 per hour.

Senior Product Development Engineer

Hillsboro, OR • On-site


watlow
Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

60th of 159 rated electronics manufacturers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by parents


Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Senior Product Development Engineer - 3D Knitting

Position Summary
The Senior Product Development Engineer - 3D Knitting is responsible for leading product development efforts using advanced 3D knitting technology to create next-generation heater products. This role is based at Watlow's Portland Technology Development Center in Hillsboro, Oregon, and reports to the Site Leader, Portland TDC. The Senior Product Development Engineer will apply deep textile manufacturing expertise to design, program, troubleshoot, and optimize industrial knitting processes while partnering with product development teams in St. Louis, Querétaro, Mexico, and other global locations. This position plays a key role in translating complex 3D shapes into effective knitting patterns and supporting the rollout of new textile manufacturing applications across Watlow.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the design, programming, and development of textiles using advanced 3D knitting techniques to manufacture complex heaters.
  • Apply 3D knitting technology to support next-generation heater product development and new textile manufacturing applications.
  • Work closely with product development teams located in St. Louis, Mexico, and other global sites to achieve project goals and ensure alignment across teams.
  • Troubleshoot issues related to knitting machine performance and textile output to support quality standards and efficient operation.
  • Address unique challenges in adapting knitting technology to new applications, including translating complex 3D shapes into effective knitting patterns.
  • Support simultaneous product development efforts across multiple locations and contribute to future global site rollout.
Qualifications
  • Ability to work creatively within a high-pressure, fast-paced environment to adapt and optimize knitting technology for unique product applications.
  • Strong team player with excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively across departments and locations.
  • Demonstrated ability to solve technical problems, troubleshoot process issues, and support product development in a manufacturing environment.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in advanced knitting with a proven background in textile manufacturing.
  • Experience in technical textiles or manufacturing industries.
  • Proven experience programming, operating, and troubleshooting 3D knitting machines.
  • Solid understanding of industrial knitting processes and equipment.
Travel

Initial travel between St. Louis and the Querétaro, Mexico campus will be needed to support simultaneous product development efforts. Future travel to support rollout to other global sites is anticipated.


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About Watlow

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1922

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What Watlow employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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