Laura Brown and India Polkinghorn, knitting technicians at OUBAS Knitwear received in-depth training on Stoll knitting machinery, with support from UKFT’s Young Textile Technician Fund.

Oubas Knitwear is a knitwear label and micro-factory based in Ulverston, Cumbria dedicated to using 100% natural fibres. Training on the Stoll CMS 530 multi-gauge machines and Stoll M1+ digital programming PC software means Oubas can maintain a skilled workforce, allowing the firm to continue producing high-quality garments in-house.

Kate Stalker, founder and director of Oubas, highlighted the importance of training within a small-scale production environment: “We have a small-scale production team, therefore it is essential that training is provided so that each member of the team can work more efficiently, both in running and maintaining the knitwear machines.”

Hands-on training in Ulverston

The training took place in-house at Oubas’s facility in Ulverston, Cumbria, covering programming and machine handling for the Stoll M1+. This hands-on experience is crucial for improving productivity, reducing costs, and ensuring the firm remains competitive while upholding its commitment to sustainable UK-made knitwear.

Laura Brown, aged 23, is a studio assistant/technician, and India Polkinghorn, aged 31, is a production assistant and linker. Both technicians shared their experiences of the training and its impact on their work:

Laura said:

“Receiving training from Stoll through the UKFT funding and applying the training through a hands-on role has been an invaluable experience. The introduction to machine handling and programming has enabled me to better understand fully-fashioned knitwear in practice and operate our Stoll machinery for production. I am always fascinated to see the potential of programming and the innovative ways we can use digital knit technology within our business and the industry.

“I am extremely grateful to the UKFT for this opportunity and I am looking forward to progressing with programming within Oubas Knitwear.”

India explained:

“I have learned to diagnose and fix machine issues, reducing downtime and improving production efficiency. This training has allowed me to develop my skills within the knitwear industry, making me a valuable team member in any knitting facility.”

Strengthening product development and creativity

Kate emphasized that the training provides a foundation for fabric and garment development on Stoll industrial knitting machines. This investment not only enhances production efficiency but also fosters creativity within the business:

“The training gave them a grounding to enable fabric and garment developments on Stoll industrial knitting machines. It will enable our product development to strengthen and creativity to flourish.”

Supporting the next generation of textile technicians

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 katie.robinson@ukft.org

UKFT’S YOUNG TEXTILE TECHNICIAN FUND