Heald Nitter ?

[dave the tyke]

In the census of 1851 in Northowram, Halifax HO 107 / 2302
My ancestor Jane Smith was a Heald Nitter, I guess that nitter is just bad spelling but is heald - heel also spelt badly. I think remember my Gran saying that heels were difficult to turn when knitting. Perhaps this occupation was related. Then again I think I may be completely off-track.
Thanks for giving it your thoughts
Dave

[ricky1]

Hi Dave
Have found thid bit of info if its any help to you

HEALD KNITTER - operator of a machine which produced a jersey type of fabric as opposed to woven fabric

regards ricky

[dave the tyke]

Thanks Ricky,
given the occupations and locations of this branch of family I think that must be right.
Dave

[Viktoria]

Just seen this old post.
My grandmother was a heald knitter or knotter.
Healds  are loops  that  hold the warp threads on a loom,lifting them up alternately so  the  weft ( across) threads go alternately over and under then  under and over.
Healds are fastened to  the head stocks, in hand loom weaving controlled
by the weaver’s  feet.
Viktoria.

[dave the tyke]

Thanks Viktoria - old question now sorted