Knitter in USA / Hose maker in UK - similar?

[cavair]

Hi
I am researching a George HIGGATE who arrived in New York in 1867 from Liverpool then seems to be in Phildelphia in 1868 and whose occupation is given as knitter.

There is also person of same name who is in Nottingham UK in 1881 census as a hose maker with a 10 yr old son born in North America.  Hose maker/mender in Nottingham would be in hosiery, so could the description knitter mean much the same thing? 
A lot of the ages and dates tie up but we have found no proof yet if they are one and the same person.  Need to find a birth in USA and maybe check 1880 census.! 
Thanks for any tips on similarity of occupations!
Richard
 

[Milliepede]

If I have the right person in 1861 he appears to be a frame work knitter. 

1861 down as brother age 27 with

Saml J Newton 26
Jane E wife 24
Jane Higgate 63 wife's mother

In 1891 son William George 20 is born Nottinghamshire not North America 

And George has a wife Maria - maybe this is a different family.

[Milliepede]

1870 census Philadelphia has a

Geo Higgate 36 weaver
Mary A 29