We always think of knitting as something we do by hand, with two needles and not much else. But we all also have store-bought sweaters, items that we know can’t have been knit the traditional way. If there weren’t some faster, more automated way to make knit work, we wouldn’t be able to afford store-bought sweaters. This is where knitting machines come in. But knitting machines aren’t just for clothing companies. Anyone can own a knitting machine (or two) to increase their own knitting repertoire.
Electronic Knitting Machine
Why work on a knitting machine? While the end products may look quite similar, hand knitting and machine knitting are not the same things. A lot of patterns and techniques will translate seamlessly, though not all of them will. Some things a machine can accomplish better, like jacquard knitting. Also, with its set stitch size, a machine will produce an evenness to a project that is hard to replicate in hand knitting. Plus, the obvious, it?s quite a bit faster!
A knitting machine reminds me of those old school credit card imprint machines. It’s a bed of a series of latch hooks (usually around 150-200) that the yarn is looped through. The carriage acts like the slider on that imprint machine, sliding over the entire bed, working stitches as it goes. Then it slides back the other direction to knit the next row. Much like with knitting in the round, the work itself is never turned, so the default stitch is stockinette when each row is set to knit.
Punchcard Machine
Because knitting machines have set stitch sizes, they won’t all work with all yarns. If you want to use a bulky yarn, you need to have a knitting machine with a bulky gauge. So you shouldn?t pick a knitting machine based on what kind of projects you want to make but instead based upon the type of yarn you intend to use. There are 3 general sizes: a fine gauge, standard, and bulky. For someone who wants to make machine knitting a serious hobby, it would be reasonable, even expected, to have more than one knitting machine.If you are interested in buying one, there are a lot of things to consider. Some machines are electric. Others use punch cards to set out your pattern. Regardless of the type, knitting machines can run around $1500. Though cheaper knitting machines fall closer to the $500-700 range; still not that cheap. There always seem to be knitting machines available for sale on eBay and close-out websites.
When knitting on a machine, you’re still overseeing the entire project. You can’t just set the machine and walk away, so don’t feel like you’re somehow cheating if you use a knitting machine. It’s still all your handiwork, just done in a different way.
More knitting machine classes would be wonderful
Where do I find classes on machine knitting?
I would love to see a machine knitting class on making socks!
Opps, This has been a VERY informative..........
This has been a h260 informative series of classes from Susan. At 63 I am rather a late starter! l last used my Brother kh260 about thirty years ago. I’ve unpacked, deep cleaned and replaced the sponge bar, it’s oiled and ready to start work again. I didn’t learn properly how to knit for the year or so that I produced children’s knitwear. So, this has been terrific to learn properly how to use my machine and produce more professional finishes on my garments. PLEASE can we see how to translate knitting patterns or tips on how to create our own. In truth just MORE classes.
Classes on using a ribber, lace carriage and intarsia carriage and how they hook up to computer programs would be appreciated.
Would love if you could do a class working with a passap machine
Love anything that will help me do better on the LK150
Please! More machine knitting classes. Techniques, adapting hand knitting patterns, specific garments and accessories, usigning software with electronic machines, etc.would all be welcome.
Thank you for this wonderful course about Machine Knitting.