[Nfb-krafters-korner] Sellecting your knitting machine

[becky frankeberger]

In my studio I have a Silver Reed 890 (chunky), and a Silver Reed 860
(standard bed) knitting machines.  The 860 is attached to the software.
Actually both machines are set up to handle the software. 
This article is pretty good at explaining what you can and can't do on these
machines.

Becky and my full partner Jake 

Selecting Your Knitting Machine
Angelika recommends the
Silver Reed
 Line of Knitting Machines
Be Sure to read these additional important articles
What Every Hand Knitter Should Know Before Buying a Knitting Machine
Different Yarns for Different Knitting Machines
Comment: Brother no longer manufactures knitting machines.  I have included
them
in this article due to the popularity of the machine.  It is the most common
machine
in the U.S right now.
When the decision has been made that you must have a knitting machine for
your yourself,
the decision making has really only just begun. Knitting machines are not
like sewing
machines. It seems like we were born with the basics of sewing machines.
Knitting
machines are intimidating pieces of equipment with buttons, springs, wires
and hooks
enough to contact the outer world. Common comments from individuals who have
never
seen nor have heard of knitting machines, when confronted with one is "WHAT
is THAT!".
In October of 1984, that was my line. In November of 1984, 9 months
pregnant, I was
under the machine looking at the 3" x 3" square hanging off the needles. I
wasn't
hooked, it wasn't a passion. I was POSSESSED !
Now you want one. Here is a basic education and some key questions I ask my
prospective
knitters when they come in to buy their own machine.
What types of sweaters attract you when you are in clothing stores? Heavy,
cabled
& bulky? Thin, lacy & airy? Knitted suits? Do you hand knit? Is that the
kind of
fabric you would like to reproduce? Often hand knitters want to continue to
hand
knit, but want fine knitted garments as well. Knowing that to hand knit one
would
take more time than they consider to be fun, they look to the knitting
machine for
fine knits.
Heavy & cabled sweaters are usually done on a Bulky or Chunky size machine.
These
machines have the needles 9mm apart and the hook/latches are large enough to
accommodate
the thick yarns without splitting the yarn. Other techniques that can be
done on
most bulky/chunky machines are fairisle, tuck, slip, lace, intarsia, weaving
and
more. Sport & DK weight yarns are the smallest yarns handled by bulky
machines. The
largest yarns it can handle are "chunky" yarns. Most homespun yarns, unless
extremely
large, can be knit on the bulky.
Knitted suits and lace curtains are items that are usually (but not always)
done
on the standard bed machine. These machines have needles 4.5mm apart and the
hook/latches
are much smaller. Other techniques that can be done on the standard machines
are
fairisle, tuck, slip, lace, intarsia, manual cables and more. Standard
machines usually
have more stitch types to select from. The lace is automatic, while on the
bulky,
lace is manual or semi-manual. This is the size of machine that produces the
St John's
knits, if you are familiar with the knitted suits in high level boutiques.
The standard
will knit very thin (almost as small as thread) yarns, if they are doubled
or tripled.
Yarns that are traditionally (in the US) called baby weight are the most
popular
size to use on this machine. The largest yarn that can be knit is the sport
or DK
weight. Since different manufacturers of yarn can produce a heavier or
lighter sport
weight, it could be that even some sport weight yarns won't knit very
successfully.
This model of machine, when a Brother brand, also has an accessory called a
garter
carriage. The garter carriage is available ONLY for Brother/Knitking
standard bed
machines. The prettiest fabrics are created when using a sport weight yarn.
Due to
the garter carriage design, the garter carriage can knit the heavier sport
weight
yarns.
For garments with the look and feel of true hand knitting, the mid-gauge is
the machine
of choice. These machines have the needles 6.5mm apart and the hook/latches
are smaller
than the bulky, but larger than the standard machine. Other techniques that
can be
done on the mid-gauge are fairisle, tuck, slip, intarsia, manual cables,
manual lace
and more. This machine can knit most baby weight yarns, though, not real
tight. And
if the yarn doesn't get split by the needle hooks (if the yarn is not too
fat) the
mid-gauge can knit most chunky yarns.
You have just received a quick education on MACHINE SIZES. Each machine size
has
1,2 or more models that are available. I feel if you are thinking about a
machine,
your best decision is made after a thorough education. So read on for
information
about models and their features, as we continue your education on knitting
machines.
Bulky & Chunky Models: 9mm knitting machines
Brother Brand:
 Brother International manufactured two models of this size. These machines
are still
in demand, but are no longer being manufactured. The
KH270
 was an electric (electronic machine). The memory contained 288 permanent
patterns
of fairisle, tuck, skip, thread lace, weaving and more. The memory also had
room
for you to input many more patterns. Using the keyboard you select the
pattern #.
Also the keyboard had variation keys which allow you to reverse, mirror,
double width,
double length, turn upside down (& more) any of these patterns. Though
generally
to double width a tuck pattern is not successful, all of the variation keys
are a
joy to have. The
KH260
 was a mechanical machine. It does not need electricity. This machine came
with a
small selection of pre-punched cards to do fairisle, tuck, skip, thread
lace, weaving
and more. Special blank cards and a special punch will allow you to create
your own
cards, or recreate a card as specified in your pattern. The only variation
available
is the double length. Both machines are made the same size and quality.
Often with
interchangeable parts. The biggest, most obvious difference is that the
KH260's punchcards
are limited to 24 sts wide. The KH270 electronic is not limited to any
width. A pattern
can be 1 st wide or 114 sts wide, which is the total width of the bed.
Studio Brand: Studio / Silver Reed is the only current manufacturer
 of bulky, metal bed knitting machines for the home knitter.  Studio
manufactures
two models of this size. The
SK890
 is the computer ready version.   It used a mylar sheet to read patterns
which was
read by an EC1. The EC1 is no longer being manufactured. The SK890 is a
computer
ready model that uses a special data cable and special software that will
allow it
to knit designs as wide as the needle bed. The SK890 will fairisle, tuck,
slip, thread
lace, weave and more. Lace is manually done. There is no lace carriage for
the Chunky
machines. The SK890 is broken into two purchases; the bed and the Silver
Link & DesignaKnit
Software. If you own the SK890 with the Silver Link and software and you
purchase
the SK860 or SK840, you still use the same Link & software. They fit all the
Studio
830, 840, 860 & 890 main beds. The Studio
SK155
 is also a bulky machine, with a 12 stitch punchcard repeat. A wonderfully
simple
machine to operate, yet will not limit your creativity
Standard Bed Models: 4.5mm knitting machines
Brother
Brand: Brother used to manufacture two models of this size. Probably the
most popular
machine in the US Market is the Brother
 KH970
 (electric) Electronic. The memory contains 665 permanent patterns of
fairisle, tuck,
skip, thread lace, weaving and more. The memory also has room for you to
input many
more patterns. Using the keyboard you select the pattern #. Also the
keyboard has
variation keys which allow you to reverse, mirror, double width, reflect,
rotate,
inverse, double length, turn upside down (& more) any of these patterns.
Though generally
to double width a tuck pattern is not successful, all of the variation keys
are a
joy to have. The KH970 comes with the automatic lace carriage. It features a
small
computer than can be disengaged from the machine and fed data into on your
lap. The
KH970 has a built in garment program that you use to build the size of your
garment
piece. This allows you to reknit the same sweater over and over with
different yarns,
gauges and stitch design without re-entering the garment piece. The
KH864
 was a mechanical machine. It does not need electricity. This machine comes
with
a small selection of pre-punched cards to do fairisle, tuck, skip, thread
lace, weaving
and more. Special blank cards and a special punch will allow you to create
your own
cards, or recreate a card as specified in your pattern. The only variation
available
is the double length. The lace transfer carriage is an optional accessory.
Both machines
 are made the same size and quality. Often with interchangeable parts. The
biggest,
most obvious difference is that the KH864's punchcards are limited to 24 sts
wide.
The KH970 electronic is not limited to any width. A pattern can be 1 st wide
or 200
sts wide, which is the total width of the bed.
Silver Reed Brand: Silver Reed manufactures two models of this size. The
SK840
 is the computer read version.   It used a mylar sheet to read patterns
which was
read by an EC1. The EC1 is no longer being manufactured. The SK840 is a
computer
ready model that uses a special data cable and special software that will
allow it
to knit designs as wide as the needle bed. The SK840 will fairisle, tuck,
slip, thread
lace, weave and more. Lace is automatic with the purchase of the lace
knitting carriage,
when you are connected to the computer to download the lace design.   The
SK840 is
broken into two purchases; the bed and the Silver Link & DesignaKnit
Software. If
you own the SK840 with the Silver Link and software and you purchase the
SK860, or
a SK890, you still use the same Link & software. They fit all the Silver
Reed 830,
840, 860 & 890 main beds. The
SK280
 is the punchcard version, a mechanical machine. It does not need
electricity. This
machine comes with a small selection of pre-punched cards to do fairisle,
tuck, skip,
thread lace, weaving and more. Special blank cards and a special punch will
allow
you to create your own cards, or recreate a card as specified in your
pattern. The
only variation available is the double length. The lace/knitting carriage is
an optional
accessory.
Both machines
 are made the same size and quality. Often with interchangeable parts. The
biggest,
most obvious difference is that the SK280's punchcards are limited to 24 sts
wide.
The SK840 is a computer ready model that uses a special data cable and
special software
that will allow it to knit designs as wide as the needle bed.
Artisan Brand: The Artisan JBL-245
 is a metal bed Standard Gauge (4.5mm) punchcard machine, complete with
detachable
ribber, with 200 needles on each bed.  This machine is extremely
similar to the Silver Reed 280 machines, so those who are familiar with
these machines
will feel very comfortable with this one.  This machine comes with a small
selection
of pre-punched cards to do fairisle, tuck, skip, thread lace, weaving and
more. Special
blank cards and a special punch will allow you to create your own cards, or
recreate
a card as specified in your pattern. The only variation available is the
double length.
This machine has no lace carriage available at this time.
Mid-Gauge Models:  6.5-7mm knitting machines
Brother Brand: Brother manufactured the KX350
. It is no longer being manufactured. The KX350 was a plastic knitting
machine. It
is smaller than all the metal beds previously discussed and is lighter
weight. The
carriage is also plastic. The needles are 7mm apart rather than the 6.5mm of
true
mid-gauges. There is no automatic selection of pattern. You select needles
for tuck,
slip, lace and fairisle. Cables are manual as is true of all machines. Lace
is completely
done by hand as is done on the bulky machines. There are no major
accessories for
this machine.
Silver Reed Brand: Silver Reed manufactures 3 models of mid-gauge machines.
 The SK860
 is the computer read version.   It used a mylar sheet to read patterns
which was
read by an EC1. The EC1 is no longer being manufactured. The SK860 is a
computer
ready model that uses a special data cable and special software that will
allow it
to knit designs as wide as the needle bed. The SK860 will fairisle, tuck,
slip, thread
lace, weave and more.  The SK860 is broken into two purchases; the bed and
the Silver
Link & DesignaKnit Software. If you own the SK860 with the Silver Link and
software
and you purchase the SK840, or a SK890, you still use the same Link &
software. They
fit all the Silver Reed 830, 840, 860 & 890 main beds. Lace is manually
done. There
is no lace carriage for the mid-gauge machines.
The SK160
 is the shell of the SK860. This model coupled with the basic small carriage
is completely
manual. A neat feature is that this simple carriage has the intarsia
knitting technique
built in. This is not the case with most machines today. The advantages to
this machine
is that it is all metal (which I prefer the feel of) and that it was made to
be upgraded
to the SK860 electronic. The SK160 has no automatic selection of needles for
patterning.
You will need to select them yourself. The 3rd model is an
LK150
. This is my choice for a plastic bed machine. The plastic carriage glides
smoothly
over your knitting because the needles have specially designed roll caps.
The LK150
also will operate at a 13mm gauge for very large yarns and is indicated thus
on the
carriage. By hand manipulating the needles you can do cables, lace, tuck,
slip, fairisle
and more. This plastic bed machine has the most accessories I've ever seen
for this
lightweight machine. They include an electronic knit contour, an intarsia
carriage
and a wonderful automatic 2-color (fairisle) carriage.
The
Artisan Brand  GE63-70
 is a double bed Mid Gauge (7.0mm) manual patterning machine with 147
needles on
each bed, complete with a well-designed, sturdy stand!  Although originally
developed
as a production knitting machine, we immediately saw tremendous potential
for this
machine in the home market.  It is a metal bed machine capable of all of the
most
common machine knitting stitches, stockinet, slip, tuck, as well as knit
weaving
and plating!  It also does an excellent job of ribbing, fisherman's rib, and
circular
knitting because of the angle of the beds.  It is an excellent knitter, and
comes
with all small tools, cast on combs, and weights you would expect from a
full-featured
knitting machine.  It is extremely easy to learn, very sturdy and reliable,
and the
carriages are quite easy to push. Plus, it knits DK, handspun, and other
hand weight
yarn like a dream!  An Intarsia carriage and ribber covers will be available
for
this machine later this year.
Now you know the 3 main sizes of Japanese machines and the models within
each size.
Passap (Switzerland) produced a knitting machine which was called a double
bed. The
fabrics are very unique to the Passap machine, some of which cannot be
reproduced
on the Japanese machines. I know very little about the Passap. For those of
you reading
this, who feel they like to add to this article, please email me and I would
be interested
in adding knowledge from your experience.
Silver Reed
 also manufactures one more model machine, of a size not covered above. This
model,
the
SK830
is called a fine gauge. The needles are 3.6mm apart. The tiniest spacing
available
on home knitting machines. This will knit the very finest yarns we have.
Great for
delicate lace and wispy summer tops.
After all this education and decision making, there is one decision left to
make
which can often blow all this work away. And that is price. I probably
should not
end this article talking about money, but if you came to me wanting to buy a
machine,
money would certainly be something we'd want to talk about. So here I go.
Trying to get the best machine for your money cannot be related to quality.
I've
found all knitting machine brands to be of superior quality . . . . .
nothing like
the brand new toasters that continue to burn one side and leave the other
side white!
Parts and accessories are easy to come by and technicians are all across the
county.
I rarely find a machine that needs repairs. When it does happen, we can
usually trace
the source of the problem to incorrect handling of our equipment,
insufficient cleaning,
incorrect storage or forcing the machine to knit yarn out of it's size
range.
Decide on the size of machine you want; i.e., standard, bulky or mid-gauge.
When
you zero in on that group, let your budget decide what machine you want. I
run the
Brother 970 and just love it. It is the top of the line machine, but
naturally has
the top of the line price. If that is workable for you, don't let that stop
you from
getting a machine. Purchase the punchcard model instead. I have many
punchcard knitters
that their garments literally run circles around me. The machines DO NOT
limit your
creativity, in my opinion. Oh yea, we'd like to knit some design 200 sts
wide . .
. . . but the garments done on the 24 st wide machines can be done in the
same exact
yarn, and because the design is simpler, the garment is often more
attractive to
my eye. I see this EVERY month at our meetings!
So why did I drag you through this long article just to tell you to buy what
your
budget allows? Because knowledge is the key to success! Be aware, be
knowledgeable
and be smart. . . .
MY OPINION REGARDING DEALERS:. And everyone has their opinion. Hear mine,
listen
to others and make the decision for yourself. I feel that if you have an
active,
knowledgeable (see! I said active & knowledgeable) dealer close by, you
should buy
from her. She will support you through your first projects and lead you into
advanced
levels of knitting. You may save $100 by buying mail-order, but the
frustration of
not having a friend to show you through challenging techniques is JUST NOT
worth
it. If you happen to buy a used machine, approach your dealer for a packet
of lessons,
that would place you in the same position as if you had bought the machine
from her.
That could run anywhere from $100-$200 for a full range of lessons. But each
dealer
has his or her own lesson plan. If all else fails, mail order your machine.
Locate
the closest club you can find and attend every once in a while. Advertise
for other
machine knitters and maybe form your own club, or just plan get togethers in
your
home. The knowledge of two individuals when put together is not the
knowledge of
two, but rather the knowledge of FOUR!
I hope this guide has been informative. I have pulled my information from my
experience
and the documents on hand. I hope that all this information is current, but
things
can change and I not be notified. You may find out that I have left off some
models.
But if you inquire into that specific model, you will be able to insert it
into one
of the appropriate categories. I hope I have added to your knowledge of
knitting
machines and you feel a little more qualified to make your decision.
Angelika
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