[Nfb-krafters-korner] selecting your knitting machine

Sat Nov 11 03:35:28 UTC 2017

Becky, I have no software, not even cards.  I don't know if cards can be
added.  My machine is totally mechanical at this point.  There is a way to
make some designs, but I seldom do.  I mostly hand knit the edges, all four
of them, make stripes, or make bags and sweaters that are finished with
seams.  I will have to pay Morgan Hicks a visit and learn what I might
consider adding. 
This is a very good article.  Do you know Angelica?  Is she based in
Portland Or?   
Ramona

-----Original Message-----
From: Nfb-krafters-korner [mailto:nfb-krafters-korner-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Becky Frankeberger via Nfb-krafters-korner
Sent: Friday, November 10, 2017 3:16 PM
To: 'List for blind crafters and artists' <nfb-krafters-korner at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Becky Frankeberger <b.butterfly at comcast.net>
Subject: [Nfb-krafters-korner] selecting your knitting machine

Romona, the add on to your machine is DesignaKnit software. The new one is
more accessible then the one I have.

Selecting Your Knitting Machine

by Angelika, machine knitter since 1987.

Selecting your knitting machine should be done carefully. Just as there are
different knitting sizes and crochet hook sizes for different sizes of
yarns, there are various gauges of knitting machines. Take your time to
learn what models knit the size yarns
<https://yarn-store.com/machine-knitting/about-knitting-machines/different-y
arns-for-different-knitting-machines>  you want to use. Often the 
arns-for-different-knitting-machines> requests I
get are "I want to do hats." Hats can be knit in any size yarn. There are
hats knit out of thick yarn, and there are hats knit out of thin yarn. Thin
yarns are better knit on the standard gauge machines, while hats done out
thick yarn need to be done on a bulky knitting machine. Understanding which
machine knits which size of yarn, and understanding the features each
machine offers you, is the key to making a wise choice.

What is a knitting machine? Learn what machine knitting is all about, and
which knitting machine fits your needs.

If you are thinking about buying a knitting machine for yourself, I strongly
suggest you research the models out thoroughly. There is much to understand
about what you desire to knit, why you desire to machine knit, and what
types of items you'd like to produce. 
A few strong recommendations:

1.    I recommend not buying a used machine for your first knitting machine.
If you are having trouble getting the machine to knit successfully, you do
not know if it is your technique, or issues with the machine.

2.    I recommend not buying a knitting machine that is not currently in
production. I can guarantee it that if the machine is no longer in
production, parts are also not produced. What remains in the warehouse is
it.

3.    I recommend locating a dealer to buy from. Lessons are invaluable.
Most reputable dealers will offer a few free lessons with machines.
Reputable dealers often have monthly meetings, or support a monthly club of
machine knitters. Machine Knitting Clubs or Guilds are absolutely an
invaluable source of help and creativity.

Knitting machines are not like sewing machines. It seems like we were born
with the basics of sewing machines. Knitting machines are fascinating 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!

A knitting machine is a bed of latch hooks. Depending on the gauge, there
will be anywhere from 150 to 220 latch hooks in a knitting machine bed. You
move the knitting machine carriage from side to side. As the leading edge of
the carriage passes over the needles, it shoves the latch hooks forward and
the stitches fall behind the latches. As the center of the knitting machine
carriage passes over the hooks, it lays the new yarn into the hook, and as
the carriage clears the needles, the needles are pulled back. New stitches
are formed as the prior row of stitches are knit off the needles. I'd say
that at any given time, there are 5 stitches being formed at the same time.

Because the latch hooks are always facing one direction, and because the
carriage travels right to left, then left to right, the default fabric is
stockinette stitch. If you are a hand knitter, you will want to also read my
article,
<https://yarn-store.com/machine-knitting/about-knitting-machines/hand-and-ma
chine-knitting-the-differences/> "The Differences between Machine and Hand
Knitting" because the defaulting fabric, which is knit every row, for a hand
knitter is garter stitch.

So you're looking to buy a knitting machine.

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 at this gauge 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 (some automatic, some manually manipulated) that can be done on
most bulky/chunky machines are fairisle, tuck, slip, lace, intarsia, weaving
and more. 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 also be knit on the bulky knitting machine. 

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 and midgauge machines lace
is manual or what the industry calls hand manipulated. 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 fingering 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.
For garments with the look and feel of true hand knitting, the mid-gauge is
the machine of choice. These machines have 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 sport 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.

Bulky & Chunky Model: 9mm knitting machine

Silver Reed currently manufactures only one model of this size. The Silver
Reed SK155 knitting machine
<https://yarn-store.com/silver-reed-sk155-knitting-machine/>  is a bulky
machine, with a 12 stitch repeat. This machine is mechanical. It does not
need electricity. A wonderfully simple machine to operate, yet will not
limit your creativity. The 12 stitch repeat is done via a punched card. A
few come with the machine. Most machine knitters will purchase the
specialized punch and a package of blank cards to design their own stitches.
There is no ribber for it. You can hand manipulate the rib (it goes fast),
or you can hand knit the rib and hang it on the machine, or you can remove
the completed fabric and either hand knit or crochet the hem or trim. The
SK155 knitting machine has grown in popularity in 2011, as hand knitters are
looking to work up all the yarns they have accumulated over the past few
years. This knitting machine is a very very sturdy work horse, designed to
last a long time, with appropriate care.

Standard Bed Models: 4.5mm knitting machines

Silver Reed manufactures two models of this size. Both have 220 needles on
the bed and knit in the range of fingering weight yarns. The SK840
<https://yarn-store.com/silver-reed-sk840-knitting-machine>  is the computer
ready version. The SK840
<https://yarn-store.com/silver-reed-sk840-knitting-machine>  is a computer
ready model that uses a special data cable and DesignaKnit Software
<https://yarn-store.com/designaknit-knitting-software>  that will allow it
to knit a stitch design repeat as wide as the needle bed. This is the go to
machine if you are looking to design baby blankets with a full blanket sized
design. The SK840
<https://yarn-store.com/silver-reed-sk840-knitting-machine>  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
<https://yarn-store.com/silver-reed-sk840-knitting-machine>  is broken into
two purchases; the bed and the DesignaKnit Software. Without the software,
you can still knit stockinet and do many beautiful things. But the SK840 was
created with a full spectrum designer in mind. (Read more about the design
capabilities of DesignaKnit on the DesignaKnit web page.)
<https://yarn-store.com/designaknit-knitting-software> 

The SK280 knitting machine
<https://yarn-store.com/silver-reed-sk280-knitting-machine/>  is 24 stitch
repeat machine with 220 needles. It is 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 lace knitting carriage is
an optional accessory.

Both knitting machines models have lace carriages and ribbers as optional
purchases. Both machines are 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 (repeatable all across the
fabric).. Both machines use the SRP60N ribber.

I like to make my T-tops on this machine, which are simple short sleeved
tops with a jewel neckline. I'll choose a very pretty shade of yarn, and
maybe something scrumptiously soft, and knit in simple stockinet.

Mid-Gauge Model: 6.5mm knitting machines

The Silver Reed 6.5mm knitting machine is the  LK150
<https://yarn-store.com/silver-reed-lk150-knitting-machine>  . This is my
choice for a plastic bed machine. It has 150 needles on the bed, The plastic
carriage glides smoothly over your knitting because the needles have
specially designed roll caps. The LK150
<https://yarn-store.com/silver-reed-lk150-knitting-machine>  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 is the top selling knitting machine in the
Silver Reed line of machines. It is very easy to learn, and pure joy to knit
on. I rarely, if ever jams. The creators did a bang-up job on this machine.
If you hand knit, the LK150
<https://yarn-store.com/silver-reed-lk150-knitting-machine>  knitting is a
wonderful compliment to your knitting. Once you learn what all it can do,
you can apply your knowledge of hand knitting, and come up with some of the
most amazing designs.

I love using this gauge of machine for cardigans and long vests. It's also
great for kids clothes. Absolutely the best for home decor!

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. Dealers are the
people of support knit club meetings and doing large seminars.  We need
them!  

You may save $100 by buying mail-order, but the frustration of not having a
trusted professional to show you through challenging techniques is JUST NOT
worth it. Lessons could run anywhere from $100-$200 and up for a full range.

I hope this guide will be informative. I have pulled my information from my
experience since 1984 when I purchased my first machine, then in 1987 became
a retailer. I hope I have added to your knowledge of knitting machines and
you feel a little more qualified to make your decision.

Angelika

<https://yarn-store.com/machine-knitting/about-knitting-machines/selecting-y
our-knitting-machine/> × 

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