Burda Style For people who sew

I am a hand knitter looking to invest in a knitting machine to design and create a line of knitwear. I want to do both fine knitting and large chunky knitting. Do you use one? Do you have any advise or comments? Thanks!

Aug 22, 2011, 07.30 PM by knitabella

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  Aug 22, 2011, 11.30 PMby bjr99

  I have Brother knitting machines. Mine are for the fine yarns. I have had mine for almost 20 years and was able to pick them up used at yard sales. Haven’t used them much that past 10 years or so. At the moment they need new sponge bars but it’s my understanding that knitting machines are no longer made! I was quite happy with my machines so I would recommend brother. Hopefully I can fix the sponge bars and then knit again.

  Actually you need to go the website Ravelry.com It is a site devoted to knitters. I’m sure that you will find lots of folks there who can steer you towards the right machine.

  Good luck in your search!
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  Aug 23, 2011, 09.46 PMby knitabella

  Thanks for your reply! Yes, I’m an avid fan of ravelry.com and have been a member for a long time. I have owned a hand knitting yarn shop and currently sell online at etsy.com. I also have a blog/website devoted to my hand knitted and crafted items. I appreciate your input on knittng machines! Kara

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    Aug 25, 2011, 01.20 PMby bjr99

    Glad I was able to help. Like I said it has been a number of years since I have used my machines. I’d really like to get back to it. Hopefully I can get the sponge bar issue worked out! Becky

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  Sep 13, 2011, 02.21 PMby mickeygirl

  I have three knitting machines. I bought a used Passap duo 80 and a bond. I bought a new White Studio LK150. You need a ball winder.

  I like the LK150 the best because I can use regular hand knitting yarn on it. I find it better to wind it on my ball winder first other wise you get going and jam up with tangles.

  A ribber attachment is useful for doing ribbing. You can make ribbing without it only it is very very tedious and time consuming. Other machines have intarsia carriages for doing picture work or lace carriages for patterns.

  I like my passap when I have the cones of yarn and use the punch card patterns. Some passaps have motors but mine does not. It does not take regular handknitting yarn very well at all. The latches are just too small.

  You might need a chunky gauge machine.

  Bond is a good machine for starting, maybe if you get one used. It has these plastic plates for different yarn sizes. It is a lower tech machine so not too much can go wrong with it mechanically.

  Try to get some lessons because learning on these machines can be frustrating.

  I think the most important thing is to learn how to do a gauge swatch first and how to adjust or make up your patterns. Try to find some books on making different stitches.

  Please let me know how you are doing and any questions.