Machine Knitting

Frances4019 · 08-08-2008 12:05am #1

Hi There are a few of us ladies in Limerick with knitting machines and really don't know how to use them. We had planned to go to Limerick Senior college to night classes but they no longer do knitting classes up there. Any suggestions would be appreciated,

Frances4019 · 10-08-2008 10:46pm

Frances Brennan wrote: »

Hi There are a few of us ladies in Limerick with knitting machines and really don't know how to use them. We had planned to go to Limerick Senior college to night classes but they no longer do knitting classes up there. Any suggestions would be appreciated,

Oh I forgot one very important thing. This is not a whim. We are really looking for a tutor and will be very happy to pay for this service. Willing to travel within reason to persons house if that suits. The lessons may also be taught in one of our homes.
Many thanks in anticipation.

New Home · 08-09-2008 8:14pm

Hi there,

It might be a shot in the dark, but perhaps you could try to contact some secondary/ vocational schools - a home economics/ arts teacher might know how to use these machines, or might point you in the right direction.

Alternatively, try to contact places like haberdashery shops (for instance Hickey's, or the Woollen Mills), or shops that would sell those machines, they may have contact details for instructors.

Good luck!

gollyitsolly · 09-09-2008 8:19pm

Wish i was nearer to you ladies to help but im in Dublin.Worked on these machines for years. Mass manufacturing is making them obselete. I used to get my machines from the Brother warehouse in Santry Industrial Estate. They may still be there and might supply you with contacts in your part of the country.

littlebitdull · 14-09-2008 12:44pm

I too worked on them before ... my mother had one from when we were little kids. We all had knitted socks, dresses, along with many many jumpers and hats.

My mum kept a nice little sideline going in it, she supplied to some of the dublin shops and ran a market stall for years ...

Unfortunatly I too am in Dublin. But good luck with the search, you have brought back memories for me anyway...

Frances4019 · 05-10-2008 9:11pm

littlebitdull wrote: »

I too worked on them before ... my mother had one from when we were little kids. We all had knitted socks, dresses, along with many many jumpers and hats.

My mum kept a nice little sideline going in it, she supplied to some of the dublin shops and ran a market stall for years ...

Unfortunatly I too am in Dublin. But good luck with the search, you have brought back memories for me anyway...

Many thanks to all who replied. I suppose when one can buy a knitted top in Penneys for €5 why bother going to all that trouble.
Frances

littlebitdull · 06-10-2008 8:49am

But Frances there is no way your 5euro top from pennys would last even vaguely as long as the machine knitted one you could make.

We had knitted stuff that was passed from one child down through at least six others, and is probably still good to this day!!

Keep looking - there must be somebody out there who can help you!

And you will also have the satisfaction and enjoyment of making it yourself.

DEEMAR · 13-10-2008 11:41pm

Hi Frances. I had a machine also for a number of years and used to do small things for my kids when they were young. I didn't ever have a ribber, just a basic knitmaster. Just last year I got the bug again and bought a second hand mid guage/chunky machine and have done odd bits with that. If I can help in any way I would be happy to, but it would be purely basic stuff. Im based in Limerick also.

kelle · 16-10-2008 9:17pm

OMG, you're starting to give me the bug! My mother, lord rest her, had a knitting machine and I started knitting things on it from when I was 10. I'd really love to try out your machines and see if I could help you but I unfortunately live near Dublin.
While my mother just knitted plain stuff, I loved doing stripes, intarsia, fairisle and even just pushing out the needles needed to "write" names on sweaters- they were very popular with the local kids!
I then discovered Aran knitting by hand and I preferred that, even though it's slower and I do get fed-up very quickly! I haven't machine-knitted since I was 16, that's a long time ago.
Littlebitdull, it's so true that the same jumpers would be passed down 6 children - something you can't do with Penney's clothing after 2 washes!

Lou S · 02-12-2008 4:30pm

Hi Frances/Ladies
I have been looking for someone to teach machine knitting. Are you still interested in teaching. I'm across the way from you. Let me know if your free. Thanks Louise

gollyitsolly wrote: »

Wish i was nearer to you ladies to help but im in Dublin.Worked on these machines for years. Mass manufacturing is making them obselete. I used to get my machines from the Brother warehouse in Santry Industrial Estate. They may still be there and might supply you with contacts in your part of the country.

gollyitsolly · 02-12-2008 4:37pm

Lou S wrote: »

Hi Frances/Ladies
I have been looking for someone to teach machine knitting. Are you still interested in teaching. I'm across the way from you. Let me know if your free. Thanks Louise

Hi Lou s, not sure I understand you! Is youre question addressed to me?:) If it is, then I may be able to help you. Can you give more details?

Lou S · 02-12-2008 4:40pm

Hi

yes sorry mixed up the names (I think). Anyway I'm in Lucan and lookign for knitting machine lessons. Can you help. have a knittmaster (cant remember model have it that long).

Thanks
Louise

gollyitsolly wrote: »

Hi Lou s, not sure I understand you! Is youre question addressed to me?:) If it is, then I may be able to help you. Can you give more details?

gollyitsolly · 02-12-2008 4:47pm

Lou S wrote: »

Hi

yes sorry mixed up the names (I think). Anyway I'm in Lucan and lookign for knitting machine lessons. Can you help. have a knittmaster (cant remember model have it that long).

Thanks
Louise

Can you send me your email and I will get back to you?

Lou S · 02-12-2008 5:04pm

snip »contact via PM

gollyitsolly wrote: »

Can you send me your email and I will get back to you?

fat spud · 05-12-2008 12:58am

Hi ladies.im the owener of a Brother knitting machine with ribber. Iwent to classes in pearse st for a long time,and i can say it was great fun. But i have to say,it was many many years ago.its still in the attic .Would love to hear from the ladies who would like to start up classes again,

gollyitsolly · 06-12-2008 11:39am

fat spud wrote: »

Hi ladies.im the owener of a Brother knitting machine with ribber. Iwent to classes in pearse st for a long time,and i can say it was great fun. But i have to say,it was many many years ago.its still in the attic .Would love to hear from the ladies who would like to start up classes again,

Hi Fat Spud. Love your name, but hope you dont look like Mr. Potatohead:eek:. Yeah it would be great to get a bunch of people together with their dusty machines and produce some stuff. Even if you only have a basic machine you can make gorgeous wraps, throws, cushion covers, bedcovers etc.

nanabernie · 12-04-2009 12:02am

I have knitmaster 260 with ribber. I can remember how to use machine but am not quite sure about ribber. I was addicted to it years ago and knit loads but stopped about twenty years ago. Still have machine and patterns and books and recently got them from attic. Still looking at them trying to remember in my head before setting them up. Think I can knit on the basic machine, with mock ribs, but am very unsure about the ribber. If anyone can help I would be delighted.

scary007 · 25-04-2010 9:27pm

Hello everybody, are there any machine knitters in the Longford area. I have a Brother 950i machine/ribbers and lots of accessories. Just wondered if there was anybody else nearby who was interested in the same hobby. Where do you get your machine knitting wool from, Regards. Mary

Laurenisme · 13-01-2011 12:24am

I might also be interested in getting together for a group of machine knitters if this was a go ahead, I only recently got a second hand one that i am only learning how to use.

ALso do you know of any place that sells parts for knitting machines here in dublin or even in ireland, apart from the one on parnell street?

thanks for your help,

Lauren

nanabernie · 13-01-2011 9:59pm

Springwools in Walkinstown may be able to help you. I got spare part from England for mine last year. I think also Singer Shop in Bray. Which machine did you get, standard gauge or chunky. Springwools also sell the chunky machines.

puss · 25-01-2011 7:59pm

nanabernie wrote: »

Springwools in Walkinstown may be able to help you. I got spare part from England for mine last year. I think also Singer Shop in Bray. Which machine did you get, standard gauge or chunky. Springwools also sell the chunky machines.

Where in England did you get spares parts from. My friend is looking for a cast on comb cover for her Singer Big 9 Knitting machine which she hopes to start to use again. Thanks

wmpdd3 · 25-01-2011 11:08pm

I get my stuff here

http://www.bsk.co.uk/

(knitmaster321), find them lovely to deal with. I have even e-mailed them pics or what i'm looking for and they have supplied the items!

Das Kitty · 26-01-2011 1:36pm

wmpdd3 wrote: »

I get my stuff here

http://www.bsk.co.uk/

(knitmaster321), find them lovely to deal with. I have even e-mailed them pics or what i'm looking for and they have supplied the items!

I love those guys, got my sewing machine and overlocker from them. Would love to be able to afford a knitting machine!

nanabernie · 26-01-2011 4:17pm

Sorry for delay in replying but down with flu so not keeping up to date with things. My husband ordered it for me and unfortunately I didn't keep receipt once it was okay. He probably still has original email order on his computer so I will ask him to check for me tonight. Sounds like machine knitting is taking off again. I have managed to make some school cardigans for my grand-daughter and they are going great. I got the cones of wool from Springwools in Walkinstown. They are not as cheap as they used to be - comparatively speaking. But if you have a wool winder you can buy the balls of 4ply and wind them for machine. Works out much much cheaper - about half the price. Good luck to all machine knitters.

littlemis · 29-01-2011 12:13am

Ladies I still do the knitting by hand......If any of you have any wool left over that would not even knit a row for you on the machine ...Could I be so bold as to ask you for it,I will of course cover all postage costs...

wmpdd3 · 31-01-2011 2:53pm

Das Kitty wrote: »

I love those guys, got my sewing machine and overlocker from them. Would love to be able to afford a knitting machine!

I got my knitting machine from a lovely lady in Portmarnack on the buy and sell for 40euro, about 10 years ago. Knitmaster321 and table.

I was looking for about 3 years before that but was on a serious budget.

If I see anything I'll PM you.

wmpdd3 · 31-01-2011 2:59pm

I have gotten this a few times:

Works out at 16.32 euro per cone delivered.

http://www.yarn-paradise.com/search/204552-cone-discount-yarn

last week i got this:

http://www.yarn-paradise.com/knitting/mixed_lots/l@@k_mix_selection/lase_qx19890.html

for 30 euro delivered.

duckling10 · 17-04-2011 12:26am

Hi Frances,
i too am in Limerick and I have recently been given an old Toyota knitting machine .
just wondering if you ever did find lessons in machine knitting in Limerick area and if you have any tips for where one can get a knitting machine serviced, also where i could find parts for it locally.
thanks in advance
liz

Cypresstree · 21-05-2011 3:50pm

Hi All,
Could you recommend a knitting machine for an absolute beginner? I can knit by hand, but have never used a machine. Ive been pondering purchasing a machine for a few months now, but dont actually know where to start, what do look for etc etc

Thanks a million

wmpdd3 · 24-05-2011 9:53pm

I'd look for a well looked after 1970s model (no really) like the knitmaster 321.

I was the same and I managed to teach myself how to use it form an old photocopied manual. I broke loads of pieces and ordered replacements from ebay!

There are a few good videos on you tube too.

I wouldn't dream of buying a new machine for your first one.

The only thing you have to know is what gauge you want: fine or chunky. I got a fine gauge but you can use Aran thickness by only using every 3rd needle.

Also what do you want to make?

grabray · 13-06-2011 12:21pm

I have a Brother 868 Knitting Machine for the past 10 years and would love some classes to get me started. I pick things up quickly once shown but find the manuals hard work! Would love if someone had time to give me a few lessons. If there are any machine knitting classes anywhere that anyone knows about, I'd really appreciate details. Thanks!

Laurenisme · 27-09-2011 9:40pm

Hello ladies,

I was given a knitmaster 321 for the thinner wool (not the bulky one, can't remember what the guage is called). After much deliberation about what wool i could use, i just went with a sock yarn and was able to knit myself a hairband. But i don't really undersatnd what kind of wools i can use for this guage machine. I would like to knit things with a little bit thicker wool than just sock wool but i assume it will only work with thin wool like sock yarn.

I evn tried to use some of my thinnner wool that i use for hand knitting, but the needles keep getting stuck in the yarn and it was very hard to bring the carriage across the machine. So this obviously isn't the right yarn to use.
Can you use some types of wool that you use for hand knitting?

oh and the wool that you would normally use for such a knitting machine can they only be gotten in the cones?

THanks for you help.

Lauren

Laurenisme · 27-09-2011 9:41pm

oh and is there any machine knitters in and around donegal?

wmpdd3 · 27-09-2011 11:51pm

Laurenisme wrote: »

Hello ladies,

I was given a knitmaster 321 for the thinner wool (not the bulky one, can't remember what the guage is called). After much deliberation about what wool i could use, i just went with a sock yarn and was able to knit myself a hairband. But i don't really undersatnd what kind of wools i can use for this guage machine. I would like to knit things with a little bit thicker wool than just sock wool but i assume it will only work with thin wool like sock yarn.

I evn tried to use some of my thinnner wool that i use for hand knitting, but the needles keep getting stuck in the yarn and it was very hard to bring the carriage across the machine. So this obviously isn't the right yarn to use.
Can you use some types of wool that you use for hand knitting?

oh and the wool that you would normally use for such a knitting machine can they only be gotten in the cones?

THanks for you help.

Lauren

I have the same machine. Originally I used 4 ply on cones like this:

http://cgi.ebay.ie/50-Merino-Pure-Wool-Acylic-Knitting-Machine-Yarn-21-/200650678416?pt=UK_Crafts_Knitting_Crochet_EH&hash=item2eb7b66090#ht_2054wt_1138

You can use nearly any thinckness of wool but it takes a bit of practice. I can use double kknitting wool by winding it using a winder:

Then set gauge to 10 and only use every 2nd needle to cast on as if you are knitting a 1x1 rib.

I can use chunky buy doing above but only casting on every 4th needle.

For a really odd knit I use chunky as above and a chunky yarn with the weaving tool. I makes a really chunky fabric, perfect for winter.

DEEMAR · 28-09-2011 12:24am

Hi Laurenisme, I used one of these machines for years. I only knit with 4ply wool and if its just regular knitting wool, you would need to wind it with a woolwinder (as suggested earlier) running it over a candle as you wind, this gives it easy movement on the machine. Most of the cone wool is pre-treated. Hope this helps

wmpdd3 · 28-09-2011 11:04am

Lana's wool shop in William's St in LImerick usually has a few cones of 4 ply in stock, well worth getting a cone and just using it to try everything the machine can do.

Laurenisme · 28-09-2011 6:32pm

wmpdd3 wrote: »

I have the same machine. Originally I used 4 ply on cones like this:

http://cgi.ebay.ie/50-Merino-Pure-Wool-Acylic-Knitting-Machine-Yarn-21-/200650678416?pt=UK_Crafts_Knitting_Crochet_EH&hash=item2eb7b66090#ht_2054wt_1138

You can use nearly any thinckness of wool but it takes a bit of practice. I can use double kknitting wool by winding it using a winder:

Then set gauge to 10 and only use every 2nd needle to cast on as if you are knitting a 1x1 rib.

I can use chunky buy doing above but only casting on every 4th needle.

For a really odd knit I use chunky as above and a chunky yarn with the weaving tool. I makes a really chunky fabric, perfect for winter.

Hi Wmpdd,

Right when you are you the winder to wind the double knit are you doing this so that it is easier to use the ball and not have it tangle up and roll around the place or does winding the wool change it in some way.

I understand better when i know why its done and how it works. I assume that if i was to buy a 4ply ball of wool and wind it onto the wool winder it would be the exact same as having a cone of 4ply wool?

Would you know why when i was using the 2ply wool before the needles were pulling it apart?

Sorry to ask you such questions but the last couple of times i took the knitting machine out i kept getting the same problem and adventuly just gave up.

One last question, my machine doesn't have the extra thing that allows you to knit in the round. Is there some way to use a single bed machine to do round knitting. I find it a lot quicker.

Thank you very much for your help,

Lauren

Laurenisme · 28-09-2011 6:39pm

DEEMAR wrote: »

Hi Laurenisme, I used one of these machines for years. I only knit with 4ply wool and if its just regular knitting wool, you would need to wind it with a woolwinder (as suggested earlier) running it over a candle as you wind, this gives it easy movement on the machine. Most of the cone wool is pre-treated. Hope this helps

Hi Deemar,

Is the cone wool pre-treated in such a way the the carriage would be easier to move over the bed?

How exactly would running it over a candle help, I understand better when i know why.

I read somewhere before that if you put a small bit of beesway on the stand as it goes trough the yarn brake the wool will be easier to use. I tried this and didn't work even if the wax was a little warm so it would stick to the wool.

Thank you very much for your help.

Lauren

Laurenisme · 28-09-2011 9:02pm

Also do punchcards for the knitmaster 321 have to be made specially for that machine??

I have just seen a set of punchcards on ebay. The details it gives is "K09.57 Tuck, for Knitmaster/Empisal/Silver/Studio Knitting Machine,
Standard Gauge Knitting Machines".

As it doesnt mention knitmaster 321 i wouldn't know if they would fit?

Any advice?

Lauren

DEEMAR · 28-09-2011 11:32pm

Laurenisme, yes the 'candle treatment' does work. If you buy the wool on a cone they are usually pre-treated, but for regular wool you need to wind it with a woolwinder at the same time doing candle treatment. Bascally, if you are winding with your right hand, you would be holding a (white) candle with the left hand and gently slide wool over the candle before it (wool slides beteen candle and finger) reaches the winder - if that makes sense. There is no easy way around this, if you want ease of movement on the knitting machine, this procedure has to be done. If you dont have a woolwinder, you would need to invest in one. You can pick one up cheap on ebay. I'm afraid I cant help you with the punchcard question, I did have them with my machine but never used them.

Laurenisme · 29-09-2011 1:09pm

DEEMAR wrote: »

Laurenisme, yes the 'candle treatment' does work. If you buy the wool on a cone they are usually pre-treated, but for regular wool you need to wind it with a woolwinder at the same time doing candle treatment. Bascally, if you are winding with your right hand, you would be holding a (white) candle with the left hand and gently slide wool over the candle before it (wool slides beteen candle and finger) reaches the winder - if that makes sense. There is no easy way around this, if you want ease of movement on the knitting machine, this procedure has to be done. If you dont have a woolwinder, you would need to invest in one. You can pick one up cheap on ebay. I'm afraid I cant help you with the punchcard question, I did have them with my machine but never used them.

Yep, I was given a woollwinder with the machine. The candle obviously has to be white, should be of any certain make or just a plain white candle, can it be a cream white or only white. This white candle is to be used instead of beeswax?

Thanks for your help. sorry to be re-asking questions. Just want to make sure i have it right.

Lauren

DEEMAR · 29-09-2011 10:39pm

Yes Laurenisme, just a regular white candle, or I'm sure the cream would be fine too. No need for beeswax if you are using the candle. You only need to let the wool rub gently off it as you are winding it. The reason it is necessary to wind the wool is that (1) the wool gets lightly coated with candle wax and (2) the wound wool feeds onto the machine much better. Its a bit of a pain having to do this procedure, but it is so worth while. Best of luck with it! Don't worry about asking questions - I only too happy to be of help

wmpdd3 · 29-09-2011 10:54pm

Laurenisme wrote: »

Hi Wmpdd,

Right when you are you the winder to wind the double knit are you doing this so that it is easier to use the ball and not have it tangle up and roll around the place or does winding the wool change it in some way.

Yep, it means the feed of the wool will be smooth and you'll get better tension.

I understand better when i know why its done and how it works. I assume that if i was to buy a 4ply ball of wool and wind it onto the wool winder it would be the exact same as having a cone of 4ply wool?

Yep

Would you know why when i was using the 2ply wool before the needles were pulling it apart?

I have 2 cones of 2 ply and even with perfect tension and the right gauge it often just snaps mid way. 4 ply is the easiest to knit with according to me.

Sorry to ask you such questions but the last couple of times i took the knitting machine out i kept getting the same problem and adventuly just gave up.

Dont, honestly, if you yarn keeps breaking, you need oil, the tension is off or the gauge is off. Other than that it should be really smooth, to move the carriage from left to right.If you set it up right, you can thread it up with a cone and 50 stitches and run up 200 rows for a scarf in 1/2 hour. Honestly, it should be that easy. But it took me a few years of breaking needles to get the settings right to be able to do this. I had 2 knitting classes in college, the rest I learned by trial and error and youtube!

One last question, my machine doesn't have the extra thing that allows you to knit in the round. Is there some way to use a single bed machine to do round knitting. I find it a lot quicker.

No I've never heard of an attachment like that. You can get a separate sock machine that knits in the round, search for a video on youtube and you'll see it.

Thank you very much for your help,

No probs, feel free to keep asking. PS I have the manual for the machine too, do you?

Lauren

.

mag123 · 01-10-2011 1:19pm

Hi all you machine knitters, I am just new to this site and I have been reading the posts and notice that there is a great need for classes in machine knitting. I teach on a regular basis all craft classes and if you are interested in contacting me you can send me a personal message, and I will discuss same.

Laurenisme · 01-10-2011 7:52pm

mag123 wrote: »

Hi all you machine knitters, I am just new to this site and I have been reading the posts and notice that there is a great need for classes in machine knitting. I teach on a regular basis all craft classes and if you are interested in contacting me you can send me a personal message, and I will discuss same.

Hi there.

I would definately be interested in this but as i live probably a large distance from everybody else, i might be able. Where are you based. If it was in dublin or kildare i might be able to go when i head to my family home.

or I live in donegal on case you live anywhere close to their.

Lauren

Laurenisme · 01-10-2011 7:58pm

DEEMAR wrote: »

Yes Laurenisme, just a regular white candle, or I'm sure the cream would be fine too. No need for beeswax if you are using the candle. You only need to let the wool rub gently off it as you are winding it. The reason it is necessary to wind the wool is that (1) the wool gets lightly coated with candle wax and (2) the wound wool feeds onto the machine much better. Its a bit of a pain having to do this procedure, but it is so worth while. Best of luck with it! Don't worry about asking questions - I only too happy to be of help

Hmm I'm sorry i think i might be over analising it a bit. Last time it drove me nuts when i couldn't get it going right. would you usually warm up the candle a little bit beforehand so it would coat it easier.

Laurenisme · 01-10-2011 8:07pm

wmpdd3 wrote: »

.

ok i am going to go equiped with all this information. Take it out and give it another go.

My friend wants me to make her a jumper but all the patterns i find for machine knitting are quiet old fashioned. she wants a jumper like this one.

http://www.asos.com/Sophie-Hulme/Sophie-Hulme-For-ASOS-Sequin-Sweater/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1431357&cid=2637&sh=0&pge=7&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Navy

would you possibly have an idea of a website or pattern company that woulld do more modern kinds of jumpers like a womens tight fitted one.

DEEMAR · 02-10-2011 1:42am

Laurenisme, no , there is no need to heat the candle. I think a jumper for your friend might be a bit adventurous at this stage. Why not practice on small things until you get the tension right and the wool winding sorted etc., then make an attempt at the jumper. Good luck!

wmpdd3 · 02-10-2011 10:04pm

Yeah, I agree, its great to have something to show for all the trying out you do, but that jumper is a but fitted, if you tension is off you'll end up with a tunic!

If you have the book that came with the machine there's a really simple round neck mens jumper in the back of it. I made it and it really is easy. This could be similar to the one you want.

Laurenisme · 02-10-2011 10:46pm

wmpdd3 wrote: »

Yeah, I agree, its great to have something to show for all the trying out you do, but that jumper is a but fitted, if you tension is off you'll end up with a tunic!

If you have the book that came with the machine there's a really simple round neck mens jumper in the back of it. I made it and it really is easy. This could be similar to the one you want.

yea that sounds like a good idea. yep I have the book what page is the pattern on, iv seen the page that it explains how to do a round neck but i can't remember any full jumper pattern.

yea a jumper doesnt sound like such a good idea at the moment especialy seeing how badly my attempt yesterday went. but i'll try again tommarow. It's terrible i've a sewing machine that i can't get properly working for the same reason (inexperience).

Laurenisme · 02-10-2011 10:48pm

DEEMAR wrote: »

Laurenisme, no , there is no need to heat the candle. I think a jumper for your friend might be a bit adventurous at this stage. Why not practice on small things until you get the tension right and the wool winding sorted etc., then make an attempt at the jumper. Good luck!

that sounds like a good idea, swatches for a blanket i guess.

Machine Knitting

Comments