The abundance of identical, faceless clothes on the market cannot but depress sophisticated fashionistas and fashionistas. And not everyone can afford to go to Milan or Paris for a weekend of “shopping.” Homemade crafts come to the rescue. Moreover, technical innovations are so improved that using them is easy and pleasant. The outfits knitted on a knitting machine are individual, created just for you. The art of machine needlework requires certain knowledge and skills. You can always find a brief description in the instructions or video tutorials from the Internet. Perhaps there are special courses in your locality that teach this.
Flat knitting machines are used in everyday life. Their class determines the number of needles and the distance between them and varies from 2 to 10. The thickness of the thread also depends on the class of the machine: the thinner it is, the higher the class. Imported computer knitting machines are more functional, but they are also much more expensive compared to domestic ones. At the initial stage, you need to select and prepare the yarn. There are special threads of different thicknesses on sale, which are wound into large bobbins. For the first time, buy threads of medium thickness. If the yarn is not wound in the form of a cone or cylinder, then it must be rewinded using a special device, which is purchased separately. Otherwise, the thread will go into the carriage in jerks, which will affect the quality of the product. Thread the inner end of the thread into the carriage.
Learning to knit on a knitting machine is tricky, but doable. Master the basic skills first, pay close attention to the diagram and make accurate calculations. Then start knitting complex designer items.
To choose a knitting machine for your home, you need to decide on the necessary functions. After purchasing, learn the basics of knitting. And then it will be easier to master the capabilities of the knitting machine.
Differences between machine and hand knitting
Hand knitting, compared to machine knitting, not only takes a lot of time, but also has a number of differences.
Visual differences between machine knitting and hand knitting:
Technological and financial differences:
How does a knitting machine for home use work?
When knitting by hand, all the loops sit on one needle, and the second is needed to knit the loops. In the machine, each loop is on its own needle, and the carriage plays the role of the second knitting needle. The device on which all the needles are located is called a needle bed.
- The knitting process involves two nodes: the needle bed and the carriage. There are thread tension regulators on the stand. The density of the fabric is adjusted with a special disk in the carriage. The higher the value set, the larger the loop and the lower the density.
- The thread is fed from the ball. You lay it on the open tongues of the needles and after the outer needle into the carriage.
- The carriage, when moving along the rails along the needle bar, moves the needles from one position to another. Loops form.
- After several movements of the carriage from one end to the other, a canvas is obtained.
- A counter is installed behind the needle bed, counting each row.
Types and types of devices
Fantura is a pincushion. Types of knitting machines by number of needle beds:
Knitting machines differ in the way they are programmed:
manual. All patterns are made by hand;
punched cards. Patterns are made using punched cards. 20–30 pieces are included in the set. If you need other patterns, you buy them at the store or buy blank punch cards and use a punch to punch in your patterns. Hammer sold separately;
electronic. A twisted cord going to the carriage transmits information from the computer to the knitting machine. The computer tells the carriage how it needs to knit on these needles now. You can knit jacquard, openwork and other patterns in this way. The knitting program is simple and does not require many technical resources.
Knitting machine class
The knitting machine class indicates the number of needles per inch. For example, seventh grade - seven needles per inch. The needles on the seventh grade are thinner and more frequently spaced than on the third grade, where there are three needles per inch. And the yarns for these machines are also different. A seventh grader can knit thin yarn in one ply but will not be able to knit thick yarn. Fine yarn is 1400 meters per 100 g. The result is a thin, soft, flexible fabric. A fifth class knitting machine can knit 350 meters per 100 g. A third class machine will not be able to knit 1400 meters of thread in one ply. She will need 5-6 additions.
Household machines are of the third, fourth, fifth and seventh classes. Tenth grade is very rare. Such machines are used in the studio. The most common is the fifth. It comes with the largest number of additional tools that can make your work easier.
Which car is better to choose for your home?
- First decide what you will knit in order to choose the right machine class. For example, thick hats are third class, very thin things are seventh class. Medium thickness and a universal approach to choosing yarn is the fifth class. For a seventh-class machine, one fantura holds 250 needles, for a third-class machine, 110 needles. Accordingly, the canvas will be of different thicknesses and different widths;
- do you need a second fantur? It creates difficulties in learning and working. But its absence limits the variety of knitting;
- an electronic machine requires a power source, but a punched card or manual machine does not;
- focus on price. If you are on a budget, then look at manual machines. They are much cheaper, easy to operate and maintain;
- Consider workplace preparation. For two-fanture devices you need a strong table. Manual machines are more compact and weigh up to 5 kg;
- As for manufacturers, among punched card and electronic devices, foreign ones are more reliable. If you prefer Russian production, then take a manual machine. It's portable. There is no need to allocate a special place. The machine will fit on the coffee table. You can knit by placing it on your knees. This machine is easy to put away every day in a box or closet. It will easily fit into a bag. Russian manual machines last a very long time. On websites selling used goods you can find knitting machines made in the USSR in good condition;
- To get a better idea of the machines, go to a place where you can see them in action and move the carriage. If you don't know anyone like that, go to a store that sells knitting machines. Presentations and training are held there. The first trial lesson is free. Try knitting. If this is not possible, watch more videos.
Consumer Reviews
Manual two-fold knitting machine Ivushka, price 3900 rub.
I can knit quite well with knitting needles and crochet, but with Ivushka it turns out much faster and more accurately than by hand. The knitting speed on such a machine is up to 10 times faster than on knitting needles. And, importantly, on “Ivushka” it is possible to knit patterns that are impossible to knit on knitting needles!
The machine is very compact, only 35 cm in length and you don’t need a special table for knitting; you can even knit by simply placing the machine on your knees while sitting on the sofa. It weighs very little, only about one kilogram.
I couldn’t even imagine that such a small “thing” could do so much!!!
“Ivushka” is a two-piece machine, which allows you to knit in the round without a seam, for example, socks or mittens.Ustyuzhanka
http://otzovik.com/review_3551271.html
Manual single-fold knitting machine Silver Reed LK-150, price 22,700 rub.
Has a lightweight plastic body. Metal needles. Nice carriage with the ability to adjust the knitting density. By the way, the yarn can be used both thin (as for knitting on needles No. 2) and quite thick. Row counter. The patterns are all made by re-hanging the loops, according to the diagrams. In fact, for the money this is a very worthy thing. But, as I understand, not for me) For those who do not suffer from a lack of perseverance, she will undoubtedly become an excellent assistant. I continue to knit and will wait for the return of my original desire to have a Silver Reed LK-150 knitting machine))
http://otzovik.com/review_604508.html
Electronic two-fold knitting machine Silver Reed SK840/SRP60N, price complete with electronics RUB 197,990.
The machine itself is manual, not automated. But a computer module is sold for it with the ability to help with long-term knitting of large parts. It cuts your knitting time in half.
Many people think that with a computer module the machine will knit itself! NO. The machine does not knit itself. The module only gives signals when to change the thread on the machine, remove, join, add loops, how many rows are knitted, what other operations to perform during knitting, cross loops. But all operations must be carried out manually. The computer only helps you not to remember and not to monitor the need to perform manual operations.
Sensors are installed on the machine on both sides of the needle beds, and they send a signal to the computer about the progress of the program.sashabon89
http://otzovik.com/review_3550912.html
Double-punched card knitting machine Brother KR-838, price 74,400 rub.
I love to knit. For the soul and when you have free time. On Brother you can quickly and accurately knit almost any idea. Regular knitting, knitting with a pattern in two colors in different ways (you can do it in three, if you get the hang of it in a certain way), knitting with an elastic band, openwork, BRAIDS, circular. In general, almost any whim)
A big plus is that the mechanics are simple and trouble-free. I've never had anything break before. Once there was a problem because the second font was in the wrong condition for a long time (I secured it incorrectly and forgot about the machine for two months) and sagged. The problem was quickly resolved on the spot by simply tightening the fastening screws. Not a single spoke has broken in 10 years of use.
In addition to the machine, you can buy a set of punched cards with a puncher for creating your own drawings (the basic set of the machine includes about 20 punched cards), a reversible carriage and some other gadgets. I didn’t buy it, the base was enough for me.Olesilla
http://otzovik.com/review_31205.html
How to use a knitting machine
If the machine is new or has not been used for a long time, it must be lubricated after installation. And only after that start working.
- Take machine oil and drip it along the pincushion rail. Add oil to the sponge and run it along the rail. Pull out all the needles and lubricate them with a sponge. Also lubricate the lining of the carriage that runs along the rail. Place the carriage on the needle bar and move it several times along the entire needle bar.
- Insert the yarn into the thread separator. On the carriage, set the working density that is suitable for your yarn. For example, for a skein of 300 meters per 100 g, density 6 is suitable.
- Using a comb, move the needles to the forward non-working position. Prepare the first row by winding the thread on the needles.
- Thread the thread into the carriage thread guide. Draw the first row from right to left. If a guy is needed, hang a tension comb.
- Continue knitting by driving the carriage along the needle bed.
How to operate a knitting machine: video tutorial
Features of working on different machines:
- two-fanture. Knitting occurs on both fanturs at the same time. The same settings are set on the lower carriage as on the upper one. The carriages are connected by the shoulder so that they move simultaneously;
- punched card Here you do not need to manually constantly set different positions of the needles when knitting a pattern. The machine will do this itself using punched cards that are inserted into a special device;
- electronic. A computer works instead of punch cards. You draw a pattern in a special program and choose colors. And the machine, controlled by electronics, will control the position of the needles and color setting.
Additional devices
There are additional devices on sale that make work easier and expand knitting capabilities:
- deckers. Comes complete with knitting machine. They are needed to perform operations with needles and loops;
- selected combs. For extending needles. They come with different selection rhythms, that is, through one, two or three needles;
- pull comb. Loads of varying weights are hung into its holes;
- weights. They are attached to the edge of the product so that it is knitted evenly;
- medical device. You make a pattern, and the device shows you when to add or decrease stitches;
- automatic color changing device. You insert threads of different colors into special holders. You press the buttons and the desired colors are knitted;
- transfer carriage. Needed for a quick transition from simple knitting to elastic;
- linker carriage. To close the last row and connect parts only in a straight line;
- deck carriage. For openwork;
- kettelny machine. With its help you can connect any parts. The stitching will look like a product purchased in a store;
- hammer drill To create your own patterns;
- winder of yarn.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Replacing the pressure plate
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The forum is the property of the magazine of the same name, dedicated to machine knitting products from various types of yarn. The difference between a forum and a regular website is that here you can not only find out useful information on an issue that interests you, but also discuss it with like-minded people. For example, in different topics there are discussions of technology, features, patterns, secrets and current models for machine knitting. Join members with simple registration.
http://lubodelo.getbb.ru/viewforum.php?f=1On the portal you will find many interesting master classes dedicated to knitting using a special machine. The lessons will help you not only learn about different models and types of products, but will also introduce you to the features, techniques, and secrets of machine knitting in general. All articles are illustrated with step-by-step photographs in good resolution. In addition, there are interesting and high-quality video tutorials that clearly show the process of creating a particular work.
http://www.livemaster.ru/masterclasses/vyazanie/ma...By clicking on the link, you will find a lot of educational literature on machine knitting, presented in electronic format. When you download it to your device, you will have the most useful information regarding how to knit on a machine correctly, telling you about the features of this type of needlework. Here you can find interesting clothing models and patterns for them. The main condition: to download most of the files, you need to register on the forum and become a regular user.
http://www.forum.softweb.ru/showthread.php?t=21474The forum is one of the sections of the site dedicated to different techniques and styles of creating clothes and accessories. These also include machine knitting - here you can discuss with like-minded people all the questions that interest you by choosing the desired topic: types of knitting machines, features of needlework, interesting models and patterns for them. To freely communicate with other users, you need to register on the site by submitting an application in the appropriate form.
http://club.osinka.ru/forum-81The site is a kind of club for machine knitting enthusiasts who, in most cases, use a knitting machine from one specific company. Despite this, the portal will be very useful for other lovers of this type of needlework - there are various useful articles, interesting discussions, and diagrams for making beautiful modern models of clothing and accessories. It is not necessary to register - just log in from one of the social network accounts in which you are registered.
http://sireed840.ucoz.ru/On this portal you can find many useful tips that make life easier for a needlewoman who practices machine knitting! Here are articles about how to knit correctly, what decorative elements there are, how best to change threads, combine and select them, and also count the number of stitches in a row. In addition, you can read about the different types of knitting machines and learn how to choose the most suitable model for yourself.
http://vilushka.ru/mashin/mashin.htmlThis portal contains many interesting video tutorials on machine knitting techniques. You have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with various analytical and educational articles, supported by good high-resolution illustrations. The materials contain information about different types of knitted elements, descriptions of models and patterns for implementation, useful tips, subtleties and tricks. In addition, certain sections of the site are devoted to hand crocheting and knitting.
http://www.knit.com.ua/category/machine-knitting
Do you want to learn how to knit using a machine? Then quickly read the articles on this site! From them you will learn how to correctly cast on, decrease and add stitches in a knitted product, find descriptions of models and diagrams for their implementation, and understand the very principle of machine knitting. Selected materials will help beginning needleworkers figure out which machine and yarn is best to buy. Find detailed instructions in the special section “Knitting machines”.
http://www.sewing-master.ru/mashinnoe-vjazanie.htm...Knitting is not an easy process, requiring creativity and imagination. Using a knitting machine you can create things that no one else will have. How to knit on a knitting machine, how to choose yarn for future masterpieces? Find out in this article.
Photo and video of knitting machine
If you have children, then a knitting machine is an indispensable assistant for a mother. They grow quickly, they need new clothes every year, but it is not always possible to update their wardrobe. Parents can be sure that things are not only beautiful and unique, but also safe for health.
Benefits of using a knitting machine
Knitting on modern machines is fun and easy; models equipped with computer control are especially popular. Photos of knitting machines of this type can be viewed on the Internet and you can choose the ideal option. The work will be a pleasure.
How do they work? You just need to enter the finished drawing from the disk and set the program to the machine. She will do all the work herself, you just need to monitor the process. Reviews of knitting machines, which needlewomen are happy to share on thematic forums, will help you choose reliable equipment.
How to knit on a knitting machine
How to master this miracle technique? Let's consider the main stages of work:
1. Preparation of yarn. In order for the item to turn out to be of high quality, it is important to approach the choice of threads responsibly. If you are working on a machine for the first time, you should choose yarn of medium thickness. If it is unwound, then it is necessary to wind it into a ball so that the thread runs smoothly.
2. You need to thread the inner end of the yarn into the machine carriage.
3. You should start knitting by selecting the first row. It is better to use the needle wrapping method. After mastering this method, you will be able to handle others easily; Next, you need to insert the thread into the tensioner so that its end is fixed near the tripod.
4. Using a comb, pull up the required number of needles and begin the process of weaving them with yarn. You need to wrap it counterclockwise, supporting it with your fingers; when the last needle remains, you will need to install the thread in the thread guide.
5. Using a comb, return the needle to its starting position. It is important to control the fiber: it should not droop or become tight.
Greetings! Today I will reveal a few "secrets" of knitting on a machine. I think this information will be very useful for those who are just planning to take up machine knitting.
In particular, we will talk about yarn that can be used when knitting on a machine. And also, about some important points of the knitting process, which are revealed over time, as a result of numerous mistakes and many hours of searching.
- What yarn is needed for machine knitting?
- Why are loops reset?
- How to replace a spoke in a load holder?
- How to rewind threads?
I’m sure similar questions arise for many who take up a knitting machine for the first time.
The word “secrets” in this case is quite arbitrary, because no one specifically hides such information. It’s just that over time you begin to learn the true meaning of the expression that “a smart person learns from the mistakes of others.” Indeed, this allows you not only to save time, but also to save your nerves, which are spent a lot in the first days of mastering the intricacies of machine knitting.
Therefore, I offer this article to beginners as food for thought and an opportunity to avoid some problems when knitting on a Silver Reed 840 machine.
Read also the next article in this series « »
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The article is structured in the form of an “interview”, since the reason for writing it was some questions received by mail. If you also have new questions, please ask them in the comments, because I don’t always have time to answer in private. And here the answers will be available to other visitors.
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First. Is it possible to knit on a machine with the same yarn used for knitting and crocheting?
Yes, on a machine you can knit not only with special yarn - in bobbins. But also with threads intended for hand knitting. They look like this, i.e. sold in skeins.
But for this you need a winder. When we first assembled our knitting machine, of course, we immediately began looking for information about what threads to knit with. Almost everywhere it was written that threads that were industrially collected into bobbins should be used. In the store where we first chose yarn, they also said that we should buy a whole bobbin. When we asked how to knit several threads from such a large bobbin, we received the answer that we could order it and they would rewind us the required quantity. Or, you need to purchase a winder.
It turned out that we constantly had to make an order in advance. Moreover, at that time we had no idea how many threads went into products, etc. Moreover, we could not even imagine what a ball should look like when it was rewound. It’s good that the store itself had such balls ready-made. So, during the first rewind, we already had some idea of what should happen in the end.
Second. What types of winders are there? And where can I buy such a rewinding device?
As far as I know, there are different reels, including electric ones. But today we are quite satisfied with the device for manual rewinding from the Camma company, which we immediately bought at the Verbena store (Ufa). Then, in 2012, its price was 1000 rubles. I was very happy about this, because I saw them on the Internet for 1,500 rubles. Now, that is, in November 2014, I saw 1300 rubles in a store.
I won’t give any special advice about where to buy them, since everyone lives in different regions. One thing I can say from personal experience is that of all the stores where we buy yarn, we only found them in Verbena.
In addition, I saw that they offer exactly these on the Odnoklassniki social network, also at a very reasonable price. True, I can’t give a link; I don’t remember who I saw it from. But if someone needs it, I can look for it.
I will quote part of the text from the specified page:
“Proper preparation of the thread for knitting is very important. This will make the knitting process easier and more enjoyable. In addition, the quality of your products will noticeably improve. It is impossible to knit with thread from a skein or ball wound by hand. We recommend using a winder to wind the yarn into balls suitable for machine knitting.”
Now, when we need to knit with thread in two or three folds, we rewind from the main bobbin, that is, we prepare more skeins. And we knit, for example, in two threads, like this.
Third. How to rewind knitting threads on a machine?
To knit with hand knitting yarn, it MUST be rewound. This can be done, for example, using a hand winder.
I must say that this is another difficult moment that we had to overcome. It turned out that it was not enough to buy a winder. I had to figure out how to wind the threads around it. The store did not explain this, they said that there were instructions, they say, everything is clear in it.
Yes, everything was clear, except for one thing - so what is there to reel in? If you directly onto the cone of the winder, when you remove the resulting ball, it does not hold its shape and tends to fall on its side. Although, in the photo in the Instructions that I showed earlier, it looks like the tip of the thread is pulled out from the middle.
It was then that an idea came that would seem strange to those uninitiated in the action of machine knitting (to say the least:). They began to use toilet paper rolls as the base on which the thread was wound. And, thanks to which it holds the entire ball perfectly.
If necessary, see the detailed photo-MK, which showed:
- what does a hand reel look like,
- how to use bushings as cones,
- what a skein should look like ready for knitting on a machine, etc.
Fourth. Why put yarn in pots?
One day a letter came with this question. The girl was perplexed why some websites recommend putting threads in pots while knitting.
This feeling of surprise was very familiar to us, because a kind stranger in the store advised approximately the same thing when we, being complete beginners, were choosing yarns: “Put the skeins in two saucepans and knit for yourself”.
The essence of the idea is not what to put the skeins in. It often happens like this: when the thread in a ball runs out, this ball begins to “jump and jump” when passing the next row. And it might even fly off the table.
When the skein is full, the thread calmly slides off it, the bobbin does not even budge. But when the thread in the skein runs out, it becomes very light. The carriage passes quickly, the thread should also unwind quickly, that is, the cone rotates at high speed, rushing around the table. When it “flies” off the table, picking it up is troublesome.
To avoid this, we place small balls and incomplete bobbins in a container in advance. For example, in a cup (two to three liters in volume). Then, when rotating, they hit its edges, but do not fall. Accordingly, they do not interfere with knitting.
Fifth. What yarn can you knit on the Silver machine?Is it true that cotton is not suitable for it?
I will answer briefly here. The Silver Reed 840 is a great car. We knit on it with acrylic, semi-wool (blend wool), linen thread, and cotton thread.
Cotton knits perfectly both bobbin and hand knitted. elm (for example, "Coco", "Pelican"). Knitting stitch, openwork, elastic bands - everything works out. The main thing is to choose them correctly according to the thickness (density) that the machine “takes”. More on this below.
Sixth. Can I use hand knitting thread on the Silver Reed 840?
To find the answer to the same question, at the very beginning of our training we had to “shove through” a lot of different Internet resources. As for the yarn in bobbins, intended specifically for machine knitting, there were no special problems. In online stores selling threads, it is easy to read all the data on threads: composition, density, etc.
There was very little information regarding knitting with yarn intended for hand knitting. In the end, I had to find out experimentally. We bought different yarns intended for hand knitting and started knitting.
And they found out that for our Silver Reed class 5 machine, yarn in the range of 300 - 600 m/100g is suitable. Let me remind you that before knitting, such threads are first rewound. Now we constantly knit hats, scarves, and shirtfronts with such threads.
We also tried thicker threads, 220-250 m/100 g. The machine knits, albeit with difficulty. But the canvas is not very attractive, it costs a lot.
Seventh. What to do if the loops on the edge of the canvas keep falling off?
To prevent the thread along the edge of the canvas from flying off the needles, every 10 rows we hang and rehang edge weights.
Let's do it like this. When 20 rows are knitted, from two edges, in turn, we feel for the beginning of the knitting and carefully pull it down. At this moment, you need to look not under the machine (you can’t see anything there anyway), but at the needles of the place where you are doing the pull. You can immediately see that they are aligned and the thread “fits” into the groove of the needle. They pulled it back with their hand and hung the load. Repeated on the right side. I usually knit while standing, so I squat down. If I'm sitting on a chair, I just lean to the left, then to the right.
The above applies to double-ply knitting. Naturally, with one pattern it is easier to observe what is happening during the knitting process. And it’s easier to re-weight the loads.
It may seem like a hassle to do all these extra movements with weights. Yes, this is an additional load on all muscles. But now we have practically forgotten about the dropped loops at the moment when part of the fabric is knitted. It happens, but rarely.
By the way, we showed another “secret” with a video lesson “”. It seems like a simple question, but it’s asked often.
Eighth. Why hang weights?
We, too, at first could not understand the meaning of this action. Why is it necessary to immediately attach the comb, and then the weights? What will happen if you don’t hang it?
Now, of course, we understand that if this is not done in a timely manner, the loops can (and will) jump out of the needles. In general, knitting will not work. This has already been said above when it came to hanging edge weights, I will not repeat it.
But, since we are talking about the mounted comb, I want to add some information from personal experience.
The spokes in the load holder comb can be changed. They are sold in some stores. Let's say we bought it at Verbena. Sellers call this knitting needle simply - “rod”.
The fact is that as a result of our experiments with thick thread, our rod quite quickly lost its shape and was completely bent. As a result, we have a serious problem. Every time I threaded it into the comb, I had to suffer. The knitting needle stuck everywhere, it didn’t want to fit into the holes. Especially at the end of the line, when there were 7-10 centimeters left.
It would seem that it would be easier to replace everything. But buying it turned out to be difficult. Firstly, because they are not sold in all the stores where we got the yarn. Secondly, a couple of times when we came to a store where they can still be found on sale, and asked about the knitting needle, we heard that “they are already sold out.” Recently I finally managed to buy these precious rods (they took two at once, 120 rubles each) and breathe freely.
So, the conclusion is this: it is better to handle the knitting needle in the tension comb with care. It seems like a small thing, but it turns out it’s not at all.
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That's all for today. Thank you for your attention. I hope the article will be useful to those who are at the beginning of their creative journey in machine knitting.
Best regards, Saule Vagapova
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