About Knitting Machines...
A place for Knitting Machine Enthusiasts
A place for Knitting Machine Enthusiasts
A place for Knitting Machine Enthusiasts to find out about Knitting Machines, Yarns or Anything that has to do with Machine Knitting
Welcome...
Welcome to About Knitting Machines, a source of information for you about knitting machines. When I first started knitting it was by hand, and while I liked the hobby, I decided to try knitting with a machine. To my amazement, it was very difficult to find information and when I did it was piecemeal, all over the web and sometimes contradictory. So, after looking around the net for a few years and after selling and buying knitting machines I decided to put together a website with as much information about knitting machines, in ONE place, that I could find and share what I have learned. Hopefully this site will help you in any way that you need. This site will continue to evolve as I find out more things or find more items that I can post for you to use for FREE! So, check back every once in a while to see what's new on the site.
I do this freely, at my expense, and just because. I have information about yarn, knitting machines, types of models and makes of knitting machines, and information about certain machines that I am familiar with or could find information on. I offer ALL knitting machine manuals and pattern books for FREE, just because. I offer ALL Knitting Machine Magazines that I have been able to find in PDF format for your use, also for FREE, because I can.
If you would ever like to contribute to the collection/library of manuals, magazines or information, please I welcome it. Email me! Send it to me!
I have listed excellent yarn stores to buy yarns from, a list of knitting machine shops that you can trust for sales and the repair of knitting machines, a list of other vendors that offer support items, dvd tutorials and books that you would be interested in, to include DAK tutorials and other items. A couple to mention up front is Needle-Tek, best place for repairs and they have knitting machine items, and the best place for great prices on used equipment from someone you can trust is Custom Knits and Manufacturing (they also have new stuff). Cathie's DAK Tutorials are the best in the market bar none. You can find it all under...
Preffered Vendors
Yarn Stores & Knitting Magazines
Knitting Machine Videos
Other Knitting Machine Business
I have also listed vendors who carry excellent knitting machine tutorials on DVD, so that you can learn in your living room as if someone was there with you. Not to many places in the US where you can get lessons. I have listed sites with the best DVD's for you to spend your money on, as they are not cheap. I would suggest staying away from Roberta Kelley's tutorials on DVD's. They are full of mistakes and kind of all over the place. She also goes under the names of Hobby Knitter & Alaskan Maine-IAC, there is more information about her in the Knitting Machine Videos Section.
As you can see, I do pepper this website with a few opinions here and there, my experience, great recommendations on vendors, what to look out for, who might be difficult (vendors) and a few warnings, but for the most part it is an informational site.
The following pages have a lot of information about Silver Reed, Studio and Brother, KnitKing Knitting Machines as those are the ones I am most familiar with. While Brother/KnitKing Knitting Machines are no longer being produced, Silver Reed Machines are, but not all models.
I have very limited information about TOYOTA, later named ELNA, (Japanese made) knitting machines but have included as much as I could find under the "TOYOTA" section of this website and I have found virtually NO information on Artisan knitting machines except for descriptions on currently produced models. Also, there is a Swiss made knitting machine line called PASSAP, but I have absolutely no experience with this machine, but PASSAP knitting machines are very well made and from what I hear the best knitting machine for any kind of double knit fabric. Owners of PASSAP machines are very loyal to the brand.
Recently there has been some information out on the net about TAITEXMA knitting machines, that are supposed to be Brother clones with parts and accessories being interchangeable. I have heard the TAITEXMA brand out of Taiwan and China are not of high caliber so take care when purchasing this brand and get money back warranties. The only dealer for this knitting machine that I am aware of is Peter Smith Trading, Lt. up in Canada and ALLBRANDS in the USA.
One area that I think is a must read is the Knitting Machines and their Patterning Systems page in the "About Knitting Machines" section. It explains how knitting machines with built in stitch and garment design patterning systems work and also explains what other options are out in the market to include knitting machine software that can actually interact with your knitting machine called DAK (DesignAKnit). This section also discuses what options you have for knitting machines with no or limited stitch and garment pattern systems. It is very important for you to understand how these systems work so that you do not waste hundreds if not thousands of dollars on software and systems that you either will not use, cannot use or do not need. It is a lot of information but well worth the read for that reason alone, then when you understand it you can then decide if the $30 software is best over software that costs $500+. And by the way, the $30 software is very robust, so do not let the price tag fool you into thinking that just because it is "inexpensive" it is "cheap", it actually is great and you may not need anything else.
If you are interested in purchasing a knitting machine, I would encourage you to read about the different models first, understand what you are purchasing and then read the tutorial on what questions to ask.
As I stated before, Brother/KnitKing Knitting Machines are no longer made but you can still buy them in either excellent or new (rarely) condition and you can still get used parts for it. Silver Reed is still being manufactured, but in only a few models now, but you can still buy all other models, just probably used.
I want to bring to your attention that all downloads on this site are FREE! I have a lot of Brother Fashion Magazines (that others sell) that have great garment patterns that can work on ANY make or model knitting machine. I also have many TOYOTA, and almost all Silver Reed and Brother/KnitKing Manuals for the knitting machines and their accessories - FREE! There is a section for other knitting machine magazines for you to download and use to include KnitMaster (Studio) Pattern Collections. There are also more magazines with garment designs and stitch patterns for the KnitMaster - Studio - Silver Reed line of knitting machines called Modern Knitting Magazine.
Please do not email me and ask me to take down any links to all the free stuff because I won't. I am not breaking any copy-write laws by posting these items for free. I know that some of you sell these items, but let's face it, you probably got most of them for free.
A word about buying; I would encourage you to join YAHOO groups that are dedicated to knitting machines enthusiasts, there you will get the best deals. While eBay does offer a wide selection, their prices are overinflated because the seller has a lot of fees to pay eBay, hence sellers inflate the price of the machine or shipping charge in order to cover the cost of eBay fees. Buying from eBay also does not guarantee that you will get what you paid for. Just make sure that when you pay for something you have a way to get your money back if things are not as they seem. PayPal is a great way to do this BUT it may not always work, especially if a SELLER gets ripped off. This is just one suggestion and you can protect yourself as a SELLER by requiring the money to be sent as personal and as a gift OR transfer the money out of PayPal and not ship the item until the money hits your checking account and is past the point of when a Buyer can file a claim. Of course SELLERS can require checks or money orders also. More on this in the section "About Buying A Knitting Machine".
I have also included a price guide for each knitting machine manufacturer for you to be able to make an informed offer. I personally recommend the following YAHOO Group when in search of a knitting machine or looking to sell something that you have:
The link above will take you to a free group where you can buy and sell knitting machines and yarn. Just click the link, join and that is it!
About currently produced knitting machine magazines, there really are not many choices. You have Machine Knitting Monthly, but it costs about $110 a year for a monthly subscription! I would recommend trying out Country Knitting of Maine, News and Views, a bi-monthly knitting machine magazine created by Linda Williams of Country Knitting of Maine. This is a magazine dedicated to knitting machines with lots of patterns, helpful articles, hints and more to include a series on felting by Kathryn Doubrley. Some of the contributing authors: Jo Newton, Kathryn Doubrley, Cathie Sanders, Maggie Andrews and more. You can contact Linda for a subscription at this email: oth98@hotmail.com or go to her website. The price of a subscription is: $37.99 in USA, $38.99 in Canada, $45.99 for International subscribers. In England you can contact their distributor Linda Irwin directly at sales@jigsawknits.co.uk
My aim with this site is for you to have as much information about knitting machines as possible, the different models, manufacturers, gauges, styles and information on how they work, if they use software etc... Usually, you will first decide what type of yarn you mostly use like fine yarn or thick yarn most of the time, or something in the middle or maybe you use a variety of yarn types, this will dictate knitting machine gauge, which you will read about in the "About Yarn" section. Yarn information, off course, is in the "About Yarn" section. Then, you can decide which manufacturer you like best, given price point and/or variety of machines and then, finally you can decide on which knitting machine model to buy. That is not only the most logical but also the most cost effective way when making a decision on which knitting machine to buy.
Please note that information on my website is information that I found all over the place and just compiled it to sit in one website (this one), some if it I have written, some came from magazine articles, some from white papers and some from different websites. If you have information or you find some of the information inaccurate, please email me and I will correct it as soon as I can. If you have information that you think is relevant, please send it to me and I will review it and decide whether to post it or not.
All information is accurate and to the best of my knowledge
I hope this website helps you in making your decision when purchasing a knitting machine and enjoy all the free stuff.
luv2knit@rocketmail.com
Industrial flat bed knitting machine, NOT a home knitter
I do this freely, at my expense, and just because. I have information about yarn, knitting machines, types of models and makes of knitting machines, and information about certain machines that I am familiar with or could find information on. I offer ALL knitting machine manuals and pattern books for FREE, just because. I offer ALL Knitting Machine Magazines that I have been able to find in PDF format for your use, also for FREE, because I can.
If you would ever like to contribute to the collection/library of manuals, magazines or information, please I welcome it. Email me! Send it to me!
I have listed excellent yarn stores to buy yarns from, a list of knitting machine shops that you can trust for sales and the repair of knitting machines, a list of other vendors that offer support items, dvd tutorials and books that you would be interested in, to include DAK tutorials and other items. A couple to mention up front is Needle-Tek, best place for repairs and they have knitting machine items, and the best place for great prices on used equipment from someone you can trust is Custom Knits and Manufacturing (they also have new stuff). Cathie's DAK Tutorials are the best in the market bar none. You can find it all under...
Preffered Vendors
Yarn Stores & Knitting Magazines
Knitting Machine Videos
Other Knitting Machine Business
I have also listed vendors who carry excellent knitting machine tutorials on DVD, so that you can learn in your living room as if someone was there with you. Not to many places in the US where you can get lessons. I have listed sites with the best DVD's for you to spend your money on, as they are not cheap. I would suggest staying away from Roberta Kelley's tutorials on DVD's. They are full of mistakes and kind of all over the place. She also goes under the names of Hobby Knitter & Alaskan Maine-IAC, there is more information about her in the Knitting Machine Videos Section.
As you can see, I do pepper this website with a few opinions here and there, my experience, great recommendations on vendors, what to look out for, who might be difficult (vendors) and a few warnings, but for the most part it is an informational site.
The following pages have a lot of information about Silver Reed, Studio and Brother, KnitKing Knitting Machines as those are the ones I am most familiar with. While Brother/KnitKing Knitting Machines are no longer being produced, Silver Reed Machines are, but not all models.
I have very limited information about TOYOTA, later named ELNA, (Japanese made) knitting machines but have included as much as I could find under the "TOYOTA" section of this website and I have found virtually NO information on Artisan knitting machines except for descriptions on currently produced models. Also, there is a Swiss made knitting machine line called PASSAP, but I have absolutely no experience with this machine, but PASSAP knitting machines are very well made and from what I hear the best knitting machine for any kind of double knit fabric. Owners of PASSAP machines are very loyal to the brand.
Recently there has been some information out on the net about TAITEXMA knitting machines, that are supposed to be Brother clones with parts and accessories being interchangeable. I have heard the TAITEXMA brand out of Taiwan and China are not of high caliber so take care when purchasing this brand and get money back warranties. The only dealer for this knitting machine that I am aware of is Peter Smith Trading, Lt. up in Canada and ALLBRANDS in the USA.
One area that I think is a must read is the Knitting Machines and their Patterning Systems page in the "About Knitting Machines" section. It explains how knitting machines with built in stitch and garment design patterning systems work and also explains what other options are out in the market to include knitting machine software that can actually interact with your knitting machine called DAK (DesignAKnit). This section also discuses what options you have for knitting machines with no or limited stitch and garment pattern systems. It is very important for you to understand how these systems work so that you do not waste hundreds if not thousands of dollars on software and systems that you either will not use, cannot use or do not need. It is a lot of information but well worth the read for that reason alone, then when you understand it you can then decide if the $30 software is best over software that costs $500+. And by the way, the $30 software is very robust, so do not let the price tag fool you into thinking that just because it is "inexpensive" it is "cheap", it actually is great and you may not need anything else.
If you are interested in purchasing a knitting machine, I would encourage you to read about the different models first, understand what you are purchasing and then read the tutorial on what questions to ask.
As I stated before, Brother/KnitKing Knitting Machines are no longer made but you can still buy them in either excellent or new (rarely) condition and you can still get used parts for it. Silver Reed is still being manufactured, but in only a few models now, but you can still buy all other models, just probably used.
I want to bring to your attention that all downloads on this site are FREE! I have a lot of Brother Fashion Magazines (that others sell) that have great garment patterns that can work on ANY make or model knitting machine. I also have many TOYOTA, and almost all Silver Reed and Brother/KnitKing Manuals for the knitting machines and their accessories - FREE! There is a section for other knitting machine magazines for you to download and use to include KnitMaster (Studio) Pattern Collections. There are also more magazines with garment designs and stitch patterns for the KnitMaster - Studio - Silver Reed line of knitting machines called Modern Knitting Magazine.
Please do not email me and ask me to take down any links to all the free stuff because I won't. I am not breaking any copy-write laws by posting these items for free. I know that some of you sell these items, but let's face it, you probably got most of them for free.
A word about buying; I would encourage you to join YAHOO groups that are dedicated to knitting machines enthusiasts, there you will get the best deals. While eBay does offer a wide selection, their prices are overinflated because the seller has a lot of fees to pay eBay, hence sellers inflate the price of the machine or shipping charge in order to cover the cost of eBay fees. Buying from eBay also does not guarantee that you will get what you paid for. Just make sure that when you pay for something you have a way to get your money back if things are not as they seem. PayPal is a great way to do this BUT it may not always work, especially if a SELLER gets ripped off. This is just one suggestion and you can protect yourself as a SELLER by requiring the money to be sent as personal and as a gift OR transfer the money out of PayPal and not ship the item until the money hits your checking account and is past the point of when a Buyer can file a claim. Of course SELLERS can require checks or money orders also. More on this in the section "About Buying A Knitting Machine".
I have also included a price guide for each knitting machine manufacturer for you to be able to make an informed offer. I personally recommend the following YAHOO Group when in search of a knitting machine or looking to sell something that you have:
The link above will take you to a free group where you can buy and sell knitting machines and yarn. Just click the link, join and that is it!
About currently produced knitting machine magazines, there really are not many choices. You have Machine Knitting Monthly, but it costs about $110 a year for a monthly subscription! I would recommend trying out Country Knitting of Maine, News and Views, a bi-monthly knitting machine magazine created by Linda Williams of Country Knitting of Maine. This is a magazine dedicated to knitting machines with lots of patterns, helpful articles, hints and more to include a series on felting by Kathryn Doubrley. Some of the contributing authors: Jo Newton, Kathryn Doubrley, Cathie Sanders, Maggie Andrews and more. You can contact Linda for a subscription at this email: oth98@hotmail.com or go to her website. The price of a subscription is: $37.99 in USA, $38.99 in Canada, $45.99 for International subscribers. In England you can contact their distributor Linda Irwin directly at sales@jigsawknits.co.uk
My aim with this site is for you to have as much information about knitting machines as possible, the different models, manufacturers, gauges, styles and information on how they work, if they use software etc... Usually, you will first decide what type of yarn you mostly use like fine yarn or thick yarn most of the time, or something in the middle or maybe you use a variety of yarn types, this will dictate knitting machine gauge, which you will read about in the "About Yarn" section. Yarn information, off course, is in the "About Yarn" section. Then, you can decide which manufacturer you like best, given price point and/or variety of machines and then, finally you can decide on which knitting machine model to buy. That is not only the most logical but also the most cost effective way when making a decision on which knitting machine to buy.
Please note that information on my website is information that I found all over the place and just compiled it to sit in one website (this one), some if it I have written, some came from magazine articles, some from white papers and some from different websites. If you have information or you find some of the information inaccurate, please email me and I will correct it as soon as I can. If you have information that you think is relevant, please send it to me and I will review it and decide whether to post it or not.
All information is accurate and to the best of my knowledge
I hope this website helps you in making your decision when purchasing a knitting machine and enjoy all the free stuff.
luv2knit@rocketmail.com
Industrial flat bed knitting machine, NOT a home knitter
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