Knitting machine newbie - help, advice...

Sarahsaver

I am just about to inherit a knitting machine off freecycle. So, let me know your hints and advice. The kids moaned once because i made all their food but didnt knit their jumpers! LOL I hope I can produce something wearable;)

nearlyrich

I used to have a knitting machine, I sold it a couple of years ago because I hadn't used it for ages, they are really easy to use, does your local college offer a course for beginners?

I got rid of all the books etc too but I used to make allsorts fir the kids when they were small. Picture sweaters were really popular, postman pat, thomas etc. Enjoy your new toy.

Bossyboots

Its probably easier to answer any questions once you get up and running (or not as the case may be) as otherwise it will all be a bit abstract to you.

I have been machine knitting for 23 years and have three machines (actually I've got four but one is out on loan) so I will help if I can.

What make of machine are you getting and what is the stitch size?

Sarahsaver

It's a brother cant remember the number , it's under my bed right now LOL there seem to be so many bits and pieces to have to fix on to it! What have I let myself in for!!!

[Deleted User]

I have had 4 knitting machines in my lifetime. They can be easy to use but also frustrating. The main tip is to take your time and develop a smooth action in taking the carriage across the needles. I have made hundreds of garments including sweaters with pictures

Good luck

SallyinWales

I also recently got a knitting machine (hooray for Freecycle!) and whilst it worked, I soon discovered it needed a new sponge bar. This is a strip of what looks like draught excluder that sits under the needles within the machine and helps hold them in just the right position. Have a look when you get yours set up, if its more than a couple of years old its highly likely you will need a new one for trouble free knitting as they get squashed down with time then stitches start skipping or the carriage gets hard to swish back and forth. Mine was about £15 to replace and well worth it

redballoon_2

Hi, does anyone have a knitting machine and do they use it?

my parents had one 10 years back and they used it quite a bit for school jumpers etc.. and i was thinking of getting one (second hand of course!)

what do you think of them?

I wouldnt even consider knitting by hand, i dont have the patience and the last time i tried, it looked like i was knitting a sieve with all the holes in it!

i know wool can be expensive, but was thinking of hunting bits down from the charity shops/jumble sales/car boot etc.

let me know what you think or if i should not bother. how easy are they to use and how do you use knitting patterns?


thanks all

Mariel

I used to have a traditional knitting machine but I didn't like it as everything I made looked like it came off the cheapy stall on the market. Later on I got a Bond which I loved as it gave a handknitted effect and you could use handknitting wools with it. Very easy to use and you got a video with it. I used to use standard knitting patterns too, if there was an instruction to increase or decrease I just did it the machine way rather than the handknit way if you see what I mean.

tootles_2

I had one and sold it, could not get on with it at all, I would rather hand knit.

liz.._4

I'm a big knitter and in the '80's I got a bond, knit one jumper on it then put it in a cupboard for the next 20 years, I wouldn't bother, it won't save you any money. Have another go at handknitting or even crochet (faster) see how you go...good luck!

nuttywoman

We have one - in the attic!
In fact been there for over 20yrs, youngest son whose now 20 did`nt even know we had one,lol I could never master the damn thing, but hubby could.
I bought a Bond from ebay - not had a go with that yet.
val