Knitting machine newbie - help, advice...

cat87_2

lindyloulou wrote: »

I use the weaving cast on, did a google search for weaving cast on and found a your tube video, not done enough posts to give a link.

Lynne

Hey Thanks!
No worries ive managed it now using the nylon thread cast on method. alls fine now expect when im knitting the caridge goes across fine but then the odd stitch gets caught on the bit im knititng thus it doesnt hang down. It a little difficult to describe!!

D&DD

Have you got a cast on comb? or weights you can hook onto the knitting to stop it catching.You can usually pick these up cheap on Ebay:D

cat87_2

D&DD wrote: »

Have you got a cast on comb? or weights you can hook onto the knitting to stop it catching.You can usually pick these up cheap on Ebay:D

I have! Thank you that seems to be working now! :rotfl:
Does anyone know any good sites for free machine knitting patterns? Can i use handknititng patterns or do they need to be machine ones??:T

almond

hi
well got my old machine out of loft , dd baby on the way and i can't remember how to cast on with ribber, to get a neat edge.

i have had no problems knitting a cardigan but don't like the bottom edge
i can't believe i can't remember what you need to do, i used to work for
jones & brothers 20 years ago and teach machine knitting, the rest is coming back.
I never used the e method just set the machine somehow to xxx just wish
i could remember , can about help
thanks

Bossyboots

What machine have you got?

I am not sure if they all case on the same, but I use Silver Reed. For that you do one row with the needles on each bed in sequence (1 x 1 or 1x2 etc depending on ribbing you are using). I then use a cast on comb which is pushed up between the row cast. From there, you should be able to do the rib with a neat edge. You must also make sure that any knobs and levers are set to the correct positions for ribbing.

Hope that helps a bit.

almond

hi
well its taken me a week and just after i posted on here i remembered put levers in to part knit - main carriage left in and ribber right one.
just hope other things come back a bit quicker

thanks boosy boots

rhiwfield

OH is a keen knitter and she also crochets, but she has been dropping hints lately about wanting a knitting machine. She knows that they dont suit everyone but would like to have a go and get one second hand or freecycle. The last thread on this I could find was 2004 so I was wondering if any OS'rs could recommend which type to go for and any advice they may have, including pattern availablity, especially children's.

I plan to get her a machine as a surprise complete with a selection of patterns as a chrissy present.

valk_scot

I'm a keen crafter. I don't know anything about knitting machines, sorry. But I do know if I was dropping hints to Hubby about getting a specifically craft related piece of equipment...especially an expensive one...that I'd have some pretty strong opinions on what one I wanted or at least what I wanted it to do plus done tons of research on it. So whilst I think it's a lovely idea and you're obviously a really sweet and generous OH to her, it might be better to consult her on what she really wants, rather than get her something that's not quite right. Less of a surprise but more long-term satisfaction!

rhiwfield

Cheers Valk, good point taken on board. She's pretty unsure herself what she wants hence my post and I'd still very much appreciate input to aid the decision. But I agree its a good idea that she makes the choice.

champys

Hi Rhiwfield - if you do decide to get a knitting machine second-hand (freecycle or e-bay), it is a good idea to go for a well-known make that you can still get the spares for. If your OH has not used a knitting machine before, it is very important that the machine still has its instruction book, with step-by-step instructions. I have inherited my MIL's knitting machine (a Passap) and as I had never used one before I totally depended on the manual to get it to work - and on e-Bay to find missing bits, tools and patterns.
Another point if you get one second-hand, is that the machine may have not been used properly, of with too much force, so it could be damaged. Or it could be one of the less successful models and tricky to work. Ideally, if you would be so lucky to find one via Freecycle, you should ask the seller to show you how to work the machine.
What you could also do to get an idea of what type of machine you want (there are a lot of different systems - manual, electronic, with punch cards, single or double bed etc.), is visit shops that sell new knitting machines and see if you can get a (free) demonstration.
Last point: they are quite bulky, you will need space for it in your home!
Anyway good luck, I was totally amazed with the speed and possibilities once I got mine going - machine knitting can be very addictive.