Hacking the Brother KH-930e Knitting Machine

Find more at the Maker Shed: makershed.com
Full step by step instructions: ladyada.net/lea...

[@hilarycrook6744]

This blew my mind! Would love a more detailed tutorial that assumes no knowledge of programming. Where to find images, how to load to photos hope, where, download the other programs mentioned etc. First part of this vid was too technical for me. Knitting part easy. Great eork. Thanks

[@crashman2600]

Pretty cool stuff. It is amazing that someone saw a need and spent the time to write a Tandy Floppy Drive emulator in python. Very impressive use of an older technology. Good job Becky!

[@mUbase]

Knitting machines have always been an unfathomable mystery to me.... nice video. :)

[@MAKE]

@bilyisbored92 totally, now it's possible to make any graphic into a sweater, scarf, etc.

[@dosher101]

i am old enough to know what that machine is and that was cool and alot better then when it was made in the 80's and you are very crafty to reuse old machine

[@ArafinWasHere]

my cat searched "65i" for some reason and somehow I am here . Nicely explained video👍

[@MAKE]

@DrSkeletor it's for delivery/pickup in the Puget Sound area only... lucky Seattelites!

[@MAKE]

@Sillyzombie666 original music by Collin Cunningham! =]

[@euvid1]

Hi BEcky, You are amzing. WOuld never be able to do all that. I would suggest however that you machine needs some oiling on the carriage and bed. Best of luck.

[@MAKE]

@casz00gamer made it, search for "ascii heart necklace" to find it & get one.

[@schwiaud]

THIS JUST BLEW MY MIND!

[@jfree1998]

That was very interesting and you all are so smart to figure this out, but I have no idea how or what you really did, lol, I am technologically impaired! Hehehe, I have a CompuKnit 111 the same as the 930 but would never be able to do what you did, there was no info on the adjustments done to cord. Amazing job THANKS!!

[@bangalorebobbel]

coolest hack ever - but even cooler to remember all that mystic numbers ...

[@yesitsme1946]

Omg that's incredible..I'm in awe. Becky please be my friend. 😍

[@bzachau]

Thanks for this video, I was in search of a cheaper solution to DAK and the bl5 cable.

[@c33r0k33]

very cool...I wonder how creative I could get using the natural fibers and colors in my fibershed with this idea...

[@jfree1998]

@euvid1 Lol, i noticed it too, black oil streaks on the bed, needs a cleaning, will stain the yarn at this point.

[@bellfreedme]

I have the same machine, I haven't used it in a long time, I was wondering how I ever would be able to do my own designs. This is great!!!! But, I'm still quite confused on how you did all this....

[@yppiz]

the basics shown here are: 1) use an image making program to create a simple image of a pattern on your computer, 2) use another program to turn this image into pattern data the knitting machine can understand, 3) connect your computer to the knitting machine using a special cable to load the data onto the knitting machine, and then 4) pattern knit like normal. the magic here is the special cable to talk to the machine, plus the software that turns the image into a pattern on the knitting machine. when this video was made, the software did not look like a regular app (it had no user interface) and you had to type commands to get the data onto the knitting machine. now, years later, there are software programs that are regular apps and are much easier to use. I haven't tried these yet or else I'd include links, but if you search for 'brother machine knitting software' you should find them. some links for hardware and software projects for machine knitters (not complete) eKnitter eknitter.com img2track daviworks.com/knitting/ AYAB ayab-knitting.com/

[@RuttapongL]

Hello, I was wondering how you altered your FTDI cable. I do not have access to a Windows based computer and as far as I have found there are no instructions for this process through a Mac based computer. Also if you could explain the process of installing drivers on the Mac system. I have seen a number of hacked machines operating in conjunction with a Mac platform but no direct process guides available. Any help would be greatly, GREATLY appreciated!

[@KevKevAllen]

Ruttapong LaPlume the easiest way to get patterns from your computer to the machine is using the cable she describes here, and using a free Mac software called “img2track” which does all the legwork for you. They also sell the cable she’s speaking off if you’re not up to altering the cable yourself. This is by far the easiest way to transfer patterns. If you are using a Brother knitting machine and your machine doesn’t accept the connector for the Floppy Drive, you can use the BrotherLink4 which is also called the Brother Super Cartridge.

[@thatrudyguy]

Any update on this? I wonder if there is other ways of doing it now days.

[@bellfreedme]

I have the same machine, I haven't used it in a long time, I was wondering how I ever would be able to do my own designs. This is great!!!! But, I'm still quite confused on how you did all this....I better get help from someone who knows computers...

[@stigyanblue1442]

How many stitches per inch does this do?

[@goodash1]

I am going to show this to my wife, she will love it.

[@EntityJewelry]

@mchin805, The Brother KH-930i has a floppy drive whereas, the KH-930 does not. Other than that, they're both exactly the same. I assume that you can hack the same way. You may want to go to her website for step-by-step instruction.

[@ctso74]

I still have my old Tandy floppy.

[@mll4039]

It seems simpler than it really is. I didn't realize I had to order the small digikey part, buy a soldering iron, electrical tape and all that jazz - should provide a list of materials needed. But finally did get the USB cable done. Now I am totally lost at the python software / Github part. I just don't get the instructions. Please help!! I am on a mac and python seems to be there. I don't understand the line where I need to have the "CD of the Brother Directory".

[@jgordon194]

Can you only export photoshop files to the knitting machine? Can you use other files without photoshop?

[@pikuorguk]

@ryolo132 Nope, it's a 1 bit image - 1 bit is used to describe each pixel in the image. Look up "Binary Image" in wikipedia.

[@KevKevAllen]

Whats the difference between the KH-930 and the KH-930E?

[@fabdamico]

Bloody Fantastic! Very clever indeed!

[@ruizgabriel123]

@TheEdbassmasterfan You are not alone.

[@redmustang83]

sweet i did this and it totally works thank you so much

[@marielisabeth634]

Do you know if this works with the Brother KH-950e too? Thanks!

[@KevKevAllen]

Mary Elizabeth the KH-950e doesn’t have a Floppy Drive (FPPD) connector. It does however have a cartridge slot, which you can use to upload and download patterns to a “Brother Super Cartridge” aka a BrotherLink4. It’s not exactly cheap, but it works really well. And the process of getting the image from your computer to the machine is a lot less fiddley than what this video shows. :)

[@Kevin-hp2zx]

@@KevKevAllen do u know what the 970 uses

[@brendadhil]

Becky, can you please do a video on the green and red wires on the cord? I'm stuck on that step.

[@michellezevenaar]

LOVE IT, im new to programing, just started last year, but i have been knitting for years!!!! i have an old toyota machine that is totaly low techek, but now i want to get a comuter driven machine just so that i can program it!!! that is if i can find a machine on a studen budget..... how did you change the data cable? thanks again for the video!

[@danizia]

Huy!! un millon de gracias por ensenar cosas asi ...solo para inteligente !! Me voy a comprar esa maquina solo para ver si me funciona ...en realidad yo soy buena para el tejido a mano pero hace tiempo que queria comprame una maquina de tejer a ver que onda...ya la vi en Ebay jejeje ahora falta el dinero porque las ganas ya las tengo jejeje! un millon fde graciassssssssssssssss!! besos

[@mescad]

Geez, 5261 unread gmail messages? Becky's next project should be an inbox reading robot!

[@RobertoSantander]

where can I buy this machine? is there a 2016 model

[@KevKevAllen]

Roberto Santander the last knitting machine was made in 1997 and nothing has been made for the home market since. :(

[@lareina.isabel]

What other brother electroknit machines will this work with

[@eotikurac]

how do i knit with 16 million colors with this machine?

[@yppiz]

just swap between 16 million different yarns while knitting and you're good do go.

[@samgower]

wow that looks so complicated, but at least it worked!!

[@jfree1998]

Wow, never mind, just saw the link, very helpful, thanks!!!

[@LainOfTheRealWorld]

@altradude The question is "Could you find all of her's" The test of alpha nerd at its best .

[@minkycat66]

Can you make anything else other than squares?? Can you make dresses?

[@yppiz]

you can make sweaters, dresses, lace, scarves, etc. the pieces do not have to be rectangular.

[@wasuwasol3]

hi nice video. how many colors you can mix with that machine ???

[@EgidioDomenicoRobortaccio]

Hi, I'm very interested in this way to knitting machine, but I have a BROTHER HK 970. I can use this method on this knitting machine? Thanks

[@venus14day]

I have tried several times and always get the same error "Traceback (most recent call last): File "./PDDemulate.py", line 69, in import serial ImportError: No module named serial" What can I do.... I'm newbie

[@Ninjarni]

i'm gonna try this later on today!

[@dockalek1]

Hi, Do you know if it is possible to do the same with CK-35 brother machine? I have a possibility to buy one for a good price now, only without the PPD cartridge accessory. If I knew I could hack it like this I wouldn't hesitate at all. Thank you

[@lareina.isabel]

got it, thanks, do you know if it works with any other model of electroknit

[@RandomMacFive]

*Sarcism* Your so cool hacking a sewing machine, your so gangster *Sarcism*

[@mll4039]

I also downloaded the img2track software. Does this replace any of the steps in your tutorial?

[@euvid1]

The way you use the machine you should oil it frequently. Check the manual and see after how many hours of use it should be done. I just bought a PPD for y machine and a Super Cartridge so I can hook it up to a computer. Got it from Dknits.com FOr those of us how can't do what you do. But do oil and clean the machine and it will last a long time.

[@B1rkley]

You should hack a stove next.

[@whitcwa]

@bilyisbored92 it would go much faster if she didn't have to explain each step. The lnext step is to replace the Brother electronics entirely and drive the solenoids directly from a microcontroller. . That would eliminate many steps and provide more memory.

[@kristoferlarson]

really really really cool becky!

[@lareina.isabel]

could you post the pdf link again, or the web page where to find it please that one doesnt work, thanks

[@mll4039]

I've downloaded the knitting machine master file and put it into my documents folder. When I go into terminal and type in ls, all I get are a list of computers folders i.e. applications, library etc...

[@AwkwardLe]

Cool Necklace

[@jjppmm29]

yes now i dont need to buy cloths i can just buy thread lol

[@Mer134]

That WAS straightforward!... If you actually are a computer/knitting-hacking genius like her. Otherwise that was just 7 minutes of none sence.

[@sonmezhuseyin]

i have got jumberca but my machinries problems electronical

[@DioJeans]

But till it blend?

[@Mifei-cj1mz]

Amazing…🥺

[@KrisKross010]

All the people who hate Mac's because they say "you can't customize as much, and do as much" are just too dumb to actually get into any of the software.

[@Stime64]

I'm not one for knitting but it is a very cool machine

[@madaboutpix]

you are amazing! keep up the genius stuff!

[@DentedFenderGarage]

Who else almost clicked "OK" when the Photoshop window was open?

[@CaszGamerMD]

[@bearing01]

very cool

[@freesk8]

Wow, knitting nerds!!! So cool! :) Great video.

[@CrystalAtnip]

Is there any other machines other than the KH930e that can be hacked?

[@KevKevAllen]

Almost all computerized knitting machines have some sort of computer link hack now. The machines are old, and not made any more, and computer geeks have gotten ahold of them and done some really clever engineering. I recommend looking at a free software program called “img2track” which can connect to many different models of Brother/KnitKing machines. If you’re using a different brand you might want to look into DesignAKnit, and the appropriate cable for your model of knitting machine. :)

[@Mega1mpact]

looks great. to bad i dont have one of them fancy knitting machines

[@lamvuondep]

😍😍😍

[@chopperboi89]

You should make some sort of motor that will slide it back and forth for you! xD

[@wiscoTO]

wow you've got patience

[@artofvoice]

oh my god this is brilliant!

[@c33r0k33]

wow... I just inherited a punch card knitter. I would like to know how you do that.

[@ForViewingOnly]

I don't know much about knitting, but I know a cute and clever girl when I see one.

[@densmorde4520]

KZbin whent its best.

[@kerrystewart5072]

can yu turn off the music in background...very distracting

[@ArtemGlue]

All these numbers make my brain hurt...

[@iknowyouwanttofly]

Really wish i was smart enough to do this :(

[@knikula]

cool, I've never seen a machine like that before...

[@rodittis]

Brilliant.

[@georgelouis6515]

Very confusing and you still had to crank it yourself. My dream is to have machines that knit the clothing themselves. Machines that knit socks and fabric pieces that are ready to be sown together. but that stuff only exists in Asia!

[@CristalianaIvor]

actually some smart guy came up with the idea to make such a thing - its called Kniterate and costs around a thousand bucks.

[@thebighat99]

Nice Job. Now add a moter so you do not have to work so hard hehe BIG SMILE.

[@snaaarrrfff]

I hacked a toaster this afternoon. Shit was pretty cash...

[@thisisstupiud]

pretty cool

[@JustGG1956]

too mind boggling awesome

[@ChozoSR388]

LOL Steve Conklin! I wonder if he's related to me...

[@warriorwitchwillow]

That's very cool.

[@m715fm]

Smart and cool

[@mrmjordan]

It's easier to sew the pattern with a needle.

[@GaleAnders]

I soooo love this !!!

[@TEAMSETX4x4]

This shit just blew my mind ~!!!!

[@thacrackfox]

Your skill level is clearly way above this, but could you make a video about adding cool patches to work shirts (like dickies or something similar). Sort of like the name patch you would normally find on those shirts. That would be cool.

[@jenniferlord5935]

look for a makerspace in your area with an embroidery machine

[@Memorymode]

Nice!

[@fredlllll]

electronic knitting sounds like the machine does it itself and noone has to move the slider =/

[@zakidyrox]

she kinda looks like Austin powers