I Bought a Knitting Machine!!

[@ravenlunatic1177]

The bond was the original affordable basic knitting machine in the 80’s. At the time it was selling for @$120. I worked in a craft shop that sold them and got it for $99. Fantastic machine. It’s morphed over the years to the incredible sweater machine and ultimate sweater machine with upgrades & color changes. For a while it was even owned/distributed by Caron. Things that will help you is to wax the key plates. The clear pieces that push the needles back and forth. Just rub the wax over the areas where the needles will touch the key plates for a smoother result. The machine originally came with a round piece of wax, but just using a basic generic candle will work too (think dollar tree taper). While working on the longer pieces you can either remove the weighted hem and rehang it to keep the weight even without having to seek out more weights. Or you can roll your hem & the piece up and clip it in place closer to the working area to provide the weight. All depends on the item you’re making and your preference. To make it portable and still accommodate the length of the machine you can clamp it to an adjustable ironing board. This way you can move it around and lower it to use with a specific chair, etc. The key to help keep the beginning & ending from l dropping stitches is to go slowly and take up the slack so there’s tension to keep the stitches on the needles. Also making sure that the needles are open. Sometimes they will flip closed and that guarantees dropped stitches. Using the smaller clamp weights on the ends will also make a difference. Fun fact you can attach 2 machines together to create much wider pieces like for afghans, etc. it must be the same machines like two original bond (blue bed) or two ultimate sweater machines, etc. Back when it was active there was an online group of bond knitters and they experimented and couldn’t get two a blue bond and ultimate sweater machine to join. Back when yahoo had “groups”. There is also a ribbing attachment. That one is definitely much harder to find and it’s usually high priced on eBay & other reselling platforms. There are 100’s of patterns out there for creating on the bond. Bond used to send out 2 patterns (quarterly or monthly can’t remember it was so long ago). There are Bond pattern books out there too. You can churn things out on that machine very quickly. I’ve made 100’s of items over the years. My machine is still in perfect condition except for a tear in the weighted hem because I didn’t pay attention and it was actually knitted into the project and sadly had to be cut. There are replacement hems out there and you can even make a knitted hem on the machine(KZbin videos on it). You should still be able to find distributor for parts for your singer machine. I can’t remember where they were, but there was a company that sold all kinds of machine parts and accessories. I found a great deal on a Toyota knitting machine, but it used punch cards for the designs. The place had everything I needed and at a very reasonable rate. They also stocked Bond parts. At the time it was a brick & mortar store. I’m sure they’re probably an online retailer now. Good luck on your journey. I think you & your sister will have loads of fun with the machines! Cheers from FL😺 Oh and yes, I saw the letters too and you’re right, you can’t unsee them😂😂😂

[@liisavanderlinden730]

Heyy, is the grey thing that gets attached to the bottem of the knitting the weighted hem part that you are talking about? I'll be getting a bond machine in the mail tomorrow and that part sadly has a few snaped strings? Is it still possible to properly knit with the machine then? or do i first need to find replacements? Thank you for all of this information btw, so interesting to learn more about the machine! :)

[@ravenlunatic1177]

@@liisavanderlinden730 Yes, that’s the weighted hem. It’s the part that you place over the needles with the elastic cord in between. You need a weighted hem in order for the machine to knit properly. It might still be possible to use the hem. It depends on how badly damaged it is. You can use a strong tape to hold the pieces together if it’s not too bad. Or if it’s isolated to one side and you aren’t using all the needles. You can also make your own weighted hem. Search KZbin for knitted hem or knitted rag for machine knitting. There are quite a few tutorials on how to create your own reusable hem just using yarn. You can also use claw weights if they came with your machine. They weren’t sold with the original machine, but the previous owner might have purchased them. You can also make your own claw weights. Once again KZbin to the rescue 😂 if you don’t want to diy then sadly, yes, you’ll need a new hem before you can use the machine. Just thinking if you have a cricket maker or maker 3 you can probably even make a new hem from vinyl. I haven’t attempted to design one, but I think it’s very feasible, especially since the cutting would be precise. Hmm 🤔 might have to play around with that idea unless someone has already figured it out. Maybe a search on Etsy would produce results. Congratulations on your purchase. There is so much you can do with the bond machine. Originally there were 4 books (leaflets) included with the machine. They take you step by step from setting the machine up to creating your first project. Lots of good info to help acclimate you to the machine. It’s not a difficult learning curve. Plus videos are out there to help. Warning, it can be very addictive 😂 The machine works best using a worsted/Aran #4 weight or a #3 weight yarn. Other yarns might be too bulky or thin for the machine, but it’s all about experimenting. If it’s too bulky it will skip/drop stitches and be very frustrating. Also yarns with a heavy halo might cause the needles to catch. I’m not saying don’t use a specific yarn. Again experimenting is the only way to know. Have lots of fun. If I can, I’ll be happy to help with future questions, just ask. Cheers!😺

[@kaaatjeful]

Really enjoyed to read along with this detailed discription

[@rubypickles1836]

I got one of these as a gift when I was in my early twenties. I remember it as the best Christmas gift I ever received (along with my sewing machine). I spent countless hours in front of that making afghans and shawls. Practice is the key to this type of machine.

[@wronggeometry]

Love the chaotic realness. The letters looked like BRRR to me. I'm hand knitting my first scarf watching this. Was so intimidated, especially by purl which lots of people seem to hate but after a few false starts I've got it down and it feels more intuitive than crochet to me. I've managed to work out how to fix mistakes by myself instead of looking it up. Also love it when youtubers change their channel name to their real name - feels like you mean business!

[@ClaudiaArnold]

The Singer one is actually a Silver Reed LK150. There are loads of tutorials and parts for that, they are identical.

[@bibblepp]

I love how open you are about the mistakes you make and how you fix them! Makes me feel so much better about all the mistakes I make in my own projects, because everyone makes them and it's okay! I so badly want to try a knitting machine but it looks so daunting!

[@michelle_jasek]

I actually get worried when i don’t mess something up on a project lol because then i feel like i messed up somewhere and didn’t notice!😂 and the knitting machine is hard at first, but once you figure it out, it’s fun!

[@HJKelley47]

There is a real learning curve for knitting machines. I own 9 of them and love each one. Diana Sullivan has an excellent series of KZbin on learning to use a flatbed knitting machine. Another good resource for the LK 150 is Anna Haferman.

[@shelbyw1765]

the BOND! I have the same knitting machine I got from my mom, it was sitting in her closet for 20 years unopened. Made sweaters and sweater vest so far.

[@michelle_jasek]

It’s such a good machine!

[@terripotter5]

I use a bond classic too, I find to stop dropping stitches on the ends, I use either wide flat clips to stop the edges curling, or add a knitting weight to increase the edge tension

[@leahgroess5361]

This is a really interesting way to start up knitting because in order to troubleshoot various issues you're going to be learning more about the kinds of stitches and how to fix dropped stitches and so on! It could make a later foray into hand knitting easier later on, or you'll be so frustrated by how slow that is you just skip it entirely. As for those letters, that effect is called "pooling", when the different colors of a yarn pool together and form patterns. Look up "planned pooling", it's a great way to get an argyle pattern using variegated yarn (and it can be done with crochet, that just usually requires longer color lengths and experimenting with stitch types)! Your pooled pattern changes because the tension of your knit is changing a little bit (most likely from the weights) so using variegated yarn could actually be a good way to track your progress in regularity using the machine!

[@ScarletCrazed]

I have two Brother knitting machines that I bought off the JCPenny Shopping Channel 1989 and 1990. Both have dual beds for worsted weight or sports weight yarn and one can do intarsia. I paid both of them off within months (thanks to Christmas) with all there’s made for the holidays. I was able to pump out an adult sweater in a day and that included cabling and other fancy stitching and necklines. I really enjo it used it for years. I attached mine to a spare ironing board. Try it! Light weight, height adjustable and a perfect fit for. The knitting machine and accessories. Also, you should use a yarn winder to make cones or use coned yarn to begin with or you’ll have tension issues and never get the correct gage. Not a problem when playing but if making a serious garment, well, you know.

[@app103]

I recently bought a vintage Brother KX-350, which is almost identical to your LK-150. It, too, was missing an important piece related to the yarn tension rod, only it was the little piece the rod fit into, that you have. I solved that by duct taping the rod to the rod of a counter top paper towel holder (the kind with the weighted base and rod that sticks up vertically out of the middle). For my first project I ambitiously decided to do a giant striped afghan, knitting up panels of each color and then slip stitching them all together by hand, then crocheting a border around the whole thing. I am currently slip stitching the last panel on, right now. All I can say about my experience, so far, is that I will have done a very large knitted afghan, the size that would have been impossible for me to complete before losing interest, in under a week. Prior to this, knitting by hand, I could never make anything larger than a pot holder. (yet, oddly enough, I could probably crochet wall to wall carpet for an entire office building without losing interest) Knitting machine models are basically the size needles they contain, and the machine you choose to use should be based on your yarn. The Bond machine is good when you are using a heavier worsted or Aran weight yarn (think Caron one pounders) or thicker (size 4.5 and up). The KX-350 and LK-150 are good for sport weight up to lighter worsted weight (size 2, 3, and thinner 4's). For thinner yarns than a size 2 weight, you'd need one of those really expensive vintage Japanese metal knitting machines.

[@sewcreativedesigns51]

You did well without following any pattern to follow for sweater making! I have a Bond machine and all the books with patterns for it. I am currently looks at circular sock knitting machines. They are very interesting too and I will be learning how to use them for socks. I hand knit which helps in understanding the process.

[@pjaypender1009]

Weights aren't for keeping the knitting straight, it's to provide tension. Without tension you'll drop stitches.

[@DivinityBleu]

Love your energy. My Grandmother taught me how to crochet when I was a kid. It was the best gift anyone ever gave me. I feel connected to her whenever I'm doing anything involving yarn. I decided to teach myself how to knit in my early 20's. I'm 47 now. I'm not going to lie, it was a lot more complicated to learn than crochet, however, I'm eternally grateful that I stuck with it and was hellbent on conquering it. It took me several years before I felt like I finally settled on a knitting method that suits me best (I knit English style, but it's kind of a hybrid lever knitting style, where I hold the needle in my right hand like a pencil. I don't have to take my hand off the needle at all to complete the stitch, and it's fast.) Admittedly, I would get frustrated quickly and put the projects down for a long rest in between tries, so my attempts at getting "proficient" were half hearted for a long time, but I finally decided I was going to master it one way or the other, and my stubborn streak prevailed. (I am a Leo, after all.) These days, I knit more than I crochet. There are just so many knitting patterns that are stunning, and that I can't wait to get to and now that I'm good at what I'm doing, it's a lot of fun. I encourage you to learn as soon as you have the motivation to try it. It may be a frustrating journey at first, but you CAN do it, and I hope you do. I promise you that you won't regret it!

[@dianaknits]

Good job! You can download a manual for the LK-150. You can also purchase any parts you need. I replaced some worn parts on my first LK-150 and it knits like new. You will find the LK easier to use than your classic Bond. The clasic Bond is my favorite Bond, but if I were your teacher, I'd teach you on the LK. There is some great advice in the comments.

[@janellekm]

Glad you changed the machines, as I have the 2nd one. I hadn't used mine for a while but now have the perfect table to set it up and leave it up. It isn't as easy as a Addi machine but it can do far bigger panels. Thanks for inspiring me to dust off my machine and set it up again. 😊 You could have left the sleeve and started a new look. 😊 You did very well for your first project.

[@sarahjaneexton151]

Make sure you wax your key plates, oil your hook latches and add claw weights to the edges to stop dropping stitches xx

[@BunnieGunn]

OMG the clear section in the Bond carriage is so cool!! I wish they all had that

[@jedionboard1233]

My sister has a knitting machine,,, and when ever i see it,, i am so amazed at how these machines are made and how they work. Boggles my mind,, ( the same with vintage type writers,, mind blowing). Hats off for making a jumper for your 1st EVER thing made ,, amazing. If it was me making my 1st items, it would be a very simple scarf for a mouse !!!. WELL DONE. 😉

[@alisathegreat]

I've been crocheting for years at this point, and just picked up knitting a few months back. And YIKES man. XD

[@abaeterno]

I can’t get over how cute the colors and pattern of the yarn look in the finished piece!

[@ravensnow2931]

I have an LK-150 that I bought new. I love it, but I'm still a novice operator. You should use these machines to make seasonal blankets in panels you sew together.

[@napolitann2]

The bond one looks like the Sweater Machine my grandma gave me! My main complaint about the plastic slider on the metal is that it can catch a lot or skip stitches. The clamps also will come undone a lot if you're not careful

[@sewingintrifocals-alisonde7778]

I meant NOSE. 😂

[@renelaurings5659]

Hopefully you can get the yarn feeder pole for te Singer. The Bond machine is good but once you have the singer up and running you will find it a dream to use. Just remember to check the sponge on the Singer because if that is worn out the machine will give you trouble until you replace it

[@detroitnatural9392]

I loved my knitting machine! Unfortunately my 6 month old Great Dane claimed it as her chew toy and my "klack'ing' life ceased to exist. Many, many, many afghans made & donated to both Homeless/Humane Shelters

[@bobguy3939]

had a couple of these machines back in the 90's, don't remember making an actual garment but i do remember using it.

[@alinicham]

Thank you so much for doing this video. I saw a knitting machine at my local thrift store yesterday and wavered on getting it but after watching this video I realize it most likely isn’t for me. That said I loved watching your adventure and I can’t wait to see what other things you make.

[@belllabo8896]

I see the letters! You are great!

[@elacross3898]

You could probably crochet cuffs on the arms. Love the white lamp! Orange will diffuse the brightness. Wish I had as much energy as you!

[@marynora]

I love this adventure!!! Also, what if you blocked it? Maybe the arms would stretch out to size

[@theradept9861]

You're legit one of my favorite crafter/ artists online, I love your videos!! I'm seriously obsessed with your style thanks for keepin it real & being such a cool person! You rock

[@michelle_jasek]

Aww thank you!😊🧡

[@lovecara1]

You did well for a beginner with the knitting machines. I wouldn't know where to start. As for mistakes. I had to undo a cardigan I'm making endless times as I kept missing stitches 3/4 of the way through the back and front panels urrrggh. Got there in the end but pretty much make some sort of mistake with everything I do, including sewing on things back to front. So you are not alone.

[@alisakimi1]

Algorithm for the win! You popped up in my recommended today after watching knitting machine videos last night, as I had just thrifted a knitting machine a few days ago. Saw the title and was like hey that's me, so I clicked. As I was watching, I got this total Canadian vibe from you, then you mentioned Zellers, yep. Then you mentioned crochet, crafts, and thrifting, again that's me, so I don't think the video was even over and I "hit that subscribe button." Looking forward to watching your other videos!

[@happyhedgewytch4573]

I always wanted one of those....glad you posted a vid about using a knitt machine...great vid..thought your sweater looked good though...thanks for sharing.

[@sweethaven5]

18:48 Tunisian crochet rolls too. It is much like knitting but with one hook.

[@cynthiasymons]

I have several knitting looms and machines, and I don’t know how to knit. I have felt as I do projects it would be really helpful to know how so that I recognize when things have gone wrong with stitches. That, probably, has been the biggest challenge.

[@druidsongevergreens]

swatching is essential for machine knitting :)

[@fishgarden7784]

i love this video! watching you learn was fun. i've crocheted since 2005, but only started knitting in 2020. i think it's super fun and intuitive, and i really hope you learn and enjoy it too! imo gauge swatches in knitting is much easier to figure out than crochet, and seems super useful because of the weights required when knitting on the machine instead of just guessing. there's a bit more mathing about it, but you'd end up with an item much more inline to what you imagine. also, mattress stitch for seaming! it takes a bit of time but it looks so so lovely and it's super easy to do, plus if you don't pull it as tight as you possibly can it can stretch with your knitting instead of looking weird and bunched up.

[@constanzasagredo3422]

Hi honey, your project was amazing!!! But don't worry , you will block your knitting, and that would be the same exact sice that you see in the machine. How to do it? Finished your piece wash with water and soup (little) and dry in the shade with hooks in the corners ( my English it's not very good, but you can figure it out) I wish you well ❤️

[@kelleypopelar3162]

I have been curious about getting one of these possibly some day I recently saw it in one of the advent yarn video series someone was doing and it intrigued me. I hope you enjoy using it and would like to see more videos on this machine. I’d also like to know how easy it is to maintain and fix as well as how it is to find any parts for the machines are to source. The great thing about now having 2 is that once both you and your sister have learned how to use them you each have a knitting machine of your own or to share them both. It’s a great idea for something you could bond over and an activity that you can do together.

[@anneflynn4165]

Hi Michelle your finished project is lovely I have a sentro 22 pin have not used but i hope to fun with that but i will have to find what wool to use as it does miss some stitches too .

[@therealdonnawagner]

I don't know how much knitting machine stuff you've done since this video, so this may be an irrelevant suggestion. I'd say use what you've already knit to find out what the gauge is so you can calculate your lengths (rows needed) and widths (hooks required) rather than needing to guess. The math can be annoying sometimes, but it will save you from a lot of work/frustration/disappointment in the long run. I really wanted one of these machines for so long, and maybe someday I'll get one for microknits, but for now I just do everything by hand. Cool that you acquired 2 in a short amount of time! Maybe you and your sister can do a knit along on both of them when you get the other restored.

[@tracyshelton5599]

ive been curious but also scared to use something i know nothing about but i do like learning new skills , if i bought one,, i'd buy it for making blankets and dishcloths, more for flat panel projectrs

[@beatriceconverse8409]

Not tto bad , learning is frustrating but fun.

[@andrewhall2061]

Knitting with Cheryl Brunette Has Playlist on how to use a Bond Knitting Machine that is easy to follow

[@malujan]

That transition!!.

[@elle3238]

Ive never used a knitting machine, but I am a crocheter that is now knitting and I've realized that multi-colored yarn tends to make a pattern or "shape" in a way? Its super weird and I haven't looked into why it happens, but apparently you're supposed to knit two rows and then switch to a different skein of yarn, then knit another two rows. Apperently it makes it so your yarn doesn't stripe itself or make patterns? i don't do that cause I don't mind honestly but its crazy how yarn can be so random and still make a pattern! Loved you're video!!

[@kirasadventures5770]

I have been knitting for 7+ years (i lost count), but i will help you with the terms. When you count how many loops you did it is called stiches. I could be wrong but it sould help.

[@lunamalicreations]

Love this video!!! Now I want this kind of knitting 🧶 machine too 😂 great job learning how to use it!!!

[@liisavanderlinden730]

I recently found a bond knittingmachine on marketplace for 30 euro's and i'll be getting it in the mail tomorrow! Cant wait to try it out! I've been looking for a cheap one for sooo long. The greyish thing that you put over the needles at the beginning and is hanging at the bottom part of the knitting is sadly a little bit broken on my machine. Some of the string? parts snaped. So i hope that won't be too important and that i'll still be able to knit properly without it. I'm also having trouble finding seperate parts online. This was such a fun video to watch and i can't wait to try mine out tomorrow! :)

[@cocoscrochet6380]

Hi Michelle 🤗 your dedication to a project is awesome 👏🏻👏🏻🥰🧶🤩

[@tammiklusewitz7141]

I think I once owned the same type of machine.

[@marceabrann2166]

First video of urs I'm watching and I'm tempted to get a knitting machine. I keep seeing sentros and they look cheaply made and has too many issues. So extremely informative and you got a new subscriber.

[@tea3822]

0:01 i see two people dancing while holding hands they doin a jig :D

[@teacherlovesbeauty]

How fun!

[@iloveshaakah]

You are me. I could not stop laughing.❤

[@sarahbilicki]

Omg Michelle your my fav KZbinr!! You make my day when you post!

[@michelle_jasek]

That’s so sweet of you to say 😊 thank you🧡

[@calvingurnick1670]

Hey I have a tension mast in a box of knitting machine things a lady gave me when I told her I got one…it doesn’t fit my machine but I think it might(?) fit that machine…I’m happy to send it if it’s what you need!

[@Its.stitch.craft2004]

😯 maybe someone from the upside down is trying to contact you, via sweater?

[@strawberryanneflynn6778]

I'm just like you with sewing things on the wrong way, etc 🤣

[@kyliedavis7571]

I need to get a knitting machine because I been trying to learn how to knit for three years now and there isn’t any tutorials on how the panels work or anything

[@urm0m214]

Hey girl I just stumbled across your channel and saw the video of the hellfire sweater you made and I am absolutely obsessed I was wondering if you were able to come up with a pattern yet for the design. I am still grieving over Eddie's death and this would make my life. Thanks

[@annakate3489]

They look like S, B, and R to me. No you’re not crazy

[@Lucky-wt6fg]

I prefer my hand knitting….. and is such more fun.

[@haydenc7362]

What songs do you play in your video? The names of it can you put it in your video from now on a list in the description in your video thanks

[@katrinathompson6778]

It's called kinesthetic learning when you learn from doing

[@JacqsieRae]

I like the content of your video you should let it run...im getting a little dizzy...lol

[@pricesymonej]

What is the difference between these and the sentro or addi? Im so confused!

[@sweethaven5]

21:07 I see the letters also!!😂

[@strawberryanneflynn6778]

I really want an Addi knitting machine!

[@michelle_jasek]

Me too!

[@bethmullings1576]

Chains -crochet Stitches_knitting ❤️ I find crochet way faster tbh Knitting takes forever

[@hippiepisces9745]

I got one and I want to return mine and mine is a sentro one.

[@ksojerio]

Move your weights up to avoid dropped sts

[@diannefitzmaurice9813]

My sister and I (Yikes )!

[@maryperez7721]

lmao

[@jessicaneal8553]

Check out KnitFactoryImpl - she has such great tutorials :)

[@BStyleIsCreative]

Hi! If you need some resources about machine knitting, I gathered a list of resources over the years: docs.google.com/document/d/1vAnsQ-p8PKUcKbiIcNnH2lpA8sVEnTvxBthHEkSau7M/edit?usp=drivesdk Hope that helps

[@craftylady3129]

Also check machineknittingetc for manual and patterns for the machine you have