Intro to Knitting Machines for Absolute Beginners - Where and How to Start with Machine Knitting

[@petramaxwell1955]

I'm not a beginner, but I am grateful for another machine knitter ❤

[@cityfarmhousestudio]

❤ back at you! What machine(s) do you have?

[@lauraberkholtz7959]

Same!

[@petramaxwell1955]

@cityfarmhousestudio I have a brother kh270/kr260 with motor drive ke100 plus a few studio standard and bulky punch card machines (sk700, sk155, sk150 ) with ribbers. Used to have quite a few more, but downsized to the ones I'm actually enjoying knitting on.

[@eKnitter]

Same here. Welcome to machine knitting. I started on a Bond machine to finally fall in love with old Brother electronic machines, which finally allow me to knit yoke pullover.

[@kimdegener3854]

I have 2 flatbeds, I'm an avid handknitter, and I love my Addi machines. I mostly use them for donation hats and toys. Lots of instant gratification. I've made over 100 hats on it.

[@cityfarmhousestudio]

Love that you make all the donation hats and toys! What size of Addi do you use?

[@kimdegener3854]

@cityfarmhousestudio I've got both a 46 and 22. I crank out a ton of hats on the 46, and combine pieces from both for toys.

[@cityfarmhousestudio]

Brilliant idea to combine from both for toys!

[@doel394]

thx for sharing, great video!

[@cityfarmhousestudio]

Thanks for watching!

[@MegGaussen]

Hi, I am a sewer having a go at knitting machine. Watched your tube with interest. Thank you Would like to knit rugs , throws But not much more. Maybe scarves. So following your advice would go with a mid size ( not standard) brother? And flat bed. Thank you for your advice so far. Meg. Australia

[@cityfarmhousestudio]

Hi Meg! Glad you found the world of machine knitting of interest! For sure a flat bed for the larger sizes of items you are interested in making. A mid gauge would be great for throws and scarves. If you do want to use heavier/thicker yarn for the rugs (I’m thinking floor rugs) then you may want to consider a bulky so you can use something thicker than worsted category 4 yarn. Also, just like sewers with their multiple machines - many of us have more than 1 knitting machine.

[@Kelleykrafts]

Good video!

[@cityfarmhousestudio]

Thanks!

[@ThistleandInkwell]

Ty was a nice introduction video. I am debating getting a mid gauge LK150. I have a KH260 and love that but the ease and portability of the LK might be nice when you want to take it places. Does the LK cover the same yarn sizes as the KH260 generally?

[@cityfarmhousestudio]

Thanks! Your KH260 is a bulky, so the LK150 would use mostly thinner yarn. I have done worsted on my LK150, which you could on KH260. The portability of it is nice! Also, you wouldn’t have a punchcard or ribber option if you are used to using those. Oh the decision you have to make- good luck!

[@stephanemami]

Great video! I found a Toyota KS787 and compatible KR460 for a very good price, would you recommend for a total beginner? Beginner on machine knitting I mean.

[@cityfarmhousestudio]

Hi! Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video. I actually started on a Toyota as a complete beginner. I think any machine is great to learn on since you can always begin as a beginner on all of them to just knit simple items. I worked my way through the manual with swatches to learn all the buttons and features. There was also as a set of instructions included on how to make a sweater (ugly and didn't fit, but was a great learning project). I would start with the main bed and get a good understanding of it before trying to add the ribber in use. It just adds more things to make sure are aligned and engaged to knit properly. However, buying used you will want to make sure it is in working order and has everything included. Finding a manual online to see what should be included is helpful. Many times sellers don't know if it is in working order or not so there is a gamble when that happens. For this type of machine there isn't any electronics to worry about, however time does do damage on its own if it wasn't damaged before. I bought mine without knowing and I lucked out. Mine needed a new sponge bar (a given with any old machine that has been stored), a good cleaning, several needles changed to work properly and some deep cleaning to make the punchcard work because of hardened oil inside of its mechanism (I did have to dismantle a portion of the machine including the mechanism and put everything back together). Luckily all the movements in the carriage worked on mine. Depending on if you want to take the time and are the type of person to problem solve and repair a machine to get it working is up to you.

[@stephanemami]

@ Thank you for the answer! I think I can repair mechanical problem, I do maintain and fix sewing machines for example. But I decided to be a bit patient and wait more. I live in Germany and I found quite a few machines for ok price (under 300 with the ribber) so I think I’ll go for a Brother machine. Because it’s easy to find replacement pieces if needed. Thanks to all your advices I know I want a standard gauge, with punch card, 200 needles and a ribber. I’m not going totally blinding anymore.

[@tatchik77]

I got a Brother KH830 for $35. It seems to work fine (haven't tried the punchcard function), but was missing the transfer tools & punchcards. I'm a TOTAL beginner to knitting, so it's kind of overwhelming.

[@cityfarmhousestudio]

Wow! $35! That is great for it working so far. Welcome to the world of machine knitting! It is overwhelming at first. Just take it bit by bit. If you are a hand knitter - remember how you start with just a basic scarf, then learn increases and decreases. Bit by bit you can add onto your skills. Punchcards are fun, but also add an additional level of complexity!

[@tatchik77]

@cityfarmhousestudio I've never hand knitted. I crochet a little, but this way more technical! 😄

[@Pugs25]

Can you use rushing stretch cotton on this machine?

[@cityfarmhousestudio]

Sorry, but I am not familiar knitting with this type of yarn. So I cannot say for certain.

[@Nikolak44_AJ_Epic]

Can you make wool blankets with this machine?

[@cityfarmhousestudio]

Hi! Yes! Baby blankets you can usually do in one block. For large blankets you would need to make them in long panel strips (or blocks) and join them together. There are ways to join them on the machine, and some are easy, decorative, and really pretty! For wool, as long as the yarn size is appropriate to the gauge the machine knits you will have no trouble.

[@sonicfreak04]

could I commission you to make me a sweater?

[@cityfarmhousestudio]

Thank you for your confidence in me, however I do not make items to sell.