LK 150 Sponge Strip Replacement

[@zandrasilver]

Oh my gosh i got a machine recently and could not figure out for the life of me why it wasn’t working!!! My sponge is destroyed thank you so much

[@dianaknits]

The sponge is very important maintenance, and it isn't even in the manual! It's like a monster secret!

[@KhemaniKreations]

Thank you so much. I couldn't figure out out, but you made this soooo easy to understand!

[@MostlyHarmless68]

Wow so there's no bar, just foam. The used machine I got came with 2 sponge bars (like for a standard gauge machine), both were flat as pancakes, but I have new foam. This makes it so easy!

[@annthompson3246]

Thank you so much for showing this, I put Needles in last night, thanks again

[@geekyace]

Hi @dianaknits I like the way tou explain things and have been watching some of your other videos. I was wondering if you could make a playlist just for the LK150 because sometimes I get excited at the title and then see that the features are for a different machine.

[@dianaknits]

Hi! I only have a couple videos that are LK-150 ONLY, but I have a lot of mid-gauge work, much of it on the 860, which is another Studio machine (but big and metal and out in my knitting room all the time). Everything on that machine can be done on the LK. I also wrote a book, "Mid-Gauge Mastery," and it was tested by friend on their LKs.

[@galehughes4004]

Hi Diane - what were the dimensions of the foam strip that you used? (Length isn't necessary - just want to know if the sponge is like 10mm x 10mm (or 3/8" x 3/8") or what? Thanks!

[@dianaknits]

Sorry, I couldn't tell you unless I remove some of the strip and measure it and it's somewhat compressed by now. I didn't measure it, and I haven't got a spare right now. I purchased it from a dealer, and these are readily available from dealers, also, I see them on eBay for about $11 including shipping. A dealer can send you a strip that is the right one for your LK150. I think a homemade strip is not a good idea; I wouldn't want weather stripping adhesive inside my machine or the wrong foam.

[@chiccamazzanti2493]

Hi Diana, thank you for your videos, I have a question and maybe you can help me, I have already replaced the needle stop sponge, but I did not solve my problem because my cart does not scroll smoothly but I have to force it to slide, can you tell me what it can depend on? I also oiled the rails, but I still feel friction when the trolly passes on the working needles

[@dianaknits]

My old LK150 somimes has a problem with the fabric presser, the part of hte carriage toward me that screws on, getting loose. I've had to tighten it. That might help. Mine would drag. It can also be the thickness of the yarn (when in doubt, go thinner) and the tension. The machine will always knit better with wool and acrylic than with cotton or linen, for instance, because cotton and linen don't have much stretch.

[@SuzetteWdkworkshop]

I have bent some needles, is it worth my time to try and straighten them

[@dianaknits]

I sometimes straighten the shaft of a needle. If the latch is bent, or the hook is bent, though, it usually doesn't work well. Thos nearly always need to be replaced. Even a slightly bent needle can cause ongoing problems.

[@SuzetteWdkworkshop]

Thank you so much

[@323352]

Help ! I wanted to clean my LK150 like on your video. I removed the foam then I put it back. Now I can't put my needles back on. Is there a particular manipulation to do? Thank you in advance for your assistance. Cordially

[@dianaknits]

Go to 2:25 in the video.

[@323352]

@@dianaknits Hello and thank you for your answer. I did what you show but it happens that the needle comes out with a little piece of foam. I hope this will not affect my work. cordially

[@dianaknits]

@@323352 It shouldn't come out with foam. You have to squash the foam with your finger to get the needle in. You're using the replacement sponge that goes with the LK150, right?

[@323352]

@@dianaknits Yes it is the foam bar that comes with the LK 150. In fact I only took it off to clean it and put it back.

[@dianaknits]

@@323352 You put them in by squishing the foam and getting the needle in the little space. Takes a little practice. You certainly don't want to puncture the foam or its coating, as the needles need to slide.

[@anapuzey6159]

Thank you Diana for this great video. Where did you purchased the sponge strips?

[@dianaknits]

I've gotten them several places, but usually at an eBay seller, Leanneco. We don't have a dealer here in Texas, so I usually purchase online.

[@janicerasnic7456]

Love all your videos! I have learned so much from you. Thank you! Question: Just purchased a new to me LK140 and I was wondering what the 'R' on the dial of the carriage is all about? There is barely a mention in the owners manual. Especially since it goes below one on the dial. Keep the videos coming please.

[@dianaknits]

Sorry, I don't have one of those, and don't know.

[@jillwills3679]

Hi Diana, The Knitting Machine Whisperer! I watch all your videos, you've taught me so much over the years. I have purchased a new "sponge bar" for my LK150. It has a black side and a white side. It doesn't look any different, but is there a "right" or "wrong" side??? Bestest wishes, Jill, UK

[@jillwills3679]

Not to worry, I've sorted it. It doesn't matter which side. Hope you're well! xx

[@dianaknits]

The side that is smooth and the needles can move against goes against the needles.

[@jillwills3679]

Thank you xxx

[@MariaTeresa-kb2bt]

Estoy viendo el video muy bueno pero se podrá traducir a español ?

[@cheyenne99]

Is there something that can be used in place of the ribber cast on comb? Sorry, I know it's a bit off topic but I just bought a machine and the cast on combs are missing. Thanks.

[@dianaknits]

I can't think of an easy way to cast on with the ribber without a comb that will give you such a balanced, reliable way to hang weights. You need even weight all across the ribbing. You can purchase cast-on combs! Buy a medium and a long one and save yourself a lot of frustration.

[@cheyenne99]

Diana Sullivan one more question is it possible to do double sided knitting with a knitting machine?

[@dianaknits]

If you are referring to double knit, yes. If you want a pattern on one side and plain on the other, yes. If you want a pattern on one side and stripes on the other, you can do that. Do work your ribber lessons in order, though. Master the ribber before you try these advanced techniques.

[@claudiagoeslippy5813]

Thank you for the video. Is there a brand of sponge strip in particular I should use and where do you usually find it?

[@lauramora6962]

Muy querida maestra yo sé que va a ser difícil podernos comunicar por el idioma pero no imposible resulta que acá en México no he encontrado repuestos de ajugas para esa máquina y la tengo sin ocupar como puedo conseguirlas? Le agradecería me informará

[@dianaknits]

Las piezas de repuesto para la mayoría de las máquinas de tejer están disponibles en eBay, o en Newton's Knits, o en uno de los lugares de reparación. Puede comunicarse utilizando Google Translate, que es cómo escribo esto en español.

[@camit3763]

Thank you very much.