How I knit a sock on the circular sock knitting machine (CSM) // Episode 197 // Taking Back Friday

Sharing a video of how I have been cranking all my CSM socks lately - top down with a hung hem on a 64-stitch cylinder using an Erlbacher Speedster CSM.
#erlbacherspeedster #circularsockknitting
Show notes: sweetgeorgiayarns.com/how-i-knit-a-sock-on-the-csm/
A Rough Guide to CSM Knitting: sweetgeorgiayarns.com/csm-knitting/
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[@maryjohnson2062]

My mother in law had a very old metal crank sock knitting machine that had belonged to her grandmother, who brought it from Sweden when she immigrated. She made beautiful socks of worsted wool with it because she lived in northern Minnesota. She sat in the basement and we could hear the sock knitter going but we weren't allowed to bother her, because there was no counter on it. I think it is still in the family somewhere. She also had a rug loom.

[@chevydude658]

That is a really cool memory. I wonder what model it is. There are some pretty sophisticated machines from Europe I’ve heard.

[@KarlSmith-p5r]

Love this! So clear and helpful. I just found you on KZbin and so haven't watched all of your videos yet. Do you have one where you show how to mark up the cylinders?

[@sandramichaud8033]

Imagine the ingenuity to invent this. Lots of work to make a sock.

[@sweetgeorgia]

Yes! I find it amazing!

[@TibbiScott]

Hoping a video on removing the bonnet and securing the stitches attached to it will be done in the future because I am also interested in how this is done.

[@LaTrica01]

Omg you are such a good teacher. I have never heard of this machine and ice always wanted to make socks for my family for winter but I have tried the rectangle manual ones and they ended up begging to much for my patience and I love making things. I think I completed one sock and was never motivated to make it a pair. I think I'm going to look for one of these for next winter. Once again you are a good teacher keep up the good work. Thank you for teaching all of us out here.

[@dianathefiberfan]

Thank you Felicia... great video.

[@bayareaknitter]

Thanks for sharing this video! I’ve been really intrigued by these sock machines!

[@17jstevens]

Thank you SO MUCH!!! My erlbacher should be shipping next week and this video will help so so much.

[@jandj2jandj2]

This is so incredibly informative. Just found your channel (I'm a hand knitter and was just curious about this) and WOW you're an excellent teacher.

[@sweetgeorgia]

Aww thanks! I’m glad you found it helpful!

[@shelliemg72]

This was super cool. It looks like a lot of steps but then when you compare 16 minutes to... how long it takes me to knit a sock! LOL Nice video. Thank you!

[@amanneful]

Great video of your process for making socks. This will help a lot of people. I can't wait to meet you (and your beautiful machine :) at the Erlbacher event in May!

[@sweetgeorgia]

Thanks Anita! Looking forward to meeting you too!!

[@aakiree]

This is SO helpful! Thank you! I've got a Swedish Viktoria CSM from 1920. It's so much to learn! 😂

[@sweetgeorgia]

Awesome! I’m so glad! Thank you. Good luck with your machine!

[@ginahilse3856]

Okay, now I want one of these CSMs!! 🤣🥰

[@aknitlife]

Thanks for sharing, Felicia! Have fun at the workshop!

[@tomwalkingstick5395]

So relaxing to watch❤ very interesting 😊

[@SilverGypsyWeed]

Thank you, very clear and easy to understand.

[@bridge10dr]

I really enjoyed the video. A CSM is not in my future right now. I would love a video on what happens after you take it off the machine.

[@janestewart416]

All your videos are interesting and informative. But - I especially loved this one as I also have an Erlbacher! Absolutely LOVE it. It is fun to watch your video. The world needs more crankers 🥰 Thank you for you yarn, videos and inspiration!!!

[@Kelleykrafts]

Don't forget to tell everyone they need a long tail for kitchnering the sock closed before cutting the yarn after the last row. Good video!!

[@sweetgeorgia]

@@Kelleykrafts yes!! Thank you!

[@vijayapeter5869]

Very nice 🙌👍

[@sleepybeagle25]

This is so neat! Thank you for the video!! 😄

[@sewcreativedesigns51]

Great video! I just got my antique CSM Legare and practicing heels and toes. A few pairs of socks and using the ribber are next.

[@dfblake7]

Thank you Felicia...I'm on the same journey as you, at about the same stage. .and you are right, there is a tonne more to learn. If I wasn't on the other side of the world, I would be at that crank-in for sure

[@joyceknitsandsews]

Hello Felicia. Thank you for your excellent video. I have had my Erlbacher Speedster for a couple of years and have been able to make socks on it! However, I’m not very consistent; I just need to practice more. My husband and I attended the Erlbacher Homecoming last year and will be attending again this year. You will have so much fun, and you’ll learn a lot. This year we will be vending as we have started making a cone winder. I look forward to meeting you. ~Joyce

[@sweetgeorgia]

That’s wonderful! Looking forward to meeting you and your cone winder soon!

[@megegert861]

I appreciate you demonstrating this. I’m waiting for my csm to arrive so I can get started! I did hear that you can rent a machine from them if packing yours up seems to daunting. Have fun.

[@sweetgeorgia]

Yay! Good luck with your new machine! Let me know if you have questions 💗 it’s the most fun!!

[@CarrieMtn]

Super fascinating! I want one so badly- but I will have to wait a few years. It is out of my budget! Thanks for sharing!!!!!

[@donnafisk2006]

Thank you Felicia! I’m still anxiously awaiting for my machine to arrive. Did not know they have an annual crank in! Maybe next year! I look forward to your videos! Awesome!

[@djknits8585]

Thanks for these videos! I went to the Homecoming last year - so worth the trip! This year they changed the dates and it conflicts with Maryland Sheep and Wool so I can’t make it. The ladies there are so knowledgeable and so willing to share all that they know - and you are right - everyone makes a sock just a little bit differently. Last weekend I helped a friend host a Sock School with Jamie Mayfield and had three days of workshops - another EXCELLENT teacher - if you ever have a chance to learn from her jump on it!

[@sweetgeorgia]

Oh my gosh, that’s awesome! I’d love to go to sock school one day. I learned so much from SockTV too!

[@tammyburk3410]

Thanks!

[@bevtooth]

Where do you buy these sock machines from?

[@sweetgeorgia]

Mine is a new one from Erlbacher Knitting Machines in Missouri. There are a couple of other manufacturers of new machines and many antique machines that are refurbished for continued use.

[@Plappakaefer]

Hello, very nice video. It helped me a lot. I have one question. How do I close the sock?

[@johannahaineshergenrider8379]

I just for my new Erlbacher 2 weeks ago and am in the early learning stages. I will be at the Erlbacher CrankIn this coming May and look forward to meeting you. Your videos are great💜

[@sweetgeorgia]

Woohoo! Have fun with it! See you in May!

[@microdesigns2000]

Oh no! This is the best video I've seen, but I still don't see how to remove the bonnet and waste yarn and stitch the toe. My wife and I love watching the videos on this channel and might get our 3D printed skm working soon! Need to find some hooks and weights.

[@sweetgeorgia]

Oh yes! That’s a great idea, I can do that for a future video ☺️ thanks for watching!

[@healthcarefails]

You can knit one row of ravel cord (nylon 'rip' cord) between the bonnet/waste yarn and the first row of sock yarn, on this sock it would be one row of ravel cord between the neon waste yarn and the blue sock yarn. When you are done, you can easily pull that cord out (the nylon let's it slide out without grabbing) and the sock will magically separate from that waste yarn and bonnet. It works on this sock because of the hung cuff, which means all of the first row stitches have been secured when they were rehung.

[@mrsangielebon]

Thanks for these CSM videos. After watching them I decided to get one but I can't afford a metal one. I ordered Dean and Beans CSM. Should be here in about 2 more weeks. Your videos have such great info that will translate over to the 3d printed ones so when i get mine i feel I have a good understanding. Thanks a bunch from a csm newbie!! :)

[@sweetgeorgia]

Amazing! Let me know how it goes with the Dean and Bean CSM! Have fun!!

[@cdjonesus]

I just received my Dean & Beans CSM last Friday. Set it up Saturday, and spent lots of time cranking and then removing a partial sock and re-winding the yarn. I learned how to pick up runs and repair stitches that did not knit. Finally today (Monday) I have my first pair of toe down socks where I don't have to do a Kitchener stitch to finish off the toes. They have good patterns and instructions. I'm sure that I'll eventually end up with a Erlbacher Speedster CSM.

[@Mimi-lm9pn]

Hi Felicia! Thanks for another great video. Do you find that this sock pattern fits and stays up on your leg? I can’t seem to make one that is snug at the ankle and stretches enough to accommodate the curve of my lower leg without just sliding down.

[@Court_Reformer]

What size CSM for USA men’s 12 knee sock, can you explain the heel knitting more detail if there is any to elaborate on? Can I use wool 100%

[@D4rkysLP]

When you start the second sock after the waste yarn, do you start with the top again or do you start with the toes first and knit them the other direction? These machines look very interesting. I have used a flat bed knitting machine to make socks, but stopped knitting a few years completely. This would be interesting to start again 😊

[@sweetgeorgia]

@@D4rkysLP oh yes! When I start the next sock, I start again with the top of the sock and knit down to the toe again. I basically use the same instructions for the second sock! Of course there are lots of different ways to knit socks on a machine like this 😆 And yes! I found that machine knitting really renewed my fascination with knitting. Machine knitting may make knitted items like with hand knitting, but it’s a craft all its own. 💗 hope you enjoy!

[@lindapelech9828]

thanks for breaking this down and explaining the process. I have been debating on getting one due to the cost. I have alot of sock yarn that was gifted to me when my dear cousin passed away. I just have to get a machine now! LoL what are your thoughts on the 3 D printer machines?

[@sweetgeorgia]

Oh thanks for watching! Unfortunately, I haven’t had a chance to try a 3D printed CSM yet, so I don’t have first-hand experience. Maybe one of these days! I do love the Erlbacher, it just works straight out of the box. But there are also refurbished antique machines out there too. Good luck with your decision making. It will be a great feeling to turn sock yarn into socks! ☺️

[@colleenforrest7936]

This is in my short list for my next hobby. Going to watch some of your other vids now. My only question would be how do you separate the socks? I'm assuming that's answered in an earlier video?

[@sweetgeorgia]

Oh yes, you just crank “waste yarn” in between the socks and remove it afterwards, thereby separating the socks! But actually now, I’m in the habit of just cranking one sock at a time. I feel like I get better consistency that way. But both ways are possible. Please feel free to reach out if you have questions as you start into circular sock machines! It’s been so much fun. Love it!

[@MarissaPaulling]

what is the brand of row counter you are using and where can I find one?

[@TonyCosplay]

Where find machine like this one?

[@HroNica_dising]

❤❤❤❤ Боже мой, как это круто!

[@lisahodges8299]

So interesting. Birdy

[@Chicochick111]

Do you have a video on how to load the yarn into the machine?

[@kreativekymona]

Hey Felicia!! My machine arrived and I’m away 😮. Go figure 😂. I can't wait to get home so that I can get started. Thank you so much for this easy-to-follow video. Will you add CSM to the School of Georgia?

[@sweetgeorgia]

I would love to add CSM to SOS in the future ☺️

[@kreativekymona]

@@sweetgeorgia I will keep my fingers crossed that you do!!

[@sweetgeorgia]

How is it going with the CSM so far??

[@bekihodgson4]

Is this a similar machine to the plastic ones they've brought out? I'd love to try using them but they look complicated.

[@WildernessgalM]

Hello Felicia, What books on the subject of CSM do you recommend to help a newbie with their machine/is also relevant to the Erlbacher? Does this csm come with a physical 📕manual? Thank you in advance & happy crafting!!!

[@sweetgeorgia]

It does actually come with a manual! But I also got Lucy Best’s books. There are two: Essentials of Circular Machine Knitting and Circular Machine Knitting Beyond the Basics. I’ve used both and they were helpful to my learning curve 👍

[@WildernessgalM]

Thank you so much for all the great information & inspiration! I've been told that , "you can only do one thing?!" 🤔 Let's just say that, I disagree. My artistic self expression has NO LIMITS! Never has, never will. So I relate to you ha ha ha Happy CRAFTING / upcoming holiday season!!! ❤️

[@sweetgeorgia]

@@WildernessgalM yes!! Do it all and enjoy!! Happy holidays to you too!

[@dianathefiberfan]

Where can I buy this sock machine?

[@sweetgeorgia]

Thanks Diana! The machine is from Erlbacher Knitting Machines and you can find them here: erlbacherknitting.com/

[@akairondragon]

Wonderful video. Thank you for sharing your process! I'm also at this stage with my Erlbacher CSM: ready to learn something new. What I'm struggling with is the ribber. I have a 60 slot and a 72 slot and boy has it been a frustrating experience trying to get it to work. I would love if you could do a detailed video about setting the ribber up properly (I already watched Erlbacher's videos about it but am still having issues) and even how to troubleshoot if you've had issues. My biggest issue is that the machine jams with the ribber on but I can't see why or where it's stuck. As soon as I take it off the machine goes back to knitting properly. 🤷🏼‍♀

[@sweetgeorgia]

Thanks so much for watching! I wonder about your ribber ... I also had trouble when I was first learning to use the ribber and I described what I learned in this video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/romyaISaqtWsatE maybe it's the same issue?

[@akairondragon]

@@sweetgeorgia Thanks for replying! I feel like I have watched every ribber video on KZbin (including yours). I've followed the setup as closely as I can based on what I see and I feel like I'm doing everything right, yet I fail constantly because of the jams. None of the videos I've found have talked about why the ribber would jam like mine does. I can't even get a full round of cranking done, and the jamming is always in different spots. 😥

[@akairondragon]

I wanted to come back here to comment that I finally solved my ribber issue. I came across this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKGXgXiMgZeeaZY which shows the cranker using petroleum jelly to lubricate their ribber. The video claims the manufacturer doesn't actually say that the ribber needs oiling but she does it anyway. I was at such a loss of what to do with my ribber that I decided to give it a try. Picked up some jelly and presto! Successful ribbing on the first try. Whew! I hope this helps someone else if they get stuck like I did.

[@kakakhankhan8529]

Great. . . . . . . . .

[@yolandasotolopez]

It amazes me how much weight is needed... that weight looks heavy.

[@woolmillhomestead]

I am new to this and am having some trouble. I managed to hang a hem and when I get to the heel as soon as I start cranking the needles that are still in work, I drop all my stitches....even with the heel weights in place and the tension seems fine. Very frustrating. Any ideas? I keep watching this video for insights.

[@sweetgeorgia]

For sure, that would be frustrating... perhaps check the latches on the needles? They should all be open. If the latch is closed, the stitch will drop off the needle.

[@woolmillhomestead]

@@sweetgeorgia I do know that but will check it. It must be some silly thing that I am overlooking. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@elenacocea6435]

Ciao ! Da dove si può acquistare questa macchina ? Grazie sé mi rispondi !

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

💝

[@rosamariarobles3814]

Where I can to buy a machine? Please let me know

[@yukarihirai56]

How many ply was the yarn?

[@andiearley9614]

This is a great video, I love my Erhlbacher but I haven't gotten past cranking tubes. Your video makes it seem possible for me to do the whole sock. Erhlbacher needs to invest in making decent videos, I haven't been able to learn anything from the company videos.

[@marialuna4084]

Do you have any suggestions regarding sock machines? Thank you.

[@sweetgeorgia]

Oh I only have experience with the new Erlbacher Speedster but I’ve seen people use old and new machines of all brands. There are lots of options depending on availability and price.

[@radabozic1303]

Mächte gern eine kaufen wo kann das beszelen bini die schweitz

[@CraftyCuriosity]

Where can I get one of these machines.

[@sweetgeorgia]

Erlbacher Knitting Machines in Missouri! erlbacherknitting.com/ 💗

[@baokubose9491]

weldone felicia that is a great work. am Nigerian. and am into knitting how can I get this machine.

[@KarimTanger-r9u]

I want to buy one

[@littlewitch8954]

Fine machine.Unfortunately not my salary class. 😪

[@karenbochinski]

I have learned these are very difficult to use.

[@sweetgeorgia]

For sure, at the start there is a big learning curve. But like all things, it just takes practice and over time I’ve really enjoyed it!!

[@odinata]

You don't want to see me crank a sock....