March update

Dear Readers

At this time of the year, keeping snug and warm is the order of the day for all of us. Everyone has a favourite shape for a comfy sweater or cardigan and all the self-patterning yarn now available means we can knit something eye-catching with very little effort needed.

If you’d like a new project, head over to Yeoman Yarns website (yeoman-yarns.co.uk) for some inspiration. They now include videos of Silver Reed machines knitting many of the yarns we use and there’s always a bargain or two in the Sale Bin. Whether you’ve a fine, standard, mid gauge or chunky machine, check out their latest shade card collections and there are three. Machine knitting yarn costs £9.95, hand knitting is £8.95 but the best value is a combined pack for just £11.95 with the full range. Until the 31st March, they’ve a very special exclusive offer for our readers. There’s 10% off all their yarns and shade cards, using code MKM1025. Spring isn’t too far away and by the time we reach the end of March, the clocks will have gone forward into British Summertime. So it’s time to think about knitting something lovely for Easter, as it’s the first weekend of April this year.

Readers outside Scotland, especially those who went along to Metropolitan’s annual Dream Week in Nantwich, may not have heard that Morag Walker has died. She was a long-standing member of the Scottish Machine Knitters Association and did a tremendous amount for beginners and charity knitting. She’ll be much missed by her family and members of the SMKA. In case you don’t know, the Association is non-profit making and membership is open to all machine knitters worldwide. The annual membership is £16 and runs from 1st June to 31st May. However remote your address, all members can be involved through four Newsletters a year. They welcome new members of all abilities and for full details visit scottishmachineknitters.org.uk

Do join me next month and raise a glass of cheer to celebrate the 40th birthday of MKM. It’s a huge achievement for all machine knitters that we’ve kept our craft going and a milestone for which we should all be immensely proud. Knit happy.

NEXT ISSUE April 2026

Subscription copies sent out Thursday 5th March

On sale Thursday 12th March

Ask your newsagent to reserve a copy or order a subscription NOW!

New hard copy subscriptions

NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS Our magazines are mailed to subscribers on the first Thursday of the preceding month, so our March 2026 issue went out on Thursday 5th February.

If you’d like a new hard copy subscription, as long as we receive your order by or on 28th February, it will start with our April magazine. No money is taken with your order and April will be mailed out to subscribers on Thursday 5th March. If we receive your order after 28th February, your subscription will start with the May 2026 issue, to be mailed to subscribers on Thursday 2nd April.

INTERNATIONAL SUBSCRIPTIONS will always start with the next issue, as we’re unable to send back issues outside the UK mainland.

UK SUBSCRIPTIONS If you’d like to start with an earlier magazine, please buy it as a back issue and you’ll find lots of choice in our shop. UK readers please note At present, we can only send back issues to UK mainland addresses.

NEW DIGITAL VERSION From the January 2025 issue, you can now buy the digital version of the magazine. Just head for the SHOP and select either the hardcopy or downloadable option. The downloadable magazine is just £4 (sterling) for each issue and available straight away. It saves the huge expense and wait for overseas postage, so check it out NOW at machineknittingmonthly.net/shop/ Please note that, as yet, we don’t have a digital subscription available.

High quality digital version

NEW DIGITAL VERSION From the January 2025 issue, you can now buy a digital version of the magazine. The high quality downloads from January 2025 are all available. Just head for the SHOP and select either the hardcopy or downloadable option. The downloadable magazine is just £4 (sterling) for each issue and available straight away. It saves the huge expense and wait for overseas postage, so make sure you have a good Wi-Fi connection and check it out NOW at machineknittingmonthly.net/shop/  

Please note that, as yet, we don’t have a digital subscription available.

March 2026 (Issue 338) with Bill King and Nina Miklin

Our March 2026 cover design is a chunky cable classic, in finished sizes from 82-87cm (32-34in) to 131cm (51¾in). It’s in our mix of patterns for standard, mid-gauge and chunky machines. Nina Miklin’s chic sweater has a narrow welt and neck trimming, to enhance the dressy look. We all love Anne Baker’s designs and she doesn’t disappoint this month! Alison Dupernex is a constant support and Bill King shows us how versatile single bed tuck stitch fabrics can be. Until 31st March 2026, don’t forget to use the code MKM1025 for a great 10% off Yeoman Yarns (yeoman-yarns.co.uk). Susan Guagliumi’s expertise lives on in the Machine Knit Community and we’ve the next two of six hand and machine-knitted dog coats. Our in-depth Techniques feature answers lots of your queries about tuck stitch for single and double bed machines. Over To You shines the spotlight on Passap hints and tips all knitters need to know and Dear Anne has DAK help, a couple of patterns and some new ideas. As always, the magazine is packed with techniques and help, advice, news and reviews.

Please note At present, we can only send back issues to UK mainland addresses.

February 2026 (Issue 337) with Bill King and Nina Miklin

Our February 2026 cover design is a pretty hand-tooled sweater, in finished sizes from 82-87cm (32-34in) to 126cm (49¾in). It’s in our mix of patterns for standard, mid-gauge and chunky machines. Nina Miklin’s versatile cardigan is in feather-light super-kid mohair, needing only one 200g cone. Alison Dupernex is a constant support and Bill King crosses single stitches with unexpected results! Susan Guagliumi’s expertise lives on in the Machine Knit Community, the new custodians of Susan’s invaluable online content. We’ve the first two of six hand and machine-knitted dog coats and Joan Lafferty passes on some ideas for using up oddments in our stash. We show you how to knit much-requested flat-pack slippers and adult balaclavas in Dear Anne and take an in-depth look at Bill King’s book of Cables. As always, the magazine is packed with techniques and help, advice, news and reviews.

Please note At present, we can only send back issues to UK mainland addresses.

February update

Dear Readers

We always go to press very early with this issue, so I usually mention things that might slip through the net. Two stalwart club leaders have handed over the baton this month and the first is Marian Timmins. She’s been a rock for machine knitting at Purl Drops MKC in Peterborough. After thirty years and due to poor health, she’s resigned as Club Chair. Hopefully she’ll be able to get along to an occasional meeting and I send Marian and the club my very best wishes. It’s now in the safe hands of Melanie O’Brien and her details are in Clubs Directory on Page 58. Melton Mowbray MKC is also saying goodbye to Karen Evans, as she relocates to Essex. Karen would like me to pass on her thanks to the club, for all the help and support she’s received whilst running it. Pat Jones has taken over and we’ve updated the club’s contact details on Page 58. Many of our clubs are doing really well right now. After the heroic efforts of Lichfield MKC last month, you’ll see on Page 10 that members of Rumney MKC in Cardiff pulled out all the stops for their recent challenge. Thanks for sending everything Chris and it’s so heartening that some members found their inspiration in the magazine.

Two other features this month have been constantly requested and the club members asking for the old pattern in Dear Anne had a discussion about it. They agreed the best place for small pattern requests was on our ‘new look’ letters page. They felt that using it as one of the main patterns isn’t fair to new readers, but it’s also not the right thing to have one copy and photocopy it many times. Also, they agreed the up-side is that it may be something useful for other readers. So this month, the flat-pack slippers and Nancy’s balaclava are on Page 13 and the so often requested dog coats are in Stash Box on Page 46.

I’ve to make sure this magazine goes out at the start of January. So, all that now remains is to send you my very best wishes and hopes for a happy, a healthy and a prosperous year ahead.

NEXT ISSUE March 2026

Subscription copies sent out Thursday 5th February

On sale Thursday 12th February

Ask your newsagent to reserve a copy or order a subscription NOW!

January update

Dear Readers

As you’ll read in Newsline, Game of Wool on Channel 4 is shining a well-deserved spotlight on knitting. I’m very happy to share that King Cole yarns are featured throughout the series and 22 ranges have been used so far. When I spotted Merino Blend 4-ply cones in the set design, I foolishly hoped an LK-150 might make an appearance… but my fingers are still crossed. Whether you’re watching or switching channels, one thing is certain. Game of Wool has brought knitting centre stage on national television. They may be our hand-knitting cousins, but let’s all support the show, so there will be a second series… next time with machine knitters. Imagine what we could achieve in 12 hours!

Imagine also scaling down the plans of a house currently under construction and knitting a model of it. It’s an amazing project recently undertaken by members of Lichfield MKC and their story is in Spotlight on Page 48. I’m grateful to Chairman Lidia for passing on the story and to Chris for sharing all her photos.

At this time of the year, many of us reflect on the recent past and look forward to the Spring. I do wish you all a very happy New Year, which is filled with good health and contentment throughout 2026 – our 40th birthday year! Until next month, my compliments of the season to you all.

NEXT ISSUE February 2026

Subscription copies sent out Friday 2nd January as the first is New Year’s Day

On sale Thursday 9th January

Ask your newsagent to reserve a copy or order a subscription NOW!

January 2026 (Issue 336) with Bill King and lots of designs

Our January 2026 cover design is the perfect partner to every pair of jeans, in finished sizes from 82-87cm (32-34in) to 125cm (49¼in). It’s in our mix of patterns for standard, mid-gauge and chunky machines. Alison Dupernex is a constant support and Bill King shows us how to knit shadow lace without a transfer tool. Susan Guagliumi’s expertise lives on in the Machine Knit Community, the new custodians of Susan’s invaluable online content. It’s time to get to grips with your chunky machine and ribber, so head for our Techniques section. Joan Lafferty takes us through her journey introducing an electric motor to her machine and Lichfield MKC members rise to the challenge of knitting a full-scale model of a house under construction. We show you how to do a latch tool cast off when you can’t go three sizes looser, and pull up the top of a beanie without leaving a hole. It’s a packed issue with techniques and help, advice, news and reviews.

NEW DIGITAL VERSION From the January 2025 issue, you can now buy the digital version of the magazine. Just head for the SHOP and select either the hardcopy or downloadable option. The downloadable magazine is just £4 (sterling) for each issue and available straight away. It saves the huge expense and wait for overseas postage, so check it out NOW at machineknittingmonthly.net/shop/ Please note that, as yet, we don’t have a digital subscription available.

December update

Dear Readers

This month I usually remind you that we need to turn our attention to the kitchen in the not-too-distant future, but there’s still time for some festive knitting. This issue is always hard to plan because many of you have read the magazine for years, some have come back after a long break whilst others are very new to machine knitting. For that reason I’ve included a mix of new ideas and old favourites, hoping some of the designs will hit the spot for you.

Look beyond the actual design this month and you’ll find lots of ideas. For instance, Sleigh Ride’s Fair Isle pattern on Page 18 could easily be used for Christmas stockings or a sack, for a colourful knee rug or a scarf. If you’d like a larger size, substitute the pattern for any other Fair Isle sweater, as it’s a standard 4-ply tension. Use the bright stripes of Colour Wheel for a stocking stitch design on any machine. Mix and match Teddy Boy’s punchcard designs and try out your favourite cable from Bill King’s book on the front of Cover Slip.

In Dear Anne, June asks if one Bill’s Fisherman’s Catch patterns from last month would work for a scarf or cowl and this reminded me of a recent conversation I had with Norman Whitfield. He’s no stranger to our pages and, for years, he’s knitted some amazing things on his Passap. Right now he’s busy using up as much of his stash as possible, knitting full needle rib scarves. He takes them along to his local Food Bank, quietly hands them over and they’re tucked under the counter. When someone comes in looking especially cold, a member of staff asks if a scarf would help to keep them a bit warmer. Each scarf is received with much gratitude. Norman makes them extra-long, so they can be wrapped once or twice round the neck and I think it’s a lovely idea to spread some kindness and goodwill. For a wonderful heart-warming story, please also read Brian’s letter on Page 12.

One tradition I keep on these pages each December issue is to send you very best wishes for a happy Christmas, from everyone who helps to bring the magazine to you each month. As winter’s cold starts to bite, keep well and stay safe all of you, but most of all… knit happy!

NEXT ISSUE January 2026

Subscription copies sent out Thursday 4th December

On sale Thursday 11th December

Ask your newsagent to reserve a copy or order a subscription NOW!

December 2025 (Issue 335) with Bill King and a host of designs

Our December 2025 cover design is a chic, slim-fit cardigan in a huge size range and in our mix of patterns for standard, mid-gauge and chunky machines. There are new ideas and old favourites, hoping some of the designs will hit the spot for you. Alison Dupernex is a constant support and when some things are impossible, Bill King finds a way. Susan Guagliumi’s expertise lives on in the Machine Knit Community, the new custodians of Susan’s invaluable online content. We join Nic Corrigan on her machine knitting journey to the present and Roni Knutson has designed a cowl for a cold and windy walk in British Columbia. It’s another packed issue with lots of techniques and help, advice, news and reviews.

NEW DIGITAL VERSION From the January 2025 issue, you can now buy the digital version of the magazine. Just head for the SHOP and select either the hardcopy or downloadable option. The downloadable magazine is just £4 (sterling) for each issue and available straight away. It saves the huge expense and wait for overseas postage, so check it out NOW at machineknittingmonthly.net/shop/ Please note that, as yet, we don’t have a digital subscription available.