Hi
I’ve purchased a Knitmaster 560 but I don’t have the original set of Mylar sheets. I’ve tried knitting with the lace carriage but I’m having problems and I’m not sure if it’s the pattern card I’m using. Could anyone please help?
Cheers
Maureen
2011
Yarn gets caught
I’ve tried setting the upper tension tighter and looser, cleaning the brushes, using thinner yarns, changing the brushes to rubber wheels and I’ve checked to make sure none of the gate pegs are bent. I’ve resorted to hand pulling the yarn every single time I move the carriage from right to left to prevent the long loops. Does anyone have a suggestions as to how to fix the problem?
Thanks
Nancy Basler
Hi Nancy
I have experienced this problem when I had a Brother machine and to a lesser extent on my Toyota. First check that the right sinker plate is adjusted properly – there are screws underneath to alter its alignment.
I have experienced this problem when I had a Brother machine and to a lesser extent on my Toyota. First check that the right sinker plate is adjusted properly – there are screws underneath to alter its alignment.
One knitter solved it by removing the brush on the side that was forming loops. That seems a bit drastic but as you have tried just about everything else you might find that this works for you too.
Hope you manage to overcome this annoying problem.
Regards
Sue.
Sue P
2011-05-04 18:46:56
Hi Sue
Thanks for your advice regarding the yarn getting caught on the gate pegs. I looked carefully at the sinker plate and saw some screws but am not sure how to adjust them. I have carefully watched the carriage as it moves from left to right and can see no difference from one side to the other but am not positive what exactly I should be looking for. Do you have any advice on how to adjust the sinker plate? Thanks again
Nancy
Thanks for your advice regarding the yarn getting caught on the gate pegs. I looked carefully at the sinker plate and saw some screws but am not sure how to adjust them. I have carefully watched the carriage as it moves from left to right and can see no difference from one side to the other but am not positive what exactly I should be looking for. Do you have any advice on how to adjust the sinker plate? Thanks again
Nancy
Nancy Fancy
2011-05-16 21:37:10
Hi Nancy
If you look up from underneath the carriage the sinker plates on each side should be the same distance from the gate pegs. You would only need to make an adjustment if they were out of line.
If you do need to re-adjust it loosen the screws a little – enough to be able to move the sinker plate. Move it a little and re-tighten the screws. The sinker plates are usually flush with the front of the sinker plate assembly and parallel to it.
I have just thought of something else. Does your take up spring have enough ‘spring’ in it? They can lose their spring as they get old and this could cause problems. They are easy to replace if this is the problem.
Regards
Sue.
If you look up from underneath the carriage the sinker plates on each side should be the same distance from the gate pegs. You would only need to make an adjustment if they were out of line.
If you do need to re-adjust it loosen the screws a little – enough to be able to move the sinker plate. Move it a little and re-tighten the screws. The sinker plates are usually flush with the front of the sinker plate assembly and parallel to it.
I have just thought of something else. Does your take up spring have enough ‘spring’ in it? They can lose their spring as they get old and this could cause problems. They are easy to replace if this is the problem.
Regards
Sue.
Sue P
2011-05-17 16:11:51
Brother KL116 Knit Leader
The feeding lever is too far from the carriage for the rows to register and even doing it manually, the forward feed seems to be about a quarter turn at a time but I can do a reverse easily. I have taken it apart and nothing seems to be broken or worn and I’ve looked on youtube to see if there’s a picture of its usage, but no. Do I abandon this part of my machine, although it seems like a very good idea.
Can anybody help please?
Marilyn
Hi
I’ve had the same sort of problem. My husband managed to bend it forward to the right position but now it only rotates right to left properly but left to right only goes about quarter turn. I’ve not used it for 13 years and have just got it out of the loft. I’ve put it down to wear and tear and I’m trying to find a cheap one to replace it as the dial is cracked and it’s missing the clutch button. It does sound in a sorry state doesn’t it. I know all this doesn’t help you but at least you know that someone else is in the same position.
I’ve had the same sort of problem. My husband managed to bend it forward to the right position but now it only rotates right to left properly but left to right only goes about quarter turn. I’ve not used it for 13 years and have just got it out of the loft. I’ve put it down to wear and tear and I’m trying to find a cheap one to replace it as the dial is cracked and it’s missing the clutch button. It does sound in a sorry state doesn’t it. I know all this doesn’t help you but at least you know that someone else is in the same position.
jotyrrell
2011-08-30 11:47:11
Brother Knit Leader problems
I am a newby to machine knitting and have really got hooked. My Brother Knit Leader seems such an obvious help to getting garments the right size. I’ve set it up but when I test it by scrolling forwards, it only scrolls maybe a quarter of a row, but I can do it backwards. I’ve dismantled it and found no obvious wear or breakages. Do I abandon it (it wasn’t that expensive), or can I repair it? Any suggestions please.
Hi
I’ve had the same sort of problem. My husband managed to bend it forward to the right position but now it only rotates right to left properly but left to right only goes about quarter turn. I’ve not used it for 13 years and have just got it out of the loft. I’ve put it down to wear and tear and I’m trying to find a cheap one to replace it as the dial is cracked and it’s missing the clutch button. It does sound in a sorry state doesn’t it. I know all this doesn’t help you but at least you know that someone else is in the same position.
Best wishes
jotyrrell@btinternet.com
I’ve had the same sort of problem. My husband managed to bend it forward to the right position but now it only rotates right to left properly but left to right only goes about quarter turn. I’ve not used it for 13 years and have just got it out of the loft. I’ve put it down to wear and tear and I’m trying to find a cheap one to replace it as the dial is cracked and it’s missing the clutch button. It does sound in a sorry state doesn’t it. I know all this doesn’t help you but at least you know that someone else is in the same position.
Best wishes
jotyrrell@btinternet.com
Anne
2011-08-30 11:43:34
Hi
I’ve had the same sort of problem. My husband managed to bend it forward to the right position but now it only rotates right to left properly but left to right only goes about quarter turn. I’ve not used it for 13 years and have just got it out of the loft. I’ve put it down to wear and tear and I’m trying to find a cheap one to replace it as the dial is cracked and it’s missing the clutch button. It does sound in a sorry state doesn’t it. I know all this doesn’t help you but at least you know that someone else is in the same position.
Best wishes
jotyrrell@btinternet.com
I’ve had the same sort of problem. My husband managed to bend it forward to the right position but now it only rotates right to left properly but left to right only goes about quarter turn. I’ve not used it for 13 years and have just got it out of the loft. I’ve put it down to wear and tear and I’m trying to find a cheap one to replace it as the dial is cracked and it’s missing the clutch button. It does sound in a sorry state doesn’t it. I know all this doesn’t help you but at least you know that someone else is in the same position.
Best wishes
jotyrrell@btinternet.com
Anne
2011-08-30 11:43:34
How to make an i-cord on an SK860
I’ve been unable to set the carriage so that it knits in one direction only. The only option I’ve discovered is to slide the release lever each time I want to return to the knit row. This seems to be a clumsy way to achieve one directional knitting. Can anyone help please and thanks in anticipation.
Hi Veridian
I don’t know if this will help or not – it depends if your carriage is similar to the older Knitmaster machines. Mary Weaver gives the settings for cord knitting in her Technology and Patterns. For Knitmaster the Left Side Lever is set to the Circle mark and the Right Side Lever is set to the Triangle with the carriage set to Slip. I hope this helps a bit Regards Sue.
I don’t know if this will help or not – it depends if your carriage is similar to the older Knitmaster machines. Mary Weaver gives the settings for cord knitting in her Technology and Patterns. For Knitmaster the Left Side Lever is set to the Circle mark and the Right Side Lever is set to the Triangle with the carriage set to Slip. I hope this helps a bit Regards Sue.
Sue P
2016-01-27 19:43:29
Hi
I’m sending this confirmation for the benefit of other people who may also read this several years after the original posting – as I did. I tried this technique on my Knitmaster 155 Chunky and it worked fine. The only thing is that you need to completely remove any punchcard in the reader first so that it doesn’t pick up any settings. I forgot the first time and a 1×1 card picked up alternate stitches on the slip row and knitted them! Kind regards Lyn
I’m sending this confirmation for the benefit of other people who may also read this several years after the original posting – as I did. I tried this technique on my Knitmaster 155 Chunky and it worked fine. The only thing is that you need to completely remove any punchcard in the reader first so that it doesn’t pick up any settings. I forgot the first time and a 1×1 card picked up alternate stitches on the slip row and knitted them! Kind regards Lyn
Moogie1947
2016-01-27 19:42:44
Knitting Machine Accessories
Please does anybody know where I can obtain an instruction manual or book on how to use the Knit Radar? I’m also looking for the stitch scales for the Knitmaster 360 machine. Does anybody know where I can obtain them? I saw one advertised on this site but there’s no way of knowing whether it will be suitable for my machine. I’ll be grateful if anybody can help.
Thanks, Fred
Hi Fred If you google knitting machine + manuals there are some out there. Good luck!
Regards
Hilda
P.S. Is it a half size radar ?
Hilda
2011-05-04 11:27:27
Hello Fred
As long as the stitch scales are for Knitmaster/Silver Reed they should be compatible with your machine.
Such items are often available on eBay or try the advertisers in MKM.
Hope you manage to find what you are looking for.
Regards
Sue.
Sue P
2011-04-20 15:13:42
Garter Carriage
Hi Christine
The first thing to check is the garter carriage needle.
It should be slightly angled at the tip also check the latch is moving freely.
If in doubt change the needle.
Hope you soon get it working properly.
Regards
Sue.
The first thing to check is the garter carriage needle.
It should be slightly angled at the tip also check the latch is moving freely.
If in doubt change the needle.
Hope you soon get it working properly.
Regards
Sue.
Sue P
2011-04-11 11:12:43
Chevron chic January 2009 edition
Thanks for any clarification.
Hi westshoreleanne
Having had a play on my machine I think you start with the machine set at 5P and push up needles for 1×1 rib.
Then you move the ribber by Half a Pitch the left so that the needles are offset. Now you take every sixth needle on the ribber out of work.
This gives you 2 ribber needles out of work opposite one needle on the main bed then the next block has 2 ribber needles out of work opposite 2 needles on the main bed.
This setup repeats across the needles and alternates as you rack left and right.
Hope this helps you get the needles in the right position.
Kind regards
Sue.
Sue P
2011-04-07 14:56:14
Rennie Supersoft wool
Hi Linda
Rennie sell their coned yarn ‘oiled’ but I don’t know whether BSK have it supplied ready washed.
If it is oiled it will feel greasy look a bit stringy and have a distinct smell. In that case you would have to knit the tension swatch at a looser setting than normal and wash it a couple of times in warm water to which you’ve added some washing up liquid. Once you’ve rinsed it thoroughly sqeeze out the excess moisture and pat it to shape on a towel and allow to dry naturally. The looser tension allows the fibres to fluff up once the oil is removed.
As a guide – for Shetland spun in oil equivalent to a 4 ply the tension has to be about 9.
I hope this helps a bit.
Regards
Sue.
Rennie sell their coned yarn ‘oiled’ but I don’t know whether BSK have it supplied ready washed.
If it is oiled it will feel greasy look a bit stringy and have a distinct smell. In that case you would have to knit the tension swatch at a looser setting than normal and wash it a couple of times in warm water to which you’ve added some washing up liquid. Once you’ve rinsed it thoroughly sqeeze out the excess moisture and pat it to shape on a towel and allow to dry naturally. The looser tension allows the fibres to fluff up once the oil is removed.
As a guide – for Shetland spun in oil equivalent to a 4 ply the tension has to be about 9.
I hope this helps a bit.
Regards
Sue.
Sue P
2011-04-01 17:05:00
Hi Linda
Rennie sell their coned yarn ‘oiled’ but I don’t know whether BSK have it supplied ready washed.
If it is oiled it will feel greasy look a bit stringy and have a distinct smell. In that case you would have to knit the tension swatch at a looser setting than normal and wash it a couple of times in warm water to which you’ve added some washing up liquid. Once you’ve rinsed it thoroughly sqeeze out the excess moisture and pat it to shape on a towel and allow to dry naturally. The looser tension allows the fibres to fluff up once the oil is removed.
As a guide – for Shetland spun in oil equivalent to a 4 ply the tension has to be about 9.
I hope this helps a bit.
Regards
Sue.
Rennie sell their coned yarn ‘oiled’ but I don’t know whether BSK have it supplied ready washed.
If it is oiled it will feel greasy look a bit stringy and have a distinct smell. In that case you would have to knit the tension swatch at a looser setting than normal and wash it a couple of times in warm water to which you’ve added some washing up liquid. Once you’ve rinsed it thoroughly sqeeze out the excess moisture and pat it to shape on a towel and allow to dry naturally. The looser tension allows the fibres to fluff up once the oil is removed.
As a guide – for Shetland spun in oil equivalent to a 4 ply the tension has to be about 9.
I hope this helps a bit.
Regards
Sue.
Sue P
2011-04-01 17:05:00
Ribber alignment
Hi
I have a Brother 850 and ribber, which desperately needs a good service after 20 years out of use. I have been unable to find anywhere locally (Halifax, West Yorkshire) and wonder if anyone can help?
I have replaced the sponge bar and the main bed works just fine. However, when the ribber is in place it just doesn’t pick up the yarn. The needles look to be in the correct position and I feel it may be the carriage. I look forward to any information or advice anyone may be able to provide.
Thank you in anticipation
Kind regards
Sue Stead
If you go into Google enter ‘ribber alignment brother 850’
In the results second one down when I looked there is an ebay guide by Supercub the title is’ Knitting
machines part 2 Adjusting a Brother ribber’ which worked great for me give it a try I have it in my favorites so I don’t lose it!
In the results second one down when I looked there is an ebay guide by Supercub the title is’ Knitting
machines part 2 Adjusting a Brother ribber’ which worked great for me give it a try I have it in my favorites so I don’t lose it!
daisymay
2011-04-07 10:13:42
If you go into Google enter ‘ribber alignment brother 850’
In the results second one down when I looked there is an ebay guide by Supercub the title is’ Knitting
machines part 2 Adjusting a Brother ribber’ which worked great for me give it a try I have it in my favorites so I don’t lose it!
In the results second one down when I looked there is an ebay guide by Supercub the title is’ Knitting
machines part 2 Adjusting a Brother ribber’ which worked great for me give it a try I have it in my favorites so I don’t lose it!
daisymay
2011-04-07 10:13:42
I don’t know if this will be of use to you but there is a set of Mylar sheets for the Knitmaster 580 on eBay at the moment. Item Number 230623359927.
Regards
Sue.