Helpline

Brother KH811

Only a few needles are catching the yarn on the cast on row, I’ve tried varying the yarn tension. The needles look okay and I’ve cleaned and oiled the machine. The sponge of the sponge bar looks in bad condition so I didn’t contiue to remove it. Could this be the problem? If so what can I do about it? If not, any other suggestions would be appreciated.

Hi Pam

Sorry to hear you are having problems. The state of the sponge bar does affect the machine’s ability to knit properly.

The foam probably needs replacing. Brother sponge bars seem to be difficult to source but try Trading Post on the web page or look on ebay. There is a company making replacement foam strips for various sponge bars. They make foam to the same specifications as the original.

If the yarn continues to get caught on the gate pegs try tightening the tension slightly on the upper tension unit and don’t take the carriage too far past the knitting – just far enough to hear a click.

Hope this helps and you are soon knitting again.

Regards
Sue.

Sue P
2012-10-09 19:30:52
Hi Pam

Sorry to hear you are having problems. The state of the sponge bar does affect the machine’s ability to knit properly.

The foam probably needs replacing. Brother sponge bars seem to be difficult to source but try Trading Post on the web page or look on ebay. There is a company making replacement foam strips for various sponge bars. They make foam to the same specifications as the original.

If the yarn continues to get caught on the gate pegs try tightening the tension slightly on the upper tension unit and don’t take the carriage too far past the knitting – just far enough to hear a click.

Hope this helps and you are soon knitting again.

Regards
Sue.

Sue P
2012-10-09 19:30:52

Chunky ribber needle problem

When moving needles into position to cast on, they slip down to the base of the ribber bed. Is there something I must tighten to keep the needles in place in the needle bed?

Hi Yolande

It sounds as though your sponge bar needs replacing. Use the latch tool to push it out of the needle bed and pull it right out. Check the condition of the foam it should be well above the metal of the bar and spring back into shape when pressed. If it is squashed or degraded you will either need to replace the foam or the whole bar. There is a company which makes suitable replacement foam for various machines and they advertise on ebay. Alternatively check Trading Post on this website.

Regards
Sue.

Sue P
2012-10-09 19:20:58
Hi Yolande

It sounds as though your sponge bar needs replacing. Use the latch tool to push it out of the needle bed and pull it right out. Check the condition of the foam it should be well above the metal of the bar and spring back into shape when pressed. If it is squashed or degraded you will either need to replace the foam or the whole bar. There is a company which makes suitable replacement foam for various machines and they advertise on ebay. Alternatively check Trading Post on this website.

Regards
Sue.

Sue P
2012-10-09 19:20:58

Silver Reed PC10 HELP

Hi
I’ve just bought a secondhand Silver Reed SK840 with the PC10 pattern controller, which myself and daughters have tried to get to work, but we’re having no luck recalling any of the 100 inbuilt patterns – or anything else. I think that maybe it’s a faulty unit, but with no manual to test this I don’t know for sure. Having spent the week online and phoning around I’m no nearer getting a solution to my dilemma. Can anyone out there please HELP!
Many thanks

Hi
I have one of these and Metropolitan supplied a laminated sheet with all the instructions on it. They are based in Nantwich Cheshire and are really helpful.
Alternatively if you email me at marydonovan@btinternet.com I will try to help.
Best wishes Mary
knitting nurse
2012-09-21 14:31:46

Club

Hi
Does anyone know of a machine knitting club or meeting which takes place near Nottingham or Mansfield in the UK? I’m now retired and would like to join such a group.
Thanks.

Hi

Have you checked the list of clubs on this website?

Also the Guild of Machine Knitters website lists clubs and their contact details. They have details for Mapperley Ollerton and Worksop. Perhaps one of those would be close to you?

Kind regards
Sue.

Sue P
2012-08-23 15:13:12

No instructions

Hi
I’ve just got a Simpleframe but unfortunately there are no instructions. Can anyone help me to use it?
Thanks.

I have some instructions and a few patterns . Send me an email at
Lindawer@facebook.com and I’ll send you a list of what I have.

Linda

Lindawer
2012-10-20 14:41:05

Where do I start?

Hi
I live in North Devon and have always wanted a knitting machine because I’ve always loved hand knitting. Where do I start to find a machine that I would be able to understand how to use when the only tuition I can see appears to be in the North.
Thanks for any help.

Hi Peter

Is there a machine knitting group near you? Check the Guild of Machine Knitters website.

You will find that all knitting machines come with a manual which explains the basics: what the tools are called and what they are used for casting on and off increasing and decreasing buttonholes etc. Some machines are very basic and do not have automatic patterning others use punchcards and there is also quite a range of electronic machines.

If you buy a used machine make sure it has the manual with it. You can also use the manual to check that the machine is complete and has all the tools that it came with when new.

Silver are the only machines still being manufactured; they advertise in MKM. The website “Scan the Cat” has lots of information on Brother machines and “The Knitting Machine Museum” has useful information on all the different makes of machines. A search for “machine knitting” on the Internet will produce lots of useful information and there are quite a few demonstration clips on u-tube.

Metropolitan Machine Knitting have comprehensive correspondence courses both for single bed Japanese machines – Brother Silver/Knitmaster and Toyota and for these machines with a ribber attachment – and Passap/Pfaff. They also have separate courses for Silver electronic and Brother electronic.

Check the adverts in MKM for places that sell used machines; I’m sure they would be happy to give you advice if you contact them.

I hope you find what you are looking for and enjoy learning how to use it.

Regards
Sue.

Sue P
2012-08-21 11:14:42
Another great source is utube Diana Sulivan has some excellent tutorials.
Karen Freeborn
2012-09-11 19:19:54
Hi Peter
If you decide to purchase a punchcard machine I can offer to help you use it. I have a Knitmaster 360 which is the same as the Silver Reed machines. I can also help you on a Brother machine and my phone number is 01237-431959. Hope this is a help to you.
Joy
dingdongdell
2013-10-02 08:48:56

Distorted rib stitches

Although my gate pegs and needles appear fine, I frequently get one or two distorted columns of stitches in otherwise perfect rib. Any suggestions as to the cause? I’m using oiled pure wool, so should I take all the needles out of the machine and clean them?

Hi

If you haven’t cleaned the needles for a while it may be a good idea to do so.

Also check that all the latches are working smoothly and try loosening the stitch size slightly. Oiled wool is quite stiff compared to waxed yarns and doesn’t like too tight a tension.

Hope this helps
Regards Sue.

Sue P
2012-07-18 19:25:10
Thanks for your time and assistance. I cleaned my ribber and was surprised to find how much fluff was inside it. I realise I need to use a lower tension than manuals would indicate.
Tanna
2012-07-23 16:43:49

Chunky Knitter Model 155

Hi
I bought this machine about 20 years ago and have never used it. I’d like to get started so I set up the machine and I’m just so intimated that I haven’t been able to get past doing anything else. Can I use regular patterns to make a simple sweater? I’m not sure where to start so please help! I’m an intermediate (but slow) knitter and can read patterns fairly well.
Thanks for any help.

Hi
First don’t be afraid! Chunky machines are great to get started on. Is there a club near you? I would try Google or go to your local library to find one otherwise there are on-line courses as well as courses you can actively go on. I’ve just returned from Hereford with Amy Twigger Holroyd who has beginners’ classes on the Knitmaster Chunky 155. You could also try YouTube. Just put in ‘beginner machine knitting’ and select from the short videos. Some are better than others. Good luck stick with it it’s a great hobby. If you’re near Hertfordshire I could maybe help.
Best wishes
kazbill
2012-09-21 14:29:58
Hi
You don’t say the area you have come from but I’ve just bought a 155 and I’m willing to help if you live in the Lincolnshire area.
rosiewright
2012-09-21 14:29:58
Hi
First don’t be afraid! Chunky machines are great to get started on. Is there a club near you? I would try Google or go to your local library to find one otherwise there are on-line courses as well as courses you can actively go on. I’ve just returned from Hereford with Amy Twigger Holroyd who has beginners’ classes on the Knitmaster Chunky 155. You could also try YouTube. Just put in ‘beginner machine knitting’ and select from the short videos. Some are better than others. Good luck stick with it it’s a great hobby. If you’re near Hertfordshire I could maybe help.
Best wishes
kazbill
2012-09-21 14:29:58
Hi
You don’t say the area you have come from but I’ve just bought a 155 and I’m willing to help if you live in the Lincolnshire area.
rosiewright
2012-09-21 14:29:58

Toyota 901 needles

Hi
I have a Toyota 901 and have discovered that you can no longer get needles
for this machine. Is there another type of needle that I can use instead?
Thanks, Rachel

Hi Rachel

It’s worth checking the listings on ebay as needles are sometimes advertised.

I don’t know if it’s possible to use other needles – each make and model seem to have their own.

Regards
Sue

Sue P
2012-05-02 16:00:27
Hi Rachel
There are some needles on ebay now.
Sue.
Sue P
2012-05-13 19:52:52
Hi Sue
Thank you. You have been very helpful.
Rachel
Rachel O
2012-05-22 12:26:04

Color changer

Hi Sandra
I’ve just checked on www.metropolitanmachineknitting.co.uk and from the information given the YC5 is for double bed only whereas the YC6 is for either single or double bed. Metropolitan are advertising a secondhand YC5 for £10. Hope this helps
Regards Sue.
Sue P
2013-05-03 11:03:30
Hi Sandra
I have the same model machine and ribber as you and I have a YC6 colour changer as it gives me the option to use the colour changer for Fair Isle or double Jacqard. Hope this is of some help to you.
Best wishes Joy.
dingdongdell
2013-05-03 11:02:44
Hi Sandra
I have had the YC6 for years which I use with the Knitmaster 360. It’s very versatile because you can use it for double bed Jacquard work and for single bed Fair Isle. Hope this is a help to you.
Joy
dingdongdell
2013-05-03 11:04:39
Hi Sandra
I’ve just checked on www.metropolitanmachineknitting.co.uk and from the information given the YC5 is for double bed only whereas the YC6 is for either single or double bed. Metropolitan are advertising a secondhand YC5 for £10. Hope this helps
Regards Sue.
Sue P
2013-05-03 11:03:30
Hi Sandra
I have the same model machine and ribber as you and I have a YC6 colour changer as it gives me the option to use the colour changer for Fair Isle or double Jacqard. Hope this is of some help to you.
Best wishes Joy.
dingdongdell
2013-05-03 11:02:44
Hi Sandra
I have had the YC6 for years which I use with the Knitmaster 360. It’s very versatile because you can use it for double bed Jacquard work and for single bed Fair Isle. Hope this is a help to you.
Joy
dingdongdell
2013-05-03 11:04:39