Machine Knitting meetings in South Wales

Thanks for any responses.

I myself am returning to machine knitting as a designer. I am thinking of setting up classes in design in machine knitting and would be interested to hear of any contacts you make who would be interested in these.

Angela Coryn
angela.coryn@btinternet.com
Tel: 01269 822375

angela coryn
2010-01-19 17:37:41
Hi Gail
I’m also returning to machine knitting after a period of 20 years and I’d like to be in contact with you and anyone in South Wales. (I live in Newport.)
I have a Brother 830 and would also like to exchange interests patterns and ideas.
Best wishes Mo
MAUREEN
2011-09-30 20:23:27

Elena Bulky Machine

Hi
I found this website which may be of help:

http://knittsings.com/how-to-make-a-knitting-machine-needle-retainer-sponge-bar-part-1-remove-the-old-and-clean-for-new/

If you really can’t buy a new one – it looks very possible to make good the old one!

I usually buy from bsk – they are on eBay and you may be able to contact them to see if they can get a sponge bar to fit.

Wrapaholic
2010-01-15 14:18:06
Hi Wrapaholic

I would like to buy a new one but if I can’t thanks for the information but where do you buy the felt?

Do you cut it to fit?

Thanks
Angie

angelina
2010-01-19 19:42:30
Hi Have you tried Ebay I have just bought one for my old Jones Brother 910. Price was reasonable as well.

Also try BSK – they are usually very helpful.
Gail

Gail Rees
2010-01-16 15:19:45
Hi I have just followed the instructions on Knitsings for my Toyota 901 – sponge bars are no longer available.
I bought 1/2 inch foam on ebay and some woven iron-on interfacing but it is rather a loose weave and I think Vilene might be better. A rotary cutter sliced through the foam really cleanly. I am really pleased with the result.
Sue P
2010-01-18 08:36:53
Hi
I found this website which may be of help:

http://knittsings.com/how-to-make-a-knitting-machine-needle-retainer-sponge-bar-part-1-remove-the-old-and-clean-for-new/

If you really can’t buy a new one – it looks very possible to make good the old one!

I usually buy from bsk – they are on eBay and you may be able to contact them to see if they can get a sponge bar to fit.

Wrapaholic
2010-01-15 14:18:06
Hi Wrapaholic

I would like to buy a new one but if I can’t thanks for the information but where do you buy the felt?

Do you cut it to fit?

Thanks
Angie

angelina
2010-01-19 19:42:30
Hi Have you tried Ebay I have just bought one for my old Jones Brother 910. Price was reasonable as well.

Also try BSK – they are usually very helpful.
Gail

Gail Rees
2010-01-16 15:19:45
Hi I have just followed the instructions on Knitsings for my Toyota 901 – sponge bars are no longer available.
I bought 1/2 inch foam on ebay and some woven iron-on interfacing but it is rather a loose weave and I think Vilene might be better. A rotary cutter sliced through the foam really cleanly. I am really pleased with the result.
Sue P
2010-01-18 08:36:53

Machine Maintenance!

Hi,
I am wishing to give my brother KH891 a spruce up – it just dropped a load of stitches off some fine lace I was trying to knit (using bramwell fine 4ply on tension 8) so I’m guessing the machine is asking for a clean.

2 of the needles are bent – so I know how to get those out – and I have ordered some new ones – and also a new sponge bar for good measure (I wouldn’t know how to tell if the old sponge bar was okay or not!)
I know the good needles need to be soaked in something – what? (methelayted spirits or surgical spirit?)
Then I guess they have to be carefully polished with a rag.

I think I’m to try to hoover out any fluff from the main needle bed if I can – and give the machine a wipe over (just a cloth – or something on the cloth?)
I know I need to sparingly rub some silicone oil over the machine (that’s on order too – but order is being delayed by snow and ice!)…

Any concise help in exactly how to complete the maintenance would be gratefully received. The machine has been in storage for a year or so. It has been little used by me – and came to me in good condition – so I don’t suppose there’s much wrong with it really.

I’m really wanting to get knitting again – and take good care of this old machine!

Put the needles in a jam jar top up with surgical spirit and a teaspoon of machine oil. Put the lid on and leave to soak while you clean the machine.
Vacuuming will remove most of the fluff but an old needle can be used to pick out any stubborn bits. Wipe the needlebed and rails with a cloth lightly moistened with oil (don’t use WD40).
Now for the needles: Give the jar a shake to loosen the dirt. Remove needles one at a time and wipe on the oily cloth checking for bent needles and stiff latches. Replace each one as you go.
Use a lightly oiled cloth to wipe the underside of the carriage.
Sue P
2010-01-17 20:55:50
Put the needles in a jam jar top up with surgical spirit and a teaspoon of machine oil. Put the lid on and leave to soak while you clean the machine.
Vacuuming will remove most of the fluff but an old needle can be used to pick out any stubborn bits. Wipe the needlebed and rails with a cloth lightly moistened with oil (don’t use WD40).
Now for the needles: Give the jar a shake to loosen the dirt. Remove needles one at a time and wipe on the oily cloth checking for bent needles and stiff latches. Replace each one as you go.
Use a lightly oiled cloth to wipe the underside of the carriage.
Sue P
2010-01-17 20:55:50

brother 950i

I have just bought a second hand brother 950i, I am unable to operate the ribber, the carriage is sticking when the needles pass through, any ideas,

Hi
I’m in no way an expert – but as I’m going through the same process of trying to set up a ribber for the first time with my Brother 950 – I thought I would pass on what I’ve learnt so far.

1) Check your sponge bar on the 950. Make sure there is no “give” on the needles ie. they don’t bounce up an down when you press down on them.

2) Check the alignment of the needles on the main bed and the ribber so that they are directly opposite each other when the swing knob is set to 5 and the pitch lever is set to P for pitch.
3)Check the height of the gap between the ribber and the main bed.

For points 2) and 3) the manual that comes with the ribber is not much use. There is a good article on ebay reviews about adjusting brother ribbers along with photos (http://reviews.ebay.co.uk/KNITTING-MACHINES-PART-2-ADJUSTING-A-BROTHER-RIBBER_W0QQugidZ10000000006613323). There is also an excellent article by Anne Croucher in the Yahoo group KnittingMachines on how to adjust a Brother ribber.

Hope this is of help
Good luck
Marjie

mrs.ferret
2010-01-07 22:09:28
Hi
I’m in no way an expert – but as I’m going through the same process of trying to set up a ribber for the first time with my Brother 950 – I thought I would pass on what I’ve learnt so far.

1) Check your sponge bar on the 950. Make sure there is no “give” on the needles ie. they don’t bounce up an down when you press down on them.

2) Check the alignment of the needles on the main bed and the ribber so that they are directly opposite each other when the swing knob is set to 5 and the pitch lever is set to P for pitch.
3)Check the height of the gap between the ribber and the main bed.

For points 2) and 3) the manual that comes with the ribber is not much use. There is a good article on ebay reviews about adjusting brother ribbers along with photos (http://reviews.ebay.co.uk/KNITTING-MACHINES-PART-2-ADJUSTING-A-BROTHER-RIBBER_W0QQugidZ10000000006613323). There is also an excellent article by Anne Croucher in the Yahoo group KnittingMachines on how to adjust a Brother ribber.

Hope this is of help
Good luck
Marjie

mrs.ferret
2010-01-07 22:09:28

Circular yoke for children

Hi,

I’m hoping to knit a sweater with a Fair Isle yoke for my 4 year old daughter. I’m using a Silver Reed machine with a punchcard function and ribber. I have an adult pattern for machine knitting (from Machine Knitting Monthly 1991) which I would like to adapt to her size. I have no clue how to revise the pattern and the yoke in order to make the pattern work for a smaller size. Any suggestions or tips on how to do this or where to find a pattern?

Thanks…

Hello Mariatherese

I know it is rather a long time since you posted your query but I have just found that Kathleen Kinder has Circular Yoke Patterns in her book “A Resource Book Pattern Supplement”. She has drawn blocks for the Knitradar based on a raglan sleeve pattern. Perhaps it would be possible for you to adapt a raglan pattern if you do not have this book.
To shape the yoke she suggests three decrease rows in between the bands of pattern. To do this she recommends decreasing evenly along the row then removing the knitting on waste yarn. Rehang the stitches on to fewer needles – it’s easier when you have already done the decreases then knit the next section.

I hope this helps a bit.

Regards
Sue.

Sue P
2010-05-24 18:40:37
Hello Mariatherese

I know it is rather a long time since you posted your query but I have just found that Kathleen Kinder has Circular Yoke Patterns in her book “A Resource Book Pattern Supplement”. She has drawn blocks for the Knitradar based on a raglan sleeve pattern. Perhaps it would be possible for you to adapt a raglan pattern if you do not have this book.
To shape the yoke she suggests three decrease rows in between the bands of pattern. To do this she recommends decreasing evenly along the row then removing the knitting on waste yarn. Rehang the stitches on to fewer needles – it’s easier when you have already done the decreases then knit the next section.

I hope this helps a bit.

Regards
Sue.

Sue P
2010-05-24 18:40:37

Knit Leader L116

I have knitted a swatch on my brother KH260 60 rows and 40 stitches as required but the measurements between these points are to big to choose the relevant settings on the knitleader.

Can this be done or will it only work on standard gauge machines? I would be very grateful for some information.

Thanks
Kath

Hi make a swatch 20 stitches and 30 rows. Knit 15 rows and mark the 11th needle each side knit 15 more rows.
See page 45 in the instruction book. You should have stitch scales provided with the chunky machine which fit the Knitleader.
Sue P
2010-01-18 08:36:53
Thank you for that information its a great help now coming back into machine knitting after 20+ years and have again a chunky and standard machine. I’ve forgotten everything!

I am trying to find what the little green ruler is for – I can remember using it to measure between markers but can not remember how to read it and was it for use with knitleader or not the little grey cells are not working.

Thank you once again for your response

kath61
2010-01-18 19:04:32
Hi Kath
The green ruler is for measuring swatches done on the standard gauge machine – there is a blue one for the chunky.
You line up the end with ‘s’ against the left marked stitch and read off the stitches to 10cm at the other marked stitch.
Similarly for rows with the other side.
For the Knitleader you have to measure 40 sts with a ruler and find the appropriate stitch scale then measure 60 rows and turn the dial on the Knitleader to the corresponding setting.
Hope this helps
Sue
Sue P
2010-01-19 17:37:41
Hi make a swatch 20 stitches and 30 rows. Knit 15 rows and mark the 11th needle each side knit 15 more rows.
See page 45 in the instruction book. You should have stitch scales provided with the chunky machine which fit the Knitleader.
Sue P
2010-01-18 08:36:53
Thank you for that information its a great help now coming back into machine knitting after 20+ years and have again a chunky and standard machine. I’ve forgotten everything!

I am trying to find what the little green ruler is for – I can remember using it to measure between markers but can not remember how to read it and was it for use with knitleader or not the little grey cells are not working.

Thank you once again for your response

kath61
2010-01-18 19:04:32
Hi Kath
The green ruler is for measuring swatches done on the standard gauge machine – there is a blue one for the chunky.
You line up the end with ‘s’ against the left marked stitch and read off the stitches to 10cm at the other marked stitch.
Similarly for rows with the other side.
For the Knitleader you have to measure 40 sts with a ruler and find the appropriate stitch scale then measure 60 rows and turn the dial on the Knitleader to the corresponding setting.
Hope this helps
Sue
Sue P
2010-01-19 17:37:41

Beret

Hi Susan
I have adapted my pattern that was published in the April 2009 issue of MKM.
It uses 4 ply yarn (50g acrylic).
You need card 3 or Brother card 2s – one that will select alternate needles in 1×1 rib.
I had to have the needle to the left of centre on the Main Bed in work and arrange the rib accordingly.
It’s worth doing a dummy run to make sure alternate needles select every 3 or 4 rows (depending on the punchcard used).
Beret measures 10″ across.

Cast on 168 needles hang comb and weights.
Knit 2 circular rows.
Knit 20 rows at a fairly tight tension.
Inc. 1 st at Right on Ribber. This gives a knitted st at each end of every row.
Set Main Carriage to read card and knit 1 row.
CAR reset RC 000 set Main Carr to Tuck in both directions.
Tension 5/5 or higher knit 60 rows tuck. More rows here will give a bigger beret.
Tension 3/3 knit 10 rows.
Transfer Main Bed sts to Ribber needles which already have a stitch.
Empty needles to NWP.
Tension 3 knit 10 rows – the stitches should knit ok because of the weight on the ribber comb.
Tension 7 knit 1 row.
Remove on waste yarn and latch through loops of last row knitted in MY.
Join seam.
Make a twisted cord and thread through the last row at top of beret. I find a cord is stronger for pulling up the crown. Push the top edge inside the beret as you pull the cord and tie it off securely.
I hope this gives you a start
Regards
Sue

Sue P
2010-01-31 08:39:51
Hi Susan
I have adapted my pattern that was published in the April 2009 issue of MKM.
It uses 4 ply yarn (50g acrylic).
You need card 3 or Brother card 2s – one that will select alternate needles in 1×1 rib.
I had to have the needle to the left of centre on the Main Bed in work and arrange the rib accordingly.
It’s worth doing a dummy run to make sure alternate needles select every 3 or 4 rows (depending on the punchcard used).
Beret measures 10″ across.

Cast on 168 needles hang comb and weights.
Knit 2 circular rows.
Knit 20 rows at a fairly tight tension.
Inc. 1 st at Right on Ribber. This gives a knitted st at each end of every row.
Set Main Carriage to read card and knit 1 row.
CAR reset RC 000 set Main Carr to Tuck in both directions.
Tension 5/5 or higher knit 60 rows tuck. More rows here will give a bigger beret.
Tension 3/3 knit 10 rows.
Transfer Main Bed sts to Ribber needles which already have a stitch.
Empty needles to NWP.
Tension 3 knit 10 rows – the stitches should knit ok because of the weight on the ribber comb.
Tension 7 knit 1 row.
Remove on waste yarn and latch through loops of last row knitted in MY.
Join seam.
Make a twisted cord and thread through the last row at top of beret. I find a cord is stronger for pulling up the crown. Push the top edge inside the beret as you pull the cord and tie it off securely.
I hope this gives you a start
Regards
Sue

Sue P
2010-01-31 08:39:51

Junies

Where do I go from here? The ribber 850 looks okay and the sponge bar is free and all looks okay. The 950i sponge bar looks as thought it is stuck and the needle heads look dirty or even perhaps rusty. Can anyone give me any advice on what to do now. I live in West Yorkshire.

I probably can’t help you with your problem but I am a machine knitter in Dewsbury West Yorkshire and are looking for other machine knitters in the area to keep in touch with. Where abouts in West Yorkshire are you? I have a brother KH830 and ribber. Also a brother convertable which I have not used yet. I am new to the internet so don’t expect miracles.

Susan E Johnson

susan@knitting
2009-12-01 20:13:06
Hi June

I am sorry I have not replied to your emails. My computer crashed and I lost all emails and address book. I enjoyed our contact and would like to start again. Please contact me if you can. I have written a letter to go in the March issue trying to get back in contact with you. Now I have found your letter again on the magazine site. Love to hear from you again.

Susan E Johnson

susan@knitting
2010-01-16 21:15:29
I probably can’t help you with your problem but I am a machine knitter in Dewsbury West Yorkshire and are looking for other machine knitters in the area to keep in touch with. Where abouts in West Yorkshire are you? I have a brother KH830 and ribber. Also a brother convertable which I have not used yet. I am new to the internet so don’t expect miracles.

Susan E Johnson

susan@knitting
2009-12-01 20:13:06
Hi June

I am sorry I have not replied to your emails. My computer crashed and I lost all emails and address book. I enjoyed our contact and would like to start again. Please contact me if you can. I have written a letter to go in the March issue trying to get back in contact with you. Now I have found your letter again on the magazine site. Love to hear from you again.

Susan E Johnson

susan@knitting
2010-01-16 21:15:29