Toyota KS858 and KR506

Hi

I’m new here. I bought these machines on eBay and they seem to be okay, but I just can’t get the cast-on process to work properly. It worked once on a trial run, but not since. Everything looks set-up and threaded properly, but the stitches don’t form. Can anyone give any advice please? Thanks

Hi

Sorry to hear you are having problems. The following may help.

Make sure the machine is clean.

Check that the gate pegs are upright and evenly spaced.

Check the spongebars in both beds. If the foam is flattened it will need replacing. Some people recommend using Silver Reed spongebars as replacements as Toyota ones are no longer available. Alternatively you can replace the foam with draught excluder taping round the ends to secure it.

Loosen the ribber setting screws at the ends of the beds and make sure the ribber is pushed against the mainbed as far as it will go before re-tightening them.

Check that the ribber connecting arm is seated properly – take it off and replace it making sure it sits on the positioning notches on the main carriage.

To start with try a 1×1 rib using alternate needles on each bed with the beds set at Full Pitch. Cast on with a tight tension position the comb and continue as book.

Hope this helps.
Regards Sue.

Sue P
2012-01-30 22:57:07
Thank you so much and I will do as you suggest. I do notice that the connecting bar barely sits in the notch of the ribber so perhaps this is one of the problems.
daisy8
2012-02-13 20:44:43
Hi
I’ve just thought of something else: Make sure the Simulknit Lever is set to ‘O’ and that the middle lever on the Ribber Carriage is on Empty with the other two levers on Plain. All the other levers on the Ribber Carriage should be set to ‘O’. For the first row the Main Carriage should be set for Plain knitting.
You should then get a zig zag between the beds with the yarn in the needle hooks.
Hoping this gets you started.
Regards
Sue.
Sue P
2012-01-31 20:24:28
Thanks again Sue. I had made some progress since my first post. I’ve managed to use the ribber for a scarf in 2-ply wool which was going well but then again it dropped stitches suddenly. I think it must need a new sponge bar so I’m planning to look into that next.
daisy8
2012-02-13 20:45:08

Balls of wool

In a recent copy of the magazine it was mentioned that balls of wool can be used on a knitting machine but of course need to be waxed. How does one do that?

Hi

You need a wool winder and if you want to wax the yarn
a piece of a candle works well.

Find the ‘tail’ in the centre of the ball and let the yarn pass over the candle as you wind it. Wind each ball individually.

It is not always necessary to wax the yarn.

Balled yarn has a higher twist than coned yarn so you may need to knit with a looser tension.

Regards

Sue.

Sue P
2012-01-30 22:38:55

Mylar sheets

Hi Karrie

Metropolitan have these listed on their website. They are £11.80 for five. Sometimes they are advertised on eBay so it may be worth checking the listings.

Hope you manage to find some.

Regards Sue.

Sue P
2012-01-30 15:57:30
Hi
Thank you so much for your response and I’ve just been and placed my order with Metropolitan.
Karrie
2012-01-09 12:32:24
Hi
Thanks for your response and I’ve been and ordered some.
Karrie
2012-01-09 12:32:24
Hi there
Last year I came back to machine knitting on my Brother 950i and of course many of my Mylar sheet patterns were old fashioned and designs that I would not knit any more. I searched for Mylar sheets to buy and had problems finding them at decent prices so I decided to ‘clean off’ my old sheets. Eventually I discovered the ‘stain remover’ for oil and tar did the trick beautifully. Now I’ve cleaned most of them off and have put new designs on them. Some of the old designs were from 24 years ago including reindeer and snowflakes and I kept them as they’re now so popular in the High Street shops. I’ve just finished a gorgeous little sweater for my one year old great grandson Ben so try to save some money and get the stain remover from the £1 shop. It’s worth every penny and good luck.
Best wishes
Barbara
barbararoblin
2012-01-20 17:55:58
Thanks Barbara
The problem was that I couldn’t find my Mylar sheets not that they were full.
Karrie
2012-01-20 18:12:19
Hi Barbara
What kind of pen do you use on your Mylar sheets?
Thank you Linda
Linda69
2012-01-30 15:56:03
Hi
I know you have lost your Mylar sheets but others might be interested in removing Mylar pen marks from their chart.
I used to use Brasso metal polish put on a piece of cloth and it fetched the old Mylar marker off a treat.
Vincentwood
2012-05-01 20:14:59
Hi

There are several listings on ebay at the moment for blank and pre-printed Mylar sheets.

I thought you might be interested.

Sue.

Sue P
2012-07-09 15:52:53
Hi Karrie

Metropolitan have these listed on their website. They are £11.80 for five. Sometimes they are advertised on eBay so it may be worth checking the listings.

Hope you manage to find some.

Regards Sue.

Sue P
2012-01-30 15:57:30
Hi
Thank you so much for your response and I’ve just been and placed my order with Metropolitan.
Karrie
2012-01-09 12:32:24
Hi
Thanks for your response and I’ve been and ordered some.
Karrie
2012-01-09 12:32:24
Hi there
Last year I came back to machine knitting on my Brother 950i and of course many of my Mylar sheet patterns were old fashioned and designs that I would not knit any more. I searched for Mylar sheets to buy and had problems finding them at decent prices so I decided to ‘clean off’ my old sheets. Eventually I discovered the ‘stain remover’ for oil and tar did the trick beautifully. Now I’ve cleaned most of them off and have put new designs on them. Some of the old designs were from 24 years ago including reindeer and snowflakes and I kept them as they’re now so popular in the High Street shops. I’ve just finished a gorgeous little sweater for my one year old great grandson Ben so try to save some money and get the stain remover from the £1 shop. It’s worth every penny and good luck.
Best wishes
Barbara
barbararoblin
2012-01-20 17:55:58
Thanks Barbara
The problem was that I couldn’t find my Mylar sheets not that they were full.
Karrie
2012-01-20 18:12:19
Hi Barbara
What kind of pen do you use on your Mylar sheets?
Thank you Linda
Linda69
2012-01-30 15:56:03
Hi
I know you have lost your Mylar sheets but others might be interested in removing Mylar pen marks from their chart.
I used to use Brasso metal polish put on a piece of cloth and it fetched the old Mylar marker off a treat.
Vincentwood
2012-05-01 20:14:59
Hi

There are several listings on ebay at the moment for blank and pre-printed Mylar sheets.

I thought you might be interested.

Sue.

Sue P
2012-07-09 15:52:53

A knitted Father Christmas

I know Christmas has gone but I’m hoping to be able to knit one for next year and I haven’t got a pattern. Can anyone help please?

Hi

Have you searched on Google?

There are lots of websites that have knitting patterns.

Even if you found a hand knitting pattern you could probably adapt it for the machine.

Regards
Sue.

Sue P
2012-01-09 16:33:15
Hi
Thank you.
biltek akademi
2012-01-14 12:17:26
Hi

Have you searched on Google?

There are lots of websites that have knitting patterns.

Even if you found a hand knitting pattern you could probably adapt it for the machine.

Regards
Sue.

Sue P
2012-01-09 16:33:15
Hi
Thank you.
biltek akademi
2012-01-14 12:17:26

Looking for Toyota KS901 owners

I used my machine constantly for about five years and then, due to job change and 10-hour work days, put it a way for ten years. All of my support sources have closed up or moved away. I’m looking for users of Toyota machines and good sources of coned yarn. I’m also interested in buying a ribber for the KS901. Any help anyone can give will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Dianne

Hi Dianne

I have a Toyota 901 and am on the list of Knitting Buddies in MKM. I am happy to offer help and advice about this machine and machine knitting in general.

This machine will take the 501 or 506 ribbers. They sometimes are advertised on Ebay.

There are several good suppliers of yarn that advertise in MKM; Yeoman Metropolitan Undy Uppingham – they all have websites where you can purchase yarns. BSK have all their yarns for sale on Ebay. There are also other advertisers on Ebay that sell yarns some single cones and some bulk buys.

Hope this helps with your query.

Kind regards
Sue.

Sue P
2012-01-12 17:51:45
Hi Dianne
I’ve just acquired a Toyota KS901. I’ve not yet used it as I decided to give it a good clean first and my Bellador oil has only just arrived. I can’t wait though. I don’t have much experience with machine knitting I just have a Bond and a KM302 so both quite basic machines.
Maybe we could set up a KS901 on-line group? I don’t suppose many machine knitters would use Facebook so may be we could have a yahoo group?
Amy
AmyA
2012-02-13 20:59:42
There is a group of Toyota knitters at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/toyotaknitters/
AmyA
2012-02-13 20:59:42
Hi Dianne I acquired a couple of Toyota 901 machines in January. I am still learning but having a great time at it. The yahoo group mentioned above is a great group. They helped me get one of my machines cleaned and up and running through posts as i had never met a knitting machine before. Helpful and great people. I also purchased one of my machines from Newton’s. They sell new and used ribbers. They were also great to deal with. Here is the link:

http://www.newtons.com/

Happy knitting…….Linda in VT

Linda888
2012-03-16 16:23:33
Hi
I’m having a right mare trying to set up my Toyota KS901. I’ve followed the manual down to a T changed the sponge bar and checked for any loose threads round the wheels and brushes but still cannot get it to knit! It’s driving me crazy! I’m not a total novice when it comes to machine knitting either as I took a course at University. I just really want it up and running asap for upcoming projects! I’ve just joined the above group in hope that someone on there can help me too! My email is jade.clark1@btinternet.com if anyone can offer any advice!
Thank you Jade
jadeclark
2013-05-03 11:00:05
Hi Dianne

I have a Toyota 901 and am on the list of Knitting Buddies in MKM. I am happy to offer help and advice about this machine and machine knitting in general.

This machine will take the 501 or 506 ribbers. They sometimes are advertised on Ebay.

There are several good suppliers of yarn that advertise in MKM; Yeoman Metropolitan Undy Uppingham – they all have websites where you can purchase yarns. BSK have all their yarns for sale on Ebay. There are also other advertisers on Ebay that sell yarns some single cones and some bulk buys.

Hope this helps with your query.

Kind regards
Sue.

Sue P
2012-01-12 17:51:45
Hi Dianne
I’ve just acquired a Toyota KS901. I’ve not yet used it as I decided to give it a good clean first and my Bellador oil has only just arrived. I can’t wait though. I don’t have much experience with machine knitting I just have a Bond and a KM302 so both quite basic machines.
Maybe we could set up a KS901 on-line group? I don’t suppose many machine knitters would use Facebook so may be we could have a yahoo group?
Amy
AmyA
2012-02-13 20:59:42
There is a group of Toyota knitters at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/toyotaknitters/
AmyA
2012-02-13 20:59:42
Hi Dianne I acquired a couple of Toyota 901 machines in January. I am still learning but having a great time at it. The yahoo group mentioned above is a great group. They helped me get one of my machines cleaned and up and running through posts as i had never met a knitting machine before. Helpful and great people. I also purchased one of my machines from Newton’s. They sell new and used ribbers. They were also great to deal with. Here is the link:

http://www.newtons.com/

Happy knitting…….Linda in VT

Linda888
2012-03-16 16:23:33
Hi
I’m having a right mare trying to set up my Toyota KS901. I’ve followed the manual down to a T changed the sponge bar and checked for any loose threads round the wheels and brushes but still cannot get it to knit! It’s driving me crazy! I’m not a total novice when it comes to machine knitting either as I took a course at University. I just really want it up and running asap for upcoming projects! I’ve just joined the above group in hope that someone on there can help me too! My email is jade.clark1@btinternet.com if anyone can offer any advice!
Thank you Jade
jadeclark
2013-05-03 11:00:05

KL116 Knit Leader instructions

Chunky KH 260 Brother machine with Knit Leader KL116
Tension square knitted 20 stitches wide by 30 rows long. I used two strands of DK Shamal together on Tension 5.
Stitches using a centimetre ruler it measured 12 cm. (I tried using the blue ruler but it came out to silly numbers (17.5) and all the tension squares I knitted came out wrong so I used a CM ruler.) Read 12 on the CM ruler so I read off 12 on the tube and put the card into the machine for the stitches = (Card 12) 126 – 128.
Rows Measured with the blue ruler it came to 23 so as I was told that on a chunky machine you have to halve that number I put 11.5 into the machine. I was also told that both trippers have to be down so that it trips the sheet twice on each row and to leave the feeding lever plugged into the left hand side NOT to move the feeding lever to the right hand side and lift one tripper as this wouldn’t work properly? I drew a six inch square onto the Knit Leader and knitted it up – the stitches came out correct but I cannot get the rows right. Can someone please write down what to do from START ( tension square) to FINISH knitting a 6 inch square on the Knit Leader – step by step – as I’m getting so disheartened. I love this machine and am so desperate to get going. I have knitted a jumper from a magazine but I want to do my own thing and the Knit Leader seemed the way to go. Please help!

Hi Silverleat

Firstly a note about the Blue Ruler. You cannot use it with the Knitleader. It is useful for finding how many stitches and rows measure 10cm (4″) if you want to work out your garment mathematically.

For detailed instructions on knitting a tension swatch see page 46 in the KH260 manual. Cast on over 40 needles knit several rows in main yarn and 2 rows contrast yarn. Now knit 15 rows using main yarn and the stitch you will use for your garment. Using a loop of contrast yarn knit needle 11 each side of centre 0 by hand then knit a further 15 rows. This gives 30 rows in main yarn. Now knit 2 rows contrast and several rows main yarn. Remove from machine. Roll the piece of knitting and give it a tug lengthwise to close the stitches.

Let it rest for at least a couple of hours and preferably overnight.

Now it is ready to be measured in millimetres. By the figure you give it will be 120 mm for 20 stitches. You should have a set of chunky stitch rules with your machine. Find number 11 it has orange ends and numbering and at one end you will see 120-122 printed on it. Put it into the Knitleader with this side showing. For the rows measure between the contrast rows in mm; this will give the measurement of 30 rows.
Set the Knitleader according to this measurement. Your KL book will explain in detail.

Both trippers on the main carriage have to be in working position.

When you feed the sheet into the Knitleader the stitch scale will indicate how many stitches to cast on for 6″ using scale 11 this will be 24 sts.

Now if you knit your trial piece it should come out the correct size. By the reading of 23 on the blue ruler you will have to knit about 34 or 35 rows for 6″.

I do hope this helps you to use your Knitleader.

Regards
Sue.

Sue P
2012-01-06 00:42:46
Hi Silverleat

Firstly a note about the Blue Ruler. You cannot use it with the Knitleader. It is useful for finding how many stitches and rows measure 10cm (4″) if you want to work out your garment mathematically.

For detailed instructions on knitting a tension swatch see page 46 in the KH260 manual. Cast on over 40 needles knit several rows in main yarn and 2 rows contrast yarn. Now knit 15 rows using main yarn and the stitch you will use for your garment. Using a loop of contrast yarn knit needle 11 each side of centre 0 by hand then knit a further 15 rows. This gives 30 rows in main yarn. Now knit 2 rows contrast and several rows main yarn. Remove from machine. Roll the piece of knitting and give it a tug lengthwise to close the stitches.

Let it rest for at least a couple of hours and preferably overnight.

Now it is ready to be measured in millimetres. By the figure you give it will be 120 mm for 20 stitches. You should have a set of chunky stitch rules with your machine. Find number 11 it has orange ends and numbering and at one end you will see 120-122 printed on it. Put it into the Knitleader with this side showing. For the rows measure between the contrast rows in mm; this will give the measurement of 30 rows.
Set the Knitleader according to this measurement. Your KL book will explain in detail.

Both trippers on the main carriage have to be in working position.

When you feed the sheet into the Knitleader the stitch scale will indicate how many stitches to cast on for 6″ using scale 11 this will be 24 sts.

Now if you knit your trial piece it should come out the correct size. By the reading of 23 on the blue ruler you will have to knit about 34 or 35 rows for 6″.

I do hope this helps you to use your Knitleader.

Regards
Sue.

Sue P
2012-01-06 00:42:46

Knitmaster 700 ribber problem

Hi

It sounds as if your ribber needs adjusting.

Do you have Mary Weaver’s ‘The Ribbing Attachment Part 2’? On page 282 she gives very detailed instructions for setting up the ribber correctly to eliminate problems.

There are too many instructions to copy here but I do hope you get it sorted.

Regards
Sue.

Sue P
2012-01-07 13:54:45
Hi
It’s all sorted now. The hooks that fit onto the main bed were slightly out of 90 degrees so I bent them back with a pair of pliers and now it works a treat. My thanks go to Heathercraft in Faygate for their help.
lilwood
2012-01-09 12:32:24
Hi
I’m wondering if the racking lever is set correctly depending on the needle arrangement? This does cause problems if not in right position.
lilli
2012-01-09 12:32:24
Hi

It sounds as if your ribber needs adjusting.

Do you have Mary Weaver’s ‘The Ribbing Attachment Part 2’? On page 282 she gives very detailed instructions for setting up the ribber correctly to eliminate problems.

There are too many instructions to copy here but I do hope you get it sorted.

Regards
Sue.

Sue P
2012-01-07 13:54:45
Hi
It’s all sorted now. The hooks that fit onto the main bed were slightly out of 90 degrees so I bent them back with a pair of pliers and now it works a treat. My thanks go to Heathercraft in Faygate for their help.
lilwood
2012-01-09 12:32:24
Hi
I’m wondering if the racking lever is set correctly depending on the needle arrangement? This does cause problems if not in right position.
lilli
2012-01-09 12:32:24

Cancer ribbon knits

Tuck or lace would look nice I thought. The cancer is not breast cancer it is the rare appendix cancer (Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) which I had two years ago and I would like to make things for my charity to sell. The colour is yellow.
Thanks

Hi

If you search for ‘cancer ribbon’ on Google and click on ‘images’ you will get a whole page of pictures.

Having printed one you could trace it on to stitch-related graph paper and work out your own punchcard/electronic pattern to use as a motif on various items.

Regards
Sue.

Sue P
2012-01-06 14:29:59

Knitter wanted

Do you have any ideas on how I can ask knitters out there? There’s no set timescale so this could be discussed, although it would be great to have them by mid January. Also I’d perhaps like to have a first one done as a sample early in January, to then approve go-ahead for the others. I’m not sure what the ‘going rate’ would be for such a thing but my budget is super tight so I’d be looking for chunky but budget yarn and any other way to keep costs down. Thank you so much for your help.
Best wishes
Charlotte

Charlotte I should be able to help you if you send me more details.

Lorna

lornahb
2012-01-05 20:28:16
Hi
These are quite big squares and using a chunky machine would use up a fair amount of wool for the 10 required. I have different yarn types and colours in stock and could knit up these squares for you for a nominal fee of £3 each. Please let me know if you require plain knitting Fair Isle or cable. The chunky machine I have is not automatic or electronic. If you commission me to do this work I could take a photograph of my work download it and e-mail it across to you so then you can decide if you want me to continue with the other blocks. As I have other projects I would need the go ahead ASAP and I could post these out to you if you are prepared to cover the postage costs.
Regards Lainie at Lainiesknits
Lainiesknits
2012-01-05 20:27:53