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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
daisymay
2011-04-07 10:13:42

Organized knitting space

I’m sure I’m not alone in working in the guest room, squeezing in a few knitters, sewing and serging (overlocking) equipment, yarn, threads and accessories. I’d also like some information on how to start and operate a home based machine knitting business, cottage industry and or work as a non-profitable organisation. Any help would be great and thanks for listening!
Petra
PetraKnits in Vancouver, WA, USA

Hi Petra
Here’s just a thought for you. I had my knitting machine and attachments in our sun room taking up lots of space. My husband converted part of our attic into a room for me specifically for my knitting and sewing machine. I now have my own room with TV heater and lots of space. It didn’t cost a great deal but he was able to do it himself. I too would be interested to hear from anybody with ideas on starting a home based knitting business. Happy New Year to you and yours.
Mary
scary007
2011-03-31 18:14:27
Hi
I had a double garage made for my studio where I have my wool carders and stock supply for the markets I attend. I have several knitting machines but as yet have to update my skills with them. As they say Rome wasn’t built in a day’. I eventually hope to use some of my hand spun yarns on them. I started with markets but have now extended to an on-line shop. I still need to get out there for advertising.
Cheers Colleen
Colleen’s Crafts
www.colleenscraftsstore.com
http://craftycolleen.blogspot.com
collarn
2011-03-31 18:13:11
Hi Petra
It sounds like you’re well on your way to using the guest room. If you like working in that room then don’t use it as a guest room – keep it for your work room! If you still have a bed in there then remove it to make more room for floor to ceiling shelving for your stash paint the walls plain white and have extra lighting installed. I too was in the guest room when I started out. I simply told people they could no longer stay over and that was it. I worked in that room for two years before getting my studio. My studio is in our mill it’s a room off to the side and has wonderful cedar walls so while I’m working in there I’m breathing in all the wonderful cedar aroma! I then changed the room back into a guest room now everyone’s happy.
All the best to you!
Qiviut-queen
qiviut-queen
2011-07-04 19:46:54
Hello all
I agree with Petra that many of us knit out of a guest room. Sadly I don’t have a garage or sufficient attic space to move out of my guest room. I would love to see some ideas on how others have organized this space to be suitable for both. My room is a meagre 12′ x 15′ and needs to accommodate a queen size bed desk small sewing table and bulky knitting machine along with the yarn and bag storage. The closet is small. HELP!
Thanks Phyllis
phyl1knit2
2011-07-04 19:46:54
Hi all !

Thanks for sharing! I’m there with you and it’s great for the ones who have been able to expand their creative space in their home. Like Sally says we’re not all so fortunate and have to make do with sometimes untenable situations to pursue our beloved craft.

We should unite and pressure MKM to bring out a series of articles on how to use our space creatively. I think this would be a win win for us because we might learn how to reorganize our stuff and various machines and for MKM because not only is it one of the few knitting machine magazines left but also it would be the only magazine to address this issue. Other mags focus on crafting space but to my knowledge machine knitters have never been included.

All the best Petra

PetraKnits
2011-07-04 19:46:54

30th Anniversary of Carbery Machine Knitting Club Christchurch

Dear Anne
Carbery Machine Knitting Club, Christchurch was founded on the 3rd of March 1981 making it 30 years old this month. The first meeting was held at the home of one the members in Carberry Avenue, Southbourne, Bournemouth. As member numbers increased, the club moved to Community Halls in the Christchurch area.

By the late 1980s and early 1990s numbers were at the highest between 55 and 65 members. At the present time we’ve 17 members including one from the original 1981 group. Meetings are held fortnightly on Tuesday evenings from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm at St George’s Church Hall Annex in Jumpers Road, Christchurch. New members would be very welcome and the contact telephone number for further information is 01202-481676.

Kind regards
Margaret Smith

Singer Model 500 info

I’m also missing additional parts and patterns. After reading the manual, I think the curl cord will be necessary to use the patterns but I’ve only used a punchcard machine before so I’m not sure. Is this correct? I’ve not been able to locate the cord that came with the machine and have not been able to find a replacement on eBay. Are there any other places where these products and replacement parts can be found?
Any help is greatly appreciated! I am located in the Phoenix area of Arizona, USA.

Hi
As the machine has been in storage for so long it may be a good idea to check the condition of the sponge bar. It will probably need to be replaced. Also give the machine a good clean and pull all the needles forward and clean them before wiping with an oiled cloth. Put some oil on the underside of the carriage along the needle channels using the cloth. This should make it run smoothly.

I use Singer sewing machine oil on my knitting machines as it is quite a light oil. Do not use WD40 or similar spray oils as they dry out leaving a film on everything and clogging up the works. There is another fine oil on the market called Ballistol; originally produced for keeping guns in good condition it is good for knitting machines too.

Hope this is helps you get it sorted.
Regards
Sue

Sue P
2011-03-31 18:21:03
Hi
Are you certain it isn’t the sponge bar that’s disintegrated? I’ve just re-furbished my KS777 machine with a new ‘weatherstrip’ sponge bar and it’s working perfectly.
Kindest regards
rcs0394
2011-03-31 18:20:35
Hi
Go to www.theknittingcloset.com they sell an oil which is made for knitting machines and are in the U.S.
They also stock machine parts so may be able to help you with the other things you need.
Hope this helps
Sue.
Sue P
2011-03-26 16:27:47
I used to have a SR580 which is a later version of your 500. but eventually the electronics died and this maybe your problem. You certainly need a curl cord and though it maybe difficult to source in the USA Google Silver Reed or Studio for info. Also April Mills may be able to help and she’s known for her knowledge of knitting machines and particularly Studio.
Nancy
ozmartian
2011-04-18 18:06:55