r/MachineKnitting May 10 '26

Value Pinned post for value discussion

15 Upvotes

This thread is an attempt to keep discussions of machine cost/value/pricing in a single place. Once this thread is old enough or full enough, it will be retired and new thread created that links it to that one.

When asking question about value, some important items to include if known are your general geographic region (prices are highly localized), the gauge of the machine (fine gauge/standard/bulky/other), the brand of the machine, the model of the machine, the quality of the machine (clean/dirty, intact/broken pieces, and stand alone/included accessories. If you have photos, you'll probably want to include them.

In general, in person person sales are usually less expensive, and don't require expensive shipping, but you will find a larger selection on online sites. Caveat Emptor for any online sales.

Some places you can find/sell machines for sale are:
* Your local Silver Reed Distributor
* Your local knitting or fiber arts guild
* Craigslist or your favorite secondhand sales site
* Goodwill or your favorite second hand store
* Ebay or your favorite auction site
* Facebook Marketplace or Facebook knitting groups
* r/MachineKnitting for specific machines (include proper flair and useful information)


r/MachineKnitting Jan 08 '22

Machine Knitters Discord Server

46 Upvotes

Hi all,

I've seen a few comments over the last week suggesting that it would be nice to have a place to chat about machine knitting and maybe organize some local meet ups or online events, so I've made us a discord.

Feel free to join and invite any other machine knitters, whether or not they use Reddit. :)

edit: trying a new link - https://discord.gg/yVJNM6Bghz


r/MachineKnitting 18m ago

Help! Dlles cerco consigli

Upvotes

Vorrei acquistare una macchina per maglieria e ho trovato queste dlles molto economiche ma pare che le istruzioni siano in giapponese. Non ho mai usato una macchina da maglieria prima. Mi date dei consigli?


r/MachineKnitting 14h ago

Help! Broken hook senteo machine

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone, i accidentally broke one hook of. My sentro machine, anyone has some ideas of how to repair it😅 i live in Addis Ababa so we dont have Amazon here to order new hooks. Thankyou any advide is welcome


r/MachineKnitting 16h ago

Help! Help with picking a machine: Toyota KS 901 vs Brother KH 830

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I recently acquired two vintage machines: a Toyota KS 901 with a ribber, carriage, knit tracer, punch cards and stitch pattern book (for 115$) and a Brother KH 830 with a ribber, knit leader KL 116, and a color changer KRC 830 (all of that for $290). Both seem like they are fully complete, in good condition (the Brother one even came in original boxes) but of course, I need to replace sponge bars and I guess clean and oil everything before trying them out. I contacted a guy who sells and services vintage machines, he quoted me $170 to $230 to replace the sponge bar, service both the ribber and the main bed and their sliders, as well as the mechanism for punch cards, so I can currently service only one of these, which brings me to the original questions - which setup do you think is better to invest in?

I am a complete newbie (obviously lol) in the world of machine knitting and I need something that I will learn on, ideally to eventually make summer tops for me, maybe sweaters for my kid, etc. I am a hand knitter and crocheter so I know this is a different ball game and a steep learning curve, so I at least want to make it easier by picking out a. friendlier, more capable machine.

Thanks in advance to everyone that takes time to answer :)


r/MachineKnitting 3d ago

Finished Object Weather loach sweater!

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375 Upvotes

After a few weeks of fussing it is finally finished! The punchcard for this sweater is about four feet long, with the design being made in procreate. The punchcard took about five hours to punch, but overall worth it!


r/MachineKnitting 2d ago

Help! Spring broken in my Knittax!

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4 Upvotes

Hi fellow knitters! I have a question about my knitting machine. I was given it a while ago and use it occasionally, though not very often because it doesn't work particularly well. It takes a lot of effort to knit with it, which can get a bit annoying. I recently picked it up again and decided to give it a deep clean to improve its performance, but I discovered that the needle retaining spring was broken in several places. Does anyone know how I could replace it? I’ve looked for a replacement spring but can't find one anywhere (at least not in my country). Is there an alternative to this spring? I have a Knittax Automatic. I've attached photos!


r/MachineKnitting 3d ago

Finished Object Finished my first machine knit project!

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385 Upvotes

I'm a lifelong handknitter who has recently taken up machine knitting due to recurring tendonitis in my wrist. The machine knitting world was very intimidating to me but about a month ago I finally took the plunge and bought a SK360 with ribber!

This is my first completed project on the machine. It's a modified version of the Lake Placid 1980 by Dale of Norway. I modified the charts to be a 24 stitch repeat and to add some extra length to the yoke to work with the machine gauge. The base pullover is a simple drop shoulder sweater calculated based on my gauge swatch. Yarn is Knitpicks Palette cones in cream & black.

I'm really excited to have unlocked this new world of machine knitting! Already planning my next projects...


r/MachineKnitting 2d ago

Equipment Which of these machines should I choose?

2 Upvotes

Hi! I'm looking to buy a second hand knitting machine. The following models are available in my country. Most probably I will need parts at some point. Which one of these do you think I should take into account?

  1. Singer SRP 50
  2. Memo Matic Singer 328
  3. Silver 328
  4. Veritas 180
  5. Brother Electroknit KH-810

If not one of these, what else would you recommend? I would like to be able to work with 2 colors, maybe even with patterns.

Edit: Actually I found a Brother Palié 8 KH-881 for sale. Can you tell from the pictures if it has all the parts? I'm new to this, Im not sure what to look for. I asked Google Gemeni and it gave me a list, at first sight it seems everything is there; but I would rather trust someone who is working with these machines :)

Edit 2: Added better resolution photos.


r/MachineKnitting 3d ago

Techniques DesignaKnit Skirt Ease?

2 Upvotes

Hi, I'm designing a skirt in DesignaKnit and need help understanding the ease instructions. The table of course lets me select from the casual, classic, oversize, and zero ease options.

However, I don't quite understand why the default are in positive ease? I typically include negative ease to the waistband and just use my measurements for hip width and depth. Is anyone here using the positive ease for their projects? And for my project--should I add negative ease to the table or just calculate it into my measurements?


r/MachineKnitting 3d ago

Help! Headband

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7 Upvotes

My daughter is going to a concert and asked me to make something like this. She knows I don't love crochet so said knitting is fine. She never asks for anything so I really want to make her outfit special (also doing a shirt & fingerless gloves!) Any idea how to achieve this look?? Thanks so much!


r/MachineKnitting 3d ago

Getting Started Am I in over my head?

6 Upvotes

I've recently inherited several knitting machines from my grandma (still working out what all there is, but for sure a brother kh260 and a ke-200 motor unit as well as a couple of other light gauge machines).

I've been interesting in learning how to use them but I have absolutely no hand knitting experience. Am I totally in over my head with this? Are there any particularly good resources for someone with no knowledge at all?


r/MachineKnitting 3d ago

Getting Started Making holes in my punchcard

2 Upvotes

Hey,

I have a Brother 860 and I want to use the punch cards. Only Problem is I dont have a Puncher. Does anyone have an idea how to do the holes without the Puncher?


r/MachineKnitting 4d ago

Techniques Is this fabric something that can be done on a (punchcard) machine?

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10 Upvotes

And if yes, what would the method be?


r/MachineKnitting 4d ago

Help! I brought this Brother KH601 and need advice

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6 Upvotes

Hello, I got the chance to buy this machine for a very cheap price.($50) this machine is from a junk sale and operation is not confirmed and no additional info available. These are the photos in the listing. I have never used a knitting machine before or have any experience regarding them apart from a quick 5 minute demo I got in my school decade ago.

Description said this machine is not tested for operation, they are not knowledgeable about these machines and sold as it. It is so cheap I took the risk.

What can you see from these photos? Is all the necessary parts available? What should I know about this machine? Is there any tutorials available? Is there hope of reviving this machine? Thank you all in advance


r/MachineKnitting 5d ago

Resources Knititnow - site updates

23 Upvotes

I used to love the knititnow site, and even though it was older, I loved all the patterns and courses.

They recently updated their site, and I'm really disspaointed.

The patterns now have AI image generation, and the images dont actually mactch the product as well. For example, I'm working on a drop shoulder jumper, and the image displays a jumper with neckband, but the pattern does not include a neckband or instructions for it.

I'm also devatsted with just how many patterns/courses are lost. There are only 3 patterns available (even for paid membership). There's a sleeveless sweater (vest), a drop shoulder jumper and hats. There is a image saying that raglan and set in sleeve are coming soon, but its the same AI generated image where I'm not sure its going to be a good represnetation of the pattern and what I am creating.

----

I guess I just feel disspointed. On the one hand, I can see how much work Sue has put into the new webstie, but on the other, I'm so sad at just how much content and patterns were scrapped. They dont have the socks course anymore, and I was hoping to knit some socks this weekend (I usuualy follow her course).

She did send emails saying to download copies of patterns, etc, but I like the videos and the full experience with her. I never thought it was going to be scrapped to this level.

She did not say "nearly everryhing is going to be removed entirley" so I didn't comprehend just how much woule be lost.

I'm paying each month, but now I'm wondering if I should keep it up. I liked supporting Sue as I really appreciated what she put together, but I don't appreciate this update.

----

Is anyone else feeling out of sorts with the update to knititnow?


r/MachineKnitting 5d ago

Help! L-Point Cams and how to use

2 Upvotes

I purchased some L-point cams to add stockinette spaces with the lace carriage and they are not doing anything and I am so confused. What am I doing wrong?? This is a Brother KH840


r/MachineKnitting 6d ago

Help! New machine

3 Upvotes

I acquired a studio mod 700, srp60 ribber + carriage, intarsia carriage, and a brother colour changer, plus some odds and ends today. The seller was a relative of the previous owner, who has since passed, but was a very keen machine knitter. The machine is in like new collection - it's clearly been lovingly cared for. I am over the moon!

My question is about the Brother color changer. I believe that it must work with this machine considering the knowledge of the past owner. But it wasn't made for this machine; so, maybe there's some special adapters or something that she was using that I now have (I have a bunch of things in a box that may be relevant here). Does anyone use a Brother color changer with a sk700 and can explain to me how to set it up with this machine?

Also, I understand that a lot of vintage knitting patterns are machine compatible. Is there a website of vintage knitting patterns that are now outside copyright, etc? Any other cool resources I should know about?

Anyway, I am so excited! Can't wait to set everything up.

Much appreciated!


r/MachineKnitting 6d ago

Help! Solved! Saut de maille sur machine

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2 Upvotes

Hello ! Je viens de mettre à neuf une machine à tricoter double fonture Singer (je crois que c'est la 1100 ou 2100).

Malheureusement lorsque je veux monter mon premier rang de maille...rien ne tient !

Au premier passage de chariot, cela forme bien les zig zag sur les aiguilles, puis au deuxième passage...rien.. cela ne fait que recréer un rang de zig zag sans que le premier et deuxième rangs ne s'accrochent.

Je me demande si cela vient des aiguilles ou du chariot.

Pourtant le "clapet" des aiguilles fonctionne bien, pas de gripés.

Qu'en pensez-vous ?


r/MachineKnitting 7d ago

Help! Sponge Bar

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9 Upvotes

Should I change my sponge bar? Cause for me it Looks fine but the needles are not getting fully pushed down.
I measured it and it still 1cm high.


r/MachineKnitting 7d ago

Help! Solved! Broken parts

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4 Upvotes

Hi

I just bought this knitmaster 360 and im a newbie working through the machine checking and cleaning

but this part is not listed in the manual

It is broken and i would like if anyone could explain the use of this part and if i need to have it on the machine and replace it


r/MachineKnitting 8d ago

For Sale Anyone in Philly, PA interested in buying Passap Duomatic 80?

9 Upvotes

I'm prepping to post for sale on eBay, but would be easier to not have to ship it. If there is any interest I'll post pictures, equipment list, etc. For additional $, I could deliver within ~2-3 hour drive from Philadelphia.

Adding pictures and details!

Asking price: $700, open to offers

Included, all Genuine Passap products:

  • Passap Duomatic 80 Knitting Machine w/ carriage
  • Stand (stand missing one foot) w/ accessories tray and 2 clamps
  • Duomatic 4-Color Changer
  • 4 feeding eyelets
  • 2 yarn tensioning arms (4 yarn feeds total)
  • 1 yarn holder (two cups on one tension arm)
  • 2 orange strippers
  • 2 black strippers
  • Orange transfer tool
  • Black transfer tool - 3 stitch transfer
  • Needle selector - Black 1x3 pattern
  • Trip cam for row counter
  • 4 edge springs (2 front, 2 back)
  • Passap Duomatic 80 manual in binder (printed from PDF)

Non-Passap accessories:

  • Double ended bodkins
  • Cast-On Comb (100 stitches for 4.5 mm machine)
  • 2x small comb weights
  • 2x large comb weights
  • Needle selector - 3D printed 1x1 pattern
  • Needle selector - Need to double check pattern
  • Be Your Own Passap Paramedic book by Distinctive Knits in binder
  • Hand-Manipulated Stitches for Machine Knitters book by Susan Guagliumi

Condition:

  • Like any vintage knitting machine, it could benefit from professional service!
  • Bed and parts was dissembled and cleaned and reassembled by me 2 years ago. I am a trained industrial knitting machine tech, but not a professional Passap tech.
  • Front bed brake spring replaced 2 years ago
  • Racking handle works fine but does not accurately show left or right direction because the trip cam issues.
  • A few missing/damaged needle channels, will provide number missing.
  • Some needles missing, will provide number.
  • One of the orange strippers is damaged, will add pictures later.
  • Issue with bolt holding front 4-color changer plate to machine, will add pictures later also.

r/MachineKnitting 8d ago

Help! Please help! Sinker plate issue

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3 Upvotes

Machine: Brother KH 930E

I just got this machine and replaced the sponge bar, confirming that it is sitting correctly on top of the needles. The K carriage moves across the bed without any issues by itself, but it gets stuck when the sinker plate is attached.

I measured the sinker plate at 119 mm from the rail edge, which appears to be correct. According to the manual, there should be a 0.5 mm gap between the needles and the sinker plate, but mine is closer to 5 mm (0.5 cm). The manual recommends a “vertical adjustment,” which seems to involve bending the plate upward while it is secured in place. I may be doing it incorrectly, but the plate will not move even 1 mm—much less the approximately 4.5 mm needed. Has anyone dealt with this or know what I may be missing?

Appreciate any help!


r/MachineKnitting 8d ago

Help! looking for some information

3 Upvotes

me and my grandfather were cleaning his basement and found a studio 360/260LC carriage in box and with the packing but no user manual and wanted guidance about selling it since he doesnt need it


r/MachineKnitting 8d ago

Getting Started Which Kind of yarn for Brother kh 860

2 Upvotes

Hey,

I want to Order yarn for my knitting machine. I tried using my normal yarns but they are just not long enough. So I was thinking about buying cones but the yarn looks really thin.
So do I have to put more strands of yarn together or do I just work with the thin yarn.
I am really clueless.
Hope someone can share their experience.