So, the long-awaited purchase of a knitting machine took place. However, figuring out how to knit on a machine on your own is quite difficult. Today there are many knitting machines, each of which has its own advantages and features.
Where to start?
If you decide to figure out how to learn how to knit on a machine, then you need to understand that in any type of work you must follow certain rules. Before you start working with the machine, you must read the instructions for it. First you need to understand what functions a knitting machine can perform.
Thread selection
So, the permissible thread density is determined by the class of the machine. Thus, there are cars of 3, 5, 7 classes. Each class of machine has its own number of needles, and the thread density depends on it.
The third class is equipped with needles in the amount of 120-150 needles. This equipment can use large yarn. The fifth grade has 180-200 needles. In this case, the use of a medium type of yarn is allowed. The seventh class of machines is equipped with 250 needles. For such machines you can only use fine yarn.
Testing
Naturally, an inexperienced knitter will not be able to create a high-quality product for the first time. First, you just need to learn how to handle the machine, and then gradually approach the most crucial moment, for which everything was started: how to knit on a machine. To do this, you need to take a small thread whose parameters correspond to the class of the machine. It is advisable to take the thread in light shades so that it is better visible during the work process.
For the first time using the machine, you need to take yarn consisting of one thread. If you work with several thin threads at the same time, you cannot avoid tangling and delamination. Ideal parameters for yarn that can be used for the first time when working with absolutely any brand of machine: 500-350 m per 100 grams. Threads can be purchased at any handicraft store; you just need to indicate to the seller the necessary parameters.
Winder and pincushion
To operate the machine you will need a hand winder. It is necessary in order to rewind the skeins before starting work. With its help, the skein takes on a cylindrical shape, and this greatly simplifies the process of threading the machine. The winder will also allow the yarn to be fed into the machine without snags or knots.
Further in the work you need to pay maximum attention to the needle bar, as well as the carriage (the moving part of the machine). It is necessary to see where these parts are located at the first stage, at the beginning of working with the machine’s instructions.
Initial exercises
It is better to start knitting on a machine with basic exercises. One of these exercises is casting on loops on machine needles. After this exercise is mastered, you can move on to other more complex ones. For example, you can start using different types of thread weaves. Then you can move on to more complex options, namely try the following manipulations:
- add one loop as the carriage moves;
- move the loops to perform openwork knitting;
- fasten the loops.
Making the first product
Once the basic techniques for operating the machine have been mastered, you can proceed to the manufacture of the first product. A product model is suitable, for the creation of which you need to use one type of thread and the same pattern. It is worth paying attention to the patterns. For beginners, it is recommended to take models with ready-made patterns, then mistakes can be avoided.
As a rule, if a pattern is taken from a popular magazine or book, then complete instructions, which contain step-by-step actions for creating a specific model, are described there.
Common mistakes
When the model of the future product is chosen, it is necessary to carefully consider all the patterns that will have to be made. These patterns need to be created on a typewriter as a sample. Samples are required to avoid errors in length and width. Using samples, you can calculate how many loops you need to make to achieve the desired parameters. Do not try to neglect this stage of work, since the width of the loops on the needles will be completely different, which means that mistakes cannot be avoided in this case.
It happens that you don’t like the result at all. For example, the product does not fit at the waist. Then it’s better to dissolve what happened. Products are usually unraveled using a special winder.
It's natural to make mistakes when starting to learn machine knitting. Therefore, if something doesn’t work out, don’t despair. In order to understand how to knit on a knitting machine, you can seek help from craftswomen on special forums or purchase video tutorials for beginners.
Nowadays, the industrial clothing industry is multifaceted and such a concept as self-knitting, it would seem, should sink into oblivion. However, this hobby is gaining ever larger scale of development, which is not surprising, because even the highest quality thing made on a production scale will not replace the “warmth” and individuality that hand-knitted things have. But this process can also be automated at home if we are talking about machine knitting.
The fabric knitted by hand will be more magnificent. The machine evenly presses the product.
Hand knitting has dozens of different patterns and knitting techniques, and although knitting machines are constantly being modernized, they still cannot have as many pattern modes. The speed of obtaining the finished product is also important. However, there is no automatic knitting mode without human participation.
Types of devices
How to learn to knit on a knitting machine
You need to understand that, despite its compact appearance, a knitting machine is a serious technical device, and if you seriously decide to learn and understand how to knit on a knitting machine, then you should be patient.
Of course, the first question that should confront us before starting to use a knitting machine is what to knit from.
Which yarn to choose
At the first stages, experts advise choosing soft yarn. The threads should be of medium size.
IMPORTANT. Threads for machine knitting are produced in separate spools and can be made not only from natural wool, but also synthetic.
Next, it is important to prepare the yarn for knitting. In this case, it means that the yarn needs to be unwound and the ball re-wound. This will give our threads lightness, and the knitting will proceed evenly and without jumps, which undoubtedly worsen the quality of the product.
IMPORTANT. Spools of factory threads, as a rule, are wound very tightly; they must also be rewound into a new ball before knitting.
Knitting process
It is believed that the first row is the most difficult test, after which many people give up their attempts to knit on their own. But any undertaking is not easy, however, we only need accuracy and attentiveness.
Knitting is not an easy process, requiring creativity and imagination. Using a knitting machine you can create things that no one else will have. How to knit on a knitting machine, how to choose yarn for future masterpieces? Find out in this article.
Photo and video of knitting machine
If you have children, then a knitting machine is an indispensable assistant for a mother. They grow quickly, they need new clothes every year, but it is not always possible to update their wardrobe. Parents can be sure that things are not only beautiful and unique, but also safe for health.
Benefits of using a knitting machine
Knitting on modern machines is fun and easy; models equipped with computer control are especially popular. Photos of knitting machines of this type can be viewed on the Internet and you can choose the ideal option. The work will be a pleasure.
How do they work? You just need to enter the finished drawing from the disk and set the program to the machine. She will do all the work herself, you just need to monitor the process. Reviews of knitting machines, which needlewomen are happy to share on thematic forums, will help you choose reliable equipment.
How to knit on a knitting machine
How to master this miracle technique? Let's consider the main stages of work:
1. Preparation of yarn. In order for the item to turn out to be of high quality, it is important to approach the choice of threads responsibly. If you are working on a machine for the first time, you should choose yarn of medium thickness. If it is unwound, then it is necessary to wind it into a ball so that the thread runs smoothly.
2. You need to thread the inner end of the yarn into the machine carriage.
3. You should start knitting by selecting the first row. It is better to use the needle wrapping method. After mastering this method, you will be able to handle others easily; Next, you need to insert the thread into the tensioner so that its end is fixed near the tripod.
4. Using a comb, pull up the required number of needles and begin the process of weaving them with yarn. You need to wrap it counterclockwise, supporting it with your fingers; when the last needle remains, you will need to install the thread in the thread guide.
5. Using a comb, return the needle to its starting position. It is important to control the fiber: it should not droop or become tight.
Knitting as a process of creating irreplaceable high-quality clothes from knitwear, which is suitable for any season, has long become an integral part of modern life.
If the process of creating coziness with your own hands brings pleasure, and the thought that you will be able to create things on your own that you could only dream of before or order from expensive studios does not leave you, then machine knitting is definitely your hobby. Most needlewomen come to automate the process after mastering a hook and knitting needles, but you can immediately start working on a machine.
Knitting by car as a hobby
What are the advantages of machine knitting over other types of needlework:
- You yourself create an exclusive model, being the creator of the material, style and color scheme.
- The knitted item you knit has more than one life - you can unravel it and, after some processing of the threads, knit something else, and so on until you get tired of it.
- Knitted patches, knitted as a sample when calculating loops for the next model, can be used to cover stools, create a patchwork quilt, an original bag, oven mitts in the kitchen, or a warm rug for your favorite tailed pets.
Machine knitting allows you to bring the result as close as possible to the factory one, while the item always remains exclusive. If desired, this can easily be turned into an additional source of household income.
To start mastering this type of needlework, you will need not only desire, but also a special machine.
How to choose a knitting machine
Knitting machines are of great interest because they make it possible to make dreams come true. Just imagine, in one evening you can knit a blouse and come to work in it the next morning, although just yesterday you and your colleagues were looking at this model in the latest fashion magazine.
Specialized stores offer:
- single-face flat knitting and double-face knitting machines;
- manual or automated;
- with or without software.
Single-circuit knitting machines such as “Severyanka”, “Neva-5”, Silver, Toyota knit any single knitted fabric that has a front and back side (as when knitting). With two-color machine knitting, broaches remain on the wrong side.
Double-circuit machines like Brother 965i (Brother), Silver, Toyota knit double-sided fabric and various elastic bands (2x2, 2x1, 3x1, 3x2, etc.). When knitting in two colors, there are no thread broaches. Double-font machines are a complex and expensive device on which you can create endlessly, the possibilities are unlimited.
Knitting machines are produced in different classes; the higher the class, that is, the numbers in the marking, the thinner the knitted fabric, the smaller the diameter of the knitting needles and the thickness of the yarn. Class 5 machines are most suitable for home use. For example, “Neva-5” is a 5th class vehicle.
When choosing, consider the knitting method:
- manual, when the design is created by hand on the background using special decking needles;
- using a punched card on which a design is printed, and the machine sequentially knits according to this punched card;
- using software.
For multi-colored knitting, the kit includes a special device; if it is not available, it must be purchased separately.
Focusing on these characteristics, taking into account your capabilities and the time that you can devote to knitting, choose a new assistant.
Features of choosing yarn
Yarn for machine knitting must be wear-resistant, elastic and at the same time durable. Woolen and half-woolen yarn No. 32/2 meets these properties. It is sold in large reels on cones. Products made from such yarn can be knitted by joining it in 3, 4 or 5 threads.
In order for the knitting fabric to be smooth, uniform and beautiful, the thread tension must be uniform. If the yarn is wound into balls, this will not happen. You can't knit from balls on a machine! Therefore, before work, it is better to rewind the yarn into bobbins using a special “winder-carousel” device.
For openwork and summer products, use cotton yarn No. 40/2; No. 34/2; No. 54/2, iris, silk and lurex. You cannot use heavily twisted yarn, as the fabric turns out to be slanted and it is impossible to straighten it. Any synthetic material, especially thin ones, should be used with caution, since when ironed, this yarn seems to “glaze over” and the product loses its attractive appearance.
When machine knitting, it is often necessary to leave loops open at the beginning or end of work. To prevent them from unraveling, use an auxiliary thread, which must be removed after finishing the work. Floss, darning, lavsan or unnecessary, waste cotton threads are suitable for this purpose.
When creating multi-colored products, do not forget that wool can fade during wet heat treatment, and therefore it is worth choosing combinations of colors used with special care. Before you start knitting the main item, you should definitely knit a test sample and steam it.
How to organize your workplace
So, you have decided to buy a knitting machine. This is a complex apparatus that requires a stable, smooth surface. An ironing board, window sill or coffee table will not work. For these purposes, it is worth allocating a separate well-lit place in the apartment so that direct rays of the sun do not fall, since the surface of the needle beds in most cases is metal and the glare of the sun will interfere with work. An additional light source is required so that every loop on the machine needles can be seen.
Workplace equipment:
- ironing board;
- steam iron;
- winder;
- measuring tape, scissors, safety pins, chalk;
- knitted needles with a large eye of different sizes for knitting, pins for knitwear;
- a square or rectangular frame for calculating loops and rows on a sample with centimeter markings applied;
- a sewing machine, if you will sew parts of knitwear;
- sewing oil in an oil dish.
All this should be within arm's reach while working. Also take note of additional information about.
Algorithm of actions when knitting on a machine
Learning to machine knit is no more difficult than mastering the technique of creating patterns with knitting needles and. As a rule, manufacturers of knitting machines include detailed operating instructions for each model.
Procedure and nuances of work
- Strictly following the instructions, strengthen the needle beds of the knitting machine according to the attached drawings so that there is no vibration when knitting.
- Install thread tensioners, sort out the weights: large ones for the main fabric, small ones for the edges of the knitted fabric.
- Place the deckers and loop-catching needles in a separate box.
- Wipe the entire machine with a flannel cloth to remove engine oil from the iron parts.
- Thread the pre-prepared threads and knit the sample on the needles; you should knit at least 30 rows, while simultaneously setting the knitting density on the counter. For example, we knitted 50 rows at one density, separate them with an auxiliary thread (two rows), changed the density to a lower or higher direction, again knitted 50 rows and again with an auxiliary thread. In this case, the carriage should move without much effort.
- Remove the sample from the machine, secure it to the knitting board and steam. Set the density of the knitting fabric that suits you for the product for further knitting.
- Set the selected density and start knitting a test sample to calculate the loops and rows.
- Secure the knitted sample to the ironing board, steam it and place a frame with centimeter divisions on it. Count the rows and loops and write everything down in a specially kept notebook so that you don’t have to return to calculating loops from this particular yarn and this particular density.
It is strongly recommended to write down all calculations and steps during work, namely: density, number of rows per hem, number of rows for decreases, increases and some other actions during the work process:
- number, name and manufacturer of yarn;
- number of threads of yarn;
- knitting density;
- quantity and weight of yarn, how much did you use for the product;
- size or measurements of the product;
- a drawing or sample pattern for a given product.
All these records will save you in the future from painful questions about how much yarn is needed for this or that product, from memories: what was the density, how many threads were there, and so on and so forth.
Knitting colored patterns
With the help of machine knitting, you can create original striped patterns, choosing the appropriate colors when you make the transition from dark to light shades and vice versa - in this case, you can use all the leftover yarn lying around the house.
You can make separate symmetrical and asymmetrical patterns, it is convenient to knit different animals, especially on children's clothing in two, three or more colors. Any cross pattern, which is previously applied to checkered paper or graph paper, is suitable for the ornament.
Repeating patterns on knitting machines are called jacquard. On single-face knitting machines, when knitting a jacquard manually or using a punched card (depending on the type of machine selected), broaches remain on the wrong side of the fabric, which during wear cling, stretch or tear - it is recommended to glue them with non-woven material or secure them in any other way. On double-font machines, there are no broaches when knitting jacquard.
You can get an original product if you simply make a knitted fabric and decorate it with leather patches or embroider it with lurex. It all depends only on your desire and skill, which comes with experience.
Knitting openwork fabric
The openwork fabric on single-frame machines is done by hand, almost like. For this purpose, special deckers are used, which are included with each knitting machine. Imported machines are equipped with a special carriage. The quality and variety of the openwork patterns made cannot be compared with hand knitting!
Processing of knitted products
After removal from the machine, any knitted product is folded in half lengthwise. If it is a single stitch, then it is better to baste with simple threads for fixing, so that there are even edges and carefully steam the entire fabric, do not iron, but rather steam it in order to tidy up the edges of the knitted fabric.
When machine knitting, the edges of the fabric are most deformed, and with single satin stitch, the edges also curl. Shoulder slopes are usually made with partial knitting. It is difficult to knit the neckline of products, especially on double-backed machines - therefore, the neckline is usually cut out according to the pattern of the product, the edge is carefully steamed so that the loops do not unravel, and then it is decorated with separately knitted tape, elastic or openwork tape using quilting on both sides.
On single-face machines, all publications recommend untying the neckline and then putting it on the machine needles again - this is a long process and not very neat. It’s easier to cut out the neck, carefully steam it at a distance of 1 cm from the edge, and then knit the binding from a smaller number of threads or at a high density and pin it on both sides. The choice is yours.
Safety precautions
- The table on which the machine is installed must be durable and not create vibrations.
- When lighting the knitting work area, use fluorescent lamps.
- When working with needles, be careful - the carriage that moves them cannot be removed instantly.
- Weights that are hung on a knitted fabric during work tend to fall on your feet - secure them so that this does not happen.
- It is not recommended for children and animals to be in the work area to avoid injury.
Any type of handicraft is individual creativity; creating with the help of a machine means keeping up with the times! Master it to always be among the stylish ladies.
The abundance of identical, faceless clothes on the market cannot but depress sophisticated fashionistas and fashionistas. And not everyone can afford to go to Milan or Paris for a weekend of “shopping.” Homemade crafts come to the rescue. Moreover, technical innovations are so improved that using them is easy and pleasant. The outfits knitted on a knitting machine are individual, created just for you. The art of machine needlework requires certain knowledge and skills. You can always find a brief description in the instructions or video tutorials from the Internet. Perhaps there are special courses in your locality that teach this.
Flat knitting machines are used in everyday life. Their class determines the number of needles and the distance between them and varies from 2 to 10. The thickness of the thread also depends on the class of the device: the thinner it is, the higher the class. Imported computer knitting machines are more functional, but they are also much more expensive compared to domestic ones. At the initial stage, you need to select and prepare the yarn. There are special threads of different thicknesses on sale, which are wound into large bobbins. For the first time, buy threads of medium thickness. If the yarn is not wound in the form of a cone or cylinder, then it must be rewinded using a special device, which is purchased separately. Otherwise, the thread will go into the carriage in jerks, which will affect the quality of the product. Thread the inner end of the thread into the carriage.
Learning to knit on a knitting machine is tricky, but doable. Master the basic skills first, pay close attention to the diagram and make accurate calculations. Then start knitting complex designer items.
