I Want a Knitting Machine
Before getting to Craftland last week, Diana Eng gave Natalie, Brian, and me a real treat: a tour of the Rhode Island School of Design’s Apparel Department (from which she graduated in 2005). The students were all frantically wrapping up their final projects, which made it an exciting time to visit.
UPDATE: Check out Natalie’s report on our afternoon for the Craft Blog, as well as her pictures from our trip.
I of course left with a new high-ticket item added to my long-term wishlist:
That’s a knitting machine our group is ogling. Here it is in action, alongside a close-up of its mechanisms and teeth:
They even have a machine to stitch your seams together! Here’s a picture of one being used for that purpose, alongside a finished piece that was made with a combination of these machines and some inevitable hand work:
Of course, I guess there are some things you’ll always have to do by hand, such as the tedious task of weaving in ends (now that’s something I really wish I could automate!):
I had to ask the obvious question: is this considered cheating? That is, if you give someone a knitted gift made on a machine, are you somehow being dishonest (the expectation being that you hand-knit the piece)? Natalie pointed out that machine knitting is actually a respected form of craft in its own right, allowing some stitches and techniques that are simply impossible to do by hand, and that there are whole groups of designers and crafters devoted to this niche art.
Anyone else have a different perspective to bring to the cheating question? Or do any of you have experience using one of these things, or any leads on where to pick one up on the cheap?
Dawna Colley, 
haley, and 14 others are discussing. 
Brian Sawyer 
Dharia 12:02 pm on December 14, 2006 Permalink | Log in to Reply
*drool*
(that’s another one of those things on my list of “to do when i have all the free time in the world.)
as for leads: They often show up on craigslist or ebay at very reasonable prices. If you keep an eye on your local “Penny Saver”-type magazine you can often find them /really/ cheap!
Stephen 2:55 am on December 15, 2006 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I got one last Xmas and, to be honest, I haven’t tried it out yet. Sure, not making the time to sit down with it is a factor, but I’m at a loss to figure out what I’d want to make in that much stockinette! Could be good for large basic felted objects… Also, I have so much yarn that I plan on handknitting that I don’t want to sacrifice any for the machine.
I still think it’s “hand-made” as far as gifting, especially with the maker’s design input. It’s just not “hand-knit.” I’d want to read up more on techniques and possibilities before I call it cheating.
geORge 8:40 pm on December 19, 2006 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Nifty! I did my MFA waaay back in 1978 using one of these with only a single bed of latch hooks. Have a look. A much younger me with my machine. I still have that Brother KH-800.
Brooker Smith 4:08 pm on January 1, 2008 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I have a kh 800 that i am looking to part with as it was my mom’s and i have no interest in it. I have a piture of all the parts that come with it, just reply and i will send.
It needs a good home so get back in touch.
Thank you
Brooker
P.S. it will go up on craigs list if i do get a reply
sji1981 6:31 pm on March 5, 2009 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi I am looking for a knitting machine which I can afford. You have not wrote how much you are asking for? Please let me know. Thanks
Siew Chin 9:09 pm on March 9, 2009 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi, do you still have it? Thanks!
Brian Sawyer 4:19 pm on January 2, 2008 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Thanks, Brooker, but this turned out to be kind of a passing fancy (as I’d expected it would) and now inhabits that increasingly crowded space in my brain devoted to clever gadgets I dream over but will likely never own.
Joyce 12:18 pm on February 4, 2008 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi Brooker,
If you still have the knitting machine, I would love to have it. My two daughters and I would put it to good use. Please let me know.
Thanks.
rosalind 5:36 pm on March 27, 2008 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I have a brother punchcard kniiting machine(modelKH830)with lace carriage+intarsia carriage, you can do fairisle and work with more than 1 colour+sets of pattern cards for jumpers/cardiagans+pre punched punchcard patterns+roll of spare punchcard blanks to make your own patterns. Good selection of knitting books approz 100 copies(machine knitting news,etc)+complete sets of machine kniiting books. will knit 3ply,4ply and double knit wool,all comes with instruction mannual and comes in a carring case. This machine is in good working order.This is ideal for a beginner.If there is anyone out there who would be interested please give me an e-mail and i can give you more information. I am looking to sell the machine and all the items above for £120 or nearest offer.
Looking forward to your reply.
Rosalind.
rosalind 5:41 pm on March 27, 2008 Permalink | Log in to Reply
FOR SALE BROTHER PUNCHCARD KNITTING MACHINE (MODEL KH830) I AM LOOKING TO SELL THE MACHINE FOR £120 OR NEAREST OFFER. IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED YOU CAN GIVE ME AN E-MAIL ON rosalind.wetton@ntlworld.com
IS THERE ANYONE OUT THERE WHO WOULD BE INTERESTED?
I LIVE IN NUNEATON IN WARWICKSHIRE.
Teresa 7:33 pm on April 6, 2008 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi Brooker and/or Joyce (if your request was met) .. do you – by any chance – have the manual for this machine, which you’d be willing to copy? (for a fee of course!).
It’s one of the few Brother models (now so old, I guess) that ISN’T up on their free manual download site and I have tried EVERYWHERE to get a copy. Thanks – Teresa in CA
asher sydenham 9:27 am on August 14, 2008 Permalink | Log in to Reply
i don’t believe it is cheating. its my degree infact im at nottingham trent university in england studying fashion knitwear and knitted textiles.
the machines are great, and extremely tactile in the case of the domestic machine and super easy to pick up how to use.
and like you said they are a machine that allows you to explore stitches and designs you could never even dream of achieving with needles and yarn.
not to mention that we some of the machine ( more specifically the industrical machine you can achieve a fabric and a ridiculously fine gauge.
so my answer to this question is it is so not cheating and knitted gifts on these machine are wonderful x
if you check out my blog there are some photo’s of some socks i created on the machine for my last project you may be interested
Paula 7:39 am on August 16, 2008 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I’m looking at a Brother KH-800 that is up for sale on eBay. The listing has no mention of punch cards. Anyone out there know if this model comes with punch cards? Thanks, Paula
Ejirefe Mary 11:03 am on August 29, 2008 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I want a knitting machine.
I also want to know how much a knitting machine would cost me. its very urgent and important.
Thank you
Helen Snow 10:40 pm on February 9, 2009 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I want a knitting machine as well. Unfortunately, I do not know anything about them or where to start. Help!!! I took to crocheting like a duck to water. About five years ago while working at a local nursing home, I decided to have the residents teach me how to crochet. Little did they know what they were getting in to. I loved it!! After several sweaters, afghans, scarfs, I am now looking toward brighter horizons. I want a knitting machine. Do you have any information to share with me?
haley 10:55 pm on March 23, 2009 Permalink | Log in to Reply
i have a brother kh260 bulky machine for sale. i purchased it 3 years ago for $900 and it is in good condition. if you’re interested, please email me: thompson.haley@gmail.com
it’s currently for sale for $600 but i’m willing to negotiate. thanks!
Dawna Colley 3:14 pm on July 17, 2010 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I have the entire knitting outfit – a Brothers electronic KH970 with Garter carriage . I am willing to add plenty of yarn, patterns and stand along with the disk drive to read some of the patterns. Estimated cost when new (2000) over $4000. Willing to take best offer.
Hoda Fateen 8:41 am on September 7, 2010 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Are you still interested in a knitting machine? I have a brand new Brother, original price was $1200.00. Make a reasonable offer and it’s yours!
Hoda Fateen 8:43 am on September 7, 2010 Permalink | Log in to Reply
check out shawlsbyhoda.com