Comments for Unravelling Argyle

Comment on Playing with Machines Again by polycrafty

polycrafty — Tue, 28 May 2013 14:06:29 +0000

I have seen blank 12-stitch punch cards on eBay occasionally, and you might be able to use plain paper although you will need to look for a good reference example. Or you might get lucky and find the original ones that got parted from their machine on eBay or a knitting-machine accessory seller. Just be sure to look for 12-stitch sized ones which are less common than the 24-stich cards. For the pre-made cards, there is a card with punched holes and a card that explains how all the settings need to be for that card. If you are punching your own card, you will probably want to pick up a book of machine knitting stitches but keep in mind that most of those are for 24-stitch machines so you will have to look for patterns where the repeat can be cut in half.

The manual that came with the KH800 has a pretty good introduction to how to use punch cards. There are a lot of levers and buttons to toggle depending on whether you are doing a plain, tuck, or lace stitch pattern. If your machine didn’t come with a manual, all the Brother manuals seem to be available free online.

Comment on Playing with Machines Again by Patricia Reynolds

Patricia Reynolds — Tue, 28 May 2013 06:28:09 +0000

I too got a KH 800 and am wondering how to use the punch cards (it came with none). I would appreciate any help. I was told it was a work horse machine and you could use paper for cards but I don’t know how!

Comment on Playing with Machines Again by polycrafty

polycrafty — Fri, 03 May 2013 19:47:37 +0000

I’m definitely still learning about the KH800, but let me know if you run into questions. Maybe we can figure it out together!

Comment on Playing with Machines Again by Sean

Sean — Fri, 03 May 2013 19:18:56 +0000

Thanks for the feedback. Hopefully, the yard is the right weight. I bought it in Japan years ago. I was going to make an afghan, thus the huge quantity. Life got in the way and I think a knitting machine would go more quickly once I get the hang of it. The plastic ones don’t seem to have a great reputation, so getting a real one seems to be a good route to take.

Comment on Playing with Machines Again by polycrafty

polycrafty — Fri, 03 May 2013 18:59:57 +0000

It seems to me like this would be a good choice. I have seen easier set-up directions, but I do like how the instructions guide you through different tasks to get you familiar with the basics. I was able to find the instruction book online, if yours does not happen to have it.

Scarves would be a great project to work on a machine, especially since you can play with your punch cards on this machine. Scarves make a great test project to try patterns. But keep in mind that this machine is called a “standard” machine and probably can only knit up to a light DK weight. And maybe only sock weight, I haven’t really tested it fully yet. So it will only help you stash-bust if that’s the kind of yarn that you have a lot of already!

Comment on Playing with Machines Again by Sean

Sean — Fri, 03 May 2013 18:28:30 +0000

I have the opportunity to purchase a KH800 at a great price. I am a beginner, but I have a lot of yarn and want to make scarves. Do you think this is a good starter machine?

Comment on Flat socks and knitting machines by jo ann gaine

jo ann gaine — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 19:58:31 +0000

thank you for you response, it’s very helpful. JAG

Comment on Flat socks and knitting machines by polycrafty

polycrafty — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:41:13 +0000

I highly recommend looking to see if there is a local fiber arts guild, such as a knitting guild or a spinning/weaving guild in your area. Many times there are a few crafters in these groups that have dabbled in the mysterious realms of machine knitting. Also, check your local yarn stores, especially those that cater to spinners because they may be able to network you with crafters who machine knit.

Comment on KnitKing/Knitmaster 4500 by cheryl

cheryl — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:46:13 +0000

I have inherited a 4500 from my Great Nanna still in its box and everything and it has all the original books and knitting patterns and a ribber if anyone needs me to copy anything please drop me a repy

Comment on Flat socks and knitting machines by jo ann gaine

jo ann gaine — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 18:26:20 +0000

just got my grandmothers knitmaster/knitking 4500, would anyone know if there are lessons anywere.