I Found an Old Knitting Machine in my Basement
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- Опубликовано: 1 июн 2024
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OKAY SO, I've had this video in mind for a couple years now, and it was finally time to bring this old knitting machine into the LIGHT. We found this while cleaning out the basement of our old home: My grandmother's house. It was so tucked away in the corner, gathering dust, that I knew it had to be really old. I thought it would be an adventure pulling it out and seeing WHAT the heck a 1950's knitting machine even looked like.
This was so much fun figuring out how everything worked- well, sorta. Still not sure HOW it works but I figured out the basics, lol.
I hope you have fun figuring it out along with meeee.
K LOVE U
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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:49 Ad
02:18 Opening it up!
06:08 Learning Time
07:48 Test Run
11:10 The Plan
12:18 Let's KNIT (& some failures)
15:54 Assembling the Top
16:41 Wrap-Up & Bloopz
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This whole thing made me squeak! I am so jealous of your knitting machine and your top turned out freaking adorable!!!
Very Entertaining
Hang weights at the bottom of your knitting piece. Than it will go better
@@brammetjedejong8619 I agree 👍 💯
So adjusted for inflation, grandma spent 1600 bucks on this thing! That is a vintage treasure!
I thought she said 150.00🤔 I might be wrong....
@@janicewebber5584 she did, but $150 in 1956 is the same as about $1,660 of today's money.
@@janicewebber5584 did you see the adjusted for inflation part
😯
@@voidpunk2713 reading is hard
Hi Rachel, I know this is random, but last week I went to the Natural History Museum in London and booked a behind-the-scenes tour and the tour guide complimented my hobbit-ey outfit and asked me if I knew about you. I told her that you actually inspired me to play more with my style and outfits and stuff, and she said you inspired her to buy a sewing machine. It was so wholesome, and I just wanted to tell you about it. I hope it brings you some joy, and thank you so much for being so amazing!
this comment is so wholesome i hope she sees it!
I used to have a knitting machine, but prefer hand knitting. One thing I remember is that you need to hook some weights to your fabric to keep it from coming off the hooks. Thei are supposed to be part of your machine.
You met another Maksy fan in the wild?! That's so cool!
Wholesome experience! 😁
So cute! 😊
My Mom had several of these machines and she knit me several sweaters. (Fun quick story… She would work on this machine when I was in HS and we (my brother and I) would listen to her working while we fell off to sleep while she was learning,we would hear the zip,zip,zip of the machine part and would eventually hear “Aw shit!” We then knew that we had some time to fall to sleep.) it’s been 14 years since I lost my mom. Rachel thank you, for reminding me of this time in my life.
Awwww 😭
@@xRaiofSunshine i said this 3 times with tears in my eyes and then i read your comment lmao 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
That is such a sweet story my Japanese grandmother used to make my dad’s clothes. He still has a couple as she died when he was living abroad and it broke him. Every one loved ama .
As a trained archaeologist watching this while knitting a sock, this is peak content for me 💙😂😁
Fellow archaeologist who also occasionally knits 🧶
Okay, what the heck. I'm going to start studying archeology in uni soon, and I also knit sometimes. Are all of us like this? xD
@@aidenblack7038 Not all, but many 😂😂😂
When you get in the field, I do CRM arky, we have clubs. There's also running club, but we don't talk about those people.
@@aellalee4767😂😂😂
To prevent your knitting stitches from slipping off the needles, you’ll need to find find knitting machine weights to hang off your first row of knitting. Also, I’d check out if you can have your knitting go over the edge of the table, to attach the weights; in addition, weights will help keep the tension eve across the bed and keep your knitting stitches uniform. I have a Passap knitting machine and haven’t used mine for quite a while….You’ve inspired me to begin using it again!!!💕
I think you also might need to secure the knitting machine to the table. My old knitting machine had clamps to secure it to the work surface.
I second the advice to use knitting weights to keep your fabric from slipping off the needles.
I just love that there's not much information about these machines (at least not that Rachel found) and yet there's people who know about it here
I have this machine and just wanted to add that it's a different style of knitting machine than most and actually designed to be used without weights... instead it has these 'sinkers' between each needle that kind of hook onto the yarn and hold it down by the needles. I've never tried using weights with mine, but it could always be worth a shot.
Fishing weights or a lot of heavy washes works. I use crochet/knitting saver clips to attach them
Yayyy I hope you make something cute!
I might be addicted to old knitting machines. I have quite a few. In my defense, they are fun and some machines take different sizes of yarn. That’s my excuse. You might want to buy some sewing machine oil because you really shouldn’t use WD40. Also you probably need to replace your sponge bar. It will make moving the cam easier. I hope that you have lots of fun with your machine.I almost forgot, I love your top!
u dont need an excuse other than "knitting is extremely fun"
it great that u have machines to help with ur hobby 😌😌
What happens if you use WD40?
@@fruitloopmylk WD40 is meant to "un-grip" (not sure how it's said in English) mechanical parts which are supposed to move but aren't or not fully. Oil is meant to lubricate, reduce friction between moving parts. WD40 probably was a good idea to start with but long term / machine care solution is oil 😊
WD-40 is more of a solvent and cleaner than a lubricant.
After you use the WD to get the parts cleaned up and moving again then a light lubricant like sewing machine oil will keep the parts moving.
@@fruitloopmylkit can be tough on the bed and the sponge bar, it’s a flat piece of metal with foam on it that fits under where the needles rest. It cushions the area where the cam rides over. Sewing machine oil cleans and lubricants so the cam rides over the needles easier. Sewing machine oil doesn’t stain or go bad. ( I don’t know if I am explaining this well, sorry)
The biggest recommendation I can give with fibercrafting is to keep your first items. It doesn't matter if it's just a little test swatch or it looks awful. Like you mentioned about being able to see the progression on the little frog scarf, some day you are going to want to look back at your first pieces and see how different they are from what you end up making in the future. They are little treasures that tell you how far you've come.
I keep mine to show people when I teach knitting. It's good for folks to see we all start in the same place.
I've gotten rid of mine. Rather then a constant reminder of my mistakes I make things as practical items I can use. Plus I reclaim the yarn for other purposes, waste not want not
This holds true for fibre spinning to. Once proficient, I've found it hard to go back to chunky uneven when I want it for interesting texture LOL
This is exactly why I kept my second granny square I ever crocheted. I didn't think about this perspective before frogging the first one. But tonight I started my first granny cluster sweater, and since the first and second granny squares were made on the same day I'm so excited to compare them!
One of the things I like about your content is your continued willingness to demonstrate a brilliant example of how to embody the beginner's mindset. You just go for it. You make interesting discoveries (some call them mistakes) You regroup, problem solve, try again, and repeat the process till you get your project completed... And you take pride in the created project. That's the best part... And well you should! You made something new, by trying something new. You show us the journey has it's learning curve struggles, but that it's worth it. Next project will be a little better, and the next, till you're whizzing along making amazing stuff look easy peasy. That's the charm of your content. Thank you for sharing the reality of learning new skills. 🎉
Rachel: I've bought a new sewing machine (to sew clothes I'm actually gonna wear!) but I feel reluctant to figure out how it works.
Also Rachel: I've been digging in my basement, found an old knitting machine from the 1950s, cleaned it, actually read the instructions and made some stinking cute clothes for my imaginary tiny frog friend🤣
The frog isn't an imaginary friend, she's made a felted frog with a friend (maybe last year, not sure time goes so fast) and there's a video about it
Find youtube tutorials for your machine and that might help to give you the extra push to have fun with it
There are plenty of terrific videos around. Local community colleges often offer classes too. Most of my knowledge came from needlework classes in Primary and High School (when sewing was a compulsory subject). The rest I learned over sewing dance costumes for my daughter.
As someone who knits the (even more) old-fashioned way, it was really fun to see you go through all of the same phases that I did several years ago - the production of random blobs, the excitement that a thing that was just string an hour ago was suddenly fabric, the pride even in the imperfections because it's a thing you made out of basically nothing. I hope you continue to find joy with your machine!
I've been knitting for years, so I thought how much harder could crochet be... ho ho ho my friend, I have an entire box of badly crocheted squares with holes and knots and sometimes twists.
Its nice to see someone else not quite get it too.
I've been knitting (and crocheying) for over half my life now... (made my mum teach me when I was 12) and the magic of turingn yarn into an actual thing still gets me. it's creation. even more so than sewing because the difference between something you can wear and yarn is a lot bigger than the difference between a flat piece of fabric and something you can wear. even knitting the I don't know how manyth pair of puls warmers still makes me feel like a little creation deity.
12:55 Rachel appears to have experienced the horrors of casting on and frogging at the same time. A truly authentic knitting experience.
I think that is the exact same model that my mother used to have! (I’m a great-grandmother, by the way!) It works best with a fairly thin two-ply yarn. My mother used to be able to make a new school sweater for me in just two days (including hand-finishing the bottom rib border, collar and cuffs). Gosh, this brings back memories! I used to use my mother’s one.
the fact that you made an almost identical practice tube-piece to your grandma and were able to compare them was so amazing. I'm glad you can be connected to your grandma in this way. it's precious. I would LOVE more knitting machine videos! don't hesitate to record your learning curve and sharing it with us!
I love the addition of the little blanket to the miniature chair. It felt like Rachel's grandma was reaching out from beyond the grave to contribute to the hobbit hole mouse house :)
A blanket for actual mice lol
Please wash the blankie….remember the poopies in the box?
Yes! I'm with you. I loved that part.
As a machine knitter it is so nice to see others starting the craft. It also reminds me of how much I have learned over the past 2 years of machine knitting. You don’t realize how much you have learned until you see where you started
Are modern ones as easy to operate (once the niggles were sorted out) as this one? I tried to learn to knit as a kid, but was so bad at it that my childminder who was trying to teach me said she didn't want to waste any more yarn. LOL. She switched to teaching me to use the sewing machine & serger instead and I managed those fine. And hand sewing is simple enough for me too. But sliding a thing back and forwards I could totally manage! Don't need to count or anything! (Or at least not in the same way as hand knitting).
@@AlexaFaie They haven't charged. Theyw ork best with yarn designed for them.
Hand knitting is also just a mechanical skill with set movements and instructions. So if you couldn't learn as a child, you just weren't being taught in a way that made sense to you. I've taught two people who were told they were bad at it and they needed just needed someone who was patient and supportive.
@@AlexaFaie I find the newer knitting machines easier, I have never tried one of the knitting machines she used in the video but the newer brother, silver reed or any similar can create a lot more variety of stitches and are quicker in use. It took me a little while to understand the machine. I had not been successful with hand knitting before starting machine knitting, but since have learned how to hand knit too and it helped me to understand my knitting machine much better.
I use any sock wool and Koigu wool comes in every colour
@@AlexaFaie I didn't like the Japanese machines (4.6mm & 9mm), like Brother, Silver Reed and such. I found the European (5mm) brands easier to learn like Superba, White and such. But the above machine is probably the easiest to get the concept down pat, and you would be surprised at what you can knit on it. If you find one cheap, snag it, and it doesn't need to have a sponge bar to work properly.
if you haven't already i HIGHLY suggest getting a solvent out and rubbing down all the surfaces to get the old oil off of it as machine oil that's been sitting on something that's not been in operation turns sticky and gummy and on some will turn to varnish and then reapplying some fresh light machine oil on it. hot soapy water will work for some things. i have a feeling the shuttle should be sliding a LOT smoother than that. i'd also suggest getting someone down in the basement to maybe staple some plastic up over the insulation that's falling out of the ceiling, there's probably bits of fiberglass laying all over everything down there and it's horrible to breathe in if you get it into the air while cleaning or moving things around! love the personality though and that's quite an interesting little machine, i love fixing stuff like that up!
'I vastly underestimated how much yarn I would need for this' as someone relatively new to knitting themselves, I feel this in my soul lol
I came from crochet to knitting a few years ago and I was the opposite. I found myself with at least an extra skein, if not two, EVERY time I finished a knitting project for like three months. XD
I'm also a crocheter, and my poor fiance, every time I start a new project (currently ignoring the 4 projects that are almost 5 months overdue)he reminds me to grab one extra skein just in case
Omg yes! I've been knitting only for a few years and I still think I don't need that much yarn and I'm always surprised I need more 😭
@@lytasilverstar wow, you're blessed with that wise fiance! It's much less expensive to buy an extra skein or two when you're in the store than to go BACK to get more... because whole other projects will jump in the shopping cart while we're in the store again.
Yes, I also have 4 or 5 projects going most of the time. I usually knit but I keep a crochet hook in the pocket of my apron just in case I get an urge to make a kitchen scrubber (or an elephant). It helps my hands if I switch between needle sizes so I try to be knitting a bulky project (right now that would be a capelet) and a fine project (socks, perhaps) but obviously that's only two projects and I mentioned 4 or 5. With ten grandchildren I have lots of excuses to start a new project if I get frustrated with what I've been working on.
I alwaydo the exact opposite, overestimate, buy too much and then have nothing to do with the extra
Honestly, SO impressed. Knitting machines are NOT easy. I laughed out loud at that “even a child can use it” business. I’ve been a hand knitter for decades so I understand the mechanics of them, but I‘ve only used a machine a handful of times because they were so frustrating to use. I’m so impressed by how you stuck to it and kept trying and made something legitimately cute and wearable with no prior knitting knowledge!!
The fact you went from complete newb to making an actual wearable object is sorcery! Good on you for sticking with it through all the struggles and learning curve mistakes. That is amazing and you are an inspiration. 😊 Thank you for your example of fortitude to all us newbs to a new skill.
Okay, sticks and strings are my thing.
1. The Ironing process is called Blocking. Most experts today recommend a completely different process and I'll let you Google that, rather than confuse you.
2. Acrylic Yarn WON'T block... not without so much heat you melt the yarn [we call that killing the yarn]. It's made from petroleum products.
3. Those big 'fancy' knitting machines [like your's] ONLY USE thin yarn. And even farther, they work better with a Wool based yarn.
4. Here in the states you want a yarn size of DK/Light/3, Baby/Fine/2, or Sock/Fingering Weight/1. The sizing descriptions are not consistent between countries.
YOUR TROUBLES CAME FROM HAVING A YARN TOO THICK FOR THE MACHINE.
4a. The Number Wheel is your Needle Size... ie... the space between the stitches... or a means of loosening the tension of the stitches. For the recommended yarn, you will use the smaller numbers... unless you want a loose and airy piece then you use the larger numbers. Needle recommendations are always on the yarn lable.
5. Yes, you don't want fuzzy or textured [kinky/wavy] yarn.
6. As others have stated, you really need some weights on the bottom end of your piece to maintain the tensions of the stitching. I use jumbo sized "S" hooks with jumbo sized nuts, plus knitting needles through the end to creat a more uniform tension... for the proper tension on my Bond Sweater Machine.
7. If you want the easiest knitting machine to learn all the basics, look for the old Bond Sweater Machines. The company was a subsidiary of Caron, but it was not purchased when a Canadian company bought Caron... so the machines have not been manufactured in years... to my knowledge. Spinrite Yarn now owns Caron, Coats and Clark [red heart yarn], Aunt Lydia [a cotton yarn company], Lily Sugar/Peaches and Cream, Patons, Bernat, and Phentex. In other words, ALL OF THE MAJOR YARN COMPANIES ARE ALL OWNED BY ONE UMBRELLA COMPANY IN CANADA.
Doh. I forgot. The Bond Sweater Machine is the ONLY knitting machine that can work with Worsted Weight Yarn... the larger green yarn you had. WorstedWeight/Medium/4 on the lable.
Nick's little cameos are so freaking funny/cute, he's just checking to see if his little muppet is doing okay on its little crafting cave
i love it so much
Your knitted strip next to your grams knitted strip warmed my heart so much. This video was so precious. So cute to think your gram ordered that and unknowingly/unintentionally it ended up being a gift to you. I don’t think it could’ve ended up in better hands. The top was impressive as eff for your first piece. I hope you try more stuff in your spare time ! I think you could have fun with it
Okay, but your intros to learning these things is what makes people like me feel like failure IS okay and the frustration in learning ISN'T the end of the world. Thank you!
We have all been blessed with multiple Nick cameos. ❤ I love that when Rachel asks him if he wants to hear a poem, he is immediately, "sure". Those two are seriously the cutest couple ever.
When a husband receives the respect he deserves, he keeps his wife safe to be herself and this makes her shine.
this is so wholesome, just think about it is your grandmas' old tool, it has been sat in the dark for decades, you not only dig it out, opened it, clean it, and even somehow figure out how to use it and made a wonderful little thing. too wholesome in my opinion, please don't stop!
Keep using it! Make blanket squares, knit shorts, anything and everything! It's such an awesome arm workout and core exercise. You will build lean muscle. My maternal great grandma had one and she was frickin RIPPED
As a fibre artist I'll tell you the best way to get your pieces flat is wet blocking. Dampen the pieces then pin them till their flat on a pinable surface and let them dry fully.
Can I just say, your videos have become ten times better than they had been when you were rushing yourself to make videos every week. That is only because you are much less stressed and having so much more fun. The wins like this adventure are great to see but even when your experiments are so called "failures" we get to see your experiences in getting there and that is entertaining in and of itself. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us!!
As a regular hand knitter I think the machine is so cool! For your next project you could try a scarf (still a rectangle lol) but do colour changes every x number of rows to try something different and see what kind of effect you get! Someday maybe you'll get confident enough to make Frodo a sweater 🤣
I love the scarf idea! She could do color changes every time the knitting falls off of the machine. Dr. Who vibes perhaps?
I am a hand-knitter and crocheter, and have multiple knitting machines. The two newer straight machines I have played around with successfully, but I have one late-40s machine from Japan that didn't have instructions, and I never could get it to work. The cam mechanism isn't as sophisticated as on the newer machines, which handle the tensioning and laying down of the yarn automatically. I don't know why I never thought to look at available instructions for different models of old machine, but having seen the method taught here, I am confident I can make it work now! You've inspired me to pull it out and dust it off, and give it another try. It's much smaller, but such a pretty little thing, and I'm so grateful!
You made it to Tom Scott's newsletter!!
I am absolutely gobsmacked by how well that knit turned out. It's even better that it was your Grammy's.
As someone with a knitting machine in her garage untouched, I wish to see more!! What you made looked GREAT.
My grandma had a knitting machine. The feel and sound of moving the thing back and forth unlocks some serious memories.
rachel is the literal definition of the person we all wanted to be when we grew up, not at all bound by the societal constraints of "responsible adulthood" and "not dressing like a hobbit"
I think she is more “adult” than we give her credit for. Adulthood still has lots of learning to do and we just witnessed her learning a vintage device and made something she will use.
Hardcore, old school adulthood in modern times. Loving it!
Pippi-core
I keep telling myself I'm a Hobbit in modern clothes design...it helps...
Not me pet, I'm as quirky and non-conformist as it gets. I have no wish to be anyone else than myself.
Mind you, when I was younger I wanted to look like Angelina Jolie, silly me.
@@theclumsyprepper Ditto, I am unapologetically myself with bright blue hair and neurodivergence on full display. I don’t know how to be anything other than my weird self 🤷🏼♀️
And I’m never gonna grow up, I made it almost 40 years without being a fully functioning adult so I’m sure I’ll be fine 😅
As a hand knitter who recently acquired a vintage Brother machine, I found it endlessly entertaining to watch someone experience as much frustration as I had, but without the hours of tutorials I watched. It is recommended that you replace the sponge bar on these old machines, anchor it to the table & use a thinner yarn on a cone or center pull ball. Also, if you don't hand manipulate some of the stitches, you may have to sew a hem as stockinette is notorious for curling. Best of luck!
Yes. All of this. Idk if one this old has a sponge bar though. It helps so much if someone can show you the ropes in person
I always love seeing people commenting helpful tips and useful archive from their experience! Hopefully Rachel sees this!
Okay, that bird-on-the-finger into to the ad was precious. Almost as precious as you using the sample your grandma knit as a blanket for your hobbit mouse hole. 😭😭❤️
I was really expecting her to put the tiny scarf on her deleted frog!! 🐸 🧣 ❤️ haha 😂
To stop the piece falling off the machine, you need to place the machine at the edge of the table then hang knit weights along the edge as it starts to hang down. Here in the uk you can often find the knitting weights in charity shops on any high street. Good luck!
I've used knitting machines on and off since the 70's and my advice is to put the old one in the charity shop and buy a modern one. Modern machines are so much more user friendly and have tons of excellent features that reduce the amount of fiddly hand manipulation. Or just stick to hand knitting, cheaper set up costs and far more versatile.
As a knitter I am both super excited and kinda jealous lol
ikr. I saw the notification as I'm knitting a top with 4mm needles and oh what I wouldn't give to have a machine
Same. Wish I could get my hands on a knitting
I was gifted one but it is in bad repair and I don't have enough knowledge/engineering to fix it. 😢
KnitKing was made by Brother, back in the day. There are several youtubers out there with knitting machine content. So the internet is still a wonderful thing! The little vest is so stinkin' cute! Stay safe and love to you and your family!
The best thing about this… and why I love vintage… is that this was your Grans. What a lovely thing to have ❤
"Even a child can use it!" Okay, Isambard Kingdom Brunel was a child once, I guess.
Shetland knitters used to use those things to make the bodies and sleeves of sweaters, and then transfer the piece off the machine and onto their needles to complete the sweaters with patterned yokes. Very cool device!
I just finished thrifting a 1950’s dress today because Rachel inspired me… I then watched all of her closet purge videos. And now, THIS! Full day of Rachel… a day we’ll spent!❤️
Can I just say that I’m obsessed with this partially braided pigtail style you’ve been doing lately? Because it might just be the cutest thing in the world
When machine knitting it really helps to hang weights from the piece of fabric to keep it taut. There are special weights avilable but you can use anything as long as the weight is more or less evenly distributed. Enjoy experimenting with your treasure of a machine!
I was gifted a knitting machine for my birthday last week! I’m so excited to use it - but I would recommend getting weights at least for the initial knitting, so it won’t get in the way as you move the carriage back and forth
Rachel, this is AMAZING! Having a knitting machine that your grandmother once used? I mean, come on! That little blanket that you added to your mouse house is precious. The top you made looks great, and I can't wait to see what else you come up with. ❤
I bought this exact some one at a goodwill for $25. I work on sewing machines and took it completely apart, and that is SO MANY PIECES! They are really cool! :D
Okay, just watched this. When they are like this I recommend they are taken apart, and cleaned. With hooks with 3M scrub pads or 0000 steel wool to remove rust. Then clean out the channels and wipe the hooks with isopropyl alcohol. Once it is back together use a minimal amount on sewing machine oil on all moving parts. To much oil will get on your yarn.
Note: If you ever take one apart, pay attention to wear every screw goes. They are often filed to fit in that specific spot, and had to be placed to the filed spot is facing the right direction.
They are very simple machines, but have a lot of pieces. Anyone can service one, just pay attention to where things go. :)
The overwhelming excitement of “I made a thing “ cannot be underestimated. ❤well done.
Sponsored Racheal is the only ad’s I watch in videos. So great that you support the ones that support you and make it so creative and you! This video was great! I am so glad I found your channel!
So proud of you to conquer that intimidating machine. I donated my grandmother's based on years of knowing that box lurked in the back of the closet and I never came close to the courage you showed today. The green vest turned out stupid cute!😻
I had similar story. But in my family even person who bought this mashine didn't have courage to deal with it😅
This was so wonderful! It reminded me of my grand parents. My grandfather collected antique sewing and knitting machines, and learned how to use them so they could demonstrate them at antique engine shows! He even learned how to knit socks on an old hand crank sock knitter to sell. We got them for Xmas (and then some) for several years! They were lovingly referred to as "Grampi socks"!
As someone whos repeatedly failed at learning how to knit or crochet this video and the idea of a knitting machine is giving me hope.
Get a size 3 yarn and make a baby blanket, yes it takes an athletic person to use one. My aunt made the blankets on the knitting machine and I crocheted the borders. Make the biggest size you can and do it side to side instead of up and down!
The vest turned out so cute! I bet your grandmother would be so happy to see you using her machine 💛
WOW! Love how this turned out! I am so floored that you were able to figure out how the machine worked from just reading the guide. I took a semester long knitwear class at FIT with slightly more complicated, but still controlled by hand, knitting machines and boy was that a learning curve! Congrats on learning your first stitch: stockinette/jersey stitch. It will always be curly ended so you can learn other stitches that help stabilize the bottom like rib. If you want to work on keeping the piece on the needles longer without falling off, you can use knit weights that look like combs and you can get a little crochet hook or machine knitting hook to re-add those stitches that drop and/or learn new stitches. Happy knitting! 😊
If you ever spend time cleaning and shining up the old machine, invest in sheets of anti rust paper. You can wrap it around the machine or line the box with it. It works very well and helps a lot during storage.
My parents bought a house in 1957 and this exact machine was found in the attic. Mom became quite a pro and knit us many sweaters on it. I inherited it and find it a challenge that I take out every few years to play with.
Thank you for listening to literally everyone in the comments and wearing the braids again, THEY’RE SO CUTE ON YOU
My mom got me the early-2000s version of this when I was a teenager and it was A BEAR to use. I gave up and went back to hand-knitting right quick and abandoned the machine to some dark basement corner. Kudos to you, Rachel, for persevering and making A Thing! Every time I wear something I knit, I'm proud of myself all over again. I hope you have the same feeling!
Awww, now someday maybe someone will make a future-youtube video after finding your early-2000s knitting machine in THEIR basement. I love it!
My mom had the late 50s version *likely the exact model as Rachel's) and same. It sat in the attic for at least 40 years. I unboxed it and tried to use it once or twice and it was an epic fail. I'm an expert knitter. LOL.
If Rachel continues to use it, I hope she switched to DK or Sport Weight. I think that will make a huge difference. Also clamping it to the table.
I think that if you're going to buy a knitting machine, better to invest in a more robust model. Unless you just want to ditz around with it.
I have an 80s version, and I've learned it needs some more maintenance the instructions tell.
Was knitting a sleeve of a sweater watching this. The unparalleled enthusiasm I felt watching this thing work - I didn't even know a knitting machine existed! When in fast-motion it truly looks like it's printing the fabric. I wonder if that's how modern knitting machines work.
Oh yes, that's how modern machines work! With a few differences but basically they work the same ❤ fantastic pieces of engineering ❤
Dang lady! Sponsored by Disney?! You are freaking amazing!
Your Grandma is the gift who keeps on giving! What a lovely video honoring her! I love how excited you are at the end!
This was fun! Top came out so cute.
There are a number of yarn RUclipsrs who use knitting machines, so I highly encourage you checking some of them out and playing around with it. And have fun!
I just have to say something, and it’s exactly perfectly at 14:10 when we see how brilliant the brain is and how quick crafters learn to read their own work and DEAR GOD IT MAKES ME SO HAPPY.
I hear so so many people insist “that would be too hard” or “I could never do that” or “that’s impossible” and then I listen to knitters or tailors or wood workers in person and it is the most fascinating thing how fast we get something down as soon as we put our brains to it sometimes.
Not perfect, but it’s the failures that teach us and teach us better than not failing, and that’s just the coolest thing.
Engineering Knits has a knitting machine and goes through how to use, repair and maintain hers. It's a different model but might have some good nuggets of information! Knitting is surely a learning curve, and I commend you for throwing yourself in despite your concern :)
I think it’s so beautiful that you saved not only your grandmas machine but also her tiny practice pieces
Run, don't walk, over to Engineering Knits. You need a knitter with historic textile and knitting machine experience and I need this colab.
I’m so proud of you girl!!! My mom go herself two of those machines and when she shows me how to use it I get that same panic felling that the thought of having to ever take another math course gives me.
Dude I am so proud of you for sticking with it! I taught myself to knit in my early 20s and then quickly switched to crochet. Now I feel like I need a new hobby so I’m teaching myself to knit again and it is 🤬 but I’m not giving up! Good job lady!!
Ohh I know how you feel! I started crocheting a few years ago and now I'm trying to learn to knit. It's so much harder. For me crocheting is so much more satisfying
Rachel! I have a book called Modular Knitting, which is literally all about what you can make with multiple knit squares and rectangles... sweaters, dresses, hats, blankets, etc. Its super cute!
Oh, you got either an older or simpler model than what we had when I was a child. Ours had a yarn feeder in the sledge, which made the whole process so much easier. That one really was suited to be used by a child, I can attest. Sadly, I don't think it's still around. But I do still have the line counter somewhere.
So proud of you for not quitting. I have a knitting machine as well that is hiding in my garage and I am scared to try and use it as well. I think I'll rescue it soon and give it a go!
Can I just say, dang, you are speaking to my inner core right now. I'm so afraid to start new projects because of fear of failure and just watching you do what you do, how you set goals and keep going and even if it doesn't look exactly how you planned it in the beginning, you make it work, all while being so fun and funny. Honestly, you're so inspiring, it made me cry a lil, lol. Thank you for doing what you do, and for taking us on these little journeys with you.❤
I’m teaching my high school students how to knit in their craft class and it is the best thing ever to see them go from frustrated and “this is so confusing,” to having the lightbulb go on and then being in awe of making something. This knitting machine is so cool and SO FAST! I’ll definitely be making a similar vest top in the future. Thanks for always putting out the most endearing, creative, and fun content, Rachel!
Side note: This comment makes me sound approximately 60 years old, which may be true for my soul, but I am in fact 30 flirty and thriving ✌🏻
What a find! I gave up knitting and crocheting when my hands got too arthritic. Your grandmas machine is probably slightly corroded in all the metal parts, so a light polishing with a scotchbrite pad of all the contact surfaces possible is in order. A bit of "dry" lubricant on the track might help, too. And then run it back and forth the whole length without yarn to help smooth things out, blowing and wiping it out periodically to get rid of loosened mouse detritus and rust.
Good job persevering and getting results!
I'm sure someone has mentioned by now about knitting weights and some really helpful knitting machine youtube channels, but if not I am happy to share some of my favs. But truly, weights are the business. Your top is just gorgeous!
That top is unbearably cute! It's so cool to see something dug out of the basement and given new life :D
Engineering Knits on RUclips picked up a vintage knitting machine and has a few videos on troubleshooting it. There's a whole knitting community (both vintage and modern) on RUclips, too, so you probably would have been able to use to Google to problem solve... Glad for you that the final product turned out well
Wow! What a find! Years ago I had a friend with one of those machines. She knitted me a turtleneck sweater. I 💜L-O-V-E-D💜 it!
OMG. Little knitting sample by Grandma put on the back of the tiny chair! I'm not crying...
I never knew knitting machines were sold for household use. What a great find in your old basement.
These were such a huge thing when I was a teenager! My mums friend could knit us a sweater in a day and because she loved it so much, would do it for free if we paid for the yarn. I was the envy of my friends
I love that Rachel made exactly the same thing as her grandma- the mint green toob xD
The first step of working with vintage machines is to clean, oil, and grease!
If you're able to find it, a maintenance or repair manual is a great resource for understanding how to maintain & repair your machine. However, I'm not sure if the knitting machines had repair manuals (I get the manuals for my vintage sewing machines).
OH HELL YES! KNITTING MACHINE!!!
Let's fucking GOOOO!
Seeing your basement looking a lot like ours (we just moved last summer) makes me feel SO much better. Thank you 💙✨
Hi Rachel! Engineering Knits has a knitting machine and that's demo'ed in a video or two. You may want to check her out ...if you want to continue your knitting machine journey, that is!
It is really cute. I know that they were hours and hours and hours that you did not show us. I had a machine for a long time before I found out that you can spray the top of it with silicone lubricant. Just spray down towards the needles from the top. Not tons but it made a huge difference on my machine which is plastic and metal.
Good job to you.
Silicone spray rocks.
Also, no weights while knitting??? No wonder it wanted to jump off the needles.
I haven’t had my machines out for 14 years. Now that I’m learning to fix sewing machines, I’m inclined to make something on the knitting machine again.
I made it in the “knit” of time 😂
👍👍 I needles to get out more 😆!
this video was such a joy! i loved seeing you discover the joy of fiber arts! as a knitter myself, the "this was a pile of yarn a day ago" is such a fascinating part of knitting and it was so fun seeing you come to that realization as well!
I have a brother knitting machine. There are several things you need to be aware of. 1. you need to oil it. (silicone oil will not get gummy with age). That is why you are having to muscle it. 2. You cannot chage direction in middle of moving carriage from side to side. 3. You should have the at the edge of table so as you knit it drops off. 4. Fine or sport eight works best till you get use to it. 5. Mine has a bar that attaches to the knitting material. Then you add weights to it to help the knitting to clear the needles.
I briefly owned a knitting machine in 1978. I made some baby afgans and some leg warmers. But it was such a frustrating experience, I sold it. It would jam up or drop stitches etc. Watching this video brought back the memories and sadly, they were not good.
✨ I never comment but since I'm early today I wanted to thank you for all the effort you put into your videos. Your uploads are my favorite to watch bc it's so relaxing and funny. Love you Rachel! 💖✨
Edit: Also I absolutely adore that cute new vest! You made me want to knit now! 😊😍
This intro is one of my favorites! The whole video was a delight. Jenna Phipps has one for these machines but I think it is a reproduction. Have fun in England! If you see Bernadette or Cathy tell them hello for me!
15:30 the tightness of knit is outstanding!!!
Hello Rachel! I am industrial knitwear designer and I create programs on computer for industrial knitting machines. I dont have much expeience with machne like this, but I'm surten in 2 things. First - the machine have to be attached to the table and second - there have to be some tension on the knitted fabric wile knitting! Six years ago I met a lady with similar knitting machine. Hers had a set of metal clips with detachable weights to create the tension.
I would love a mini series where you try knitting other things or maybe other stitch patterns! This was a cozy, fun watch!