Thank you Birch Living for sponsoring! Click here birchliving.com/engineeringknits to get 25% off your Birch mattress (plus two free Eco-Rest pillows!) during their Labor Day Sale. Offers are subject to change. #birchliving
I bought mine used, didn't cost that much - the yarns can quickly cost more. But a used one can also come with additional things to learn before you even can start knitting - namely the maintenance!
I bought the incredible sweater machine off eBay for less than $100 including shipping. I don't have the cash for one of the nicer. I don't have the cash for one of the fancier from brother or anybody else but the plastic Bond sweater machines still get the job done
I got a mint condition Singer with all the attachments for only $50. It was at a market not aimed at craft. So you're not too broke, you just haven't chanced upon the right machine 😉
A while ago I borrowed a rigid heddle loom from a friend for stashbusting and now I own a 45" wide vintage counterbalance floor loom. I feel like this video is documents the alternate reality where she loans me an addi instead.
I bought my first floor loom 10 years ago, and now have 5 floor looms, including a 16 shaft computer dobby. Also a 12 shaft table loom. I need to weave up more of my knitting yarns, but I also love working with fine cotton and Tencel.
@@rmonogue hehe, on a similar path! I have 5 floor looms, a table loom, a rigid heddle loom, and a few tapestry looms. Some of my looms are pretty old and I love that they each have their own personalities. I'm jealous of your dobby!
I took lessons on the knitting machine at my local yarn shop for three months Christmas morning my husband carried in a very big heavy package for my Christmas present. He bought me knitting machine, knitted sweaters for every single member in my family when we went home to visit them for Christmas. I sewed the sleeves in and finished it all3000 miles from the West Coast to the East Coast
Your warning is similar to the one I give people buying their first vintage sewing machine. We’ve lost so many features that used to be standard, that when you first use them, you realize in some ways they’re much better than what we have today. And then they somehow start jumping into your car & multiplying 😂
@@bootalophosaurus2378 both! My oldest machine is from the 1880’s and my daily stitcher is a beast of a 70’s Kenmore. People give/throw them away, but with minimal cleaning & effort, most of them can run perfectly & are superior to modern plastic machines for a fraction of the cost ☺️
@@kristenpeters4434 thanks for replying ☺️ I got an antique sewing machine table to use as a desk but it has all the parts, I’ve just been too scared to try it out. I think you’ve just given me the push to try it out.
I practice sewing on my grandma's 60 years old machine and "upgraded" to a modern mechanical domestic. Then I truly upgraded to a semi-industrial, never looking back. Now I can't stand the "easy to use" modern domestic anymore. They feel like a toy.
I can't afford to even think about buying a knitting machine 😂 But, lucky for me I am subscribed to your channel, so I can vicariously go through all of the joy and pain with you! Thanks so much for allowing me to do that ❤️😘
xD I have enough hobbies, I already knew I wouldn't be buying a knitting machine. Helps seeing folks like you struggling with your knitting machine lol.
My late mum had a knitting machine which disappeared after she passed. It warms my heart to imagine her machine with someone who cares about them like you do!
As someone who bought their machine from the living estate of an elderly woman, I can assure you, wherever your mother's machine is, it's being enjoyed. When I work, I often think about all the women who have used my tools and machines before me (I have a lot of vintage looms). The imprint of each maker stays with its tools, I think many of us feel this :)
It's a joy to watch your adventures on your vintage knitting machines, but I have neither the space nor the engineering background your have to own, store, use, and repair my own. I completely appreciate your review of the pros and cons that help me to cement this choice!
I love making combination knitting, I start by hand and when I cant knit as well, because arthrites is always fun, I transfer my stiches to my machine and continue knitting on there for a little while :)
I would love a Nutella video and I love the new Q&A segment at the end. I'm so glad you've found a way to interact with the comments that feels safe for you. Safety and accommodations are so important.❤
I find knitting machines fascinating (and I used to love to knit) but my health has reduced my strength, energy, and ability to keep patterns straight. So i just watch you
You’re right. It does take strength and energy to use a knitting machine. I’m older and also with health issues which is why I hand knit now while my knitting machines sit idle. I’ve spent thousands of dollars on them so it’s hard to just dump them off at the thrift store though I suppose someday I’ll have to. I like to watch these videos and imagine myself machine knitting again.
Thanks to your Videos, I decided to buy a used brother doublebed knitting machine in pristine condition. The owner was an old Lady who passed away. She was a machine knitter for her whole life. I got a lot of accessories, additional needles and even step-by-step books, I've never heard of before. I love to explore the machine and it makes me ridicoulously happy to see this ingenious piece of human brainwork produce fabric and knitted items. Two years ago, I found - probably it found me - an pattern book from 197, for machine knitters on my holidays in Poland. Was waiting there for me in a second hand book shop. It's in polish and I have some struggle to translate some of the terms, but my goal is, to work through some of the patterns I really like. Your Videos keep me motivated ❤ I enjoy them so so much. Thank you for sharing your journey. Marta from Germany.
I've been kicking myself for five years for not buying this old knitting machine I saw in the thrift shop but this video has me thinking maybe it was for the best after all (although I still think a sock knitting machine would be useful)
Love machine knitting, I go to club once a month and have been knitting on a machine since 1983. I have four machines, all different, love them and I am going to watch your video, once I’ve eaten and can’t wait to see what you make of it 😂 🇬🇧 P.s. I have a lot of ‘waxed’ yarn and it washes out a treat and the yarn blooms after washing and blocking. I also have a cone of yarn from a company in Scotland called J.C. Rennie which is full of lanolin, they still sell it and it needs a double scour/wash to get all the oil out, it’s beautiful 😍
Someone gifted me a vintage knitting machine. So far I haven't done anything more than swatches. When it works it's incredibly fun. But so far it hasn't been working well 🤣
Had your machine been given a maintenance? Mine is from the 80's, but I still haven't been able to fully service it. Also the strip with foam above the needles that many machines have needs to be replaced every few years even without usem unless you take it off every time between uses.
I am a disabled veteran and I bought my first bond knitting machine before COVID and then I bought 4 more bond knitting machines when I found out I could attach then all together to make very big blankets, making cozy blankets helped me deal with the stress of COVID, and the rhythmic rocking and concentration helped me be distracted from chronic pain. I wish to someday upgrade to a brother machine like yours.
love your videos!! as a candlemaker watching your q&a section, I wanted to say if you decide to start waxing your yarn please look into natural waxes - not paraffin! try soy wax or beeswax if they are compatible with the fibers you are using. paraffin wax is cheaper and most commonly used for coating literally everything, is the wax in the majority of store bought candles - even if they say “soy blend” they usually are still primarily paraffin and can cause a lot of health concerns overtime. even present in many foods. it’s not good stuff. but feel free to do you own research and do what works best for you! highly recommend a natural wax like soy or beeswax! and when you are shopping candles look for pure or 100% natural wax labels!
In the past I DID own two flat-bed knitting machines, like you, one to work heavier/thicker yarns, and one to work lace weight/thinner yarns. However in your 4th reason to get a machine, you illuminated the reason I discovered NOT to own one. I went through my yarn so quickly that a leisurely week machine knitting would be followed by weeks or even months when I had nothing to knit. I simply ran out of yarn budget! Now I hand-knit nearly everything as it keeps pace with how often/ how much yarn I can purchase at any one time. I do have a Sentro rotary machine on backup, just in case I need a quick simple gift for family and friends, but not a whole lot of time to execute it. Thank you for all your thoughtful and entertaining videos!
Crafting is a delightful slippery slope. I starting knitting when I was little, Mum taught me English style and I tried again in my 20's but it didn't stick. Then in my early 30's I picked up Crochet, it's all thanks to RUclips, honestly it's an amazing resource for visual learners like me. I started knitting again because I like the stockinette fabric for garments a couple of years ago, this time learning continental knitting from RUclips. Now I'm making socks and colourwork. I've been watching weaving, sowing and embroidery allot lately too and am comtemplating some courses to get me started. But now the knitting machines have me intrigued too..... hmmmmm
A regency-style garment for Nutella would be so cute! Sending lots of love from Germany, I love every single video you make! You make my days brighter, thank you so much!
Vintage machines are pretty affordable here in NZ. I've bought one for around $100-150 NZ. (say $65-90 US) Also there are cool tables for them around. I bought one for $150. You can leave it mostly set up, except the thread rod, and fold it away into the table.
I consider machine knitting physically hard on the mind and body which is why my LK150 and my 2 standard gauge punchcard machines with ribbers are now sitting idle while I sit in a chair and hand knit. Hand knitting is slower but much more relaxing and enjoyable BUT knitting machines ARE intriguing and interesting to use. I do know how to use my machines and have made several sweaters on them. I appreciate you showing the ups and downs of machine knitting, the reality of the learning curve and the skill it takes to master these “tools”. The machines are as good or as bad as the skill level of the user. Your videos are real; they are instructive and educational. Thank you for making them. Who knows? Maybe I’ll become reinspired by your videos to machine knit something again. 🧦🧶🙂
I only started learning to knit last winter and found my first proper pattern so confusing it put me off so I'm extremely unlikely to ever get knitting machines. I appreciate you answering questions at the end of videos and explaining why you don't reply to comments, sometimes it feels a bit like typing into the void commenting on videos
A fellow knitter had been fixing up a beginner flat bed machine and now it has landed in my lap. Due to your videos I knew all about and how to change the sponge bar (the only item left to fix up) and now I am excited to give it a go.
I inherited one! My uncle was moving, and he had been holding onto my great grandma's knitting machine. He didn't have the room for it, so he asked if I'd want it (uhm YEAH!). I'm scared to use it because it is OLD. It's a Brother El Dorado 85 (I believe that's the number), and it's monstrously huge and in immaculate condition. I'm a being made of pure chaos, so I'm scared I'll break it! I want to bust it out one of these days, and I'm glad I stumbled upon your channel! I hope to learn a lot!
You have inspired me to dig out the Brother flat bed that my Aunt gave me 20 years ago! I used it a lot at first when my kids were small, but I don’t think it has even been set up in about 13years 🤦🏼♀️
Totally YES to a Nutella video! In your early videos she was very present, but now not so much. She's such a cutie (and scene stealer) and I miss her. Oh, and thanks to your knitting machine videos, I have no desire to get one. I truly do not have enough patience to attempt to use one. So, thanks for talking me out of being even tempted.
I started with a Bond machine from Craigslist I bought on a whim. I also have 2 senteo machines and now a Knit King standard size as well. Knitting machines are addictive!
I am very grateful for your channel. I enjoy watching you so much, but it also gives me a really realistic perspective on knitting machines. It’s a good reality check for my fantatsies! I probably won’t buy one soon. Maybe a sock machine . . .
Awesome video, and honestly I'll never buy one of the flatbed styles... I'll consider a sock one maybe... but my favorite is to watch you work on these knitting machines. I enjoy the process, the fiddling with the machines, the troubleshooting, and of course the final product. I found recently when I have tried to crochet my eyes get tired fast, so I'm not able to do as much as I would prefer. So thank you for sharing your journey. Cheers!
I was on the Sirdar website the other day and, if memory serves, they’ve got some 1950#s machine knitting patterns. I was also looking on Ravelry and apparently there’s a whole load of vintage knitting patterns from Australian magazines on a site called Trove, but you need to know where to look for it. I bought a book which provides instructions on sizing up vintage patterns and also making modern patterns more vintage looking. I own the Jane Waller/Susan Crawford books too, so using them as a base to size up vintage patterns seems like a good plan too! The only argument I can see for cannibalising other old vintage machines would be if they had so much wrong with them they were beyond repair completely, but I totally get your point and I hope that those in the comments can help source some of the metalwork
Ooh I’ve got one of the Susan Crawford A Stitch in Time books too - so many gorgeous patterns! I tried to knit one but I’m not a great knitter and always seem to pick sewing instead of all the frogging… 😂 I’ve just been gifted a wide gauge knitting machine, will I be able to just follow the book patterns for my size on the machine?
This couldn’t be better timed! I’m just frogging the front of my machine knit sweater as I got the length wrong….going to sit back and enjoy your video now and pick it up again after 😬
That’s great that it’s the same pattern! I recognized it because I was in the midst of planning out my next knitting project which I’ve now started. I really wanted to make a vintage fingering weight dress and that was one of the ones I was looking at. I’m glad I was able to help!
I should add, I would love to see more of the dress you have, since as we know you don’t get a lot of details in vintage knitting patterns and it is one that I really would like to make sometime. I’m currently knitting a different bear brand dress from the 50’s.
I remember my Mum had a Knitmaster? knitting machine in the 1960's. It was cast iron and weighed a ton (I broke a rib when I fell over it once). Like your grandmother, Mum used to knit for friends using the money she earned to pay for it. I really wish we hadn't got rid of it, I'd love to have a go. Watching you working out how to use yours has brought back some happy memories for me, so thankyou.
Omg your poor foot 😮. Bad machine! lol. I hope its healed up quickly. I would LOVE a Nutella video!!! Shes such a character. And making her a little regency dress would be hilarious - what a fun idea. I won't get a knitting machine myself but i do enjoy watching you use yours and seeing your enthusiasm for them as well as learning about them and their history.
You're already the reason I have 3 machines now 😂 (oh and a 3d printed one I attempted to print myself... only counts as half because it only kinda works.) But I've got a SK280 with SRP60N ribber, SK155, and KX350 now! I love them all. Like you I couldn't knit by hand as much as I wanted because my wrists can't handle it, and this has been such a fun way to make knits again. I had really missed it. Thank you for your videos, I really appreciate seeing your experiences with knitting machines!
I got a Sentro for my birthday this year and it's all your fault! 😂 After watching your videos I wanted a CSM but I can't afford one, so I settled for a Sentro. I have enjoyed using it and I have even used my handspun yarns on it. Thanks for showing me this can be fun.
My first knitting machine was a circular Sentro, then I bought a Brother sweater machine like the one you have and finally and most recently I bought a Passap Pinkie machine and fixed it up! I have definitely caught the knitting g machine bug!
Thank you for the wonderful overview! I wish I’d bought one 40 years ago, when I’d first thought of it. Lesson, don’t put things off “until I get older.”
One of my students volunteers at a house clearance charity where they sell the contents to help the homeless. He told me that when they get knitting machines, no-one will buy them so they go streight to the dump!!!!! So he saved me a knitting machine, and I'm not very good at it but I will be. My suggestion, drop in at this type of charity and tell them you'd be interested.... you never know.
A very well though out and fair assessment. Will I buy one? You almost convinced me talking about the mechanics, but I think I will learn a bit more from you here first. I do enjoy seeing you figure them out. 🤓 In terms of storing them, I wonder if something like a multi-tier synthesizer keyboard stand would work? The mast with the yarn tensioner would likely have to be taken off, but perhaps the rest could stay setup. Not ideal, but neither is having them on every flat surface. Well, at least until your knitwear brand takes off and you can have a whole room just for your knitting machines...
There is also a Silver Reed mid-gauge flat bed machine, the LK150. It's $500, so quite a bit less than most flat beds. It is limited in some ways (you can't get a ribber attachment for it), but I have been able to do quite a lot on mine. It will happily knit everything from fingering weight to aran. (Plus mohair lace if you want it lacy, and lace weight yarns if you feed them double or with something else.) It is a really good starter machine, and there are lots of RUclips videos demonstrating projects specifically on the LK150. Of course when I say "starter" machine ... Let's just say I have a few more of them now. 😁
yeah.. the spare part problem.. that is why I got myself a second machine of my knitting machine. Also to get some accessoire which was easier to get in a bundle then seperate. I love your knitting machine videos like all of you other videos. :)
I found a local group of ladies who’ve been using knitting machines (some of them) for 50 years. It’s been great to learn from them. I suggest finding someone who knows and befriend them!
I have a knitting machine with a ribber and I love it so much. I make circular socks on the flat bed machine too. I haven’t found many problems translating modern knitting patterns. Just find your gauge and find the percentage difference from the pattern, then divide all the stitch counts by your percentage. It only takes about an hour of work and a good calculator.
LOL, I will NEVER get a knitting machine! You are clearly a left-brained individual with an affinity for math, mechanics, etc. and God knows the patience of Job to deal with all the fiddling involved. I, on the other hand, am right-brained and perfectly content with the more tactile process of hand knitting but I do enjoy watching and appreciating what you do while doing my own thing.😊
Love this video! I bought an LK 150 mid gauge machine in the spring and I now have a bulky with a ribber and a standard gauge with a lace carriage and they are all over my dining room, lol
I have a huge yarn stash and have been tempted by some machines I saw listed locally. But I am not a mechanical person and I have heard horror stories from sock crankers. Thanks for the demonstration. Time to get back to my knitting!
I love watching these videos on machine knitting. It's facinating and I love getting to see the experience. I know I don't have the brain or patience to deal with machines but I still want to experiance the process 😊
I love your channel and everything you do on it. I do know I wouldnt be able to set up a knitting machine or a loom for that matter but I do love to knit. I have a whole binder of sweaters to knit know, so thanks for that! 😂😂😂 hugs from Minnesota.
I love your knitting machine videos ! I really hope i'll manage to have one and make it working someday, and in France where i am i saw a lot of second-hand knitting machine for very affordable prices (between 100 to 400 €) and second-hand sentro for ~ 40€
I bought a bulky knitting machine super cheap at an estate sale last year, looking forward to what you do with this machine! I'm sure I'll get inspired and break it out of storage 😁
The Q&A is great in this format. I have always been fascinated by knitting machines, I will never own a flat bed one, sock maybe, so hearing the pros and cons was fun.
I bought my knitting machine after seeing a tick tok of a small knitwear maker! I’ve got a singer HK 100 bully gauge and I’m finding it perfect! All it can do is stockinette but that’s the part I don’t like knitting a lot of! I’ve so far knit most of a pair of poofy lace weight sleeves that I’ve been procrastinating on for years so I can finally continue the sweater. I’m making a knit skirt that I would never spend the time hand knitting. I’m planning out a men’s 6xl sweater for a Christmas present without having to stand months knitting it. I have plans to knit a summer dress and some wool pants that I would not do without the machine.
I have a couple myself, along with all the gear. I still remember the glee I felt when I scored a garter carriage. I haven't used them for a really long time, but they are carefully stored and waiting for me to get the bug again.
I have to say that I feel a little less bad about my own LK-150 mishaps whenever I see people who have been machine knitting more/longer also having mishaps
The closest I’ve come to the machines was the printed Dean and Bean machine. I played at a fiber festival. The machines are the mechanical form of my knitting looms. Let’s not talk quantities of looms. I did learn the machines have far more in common with their knitting loom ancestors from chatting with machine demonstrators. We shared more than a few looks when others not familiar with machines were shocked there was still the dropped stitches, seaming and so on plus the maintenance. I am so glad there are options for us all. I’d love to see a Nutella dress episode! I always enjoy your videos, even if I won’t do that particular craft
I’m with you all the way. I had a craft room in our last house and my collection was up to 26 machines! Like you I wanted to test out all the different actions they could all do. We downsized to a one bedroomed flat so they all had to go, but- since moving I have bought a brother chunky and ribber, a knit master mid gauge , a brother convertible and a brother standard gauge and ribber. . I missed them so much! Most of our patterns in Britain are knitted flat so that’s easier here. Love your videos, happy knitting
I very much want to get a knitting machine! Although I have no mechanical skills at all, and I am a bit daunted by the flatbed machines and the amount of work/skill they often require, as well as the cost for new machines and lack of parts for the antique ones. So I think I’d start with a CSM (I’m considering a Dean & Bean one) and see how that went, before making any serious plans for any others. Thanks for offering the pros and cons here!
My mother-in-law has a knitting machine. When we were cleaning out and getting rid of some things. She insisted on keeping it, even though I had no idea what it was, or how it worked. I am seriously considering dragging it out and seeing what kind it is, and if it works.
NUTELLA REGENCY DRESS!!! Please give her extra pets and a cookie and tell her they're from me, a stranger on the internet who loves seeing her in your videos!
The learning process is super long for sure. I bought an antique CSM and learned so much about using it. Moved on to a modern machine, and attended several crank ins to keep improving. So much fun when it works.
I bought a flat bed off of facebook marketplace. It’s missing the clamps, I’ve tried to make my own and even went as far as making a surround to encase it in but nothing has worked. Also I’m not sure if it’s supposed to have the part that holds the yarn or if it’s capable of reading those cards. It’s been a drawer for more than a year and I’m tempted to just give it away. 😢
I've recently purchased the sentro crank machine (fyi: if you're willing to wait 2-3 weeks, it's around $45 on Temu vs Amazon) and have fallen in love! I've ventured into the realm beyond hats, and found myself wondering how much do your flatbed weights weigh? Also, I would love a Nutella video 💜
I love this Q&A format! I’m sure you get a bajillion questions, so you’re never going to be able to get through all of them all of the time - picking a couple to answer each video seems like a way more manageable way to answer the most pressing and/or interesting ones!
I really enioyed your info on the knitting machines and the fact that someone suggested a video on Nutella! She is such a joy to see! I personally would love to see Regency Nutella 😄💗💗💗 hope you're doing well and are healthy and safe 😊🫶🏻
I have a mid gauge and a standard gauge. I love the mid gauge but I haven’t used the standard gauge, mostly because I use my machine in tandem with hand knitting and the mid gauge is perfect for that.
I knit a whole sock on a machine at a demo and I loved it, but also I don't know if I want a machine. This video was so helpful and yet I still have no idea whether I'll try to get one!
I thought it was me in the intro! I found a Bond sweater machine at the re-use area at the local transfer station, then I “needed an Addi machine, and then a lady on a Facebook group had a Studio 500 to sell, and my husband also said he would print the CSM I had asked for! Holy moly. I am deep into the hellscape that learning these machines. The Addi Express is the only easy one 😂. I’m so happy I found your video tonight!
A lady after my heart! I started with a BOND 30 years ago and then another and then a Singer 360, then Passap Duo 80, Speed-0-knit, followed by several Brothers up to the 970 with G carriage! :) We aren't going to talk about the yarn.... Excellent comments on the different machines pros and cons. I have given the same information to many people over the last 30 years. :)
As someone with hairless dogs who need clothes to stay warm and safe, I would love seeing you make something for Nutella! I've made some shirts, sweaters and "pyjamas" (onesie with zipper on the back) for my boys.
Yassss a Nutella q&a! I have only just picked up knitting (flat & English style, but the weird one where I put the right needle under my arm - my mum briefly taught me when I was little and the muscle memory was still there), but yes I did immediately search second hand knitting machines in my area 😂
Your first three minutes summed up my experience when I got my machine. Took three weeks to get sorted and I am still learning. 🙄😕😢 Thank for your video, loved it. Regards, JennyB.
Thank you Birch Living for sponsoring! Click here birchliving.com/engineeringknits to get 25% off your Birch mattress (plus two free Eco-Rest pillows!) during their Labor Day Sale. Offers are subject to change. #birchliving
The good news for me is I’m too broke to buy knitting machines
SAME.
Me too, lol 😅
I bought mine used, didn't cost that much - the yarns can quickly cost more. But a used one can also come with additional things to learn before you even can start knitting - namely the maintenance!
I bought the incredible sweater machine off eBay for less than $100 including shipping. I don't have the cash for one of the nicer. I don't have the cash for one of the fancier from brother or anybody else but the plastic Bond sweater machines still get the job done
I got a mint condition Singer with all the attachments for only $50. It was at a market not aimed at craft. So you're not too broke, you just haven't chanced upon the right machine 😉
I have six flatbed machines and I feel attacked!
No frustration is greater than having a huge panel of double bed jacquard falling off the bed.
A while ago I borrowed a rigid heddle loom from a friend for stashbusting and now I own a 45" wide vintage counterbalance floor loom. I feel like this video is documents the alternate reality where she loans me an addi instead.
I bought my first floor loom 10 years ago, and now have 5 floor looms, including a 16 shaft computer dobby. Also a 12 shaft table loom. I need to weave up more of my knitting yarns, but I also love working with fine cotton and Tencel.
@@rmonogue hehe, on a similar path! I have 5 floor looms, a table loom, a rigid heddle loom, and a few tapestry looms. Some of my looms are pretty old and I love that they each have their own personalities. I'm jealous of your dobby!
My partner is a machinist if you are interested in specialized parts. He gets it because I have many flat and csm machines
Prob best to drop her an email
Is this a business thing or something? Bc he might help a lot of people getting into machine knitting.
So happy you posted. I was thinking that it would be easier to have the bespoke/missing/damaged part made by a machinist! 😎
I took lessons on the knitting machine at my local yarn shop for three months Christmas morning my husband carried in a very big heavy package for my Christmas present. He bought me knitting machine, knitted sweaters for every single member in my family when we went home to visit them for Christmas. I sewed the sleeves in and finished it all3000 miles from the West Coast to the East Coast
You the best from East to West
He's the best! I can imagine the happiness 😊.
Can I ask where he bought the machine?
Your warning is similar to the one I give people buying their first vintage sewing machine. We’ve lost so many features that used to be standard, that when you first use them, you realize in some ways they’re much better than what we have today. And then they somehow start jumping into your car & multiplying 😂
When you say vintage, do you mean the cast iron sewing machine tables or the midcentury electric ones?
@@bootalophosaurus2378 both! My oldest machine is from the 1880’s and my daily stitcher is a beast of a 70’s Kenmore. People give/throw them away, but with minimal cleaning & effort, most of them can run perfectly & are superior to modern plastic machines for a fraction of the cost ☺️
@@bootalophosaurus2378 both! I got into VSMs with gorgeous mid mod Kenmore’s, but then expanded forward & back. My range is generally 1880’s-1970’s.
@@kristenpeters4434 thanks for replying ☺️ I got an antique sewing machine table to use as a desk but it has all the parts, I’ve just been too scared to try it out. I think you’ve just given me the push to try it out.
I practice sewing on my grandma's 60 years old machine and "upgraded" to a modern mechanical domestic. Then I truly upgraded to a semi-industrial, never looking back. Now I can't stand the "easy to use" modern domestic anymore. They feel like a toy.
I can't afford to even think about buying a knitting machine 😂
But, lucky for me I am subscribed to your channel, so I can vicariously go through all of the joy and pain with you! Thanks so much for allowing me to do that ❤️😘
xD I have enough hobbies, I already knew I wouldn't be buying a knitting machine. Helps seeing folks like you struggling with your knitting machine lol.
Yes to a Nutella Regency dress video!! She’s such a gorgeous, good girl. I would love to see a video devoted her ❤
My late mum had a knitting machine which disappeared after she passed. It warms my heart to imagine her machine with someone who cares about them like you do!
As someone who bought their machine from the living estate of an elderly woman, I can assure you, wherever your mother's machine is, it's being enjoyed. When I work, I often think about all the women who have used my tools and machines before me (I have a lot of vintage looms). The imprint of each maker stays with its tools, I think many of us feel this :)
It's a joy to watch your adventures on your vintage knitting machines, but I have neither the space nor the engineering background your have to own, store, use, and repair my own. I completely appreciate your review of the pros and cons that help me to cement this choice!
I love making combination knitting, I start by hand and when I cant knit as well, because arthrites is always fun, I transfer my stiches to my machine and continue knitting on there for a little while :)
I would love a Nutella video and I love the new Q&A segment at the end. I'm so glad you've found a way to interact with the comments that feels safe for you. Safety and accommodations are so important.❤
I find knitting machines fascinating (and I used to love to knit) but my health has reduced my strength, energy, and ability to keep patterns straight. So i just watch you
You’re right. It does take strength and energy to use a knitting machine. I’m older and also with health issues which is why I hand knit now while my knitting machines sit idle. I’ve spent thousands of dollars on them so it’s hard to just dump them off at the thrift store though I suppose someday I’ll have to. I like to watch these videos and imagine myself machine knitting again.
I like the addition of a few questions at the end of a video. Gets answers out more rapidly and easily.
The space and budget requirements mean I am probably sticking with my needles for the forseeable future.
yeah my first thought was “where tf would i put a knitting machine” 😂 i barely have space for the supplies i already have lol
Thanks to your Videos, I decided to buy a used brother doublebed knitting machine in pristine condition. The owner was an old Lady who passed away. She was a machine knitter for her whole life. I got a lot of accessories, additional needles and even step-by-step books, I've never heard of before.
I love to explore the machine and it makes me ridicoulously happy to see this ingenious piece of human brainwork produce fabric and knitted items.
Two years ago, I found - probably it found me - an pattern book from 197, for machine knitters on my holidays in Poland. Was waiting there for me in a second hand book shop. It's in polish and I have some struggle to translate some of the terms, but my goal is, to work through some of the patterns I really like.
Your Videos keep me motivated ❤ I enjoy them so so much. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Marta from Germany.
I've been kicking myself for five years for not buying this old knitting machine I saw in the thrift shop but this video has me thinking maybe it was for the best after all (although I still think a sock knitting machine would be useful)
Love machine knitting, I go to club once a month and have been knitting on a machine since 1983. I have four machines, all different, love them and I am going to watch your video, once I’ve eaten and can’t wait to see what you make of it 😂 🇬🇧 P.s. I have a lot of ‘waxed’ yarn and it washes out a treat and the yarn blooms after washing and blocking. I also have a cone of yarn from a company in Scotland called J.C. Rennie which is full of lanolin, they still sell it and it needs a double scour/wash to get all the oil out, it’s beautiful 😍
Someone gifted me a vintage knitting machine.
So far I haven't done anything more than swatches. When it works it's incredibly fun. But so far it hasn't been working well 🤣
Had your machine been given a maintenance? Mine is from the 80's, but I still haven't been able to fully service it. Also the strip with foam above the needles that many machines have needs to be replaced every few years even without usem unless you take it off every time between uses.
I am a disabled veteran and I bought my first bond knitting machine before COVID and then I bought 4 more bond knitting machines when I found out I could attach then all together to make very big blankets, making cozy blankets helped me deal with the stress of COVID, and the rhythmic rocking and concentration helped me be distracted from chronic pain. I wish to someday upgrade to a brother machine like yours.
love your videos!! as a candlemaker watching your q&a section, I wanted to say if you decide to start waxing your yarn please look into natural waxes - not paraffin! try soy wax or beeswax if they are compatible with the fibers you are using. paraffin wax is cheaper and most commonly used for coating literally everything, is the wax in the majority of store bought candles - even if they say “soy blend” they usually are still primarily paraffin and can cause a lot of health concerns overtime. even present in many foods. it’s not good stuff. but feel free to do you own research and do what works best for you! highly recommend a natural wax like soy or beeswax! and when you are shopping candles look for pure or 100% natural wax labels!
In the past I DID own two flat-bed knitting machines, like you, one to work heavier/thicker yarns, and one to work lace weight/thinner yarns. However in your 4th reason to get a machine, you illuminated the reason I discovered NOT to own one. I went through my yarn so quickly that a leisurely week machine knitting would be followed by weeks or even months when I had nothing to knit. I simply ran out of yarn budget! Now I hand-knit nearly everything as it keeps pace with how often/ how much yarn I can purchase at any one time. I do have a Sentro rotary machine on backup, just in case I need a quick simple gift for family and friends, but not a whole lot of time to execute it. Thank you for all your thoughtful and entertaining videos!
Crafting is a delightful slippery slope. I starting knitting when I was little, Mum taught me English style and I tried again in my 20's but it didn't stick. Then in my early 30's I picked up Crochet, it's all thanks to RUclips, honestly it's an amazing resource for visual learners like me.
I started knitting again because I like the stockinette fabric for garments a couple of years ago, this time learning continental knitting from RUclips. Now I'm making socks and colourwork. I've been watching weaving, sowing and embroidery allot lately too and am comtemplating some courses to get me started. But now the knitting machines have me intrigued too..... hmmmmm
A regency-style garment for Nutella would be so cute!
Sending lots of love from Germany, I love every single video you make! You make my days brighter, thank you so much!
Vintage machines are pretty affordable here in NZ. I've bought one for around $100-150 NZ. (say $65-90 US) Also there are cool tables for them around. I bought one for $150. You can leave it mostly set up, except the thread rod, and fold it away into the table.
I recently got a brother kx-350 of 75 dollars and everything works great on it!!! I guess I was just lucky though because ive seen others for $250.
I love knitting machines so much. I got into them last year and I have 4 now!
I consider machine knitting physically hard on the mind and body which is why my LK150 and my 2 standard gauge punchcard machines with ribbers are now sitting idle while I sit in a chair and hand knit. Hand knitting is slower but much more relaxing and enjoyable BUT knitting machines ARE intriguing and interesting to use. I do know how to use my machines and have made several sweaters on them. I appreciate you showing the ups and downs of machine knitting, the reality of the learning curve and the skill it takes to master these “tools”. The machines are as good or as bad as the skill level of the user. Your videos are real; they are instructive and educational. Thank you for making them. Who knows? Maybe I’ll become reinspired by your videos to machine knit something again. 🧦🧶🙂
I only started learning to knit last winter and found my first proper pattern so confusing it put me off so I'm extremely unlikely to ever get knitting machines.
I appreciate you answering questions at the end of videos and explaining why you don't reply to comments, sometimes it feels a bit like typing into the void commenting on videos
A fellow knitter had been fixing up a beginner flat bed machine and now it has landed in my lap. Due to your videos I knew all about and how to change the sponge bar (the only item left to fix up) and now I am excited to give it a go.
I inherited one! My uncle was moving, and he had been holding onto my great grandma's knitting machine. He didn't have the room for it, so he asked if I'd want it (uhm YEAH!). I'm scared to use it because it is OLD. It's a Brother El Dorado 85 (I believe that's the number), and it's monstrously huge and in immaculate condition. I'm a being made of pure chaos, so I'm scared I'll break it! I want to bust it out one of these days, and I'm glad I stumbled upon your channel! I hope to learn a lot!
You won't break it lol. Vintage machines are made tough. Just look up basic maintenance like if it needs oil or anything then just go for it.
You have inspired me to dig out the Brother flat bed that my Aunt gave me 20 years ago! I used it a lot at first when my kids were small, but I don’t think it has even been set up in about 13years 🤦🏼♀️
Totally YES to a Nutella video! In your early videos she was very present, but now not so much. She's such a cutie (and scene stealer) and I miss her.
Oh, and thanks to your knitting machine videos, I have no desire to get one. I truly do not have enough patience to attempt to use one. So, thanks for talking me out of being even tempted.
I started with a Bond machine from Craigslist I bought on a whim. I also have 2 senteo machines and now a Knit King standard size as well. Knitting machines are addictive!
I am very grateful for your channel. I enjoy watching you so much, but it also gives me a really realistic perspective on knitting machines. It’s a good reality check for my fantatsies! I probably won’t buy one soon. Maybe a sock machine . . .
Your fluffy helper is ❤
Awesome video, and honestly I'll never buy one of the flatbed styles... I'll consider a sock one maybe... but my favorite is to watch you work on these knitting machines. I enjoy the process, the fiddling with the machines, the troubleshooting, and of course the final product. I found recently when I have tried to crochet my eyes get tired fast, so I'm not able to do as much as I would prefer. So thank you for sharing your journey. Cheers!
I tend to go for more portable crafts, but I'll definitely keep watching your videos!
I was on the Sirdar website the other day and, if memory serves, they’ve got some 1950#s machine knitting patterns. I was also looking on Ravelry and apparently there’s a whole load of vintage knitting patterns from Australian magazines on a site called Trove, but you need to know where to look for it. I bought a book which provides instructions on sizing up vintage patterns and also making modern patterns more vintage looking. I own the Jane Waller/Susan Crawford books too, so using them as a base to size up vintage patterns seems like a good plan too!
The only argument I can see for cannibalising other old vintage machines would be if they had so much wrong with them they were beyond repair completely, but I totally get your point and I hope that those in the comments can help source some of the metalwork
Ooh I’ve got one of the Susan Crawford A Stitch in Time books too - so many gorgeous patterns! I tried to knit one but I’m not a great knitter and always seem to pick sewing instead of all the frogging… 😂 I’ve just been gifted a wide gauge knitting machine, will I be able to just follow the book patterns for my size on the machine?
@@sewvintageglamwithunadoyle2775 don’t know. I’ve never used a knitting machine.
This couldn’t be better timed! I’m just frogging the front of my machine knit sweater as I got the length wrong….going to sit back and enjoy your video now and pick it up again after 😬
That’s great that it’s the same pattern! I recognized it because I was in the midst of planning out my next knitting project which I’ve now started.
I really wanted to make a vintage fingering weight dress and that was one of the ones I was looking at. I’m glad I was able to help!
I should add, I would love to see more of the dress you have, since as we know you don’t get a lot of details in vintage knitting patterns and it is one that I really would like to make sometime.
I’m currently knitting a different bear brand dress from the 50’s.
I remember my Mum had a Knitmaster? knitting machine in the 1960's. It was cast iron and weighed a ton (I broke a rib when I fell over it once). Like your grandmother, Mum used to knit for friends using the money she earned to pay for it. I really wish we hadn't got rid of it, I'd love to have a go. Watching you working out how to use yours has brought back some happy memories for me, so thankyou.
Omg your poor foot 😮. Bad machine! lol. I hope its healed up quickly. I would LOVE a Nutella video!!! Shes such a character. And making her a little regency dress would be hilarious - what a fun idea. I won't get a knitting machine myself but i do enjoy watching you use yours and seeing your enthusiasm for them as well as learning about them and their history.
You're already the reason I have 3 machines now 😂 (oh and a 3d printed one I attempted to print myself... only counts as half because it only kinda works.) But I've got a SK280 with SRP60N ribber, SK155, and KX350 now! I love them all. Like you I couldn't knit by hand as much as I wanted because my wrists can't handle it, and this has been such a fun way to make knits again. I had really missed it. Thank you for your videos, I really appreciate seeing your experiences with knitting machines!
I got a Sentro for my birthday this year and it's all your fault! 😂 After watching your videos I wanted a CSM but I can't afford one, so I settled for a Sentro. I have enjoyed using it and I have even used my handspun yarns on it. Thanks for showing me this can be fun.
My first knitting machine was a circular Sentro, then I bought a Brother sweater machine like the one you have and finally and most recently I bought a Passap Pinkie machine and fixed it up! I have definitely caught the knitting g machine bug!
OMG, your Regency knit dress is to die for!!!
Such a good video showing all sides to machine knitting!! 🙌
And thanks for the tag 🙏 ( will be honest I panicked there for a sec 🤭 )
Thank you for the wonderful overview!
I wish I’d bought one 40 years ago, when I’d first thought of it.
Lesson, don’t put things off “until I get older.”
One of my students volunteers at a house clearance charity where they sell the contents to help the homeless. He told me that when they get knitting machines, no-one will buy them so they go streight to the dump!!!!! So he saved me a knitting machine, and I'm not very good at it but I will be. My suggestion, drop in at this type of charity and tell them you'd be interested.... you never know.
that red sweater is gorgeous!
A very well though out and fair assessment. Will I buy one? You almost convinced me talking about the mechanics, but I think I will learn a bit more from you here first. I do enjoy seeing you figure them out. 🤓 In terms of storing them, I wonder if something like a multi-tier synthesizer keyboard stand would work? The mast with the yarn tensioner would likely have to be taken off, but perhaps the rest could stay setup. Not ideal, but neither is having them on every flat surface. Well, at least until your knitwear brand takes off and you can have a whole room just for your knitting machines...
There is also a Silver Reed mid-gauge flat bed machine, the LK150. It's $500, so quite a bit less than most flat beds. It is limited in some ways (you can't get a ribber attachment for it), but I have been able to do quite a lot on mine. It will happily knit everything from fingering weight to aran. (Plus mohair lace if you want it lacy, and lace weight yarns if you feed them double or with something else.) It is a really good starter machine, and there are lots of RUclips videos demonstrating projects specifically on the LK150. Of course when I say "starter" machine ... Let's just say I have a few more of them now. 😁
yeah.. the spare part problem.. that is why I got myself a second machine of my knitting machine. Also to get some accessoire which was easier to get in a bundle then seperate. I love your knitting machine videos like all of you other videos. :)
I'd really really really love that nutella video. (also thank you for confirming that knititng machines are not for me)
I found a local group of ladies who’ve been using knitting machines (some of them) for 50 years. It’s been great to learn from them. I suggest finding someone who knows and befriend them!
I have a knitting machine with a ribber and I love it so much. I make circular socks on the flat bed machine too. I haven’t found many problems translating modern knitting patterns. Just find your gauge and find the percentage difference from the pattern, then divide all the stitch counts by your percentage. It only takes about an hour of work and a good calculator.
LOL, I will NEVER get a knitting machine! You are clearly a left-brained individual with an affinity for math, mechanics, etc. and God knows the patience of Job to deal with all the fiddling involved. I, on the other hand, am right-brained and perfectly content with the more tactile process of hand knitting but I do enjoy watching and appreciating what you do while doing my own thing.😊
I knit by hand as well as with my machines. It's just so fast!!!
@@lafrileuse4459
I know and I wish my brain could handle it but the frustration level I foresee would do me in, lol.
Love this video! I bought an LK 150 mid gauge machine in the spring and I now have a bulky with a ribber and a standard gauge with a lace carriage and they are all over my dining room, lol
YES!!!! Nutella video!!!!! Along with her modelling stuff her mom made!!! 🥰❤️
Love your video! Please can you do a series for beginners on setting up and making a basic sweater?
I have a huge yarn stash and have been tempted by some machines I saw listed locally. But I am not a mechanical person and I have heard horror stories from sock crankers. Thanks for the demonstration. Time to get back to my knitting!
Love my knitting machines❤❤❤
I love watching these videos on machine knitting. It's facinating and I love getting to see the experience. I know I don't have the brain or patience to deal with machines but I still want to experiance the process 😊
I love your channel and everything you do on it. I do know I wouldnt be able to set up a knitting machine or a loom for that matter but I do love to knit. I have a whole binder of sweaters to knit know, so thanks for that! 😂😂😂 hugs from Minnesota.
I love your knitting machine videos ! I really hope i'll manage to have one and make it working someday, and in France where i am i saw a lot of second-hand knitting machine for very affordable prices (between 100 to 400 €) and second-hand sentro for ~ 40€
I bought a bulky knitting machine super cheap at an estate sale last year, looking forward to what you do with this machine! I'm sure I'll get inspired and break it out of storage 😁
The Q&A is great in this format. I have always been fascinated by knitting machines, I will never own a flat bed one, sock maybe, so hearing the pros and cons was fun.
I have 8 machines and yes it's a problem
I have that many sewing machines. I no longer have a dining room. 😂
OMG, I guess I actually started with that 70s toy machine LOL. Then I got a Knit Smart, a 327 w/ribber, LK150, SK155 w/ribber....
New core exercise craze: machine knitting
I bought my knitting machine after seeing a tick tok of a small knitwear maker! I’ve got a singer HK 100 bully gauge and I’m finding it perfect! All it can do is stockinette but that’s the part I don’t like knitting a lot of! I’ve so far knit most of a pair of poofy lace weight sleeves that I’ve been procrastinating on for years so I can finally continue the sweater. I’m making a knit skirt that I would never spend the time hand knitting. I’m planning out a men’s 6xl sweater for a Christmas present without having to stand months knitting it. I have plans to knit a summer dress and some wool pants that I would not do without the machine.
I have a couple myself, along with all the gear. I still remember the glee I felt when I scored a garter carriage. I haven't used them for a really long time, but they are carefully stored and waiting for me to get the bug again.
I have to say that I feel a little less bad about my own LK-150 mishaps whenever I see people who have been machine knitting more/longer also having mishaps
The closest I’ve come to the machines was the printed Dean and Bean machine. I played at a fiber festival. The machines are the mechanical form of my knitting looms. Let’s not talk quantities of looms.
I did learn the machines have far more in common with their knitting loom ancestors from chatting with machine demonstrators. We shared more than a few looks when others not familiar with machines were shocked there was still the dropped stitches, seaming and so on plus the maintenance.
I am so glad there are options for us all.
I’d love to see a Nutella dress episode!
I always enjoy your videos, even if I won’t do that particular craft
I literally just bought my first knitting machine! Learning is going mostly successfully
And yes it certainly takes up a lot more room than i was expecting
I’m with you all the way. I had a craft room in our last house and my collection was up to 26 machines! Like you I wanted to test out all the different actions they could all do. We downsized to a one bedroomed flat so they all had to go, but- since moving I have bought a brother chunky and ribber, a knit master mid gauge , a brother convertible and a brother standard gauge and ribber. . I missed them so much! Most of our patterns in Britain are knitted flat so that’s easier here. Love your videos, happy knitting
I very much want to get a knitting machine! Although I have no mechanical skills at all, and I am a bit daunted by the flatbed machines and the amount of work/skill they often require, as well as the cost for new machines and lack of parts for the antique ones. So I think I’d start with a CSM (I’m considering a Dean & Bean one) and see how that went, before making any serious plans for any others. Thanks for offering the pros and cons here!
My mother-in-law has a knitting machine. When we were cleaning out and getting rid of some things. She insisted on keeping it, even though I had no idea what it was, or how it worked. I am seriously considering dragging it out and seeing what kind it is, and if it works.
NUTELLA REGENCY DRESS!!! Please give her extra pets and a cookie and tell her they're from me, a stranger on the internet who loves seeing her in your videos!
The learning process is super long for sure. I bought an antique CSM and learned so much about using it. Moved on to a modern machine, and attended several crank ins to keep improving. So much fun when it works.
I bought a flat bed off of facebook marketplace. It’s missing the clamps, I’ve tried to make my own and even went as far as making a surround to encase it in but nothing has worked. Also I’m not sure if it’s supposed to have the part that holds the yarn or if it’s capable of reading those cards. It’s been a drawer for more than a year and I’m tempted to just give it away. 😢
I've recently purchased the sentro crank machine (fyi: if you're willing to wait 2-3 weeks, it's around $45 on Temu vs Amazon) and have fallen in love! I've ventured into the realm beyond hats, and found myself wondering how much do your flatbed weights weigh?
Also, I would love a Nutella video 💜
Love, my two brother knitting machines one standard and one chunky, there are a lot of fun people. Glad that I found you.
Have you tried silicone spray on your yarn? It makes a huge difference to how your yarn runs and it washes out.
I just want to say thank you for the best laugh i had to day, and thank you for making vintage knitting pattrens avalible for more sizes❤❤
I love this Q&A format! I’m sure you get a bajillion questions, so you’re never going to be able to get through all of them all of the time - picking a couple to answer each video seems like a way more manageable way to answer the most pressing and/or interesting ones!
I really enioyed your info on the knitting machines and the fact that someone suggested a video on Nutella! She is such a joy to see! I personally would love to see Regency Nutella 😄💗💗💗 hope you're doing well and are healthy and safe 😊🫶🏻
I have a mid gauge and a standard gauge. I love the mid gauge but I haven’t used the standard gauge, mostly because I use my machine in tandem with hand knitting and the mid gauge is perfect for that.
Too late, but on the plus side my circular knitting machine is still in the box it came in
I knit a whole sock on a machine at a demo and I loved it, but also I don't know if I want a machine. This video was so helpful and yet I still have no idea whether I'll try to get one!
I thought it was me in the intro! I found a Bond sweater machine at the re-use area at the local transfer station, then I “needed an Addi machine, and then a lady on a Facebook group had a Studio 500 to sell, and my husband also said he would print the CSM I had asked for! Holy moly. I am deep into the hellscape that learning these machines. The Addi Express is the only easy one 😂. I’m so happy I found your video tonight!
A lady after my heart! I started with a BOND 30 years ago and then another and then a Singer 360, then Passap Duo 80, Speed-0-knit, followed by several Brothers up to the 970 with G carriage! :) We aren't going to talk about the yarn....
Excellent comments on the different machines pros and cons. I have given the same information to many people over the last 30 years. :)
I fell down the spinning wheel hole, including buying an antique one at an auctiion of European items. Yes, it works.
haha I love the bloopers real. It is tough making things sometimes
As someone with hairless dogs who need clothes to stay warm and safe, I would love seeing you make something for Nutella! I've made some shirts, sweaters and "pyjamas" (onesie with zipper on the back) for my boys.
Yassss a Nutella q&a! I have only just picked up knitting (flat & English style, but the weird one where I put the right needle under my arm - my mum briefly taught me when I was little and the muscle memory was still there), but yes I did immediately search second hand knitting machines in my area 😂
Your first three minutes summed up my experience when I got my machine. Took three weeks to get sorted and I am still learning. 🙄😕😢 Thank for your video, loved it. Regards, JennyB.