Knitting machines: types and tips for choosing

For home needlewomen, a knitting machine is an irreplaceable thing, it allows you to quickly and efficiently make any knitted fabric at home. This device can be called universal, since almost everything can be knitted on it - from the simplest scarves to such complex models as coats.

The very first knitting machines were created a very long time ago - in the 15th century. Then they were used to make seamless stockings. Nowadays, knitting technology has improved significantly. We will tell you about how these devices work, how to choose the right model and how to operate the unit in our article.

Knitting - it is an ideal way to provide yourself and your family members with warm clothes... Our grandmothers and mothers knitted by hand, but for many this business is presented as too complicated and very time-consuming. That is why such a device as a knitting machine was created. The knitting process on it is fast and does not require much physical effort; if you wish, you can even turn this hobby into an additional source of income.

The knitting machine is a design that allows you to quickly and easily create knitwear with different patterns. Unlike hand knitting, the fabric will come out much smoother on a typewriter. Other advantages of the device include:

• speed of work;
• perfectly straight rows;
• the ability to simply and quickly make any openwork pattern.

The main elements of any knitting machine are:

• fontura (pincushion) - represents the basis of the mechanism;
• carriage - one of the driving mechanisms of a typewriter that easily moves along a row of needles and is used to create loops. This device has a special knitting density regulator.

The main element of the knitting machine is the needles. They are entrusted with the task of forming the canvas. They have 4 functional positions:

• RFP (back non-working position) - in this case, the heels of the needle are bent back to the axis;
• Tnp (front non-working position) - the needles are removed from the working position, while the loops remain on the needles;
• RP (working position) - used in the process of knitting a flat web;
• PDP (front working position) - allows you to form openwork patterns.

The main work of knitting is assigned to the carriage. This element has a built-in web strength regulator.

Work on such a device is performed by moving along a row of needles on which threads are strung. Each time you move it, a new row of loops is formed, thus creating a canvas. The pattern directly depends on the location of the needles and the presence of yarn on them.

There are several types of knitting machines. They differ in their purpose and functionality. Models for domestic use, in most cases, provide for single-strip knitting, which leads to the need for additional seams.

Depending on the number of needle beds, the units are divided into two categories.

• Single-circuit - This is the most common and easiest option for knitting simple patterns. This device has some limitations, in particular, it cannot form a circular fabric, and also allows you to make a rather limited number of patterns.

• Double-circuit - cars of the professional category, they are much more expensive and more difficult to operate, but at the same time the number of their functions is much greater. In particular, on such machines, you can make many of the most interesting ornaments and even make colored patterns.

Knitting machines may differ depending on how the needles are operated.

Any manual knitting machine is essentially a simple mechanical structure, patterns in which are formed by hand. Such models are the most compact and lightweight, the knitting speed on them is ten times faster than on knitting needles.

Mechanical knitting machines are also called punched cards. Such designs are many times superior to manual ones, but at the same time they are in many ways inferior to electronic models. A characteristic feature of the machines is the presence of a small flat plate (punched card) with holes in the form of a planned pattern, which will later be transferred to the knitted fabric. By changing the location of the panel, complex weaves can be formed - the user only has to move the carriage from right to left and vice versa. Most often, these knitting methods are used for socks or scarves.

The most convenient option for a home craftswoman will be an electronic knitting machine. In such models, the control of the movement of the needles is carried out using the connected computer software. Automatic counting of tying lines is provided both by a manual counter installed on the machine itself, and using the program installed on a computer or laptop. In the course of work, it is very important to keep under control the data of both meters, since in the event of a marriage, they will not coincide with each other.

It should be noted that The software required to control an automatic knitting machine is rather weak from a technical point of view - the device can be connected even to the oldest PC with a minimal set of technical capabilities.

Outwardly, it is not difficult to determine a knitting machine that works on electronic control, since a colored wire runs from the carriage, similar to that used to connect any landline phone.

In recent years, new, more advanced electronic models have appeared that do not require a connection to a computer. Such devices are much more convenient to use, since they do not require additional space for a computer. And as for the set of options, such devices are identical to those models that are controlled through a third-party computer.

Knitting machines differ in class. For domestic use, it is recommended to use models 3, 5 and 7 class.

The constructions of the third class work with thickened needles, placed 6.5-9 mm apart and make it possible to produce dense yarn with parameters of 100 g by 200 m. Such machines are optimal for knitting warm clothes that are needed in late autumn and winter.

Class 5 cars are versatile equipment. They are inserted into needles of medium thickness, the distance between them varies from 4.5 to 9.5 mm. The unit works with yarn with parameters of 100 g by 500 m. Such installations can be purchased for knitting a variety of products that can be worn not only in winter, but also in the off-season.

Designs of the seventh grade are designed to work with thin needles, the distance between which varies within 2.8-3.6mm. Their equipment allows you to work with fairly thin yarn with parameters of 100 g by 600 m.

The most popular are brand knitting machines Knitmaster, Veritas Creative, as well as Kakadu and the Russian brand Ivushka. Silver Reed products have been among the market segment leaders for several decades, especially in Japanese, not Chinese assembly. The machines of this brand meet all the requirements of multifunctionality and the highest practicality. "Ivushka" has declared itself as the best domestic manufacturer.

Toy cars Kakadu and Addi-Express won their consumers with exceptional ease of use, thanks to which knitting can be entrusted even to children.

Knitmaster and Veritas Creative are considered the absolute leaders in the mechanical machine market.

Knitting machines were popular a few years ago firms "Neva-5" and "Severyanka", but today they have already been discontinued.

Products of firms are in stable demand. Chernivchanka, Kaskad, Bukovinka, Stoll, Singer, Toyota, as well as Inalsa and Donchanka.

In the segment of manual mechanisms, the following brands are distinguished.

This machine allows you to create a product with one canvas, as well as in a circle. No special skills are required to work. All that is needed from the user is to thread the yarn and manually rotate the handle, the machine will calculate one row after another by itself.

Hand knitting machine used for circular and straight knitting.

If you believe the feedback from users, too thin yarn at the exit gives a loose material, and too thick yarn stalls the work, which significantly complicates the selection of suitable yarns and limits the functionality of the knitting machine. Nevertheless, this design is quite simple, in the overwhelming majority of cases it is used to make hats and scarves.

The following devices are among the best puncher knitting machines.

This machine will be optimal for those who are just planning to master machine knitting for domestic use. It is optimal for knitting things of various degrees of complexity. The product is notable for its affordability, gives a fabric of 95 cm. The design provides a switch for selecting the appropriate required knitting density, so that the needlewoman can set the desired parameters at her discretion. Thanks to the ergonomic carriage, you can work with a pair of different threads at the same time.

The Japanese knitting machine is a fairly compact unit with a punched card control system. Reviews indicate that the installation is optimal for knitting all types of single-loop weaves. Such a unit is expensive, but, without a doubt, it justifies its cost.

This knitting machine is a device with high productivity combined with an average cost. Using this machine, you can create knitted items of the highest quality and the most unusual weaves, including jacquard, as well as false openwork, clip, circular knitting and much more.

The best electronic cars.

In comparison with many other electronic machines, this model assumes a manifold increase in the working life, while being easy to use. For those who have just begun their acquaintance with machine knitting, it is best to start with this particular model. The set includes an openwork carriage, thanks to which you can create weaves of the most different levels of complexity.

Double-circuit machine, belongs to the units of the fifth class. The design allows you to create the most complex and intricate patterns, including those developed by yourself. Products come out of high quality and are in no way inferior to branded store models.

To knit on a typewriter, you will need the following accessories:

• selector comb with aligned edge;
• metal rulers for parsing needles in the needle bar;
• loop catcher - necessary for tying loops;
• hook;
• cord.

In addition to these tools, you will also need some additional accessories. So, the craftswomen should always have knitting needles at hand - they are necessary for performing individual hinge manipulations. For example, they allow you to remove the canvas from the typewriter or return open loops to their place. Usually the kit includes crochet hook, but you can purchase hooks in other sizes if you wish. They are used in the assembly of finished products.

On the table of any craftswoman, there must be a small piece of paraffin - they are treated with threads if they are too hard to walk. Needlewomen will certainly come in handy auxiliary threads when sweeping product parts or folding a slippery row. In any work related to the creation of a canvas, scissors will always come in handy - with them you will cut the threads and cut the neck. Surely useful in work set of decorative pins - they are clearly visible on knitted fabric.

Usually, yarn in skeins is used for hand knitting. However, for machine work, it is better to use bobbin yarn. - it is fed to the structure in a continuous mode and does not require frequent stops to tie the ends of the threads. In addition, uneven running of the yarn from the skein often becomes the cause of its breakage.

Traditionally, bobbin yarn goes in one strand. When working, it is advisable to combine several threads at once, for this they are fixed on holders and the ends from each bobbin are guided into a special thread guide. To get thin products, usually two strands are folded, for thicker fabrics 3-5 strands are required.

Please note that for machine knitting, it is best to use yarn with minimal hairiness. In this case, it is possible to ensure the easiest possible sliding of the carriage without clogging. If the lint is increased, you will have to constantly clean the carriage from the accumulated lint, otherwise the equipment will fail very quickly.

It is not recommended for use in typewriters yarn containing more than 20% angora - the device will immediately separate it from the working material. Boucle yarn causes many difficulties in the process of work, the same applies to yarn with knobs and other irregularities.

When choosing a knitting machine experts recommend paying attention to the following parameters.

• Variety. As we already mentioned, the machine can be single-circuit and double-circuit. The first device is distinguished by the presence of one needle bed, where all the main rows are created, while the thickness of the finished fabric directly depends on the characteristics of the selected yarn. Products knitted on such a machine usually have front and back sides; when creating complex ornaments, dangling threads can remain on the wrong side, which spoil the overall impression of the product. In the double-loop design, as the name implies, there is a pair of needle beds, and there are also additional attachments - this design allows you to perform volumetric knitting, the wrong side of such a fabric is usually smooth, dense and attractive.
• The method of applying the ornament. All devices are conventionally divided into mechanical, manual and electronic. For beginner craftswomen who are just planning to knit things, we can recommend manual units. If your task is to regularly supply your loved ones with new products or to be engaged in knitting to order, then it is better to give preference to electronic systems.

If you decide to master machine knitting, prepare to face some difficulties. Everyone knows that knitting always starts with the formation of the first row. But the fact is that knitting machines "do not like" to follow this line - the carriage moves with great difficulty, the threads often break, the yarn is not tied, and often the unit simply does not work. A number of unsuccessful attempts cool the ardor, and there is simply no fuse for further work, which is why, before you master the work on a knitting machine, be sure to master the technique of forming the first row, after that you can quickly perform more complex operations.

Any machine needs timely lubrication and cleaning. Outside the working process, the machine must be closed. If you do not plan to work on it for more than a week, it is best to remove the bar with foam rubber, otherwise the spring mechanism will put pressure on the bar and the foam rubber will fail very quickly.

Every 2-3 years, it is advisable to arrange a technical inspection for your car, for which it is best to contact a mechanic. The master will disassemble the structure, remove the old grease, apply a new one and replace the worn out parts.

See below for an overview of the LK 150 knitting machine.