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Side-by-side comparison showing hands holding traditional knitting needles next to a knitting machine, illustrating the transition from hand to machine knitting
Machine Knitting Tips
machine knitting the basics tip

Hand Knitters guide to Machine Knitting

"I am an accomplished long-time hand knitter and just got an LK-150 knitting machine. I've been able to knit a couple of hats. I want to knit my first sweater...."

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DesignaKnit software interface connected to a non-electronic knitting machine via specialized cables, showing how manual machines can be integrated with digital knitting software
DesignaKnit Tips and Tricks
DesignaKnit manual machine

DesignaKnit with Non Electronic Machines

Can you use DesignaKnit with Non-Electronic machines?
If you have a manual or non-electronic (or punchcard) machine , you can use the Interactive Knitting feature of DesignaKnit. Use this for an LK-150, Brother KX350, or any non-electronic machine (even electronics that are no longer working.)

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Illustration showing how to measure knitting gauge, featuring drawings of knitted swatches with markings for counting stitches horizontally and rows vertically
Machine Knitting Techniques
gauge machine knitting swatch swatching tension

The ONE Secret to Machine Knitting Success

Gauge is the ONE thing that will make or break your knitting. When using a knitting machine we can't measure-as-we-go. It is especially critical for machine knitters to know their gauge before starting ANY project. Here are 7 things that can affect gauge. Knitting swatches in NOT optional! :o)

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Close-up of machine-knitted fabric showing various garter stitch techniques and textural accents achieved on a knitting machine, contrasting with traditional stockinette stitch
Machine Knitting Tips
garter bar garter stitch ribbing techniques transfer stitches

9 Ways to Knit Garter Stitch on a Knitting Machine

When knitters are first introduced to knitting machines, they are surprised that we can't easily knit Garter Stitch (knit every row).

Because we aren't reversing our work as you do in hand knitting, as we knit, we are working knit and purl rows to create stockinette.

Here are some clever ways to add the texture of garter stitch.

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Side-by-side comparison of a standard knitting machine clamp next to a modified extended clamp that accommodates thicker tables, showing the before and after of this machine mounting solution
Machine Knitting Tips
accessory clamp

Machine Clamp Hack

Have you ever tried to attach your knitting machine to a table that was too thick for the clamps?

With the right tools, this hack is genius!

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Three Stitch World pattern book covers arranged in a collage, showcasing reference guides for machine knitting stitch patterns including tuck, slip, and fairisle techniques.
Machine Knitting Tips
brother electronic fairisle punchcard stitch multiples stitch patterns tension setting tuck

Stitch World Stitch Pattern Inspiration

Are you looking for a little stitch pattern inspiration? The Stitch World pattern books are a go-to for machine knitting "eye-candy".

Organized by stitch type (tuck, slip, fairisle, etc) they provide images of knitted samples as well as the chart for each pattern.

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Technical diagram showing a punchcard pattern overlaid with needle position illustrations, demonstrating how the same hole pattern creates different stitch effects based on carriage settings for tuck, slip, and fairisle knitting
Machine Knitting Tips
eyelets hand knitting knit 2 together lace needles out of work punchcard stitch patterns

Punchcards for specialty stitches

How do I punch a card for specialty stitches (k2tog, PSSO, yo)?

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Detailed view of machine-knitted lace swatches demonstrating different techniques and designs
Machine Knitting Techniques
lace lace carriage

8 Ways to Knit Lace on a Knitting Machine

You don't need a lace carriage or laboriously hand transfer stitches to knit lace on a knitting machine.

No matter what machine you have, as a machine knitter there are many ways of adding holes to our knitting and creating light, open, "lacy" fabrics.

Have you used other methods of creating lace? Comment below and share your experiences.

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Close-up of a new knitting machine spongebar showing intact, firm foam material that properly maintains needle positions during knitting
Machine Knitting Tips
sponge bar troubleshooting

Check your Spongebar

If you haven't changed your sponge bar "in a while", it's probably time!
If your machine is mis-patterning or just "acting up" a flat spongebar could be the cause.

No matter how often your machine is used, the sponge deteriorates in time.

Check your spongebar!

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Machine-knitted gauge swatch with contrast marking rows and hanging markers , demonstrating a math-free method for matching specific gauge requirements using a 4-inch measurement tool
Machine Knitting Tips
gauge

Match Your Target Gauge Without Math: The 4-Inch Square Technique

Tired of counting stitches and doing gauge math? Discover a simpler way to match your target gauge exactly. Instead of counting traditional stitch and row numbers, learn how to create a swatch that measures your desired gauge directly using a 4-inch square tool. Perfect for converting hand knitting patterns to machine knitting or any project where precise gauge matters. This no-math method takes the guesswork out of gauge matching and helps you achieve perfect results every time.

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An example of machine-knitted thread lace fabric showing the delicate openwork effect created by combining a fine thread with thicker yarn, demonstrating how this technique mimics traditional lace patterns
Machine Knitting Techniques
lace stitch patterns Thread Lace

Thread lace vs

Often overlooked, Thread Lace is an easy technique to create openwork "lace" fabrics with a knitting machine.

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Decorative banner featuring colorful machine-knitted fabric as background with text overlay reading 'Success with your knitting', showcasing vibrant stitch textures and patterns
Machine Knitting Tips
tip

11 Steps for Success with Your Knitting

11 steps for success with your knitting. No matter where you are on your machine knitting journey, check to make sure you are taking the right steps from start to finish.
Number 9 may surprise you.

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