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A knitting machine ribber attachment protected by a custom cover, with knitted fabric draped safely over it, demonstrating proper needle bed protection

Ribber Cover

It can take a while to get used to how the needlebed is tilted when you first start using a ribber. It's also easy to catch your knitting, sleeves or fingers on the ribber needles or gate pegs.  Here are some tips for covering your ribber.

accessory ribber

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Do you keep your ribber in place even when knitting only on the single bed?



When you first start using a ribber, it can take a while to get used to how the needlebed is tilted.

Keeping the ribber attached, on the other hand, makes it easier to use more often.

Covering the ribber when not in use prevents your sleeve (or fingers) from catching on the ribber gate pegs and needles. It also keeps the ribber from collecting dust.

Visit the Ribber Classrooms
Vintage Ribber Cover

Here are some suggestions for ribber covers:
  • At one time, plastic covers were designed and sold with machines
  • Oilcloth (fabric with a plastic coating on one side)
  • Sturdy tablecloth
  • Folded posterboard
  • Folded magazines
  • Manilla File folders
It's recommended we stay away from plastic for fear that it will trap moisture and lead to rust
Ribber Cover Suggestions
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37 COMMENTS
Colleen A
 Apr 6, 2023
some people talk about taking it down for lace knitting, but I have never had this issue.

Susan F
 Apr 6, 2023
I respect the capabilities the ribber provides too much to keep it in a dark place. Plus, almost everything I knit uses the ribber at some point. I have plastic covers (can still purchase from German company on Ebay) for all gauges.

LOIS S
 Apr 3, 2023
Thought that if you have a ribber that was how it stayed unless packing both away.

Brigitte K
 Mar 30, 2023
I keep my ribber attached at all times. I do all swatches at the same time. And anyway, it is too strenuous to keep taking it off and then putting it on again.

Lynne P
 Mar 30, 2023
Mine is always attached. I have just got used to working with it there so it negates the need for keep moving it around which can create possible damage opportunities.

Patricia H
 Mar 29, 2023
Leave mine attached, simply easier when I'm playing with all kinds of stitches including double bed

ANNE R
 Mar 29, 2023
I keep my machine in double fuel and I bought the same in simple fuel! Less tiring for shoulders and wool change easier for the Fair Isle

Sue S
 Mar 28, 2023
I leave it attached. I have learnt to work that way.It is a hassle to take it off and then you’ve got a store it somewhere while you’re not using it. Floor space is limited cupboard space is limited.

Tina B
 Mar 28, 2023
I mostly set up my machine(s) angled, so i can attach and remove the ribber in a snap.I still strugle with wrong carriage settings and need the full access to the knitting whenever possible.

Priscilla D
 Mar 28, 2023
I have done both, but lately found the the bulky ribber is so heavy it is harder to handle ( especially as I have gotten older & woosier). I will probably leave it attached for now.

Jean S
 Mar 28, 2023
I am only just now getting back to my machine knitting, so setting up my machines has been keeping me busy and making me think about what I could make for everyone in our far-flung family. My fingers itch to be touching and creating again.

Mandy F
 Mar 28, 2023
I leave it attached as it’s too much effort to remove then replace

Meyet F
 Mar 28, 2023
I always leave it on when I setup the machine.

Debbie L
 Mar 28, 2023
Always leave attached to keep it protected. I use a piece of rubber backed curtain fabric to protect when I am not using it. This is pliable and very easy to knit around. Also dust proof.

Lorna T
 Mar 28, 2023
Just getting to know my new ribber, so it's staying attached. Doesn't seem to be a problem. I keep it covered with folders taped together. Tried to find the plastic cover online.. no success.

Mary K
 Mar 28, 2023
I used to attach only when needed. But then I never used it, too much trouble. Now I keep it attached all the time & it gets used. I keep ribber covers on when not in use.

Loretta M
 Mar 28, 2023
Yes, I keep it attached. If I took it off, I'd hate to set it back up again. It took a minute to get adjusted to the tilted main bed, but now it's second nature.

Wendy T
 Mar 28, 2023
Used to keep them attached. Now I do a lot of my double bed work on a Passap fixed double bed, and seem to do more simple single bed stuff on the brothers.

Patty M
 Mar 28, 2023
I keep it attached, safest place to have is on the machine.

Adrienne S
 Mar 28, 2023
I have 2 Brother machines a 550i standard and a chunky and a Knitmaster 580 all with with ribbers which I keep on all the time, even when using my garter carriage and have for some years it doesn't seem to have worried it.

Linda D
 Mar 28, 2023
I keep mine attached so it’s convenient, but it is a little harder on my neck! I tend to stand while knitting on the main bed to remedy that.

Joy G
 Mar 28, 2023
I always keep my ribbers attached to my Brother machines.

Sharon F
 Mar 28, 2023
For me, the ribber is too awkward and heavy to keep disconnecting and reconnecting as needed. I prefer to just raise or lower the ribber as needed.

Lori S
 Mar 28, 2023
I keep it installed all the time and use ribber covers if I don't need it. Once I get it tuned in correctly, I don't want to screw it up.

Judith S
 Mar 28, 2023
Yes and no, depending on the machine. YES, always on the bulky. No, unless I need it, on the standard, because I also use a garter carriage on the standard and am not sure about strain to the garter carriage if used at an angle. I also have a Passap e8000 that is a double bed machine with both beds at an angle all the time. Although it is possible to knit on one bed or the other separately, the angle of the beds is permanent.

Yanna O
 Mar 28, 2023
In addition to other comments. It is not easy to attach the rubber correctly. Slight differences in the ribber position (space between beds, Half Pitch lever setting) can significantly change the gauge.

Laura H
 Mar 28, 2023
I keep the ribber attached all the time.

Fabiana D
 Mar 28, 2023
I've always kept it attached, but recently I had to take it off for some reason, and found out it's solo much better without, if you don't need ot! So from now on I think I'll put it on only when I work with it

Lucila C
 Mar 28, 2023
I keep it attached. I find it very hard to attach it, soI avoid doing it too often.

joan h
 Mar 28, 2023
I keep ribber on all the time. Use ribber covers Joan h

Joan W
 Mar 28, 2023
I always keep the ribber attached. I am used to working with it in place and don't find it to be an issue.

Linda M
 Mar 28, 2023
For most knitting I leave the ribber attached, with ribber covers in place. However, if it is something that needs hand manipulation or can need close attention, I remove the ribber. My husband attached bicycle hanging hooks to the back of the table he made for my machine, and I put the ribber on them if I need it out of the way.

Douglas M
 Mar 28, 2023
The brackets for the ribber keep the main bed at a nice eye height

Ileen L
 Mar 28, 2023
I've been a machine knitter for over 35 years and have always kept my ribbers attached to all of my machines. Even keep it attached when I'm using my Brother garter carriage and the lace carriage. But I do use my ribber covers to keep my yarn from getting into the gate posts. It takes a bit of getting used to working between the beds, but it's worth the effort.

Kathryn R
 Mar 28, 2023
I keep the ribber attached. I attached it when I first set up my KH860 standard gauge knitting machine several years ago. I use it as a safe storage place for the ribber.

I have not machine knitted for the past 5 years and have never used the ribber. I'm eager to get back into it now, reconnecting disconnected MK-related neural pathways that have lain dormant in my brain for too long! When I do, my plan is to knit a few simple projects and then take the Ribber Boot Camp course to really learn about the thing. :)

Katherine B
 Mar 28, 2023
I use it frequently enough that it doesn't make sense to be taking it on and off. Plus it's heavy and awkward to handle and store.

Cynthia Q
 Mar 28, 2023
Fairly new to ribbing, but right now, I intend to keep it attached. I like the angle. I also don't have to find a place to store it and its accessories. Much safer to have it attached.

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