Are these common mistakes holding you back? Discover four pitfalls machine knitters face – like skipping swatching or juggling too many patterns – and learn practical tips to overcome them. Boost your productivity, master your machine, and knit with confidence!
Let’s explore four common mistakes machine knitters make – and how you can avoid them to be more productive and efficient with your knitting.
It’s easy to get caught up watching someone else knit. Videos can be helpful, but watching isn’t getting you any closer to your knitting goals.
Think swatching is optional? Think again! Without a proper swatch:
Swatching isn’t a chore; it’s the key to success. Learn to knit, prepare, and measure a proper swatch, and you’ll save yourself time and frustration.
If you’re not sure how to swatch properly, check out our Classroom: Swatching is NOT Optional . It’s packed with tips to help you get perfect results every time!”
If you have multiple machines, it’s tempting to bounce between them. But this can lead to confusion and stall your progress.
There are many ways to generate knitting patterns, but jumping between methods can cause unnecessary confusion:
Explore Knit It Now Patterns – customizable patterns designed to work with any machine, any yarn, and at your gauge. As a member, you’ll have full access to our dynamic, easy-to-use patterns.
Beginners often skip swatching, rush through threading, or misjudge tension settings—leading to poor results and machine issues.
Make sure all latches are open, yarn is feeding smoothly, and your carriage moves evenly. Clean the machine regularly and watch for worn sponge bars.
Swatching reveals how your yarn, stitch pattern, and tension interact. It helps avoid size and fit surprises later.
Adjust the tension dial slowly, swatch after each change, and verify your yarn isn't catching anywhere in the path.
If the yarn flows without resistance, the carriage moves freely, and you see even stitches—you're on the right track. When in doubt, start over.
Build confidence with every project. Learn as you knit!
What’s holding you back?
Let us help you master your knitting machine!
Very few of us are using "new" knitting machines. Most date back to the 80's
Do you hesitate to use your refrigerator because it's a few years old? No, you get value from the appliance you have.
Not much "gives out" on machines if they are stored and maintained properly. You may break an occasional needle and the sponge bar needs to be replaced, but these are both available. Unless it it dropped or mis-treated, our machines are very sturdy.
What machine do you have? If you are worried about electronics, yes, this can "give out", however the machine is still usable. I'm happy to hear you are having success with your hand knitting, but your machine is another tool you can easily use. You'll have fun learning a new craft and more quickly finish your projects.
Please let me know how I can help.
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