Blog

All Posts
knitting machine charting device | Knit Leader | Knit Radar | Knit Contour
Machine Knitting Tips
charting device

Transform Your Knitting: Charting Devices for Machine Knitters

Instead of traditional knitting instructions, consider other options

more...

measure an accurate gauge swatch
Machine Knitting Tips
blocking Cone gauge swatching

From Swatch to Sweater: 7 Factors Every Machine Knitter Should Know.

Swatching and gauge in machine knitting ensure perfect fit. Many factors affect gauge. Understanding these variables helps achieve success with every project you knit.

more...

how to attach buttons to knits
Machine Knitting Tips
bands Buttonholes hand sewn

5 Tips for Attaching Buttons to Knits

Because of the loose nature of knits and the sometimes fragile yarns used, special care needs to be taken when attaching buttons to knits.

more...

Frustrated woman holding her head in hands, surrounded by floating question marks, expressing confusion about machine knitting challenges
Machine Knitting Tips
hand knitting machine knitting tip

Why is machine knitting so hard?

At first, machine knitting can seem to be hard. There's more to it than just picking up some yarn and 2 sticks. From understanding and mastering the machine to finding knitting patterns and incorporating stitch patterns, machine knitting can be a challenge ... but it's a GOOD challenge that is shared by knitters around the world.

more...

Mechanical row counter on knitting machine,demonstrating where beginners often get confused
Machine Knitting Tips
Row counter

Understanding Row Counters in Machine Knitting: Avoiding Common Mistakes

Learn how to accurately interpret row counters on your knitting machine to ensure precise shaping and avoid common errors in your projects

more...

A split image showing a woman wearing a hand-knit sweater alongside a knitting machine bed with hand knitting needles placed on it, illustrating the conversion between hand and machine knitting methods.
Knitwear Design
gauge hand knitting patterns

Convert a Hand Knitting Pattern for Machine Knitting

Understanding how to convert patterns will open doors to easily use hand knitting patterns with your machine knitting. It's not hard; there are several ways to do it. Pick the way that works best for you.

more...

Instructional drawing detailing where to measure a sleeve for machine knitting
Knitwear Design
garment style measuring sleeve

Measuring Sleeves for Machine Knitting: Tips for a Perfect Fit

Learn how to measure and adjust sleeve lengths on your knitting machine for a perfect fit. Avoid common mistakes with these expert tips

more...

Close-up of a knitting machine's needle bed showing the center zero position marked, with numbered positions extending to the left and right
Machine Knitting Tips
abbreviations cast on traditional patterns zero

Where is the Zero needle?

The zero needle marks the true center of your machine. See how to find it, why it matters, and how patterns use it for your knitting.

more...

Guide to scarf and shawl measurements shown on standing silhouette with outstretched arms
Knitting Machine Projects | Patterns
measuring patterns scarves shawls

What is the best size for a scarf or shawl?

Like any other garment, the size of a scarf of shawl depends on personal preference plus the yarn and stitch pattern used.

more...

A speech bubble graphic containing the quote 'I'm afraid to waste yarn', illustrating a common concern among new machine knitters
Machine Knitting Tips
tip yarn

I'm afraid to waste yarn

Have you ever hesitated to start a project? Maybe you chose some very expensive yarn or you aren't confident with your skills. Here's a conversation we had with a fellow knitter who told us "I'm afraid to waste yarn".

more...

Knitted sample showing side-by-side comparison of ladder effects created by needles-out-of-work versus dropped stitches, with labeled sections identifying each technique
Machine Knitting Techniques
drop stitch lace dropped stitches needle out of work stitch patterns

Needles out of Work vs Drop Stitches

An easy way to add open work and dimension to your knitting is by adding "ladders".

more...

Vintage Japanese machine knitting diagram showing traditional notation symbols and pattern layout
Machine Knitting Tips
japanese notation knitting instruction

Japanese Notation for Machine Knitting

When knitting with Japanese knitting patterns or vintage machine knitting patterns, you'll often be presented with a diagram and some cryptic notations.
Learn to understand and apply 2-4-10 for your knitting.

more...