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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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Calculator resting on knitting patterns, symbolizing the mathematical calculations often needed in machine knitting projects
Machine Knitting Tips
machine knitting tip

Too much math

"Machine knitting is not for me ... there's too much MATH". Hand or machine, there are times when we need to drag out a calculator, but Knit it Now offers solutions that make this easier. Explore 8 times math is used for your knitting and how you can avoid the pain.

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Child demonstrating why proper neck opening size matters in children's knitwear
Knitwear Design
garment shaping neck shaping

Kids Heads are Big!

When knitting pullover sweaters for babies and kids, it's important to make sure the neck opening will fit over the head.

Looking at sizing charts, 3 month heads are 15". Neck openings are 4.5". Yes, knitting stretches, but leaving one shoulder open is the answer.

Make it easier for Mom and baby - leave a shoulder open and add a designer element!

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Close-up of a machine-knitted European shoulder showing the distinctive angled seam placement
Knitwear Design
garment style shoulder seams

European Shoulder

A European Shoulder style sweater has shoulder seam shifted towards the back, so the seam is not at the top of the shoulder.

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Side-by-side comparison of machine knitting cast on samples showing the visual difference between open cast on edges (with visible loops) and closed cast on edges (with a finished hem-like appearance)
Machine Knitting Techniques
cast on finished edge techniques

Open Cast on vs Closed Cast on

There are many ways of getting your knitting started. Each method has it's uses, and falls in 2 categories; Open cast on and Closed cast on. Being familiar with multiple cast on methods is essential for all machine knitters.

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Machine knitted color block pattern using intarsia technique, showing three colors joined without carrying yarn across back
Machine Knitting Techniques
color work Intarsia machine knitting stitch patterns

Intarsia on the Machine

Intarsia (picture knitting) is a technique that allows color changes in the middle of the row without having floats across the back of the knitting

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Full-length view of a knitting machine's needlebed showing the fixed number of needles available, illustrating the width limitations machine knitters face when creating larger pieces
Machine Knitting Tips
needles tip tuck

Not Enough Needles

Whether you are knitting a blanket or a sweater, you probably have discovered the fact that our knitting machines have a limited number of needles to work with. This means we can only knit pieces that are a limited size.

Unlike hand knitting, we can't use a longer cable needle and add more stitches. We have to get creative to knit larger pieces on the machine.

Let's explore some options for the "not enough needles" dilemma.

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Close-up of a machine-knitted neckband showing decorative detail where the band meets the garment, demonstrating how to add visual interest to traditional band edges.
Machine Knitting Techniques
bands turning row

Machine Knit Neckbands: Jazz em Up!

Bands around necklines, armholes or at hems don't have to be boring!
Machine knitters can easily add some interest by adding something extra where the bands meet the garment edge or along the turning row.

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Side-by-side drawings of sleeve styles showing armhole variations and construction techniques for machine knitting
Knitwear Design
armhole decreasing designing garment shaping seaming sleeve

Armhole / Sleeve Choices for Knitters

When choosing a sweater style the first consideration is the armhole / sleeve style.

Looking at any knitting pattern or even ready-to-wear sweaters, it's important to be able to recognize the basic shape.

Let's explore some common armhole/sleeve styles and the features of each in terms of knitting skills needed and fit.

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Tension mast mechanism removed from knitting machine, showing the yarn guides, tension dial, and disk assembly
Machine Knitting Techniques
mast take-up spring mast tension mast tension dial tension

Knitting Machine Tension Mast tips

The knitting machine tension mast feeds the yarn to the carriage and controls the rate that the yarn flows. Comparing swatches knit at different tension mast settings reveals the how important this device is to successful machine knitting.

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A knitter demonstrating the tubing technique, stretching a piece of machine-knitted fabric between both hands to help stitches settle into their natural position
Machine Knitting Techniques
machine knitting measuring tip

Tubing Your Knitting

As we machine knit, our knitting is stretched across the needlebed and we also hang weights. This can distort the stitches. Many machine knitters will "tube" their knitting to "pop" the stitches into place.

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