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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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Screenshot of DesignaKnit software showing the error message 'There are 2 non-selecting yarns at row' with the problematic pattern area highlighted
DesignaKnit Tips and Tricks
DesignaKnit Stitch Designer

Learn DesignaKnit: There are 2 non-selecting yarns at row ...

Have you seen this warning in DesignaKnit Stitch Designer? "Error in pattern. There are 2 non-selecting yarns at row ..."
Let's translate this cryptic message and take steps to resolve it.

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Infographic showing worldwide knitting machine manufacturers and their associated brand names across different countries and regions
Machine Knitting Tips
machine knitting

Knitting Machines Around the World

Over the years, knitting machines have been made by various manufacturers and marketed in different parts of the world under different brand names. Here's a quick reference for the various names.

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Three different types of ravel cord displayed side by side, showing varying thicknesses and materials used for machine knitting cast-on and waste edges
Machine Knitting Techniques
cast on provisional cast on Ravel Cord scrap and ravel cord techniques

6 Ways to use Ravel Cord

Ravel Cord is magical for machine knitters. It's a smooth, strong cord that has innumerable uses. It is also called rip cord or cast on cord.

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Brother KH260 bulky knitting machine carriage threaded with yarn, showing the 9mm needle spacing
Machine Knitting Tips
Brother 260

Brother KH260 Bulky Knitting Machine

The Brother KH260 is the last punchcard bulky (9mm) knitting machine that the Brother company produced. It is a workhorse of a machine with everything you need to create beautiful bulky weight knitting.

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Knitting machine needle bed background with overlaid text showing pattern creation methods: punch card, electronics, mylar sheets, and hand manipulation
Machine Knitting Techniques
programming stitch patterns punchcard stitch patterns

Decorative Patterning with Knitting Machines

Quickly and easily create lace, textured patterns and multi-color designs with a knitting machine. With buttons, punchcards, electronics and even hand manipulation the sky's the limit!

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Illustration showing the diagonal construction of a colorful shawl, with arrows indicating the knitting direction from one corner to the opposite corner, demonstrating the increase and decrease shaping
Knitting Machine Projects | Patterns
curl Diagonal

The Ultimate DIY Shawl

Knitting diagonals is a common way for hand-knitters to make scarves, shawls, wraps and blankets. With a few considerations, machine knitters can join in the fun!

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Asymmetric V-neckline illustration showing the use of Knit it Now charting tools
Knitwear Design
custom knitting patterns Knit it Now Tool tapers

Slope vs Taper - Draft Angles for your Knitting

When drafting knitting patterns or just making adjustments, understanding the math behind angled shaping is important. Explore the difference between slopes and tapers. Do you struggle with math? Check out the Knit it Now tools to take the guesswork out of creating custom knitting instructions.

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Side-by-side silhouettes comparing correct and incorrect sitting postures at a machine knitting table. One woman demonstrates proper ergonomic position while the other shows poor posture
Machine Knitting Tips
machine knitting

Machine Knitters: Save your Back and Shoulders

When machine knitting, your position at the machine is most important. Add to your knitting pleasure by being comfortable and protecting your back, neck and shoulders.

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