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Close-up of knitting machine needles threaded with yarns of different weights, demonstrating the range of yarns suitable for machine knitting
Knitting Machine Yarn
needle pitch yarn YPP

Essential Yarn Guide for Machine Knitters

Learn about yarn types, tips, and a handy chart to help you choose the perfect yarn for your machine knitting projects

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A comically small knitting sample showing just three stitches cast on with about one inch of knitting, demonstrating what not to do when swatching
Machine Knitting Tips
gauge measuring stitches per inch swatch

This is NOT a swatch

The secret to success with your knitting is accurately establishing YOUR gauge by swatching.
Avoid common mistakes when swatching.

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Example of properly charted gathered sleeve implementation, illustrating sleeve drafting principles
Knitwear Design
garment shaping garment style sleeve

Puffy, Gathered Set in Sleeves

Puffy or gathered set in sleeves are classic.
You don't need a special pattern to knit them. Learn to chart your own .. with little or math!

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A knitting machine carriage positioned on the needle bed, ready for operation - a key component to inspect when buying a used machine
Machine Knitting Tips
machine knitting

Buying a used Machine? Ask Questions

Here are some basic questions to ask when buying a used knitting machine.

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Knitting supplies: a ball of yarn, ruler, calculator, and a knitted swatch being weighed on a digital food scale
Machine Knitting Tips
gauge hat Knit it Now Tool swatch swatching

Hats: How much yarn do I need?

Do you have enough yarn to knit the hat you have planned? Measure and weigh your swatch and use the Knit it Now yarn Estimator to quickly determine how much yarn you need.

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A close-up photo showing loose, uneven loops along the edge of a knitted fabric, demonstrating a common knitting machine error
Machine Knitting Tips
Maintenance tip troubleshooting

Loops at the edges

Sometimes it's the simplest thing that causes problems when you are knitting.

Check out my "rookie" mistake that caused me a headache.

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Side-by-side comparison of two knitted samples: one with standard stark stripes and one with softened color transitions between stripes
Machine Knitting Tips
cast on slip stitch stitch patterns stripes transitions

Stripe Variation

Make stripes special. Soften the transition between colors with just a few extra steps.

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Close-up of a small, handmade yarn marker created from a contrasting color of yarn, showing its simple but effective construction
Machine Knitting Tips
yarn marker

Small wonder, Big Impact: The Humble Yarn Marker

Discover the time-saving wonders of yarn markers in knitting! From efficient swatching to pinpointing the center of pieces and marking edges for seaming, these unassuming tools are your allies for faster finishing.

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Decorative image showing a sketched scarf design overlaid on a knitted background texture, with text promoting custom scarf pattern creation
Knitting Machine Projects | Patterns
patterns scarves

Do you NEED a Scarf Pattern?

Say goodbye to the search for the perfect scarf pattern.

Unlock your creativity by creating a unique scarf that reflects your style and personality.

Handpick the yarn, choose an amazing stitch pattern and quickly create your own design.

Learn 3 painless ways to chart your own pattern.

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A collection of machine-knitted hats arranged to showcase various styles and techniques, from beginner-friendly to advanced designs
Knitting Machine Projects | Patterns
knit it now learn machine knitting machine knitting resources

Knit Hats Based on YOUR Skill Level

One of the more rewarding projects for machine knitters is hats.

Keep your loved ones warm and polish your knitting skills without a huge time investment.

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Diagram comparing body measurements to garment dimensions to illustrate ease concept
Knitwear Design
Ease garment fit

Why guess at ease?

Have you ever found yourself puzzled by the concept of "positive ease" in knitting patterns?

Ease is a personal choice.
Explore why the concept of "pinching" doesn't work and the best way to knit sweaters that fit

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A composite graphic showing the DesignaKnit software logo alongside Brother and Silver Reed knitting machine logos, illustrating software compatibility
DesignaKnit Tips and Tricks
DesignaKnit

DesignaKnit for Brother and Silver Reed Knitters

It's important to note that DesignaKnit interacts differently with various knitting machines, and understanding these differences is crucial before you invest in the software.

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