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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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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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