I’ve had DAK since about 2011 when I bought my silver reed 860 then later bought the 840. Both electronic machines. It’s a waste of money to buy these machines if you don’t also purchase DAK. Better to stick with a punch card machine. I love DAK. I can input any Fairisle, tuck stitch etc. there is a learning curve, but the more you learn it only gets better. Great place to store patterns in folders. I’m terrible at losing, where did I put that information. You don’t need bookshelves full of generated patterns. You can store it all in DAK & be able to find it. You can start with standard garment mode, then take into original mode to make more changes. You are only limited by your imagination in creating a garment. My one BIG criticism of DAK is there is no version for APPLE. I don’t like Microsoft & having to use a PC. I pester softe byte every now & then to make an Apple version but it hasn’t happened yet.

For the Sk 840 DAK IS the patterning unit. Without the machine is like any mechanical machine. For this machine you need DAK, for interactiv knitting . And when you have it, and get control over the pissibilities, the other modules are geeat to have, too.

Lisa, there are a number of ways to do this. 1. Start with a Standard Garment Styling shape and modify according to the HK pattern 2. Copy the HK pattern from scratch in Original Pattern Drafting (diagram or text instruction) 3. Use the trace feature from a diagram or sewing pattern Or a combination of these. Please let me know if i can help.

Cheri, I just want to say that your comment is inspirational to me. I purchased DAK and the accessories a few years ago and have not used it very much. I am now learning more about it and working on my knitting machines making swatches, perfecting a tighter edge using the ribber, etc. I did not think of using hand knitting patterns to create patterns in DAK! Thank you for sharing.

I recently purchased DAK, and I'm slowly going through the screens, viewing the videos that come with the program, and getting familiar with the accompanying, built-in manual. In addition, I've purchased several of the LearnDesignaKnit modules. From what I can see, it will offer the flexibility to create anything I want to make. I'll be able to take designs from my hand-knitting books and magazines and create them in DAK to download to my knitting machines-- one is electronic and the other is manual. I agree that it comes with a hefty price tag, but the features and possibilities made it a sound purchase for me. When I look at my accumulated collection of patterns both hand and machine knitting, I see the ease in easily creating anything I see, in my or someone else's size with any yarn I like and can find. I've taken photos of store designs I plan to create. I know many experienced members have made wonderful items using DAK. They helped me take the final plunge!