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Transform Your Knitting: Charting Devices for Machine Knitters

charting device

No More Machine Knitting Patterns: Use a Charting Device

Tired of deciphering cryptic knitting patterns and endlessly counting rows? Imagine a world where you can see your project come to life visually as you knit. Charting devices are game-changers for machine knitters, offering precise shaping, fewer errors, and complete creative control.

Whether you're using a Silver Reed KR10 | 11 Knit Radar , a BrotherKnit Leader | Charting Device , or exploring DesignaKnit interactive features, these tools can transform your knitting experience and eliminate the guesswork.

Ready to ditch the patterns and knit smarter? Let’s dive into how knitting machine charting devices can revolutionize the way you knit.

Imagine this...

  • Visual Knitting: See your project taking shape as you knit.
  • Shaping Accuracy: Precise curves and angles, every time.
  • Faster Knitting: No row-by-row instructions to follow.
  • No Cryptic Abbreviations: Say goodbye to confusing pattern jargon.
  • Custom Designs: Easily chart and knit your own designs.
  • Fewer Errors: Reduce mistakes with visual guidance.

Knitting without written instructions means more time spent knitting and less time checking patterns.

Top Charting Devices for Machine Knitting

1. Silver Reed KR10/11

Although no longer in production, the Silver Reed KR10/11 charting devices can still be found on the used market.

Have one gathering dust? List It in the Marketplace

Learn to use a Kr10/11 Course: Visual Knitting with the KR10: Design Without Numbers
KR10 charting device in use, showing a knitting pattern being traced with a stylus and graph paper for precision machine knitting

2. Built-in Charting Devices

Some machines, like the Singer SK360, have built-in charting tools, making the design process seamless.

Animated GIF of a Singer 360 knitting machine demonstrating its built-in charting device

Want to learn more about Charting Devices? Watch this video: What's a Charting Device for Machine Knitting?

3. Brother Knit Leader

Designed for Brother machines, the Knit Leader helps you visualize your project directly on your needlebed.

Collage showing multiple views of the Brother KR116 Knit Leader accessory, a pattern charting device used with Brother knitting machines to create garments from pattern drawings

How to Use the DesignaKnit Interactive Knitting Module as an Electronic Charting Device

Enhance your machine knitting experience with the Interactive Knitting module of DesignaKnit (DAK). This feature allows you to create and customize designs, then knit them interactively, offering unmatched precision and creative freedom:

  • Works with ANY machine, including manual machines like the LK150.
  • Perfect for knitters who want full creative control over their projects.

Whether you're shaping garments or exploring complex patterns, the Interactive Knitting module helps you stay on track by providing real-time feedback as you knit.


Ready to unlock the full potential of DesignaKnit? Explore step-by-step tutorials and expert guidance at LearnDesignaKnit.com.

Learn more about Interactive Knitting with DesignaKnit

DesignaKnit Interactive Knitting Module in Action

From simplifying complex patterns to providing real-time visual guidance, charting devices open a world of possibilities for machine knitters. Whether you’re a beginner looking to improve accuracy or an experienced knitter exploring custom designs, these tools are a game-changer. Don’t let traditional patterns limit your creativity—step into the future of knitting with charting devices tailored to your needs.

Have you tried a charting device for machine knitting? What was your experience?

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9 COMMENTS
Cherie S
 Aug 7, 2024
I've traced knit sewing patterns onto the Brother Knit Leader (minus the sewing seam allowance) and have found it works pretty good.

Molly P
 Aug 1, 2024
PDF sewing patterns printed with the home computer/printer can be useful in the KR7. Just print out the sewing pattern at 50%, tape it together as for the normal size and trace that form unto a KR7 sheet. This works quite well. I purchased an original used set of KR7 sheets on Ebay and traced right over the preprinted green ink with black marker.

Jenny M B
 Aug 1, 2024
I have used both. DAK is much more expensive but does so much more and is definitely my preferred option.

Patricia D
 Jul 31, 2024
I have the brother knit leader (actually a couple of them) one for my standard and one on my chunky machine. I've been working with them since the early 90's and love it. Haven't tried DAK, but I have read about it and need to do a bit more research

Tom P
 Jul 31, 2024
I have a KR6 (as of three weeks ago) which I use with a Knitmaster E-302, and I love it.I don't have the mounting bracket, so I simply have it on the table behind the main needle bed, and after each row I turn the advance knob on a click. This slows me down a little (which is good, I reckon) and allows me to back track easily. I have knitted without the Knitradar, but find this way of knitting far more relaxing. It has upped my skills and my productivity at a stroke

Tina B
 Jul 30, 2024
I love my punchcard machine with the knitradar for simplicity. Alternatively I got more used to my DAK with interactive knitting for the silver reed sk 840. I nearly never knit without one of these charting devices.

Lynda G
 Jul 30, 2024
I would not be without my DAK 9 charting device. It changed my entire approach to knitting. I rarely use written patterns anymore. I'm forever designing and changing patterns. Chopping up, and turning patterns is a simple process now.

Sigrid T
 Jul 30, 2024
I use an excel file. I have to type the row number I see on the mechanical row counter, then all cells representing the stitches on that row number and below change color, so I can easily see what I have to do on the next row - similar to the image aboc showing designakit.

preparation is to draw the pattern or put the symbols in the cells for the needle positions. (my knitting machine is 100% manual - no electricity needed)

Mary K
 Jul 30, 2024
Years ago I used Toyota KNIT TRACER. These devices are great, but for me 2 negatives: 1) copying the pattern (full size) was a little tiring to the back. 2) you have to remember to record row count on the pattern or somewhere, so that increases & decreases, armholes, sleeves, etc are the same. The advancing of the pattern is such that it can be interpreted differently. I imagine this is true for the other brand devices, whether full scale, 1/2 or quarter scale. I currently have DAK & love it, precise & accurate.

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