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Side-by-side comparison showing hands holding traditional knitting needles next to a knitting machine, illustrating the transition from hand to machine knitting

Hand Knitters guide to Machine Knitting

"I am an accomplished long-time hand knitter and just got an LK-150 knitting machine. I've been able to knit a couple of hats. I want to knit my first sweater...."

machine knitting the basics tip

Recently a knitter wrote:

I am an accomplished long-time hand knitter and just got an LK-150 knitting machine. I've been able to knit a couple of hats. I want to knit my first sweater....

Q: I'm confused by all the machine knitting terms

A: Use the Knit it Now Glossary for all of those cryptic MK terms. 300 terms, definitions and examples ... the list is always growing!

Q: What yarn can I use for machine knitting?

A: It's really is a matter of what you like. You don't need yarn on cones to machine knit. But the weight of the yarn needs to be appropriate for your machine.

What yarn(s) have you been using for your hats? If you want to use a different yarn/fiber, use a similar gauge.
Yarn for Knitting Machines

Q: What patterns can I use?

A: Technically any knitting patterns can be used with the machine.

Considerations for using hand knitting patterns:
  • You need to match the pattern gauge gauge
  • Translate HK terms to MK techniques
  • Identify what HK techniques are possible on the machine (example: a garter stitch project isn't practical on the machine)
  • You'll need to convert length measurements to row counts (machine knitters can't measure as they are knitting)
Machine knitting patterns:
Sadly, very few knitwear designers are producing patterns for the machine today. Vintage pattens are a good source of inspiration, but most of the recommended yarns are discontinued and the style/fit can be dated

Charting Software:
Design your own knitting patterns using software like DesignaKnit

Knit it Now patterns:

Q: Where should I start?

A: we recommend a simple sweater style to gain confidence in your knitting. Our course "Your 2nd Sweater" is a great place to start!

It's titled "your 2nd sweater" because for their first sweater, many knitters attempt something way beyond their skill level and get discouraged. Put that behind you and knit "your 2nd sweater" in any size and enjoy some success.
This sweater may not be the style you want to knit, but it is a great place to get a TON of information that will answer a lot of your questions.

For exmple there is a section in the course titled "Decisions, Decisions, Decisions" Making decisions before even knitting your swatch builds habits that will ensure your success with future projects.
Check out the Course

Q: How do I know what size to knit?

A: We recommend measuring a sweater you wear for sizing. Check the FINISHED dimensions of your pattern and the size that will mirror the sweater you measured.
Why guess at ease? If the sweater you wear is 38" at the bust, choose the size with a 38" FINISHED bust size. (use the pattern schematic or calculate based on the stitches and rows in the pattern)

Q: How much yarn do I need?

A: Unlike hand knitting, you probably aren't going to use the same yarn as the pattern designer, so it's critical that you learn to estimate the amount of yarn you need for your planned project. Here's a detailed reference for resources on calculating yarn needed:
How Much Yarn do I Need?

Q: What is one of the biggest challenges for new machine knitters?

A: Machine knitters are knitting "backwards" the purl side is always facing.
We don't turn the work back and forth with each row. It will take some time to get used to viewing the purl side as you are knitting.
I've been known to crawl under the machine so I could see the "right/public" side an to admire the knitting in progress 

Q: Is my Silver Reed LK-150 a good machine?

A: Don't let anyone tell you that your LK is a "toy" - you can do soooo much with it!  Use it without a lot of fuss and bother (and a shorter learning curve than other machines). 

If you choose to expand your skills with a metal bed machine in the future... great!  Don't be surprised if(when) you are tempted to get another machine ... adding a ribber and automatic patterning opens up a world of new possibilities with your machine.

Check out the Knit it Now LK-150 courses - everything you need to learn about your machine

Q: What about "Top Down" knitting?

A: Currently hand knitters seem to be obsessed with jumping through hoops to avoid seams. Machine knitters can't easily knit "top down" - but with a little planning we can get similar results

Consider a top-down raglan on the machine (only side seams to finish)

Upside Down Raglan collection

Q: What stitch patterns CAN I knit on the machine?

A: Even though purl stitches have to be manipulated by hand, there are an almost unlimited number of stitch patterns to add color and texture to your knitting.

Some hand knitting stitch patterns just aren't worth the effort on the machine - for example an entire garter stitch sweater (unless you have a Brother Garter Carriage ) would take a lot of manipulation on the machine and would be faster to knit by hand.
 
Do the fun stuff by hand and the boring stuff on the machine. Mix hand and machine knitting for beautiful results!
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3 COMMENTS
Mary K
 Aug 16, 2022
The LK is a fantastic machine, plus so portable if you want to take it with you. Knits DK, sport & any finer yarns if you want a very airy see through look….like knitting on large needles with fine yarn. Worsted weight, depends on the yarn as far as ease of knitting. I prefer seams on sweaters; gives better structure, fit. Short rows are a whole lot easier on a knitting machine. There is lots of help out there to get thru the learning curve. KIN has courses for the LK, Craftsy has 3 courses by Susan Guagliumi which are all done on the LK150. I think Diana Sullivan’s has help for you too on the LK. There are extra poles & antennas you can get if you want to get into using more than 2 colors.

Mary K
 Aug 16, 2022
If you get a needle beetle, it will make needle selection a lot faster, but will only work on stitch patterns that can be a stitch repeat of 8. Great , handy device. Kriskrafter website is where to go for this

Nancy M
 Aug 2, 2022
Great tips! Would advise getting into the good habit of making swatches and dressing them, and learning good measuring habits. Keeping good notes as you go .

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