Using a Knitting Machine
Using a knitting machine may be one of the best things that you ever do. A lot of people, even some avid knitters, have not actually heard of a knitting machine before, and so here is a bit of information on knitting machines that is going to be helpful for you to know.
Choosing Your Machine
The first step is to choose your knitting machine, and this should be done very carefully. There are a few factors that you are going to want to consider when you are choosing your machine, including the manual, punch card, and controls.
The first thing that you want to think about when you are buying a knitting machine is the type of yarn that you plan to use and what you want to make. The bulky machines are best for making heavier sweaters, afghans, that sort of thing, while the mid-gauge machines will be enough for all the basic patterns.
One of the key features that you want to look for on a knitting machine is a row counter. This is going to be crucial to your knitting when you are using a machine, and although you may think you will be able to count the rows as you work you are only kidding yourself by thinking this, because machines work much faster than a person ever could, and there is almost no way that you would be able to keep up.
A ribber is also very important on a knitting machine. A ribber is another complete bed of needles which makes the knitting machine into a double bed machine. Most knitting machines also come with a tension mast, but there are a few that do not. The next to last must have is a place to set up your machine, so once you have decided which particular machine you want, you will need to find an area in your home to keep it where you will have room to work and where it will not be damaged.
Whether you are just getting started in the knitting hobby or have been at it for years, a knitting machine will often be very helpful and especially if you need to get a project completed in a very short amount of time, it may be your best friend.
Any knitting store or retailer should offer at least a few of these machines for you to choose from, just make sure that you read the instructions carefully before attempting to use it for the first time.
