When choosing a knitting machine, you need to decide what functions it should perform. The need to purchase a machine is to learn the basics of knitting. Having learned to knit, you need to buy a device and start mastering its capabilities. Having an idea of the knitting process will make it easier to master the functionality.
Content
The main purpose
The main purpose is knitting finished yarn products. Knitting machines are used in industry and everyday life. Depending on the operator's actions, the device allows you to get a different knitted fabric with color and texture patterns.
Having knitting and sewing equipment, you can dress the whole family yourself. If you master this craft well, then you can earn money on orders. Knitting requires an equipped workplace with good illumination. Hand knitting is time-consuming, but allows you to distract from problems.
The knitting device can be classified as a household appliance. At the first glance at it, it seems to be a strange and incomprehensible mechanism with many needles. Machine knitting is an automated hand knitting process. Unlike manual, it allows you to get a finished product in 5-7 hours.
Simpler items (hat, socks, etc.) will take 25-30 minutes. Complex products allow you to use complex weaving with many shades, patterns and the use of colored threads. The main thing in work is skill and ability to use all opportunities.
How to choose
Many women who are interested in knitting buy equipment after manual practice. Some selection criteria must be taken into account. The most popular are electronically controlled models. The program of work here is determined by the computer. This allows complex functions to be performed well, which are tedious to do manually. When choosing a device, you need to familiarize yourself with the principle of its operation.
Knitting devices are divided into classes, the larger it is, the finer the yarn it can work with. If necessary, the basic equipment can be expanded with additions in the form of patterns, color change, openwork, intarsia or jacquard carriage.
Which of the knitting devices to choose, domestic or imported, depends on the financial capabilities of the future owner.
On a note! Domestic machines, unfortunately, are difficult to work with, have a lot of imperfections and minor faults. It will take a lot of effort to bring the purchase "to mind". Imported - easy to use, they are accompanied by detailed instructions with visual illustrations, moreover, they often come with various bonuses in the form of patterns.
Types of knitting machines
Knitting machines are divided into:
- Single-loop - the main type of knitting, the finished product is homogeneous, at the exit there are two sides of the fabric: front and back. The single-circuit device has one needle bar. The device allows basic knitting. The resulting fabric will be thin or thick, depending on the yarn used, with the product having a front and a back side.Because of this, patterns connected in color have thread ends on the wrong side, which spoil the aesthetic properties of the product and reduce their cost.
- Double-sided - at the exit from the car, a double-faced canvas is obtained. Double-flow ones have two needle beds. The device consists of two parts - the main one and the attached one, which expands the possibilities of knitting. The product gets bulk, so you can knit a double-sided fabric. The reverse side of the canvas turns out to be smooth, and the canvas itself is dense. Such devices are equipped with extensive technological capabilities. They are capable of producing double weaves in the form of a fang, half-fang or an eraser, and by shifting the needle beds, making zigzags in weaves. It can be jacquard or other weaves.
- Mechanical - selection and control of needles using the so-called. punched cards. Devices with punched cards allow you to quickly and beautifully knit any pattern. The hole pattern printed on the punch card is applied to it. Next, the machine processes the punched card and knits the pattern given by the template.
- Electronic - control of needles using a computer program. Computer-controlled devices work with special programs. The programs allow you to completely knit the product according to the specified dimensions. The software capabilities are vast.
The most popular models, as well as the best manufacturers, according to experts and buyers, are trademarks:
- "Ivushka". Domestic device. One of the best handcrafted models.
- PRYM MAXI. Simple, constructive and easy to use (manual).
- Addi-express Kingsize. Counting rows. Best for beginners. Hand-held device.
- VERITAS CREATIVE KM245P1. Double fountain with conveniently spaced rows. (punched card).
- Knitmaster SK 360. Foldable, single-loop with built-in punchlacing.
- Silver Reed SK280. Ideal for home use.
- Silver Reed LK150. Good price.
- Silver Reed SK840. The best among computer knitting tools. Some models reach grade 12.
- BROTHER KH970 and KR850. Excellent quality and great features.
- BROTHER KH930 and KR850. Great working resource.
The average price of a professional knitting machine starts at 70,000 rubles.
Rating of quality models of knitting machines
The article lists popular models with different pricing policies, as well as a detailed description of their characteristics. The review will tell you at what price and which model is better to buy.
Hand Knitting Machines
Simple operation and low cost - this is what distinguishes the manual control type of knitting machines from other types. It won't take a lot of time to set up the machine. The segment presents the best models of inexpensive hand-operated knitting machines.
Addi-express kingsize
The German model for medium yarns has a row counter in its arsenal of functions. The whole canvas can be tied without interruption in a circle. The thickness of the yarn, which is loaded during knitting, ranges from 3 to 8 mm. The machine does not require special skills or experience to use and knit. The main thing is to thread the thread correctly. The device will automatically start counting the rows by regularly turning the knob.
The set includes:
- plastic hooks;
- loop stops;
- instructions for use;
- 4 legs;
- 2 fasteners;
- 6 plastic needles.
Advantages:
- reliable knitting machine;
- easy to manage.
Disadvantages:
- the machine is made of plastic.
Price: from 13 960 rubles.
Prym maxi
Ease of knitting is the main criterion that you can look at when choosing this model. German manufacturers have tried their best, despite the fact that the assembly is carried out in China. This is a model with the function of circular and straight knitting. You can use threads of different thicknesses. Intricate items such as hats, scarves and other materials will be knitted without too much trouble.
Advantages:
- budget price;
- simple use.
Disadvantages:
- small width of the bound web;
- limited functionality.
Cost: from 3 890 rubles.
Ivushka
The best representative of Russian production in this segment according to customer reviews.The model gained its popularity even before the restructuring. The official place of issue is the city of Kaluga. The machine is a knitting machine made of metal and covered with enamel. According to users, the machine is able to knit patterned and openwork details of any complexity. The process can be carried out with different types of two-color threads.
The kit includes:
- 2 attachments (small and large);
- 15 regular hooks;
- 8 double hooks;
- pullers with teeth;
- step-by-step instruction;
- 2 thread holders.
Advantages:
- compactness;
- quality certificate;
- acceptable price;
- suitable for home use;
- performs complex tasks.
Disadvantages:
- low knitting speed;
- has no additional functions in comparison with other models.
Price: from 4 701 rubles.
Mechanical knitting machines
The peculiarity of the devices lies in fast and high-quality knitting. They have an affordable price, but no less adequately fulfill their tasks. Here are the models that experts consider to be the most functional.
Silver reed lk-150
The Japanese model is suitable for home use. Belongs to one-fountain type 4 class. Performs knitting of products of varying complexity (flat knitting). The installation is refueled with both thin and thick threads. If you set out to associate a product with a complex pattern, then this model will ideally fulfill such a task.
The kit includes:
- cargo;
- decckers;
- needles;
- row counter.
Advantages:
- works on 160 needles;
- there is a switch for choosing the density;
- high knitting speed.
Disadvantages:
- high cost.
Cost: from 24 900 rubles.
Silver reed sk 280
The best option for novice craftswomen who can easily understand how to install all the necessary elements. The machine belongs to the class 5 double-circuit segment. Any thickness of yarn is used for work. Among the features, it is worth highlighting a huge selection of patterns. The device works on the basis of 200 needles, and the number of repeat loops is 24. You can independently make different types of elastic bands, openwork and patterns consisting of several colors.
Advantages:
- comfortable;
- ease of installation;
- quickly copes with the tasks.
Disadvantages:
- not detected.
Cost: from 85,500 rubles.
Knitmaster sk 360
Knitting machine of Japanese production of a single-loop type. Convenient, compact and has a mechanical type of control. The knitting process is based on 160 needles. The device does not have a foam strip for pressing the needles. Its role is played by a metal clip. You can create fishnet and knitted items using the additional punchlace function.
Advantages:
- knits all types of double-loop weaves;
- versatility;
- the price is justified by the possibilities.
Disadvantages:
- not detected.
Price: from 16 976 rubles.
Veritas creative KM245P1 & KM245P2
German production never ceases to delight us with high-quality knitting devices. The machine has a comfortable design and is ideal for home use. It is possible to make with your own hands such products as scarves, hats, knitwear with a complex pattern, elastic bands and other things of this type. The machine works on the basis of 400 needles and a rapport of 24 points.
Advantages:
- 5 class device;
- versatility;
- certified products;
- knits complex patterns (jacquard, lace, etc.);
- fountains are conveniently located.
Disadvantages:
- overcharge.
Price: from 38 765 rubles.
Computer Knitting Machines
With the help of an electronic knitting device, you can implement many ideas for creating patterns and ornaments in a simplified form via a PC. The technological process is associated with downloading programs from a computer to a knitting machine. Thus, they knit themselves. The disadvantages include the high cost of equipment.
Brother KH 930 / KR 850
The Japanese branded knitting machine is easy to operate and has an extended life.For novice craftswomen, this model is ideal. With the help of the openwork carriage, which is included in the kit, you can knit openwork and punchlace weaves. Additionally, a template is purchased for knitting pattern parts.
Quality details allow the device to be used all day long. Recommended for making knitted items to order. The quality of the knitting at the exit is comparable to the Turkish production.
Advantages:
- 555 drawings for work;
- you can create and save your own patterns;
- durability.
Disadvantages:
- overall;
- requires constant maintenance in the form of oil lubrication.
Cost: from 100,000 rubles.
Brother INNOV-‘IS 950
In the entire history of the production of Japanese knitting machines, this one is considered the best. Designed according to all the criteria necessary for high-quality knitting at home. Things turn out to be of high quality and original.
The process takes place at a professional level. By connecting to a PC, you can create new products by presetting the knit type, fabric density, pattern and other functions.
Advantages:
- suitable for professional purposes;
- large assortment of built-in patterns (665);
- performs complex tasks to the fullest.
Disadvantages:
- was not found.
Cost: from 150,000 rubles.
Silver reed SK 840 / SRP60N
The equipment for thick yarn belongs to the double-loop type 5 class, manufactured around 1990. Monoblock and steel needles, in the amount of 500 pieces, are located in 2 rows at a distance of 4.5 mm. With the help of the device, you can create patterns of any complexity on your own or through a computer. It is possible to create details of patterns according to your own or standard sizes. The following types of weaving of threads are available to the user: zigzag, jacquard, openwork, elastic, knitting, hosiery, viving.
Advantages:
- things are obtained with the best quality, not inferior to professional manufacturers;
- high functionality.
Disadvantages:
- overcharge.
Cost: from 110,000 rubles.
Where can I buy
You can buy a knitting device in stores selling sewing accessories, online stores, at a craftsmen fair, order online or from individuals a new or used one. Before buying a device, you should study it well, identify the possibilities, performance, and size.
How to recognize a fake
When deciding which knitting device is better to buy, you can make mistakes when choosing. First of all, you should consider the availability of a guarantee, which is given for at least one year. During this time, you should test the entire functionality of the device. The main thing is the quality of the finished product.
Important! During the warranty period, it is possible to eliminate all defects.
A decent seller will always provide the necessary assistance. Fake cars or used cars usually do not have a guarantee. When buying equipment from a private person, you should invite a specialist who knows the acquired equipment well. There are no guarantees here. The equipment should be collected from the seller and checked for equipment, the absence of mechanical damage and all functionality.
Often, the seller himself does not understand what he is selling. Sometimes he can't even collect it, so the presence of a specialist is mandatory. When buying, the knitting machine must be assembled, carefully examining it visually.
- Pay attention to the teeth. They should be flat. The slightest damage is not allowed. The teeth on the upper and lower fountains must be the same size and without the slightest curvature. The needle bar should not be bent. The identified faults are practically irreparable, since this is only available to a professional mechanic.
Replacing the needle bar is comparable to the cost of a new knitting technique.
- The needles themselves can be replaced if they are crooked or broken. The main thing is to know how to do it. You can check the needles only by starting knitting. The discovered curvature of the needles will make it possible to bargain when buying.The needles must be well pressed against the bed, otherwise the knitting quality will suffer.
- When buying, you should check the pressure bar. This should be done if the buyer is poorly versed in technology. In case of suspicion, it is better to replace the ruler, otherwise in the future it will affect the quality of knitting.
- Pay attention to the carriage. The castors there must not be deformed. In this case, they must be replaced. If this is not done, then problems will arise when knitting the edges of the products. The carriage itself must be free of mechanical damage. Pay particular attention to the carriage. If the bottom is badly worn, then the knitting device has been used for a long time.
There should be no chips on the surface of the carriage.
- On punch card devices, the levers must be free from bends and move without jamming. The work of the punch card itself is checked only when knitting, and the quality is determined by a specialist. If the buyer does not know how to knit at all, then all actions must be accompanied by a specialist.
What to look for when buying:
- Appearance and technical condition.
- Color of plastic parts (yellow or white).
- Needle cushion condition.
- Carriage state.
- Needles.
- Equipment.
Recommendations for use
When buying knitting equipment, you need to decide what it is for and what you plan to knit on it. Buy anyhow means throwing money away. Different models are adapted for different yarns and, before buying, you should set yourself a specific task:
- If you plan to knit socks, mittens and sometimes sweaters from thick yarn, then a third-class car will go. She works with yarns up to 200 m / 100 g. The needles are far apart. Machines of the 5th class, with yarn up to 500 m / 100 g, allow, in addition to thick yarn, to use thin yarn. These models are good for beginners. The 7th class of machines uses yarn up to 600 m / 100 g. They work with very delicate finished products.
- Mentioning yarn, it is worth noting that its quality does not differ from yarn for hand-made. For machine knitting, the yarn must be on bobbins, this is important for trouble-free and long work. The yarn is wound on a bobbin evenly, and its length should not exceed 500 m. It is most profitable to buy yarn on bobbins. One bobbin is enough for 2-3 knitted items. A special device is used to rewind the yarn. Practice shows that the use of bobbins has a positive effect on the performance of equipment.
- Each knitter approaches the selection of yarn carefully, because the quality of the finished product and its durability depend on it. Each knitting technique behaves differently with a particular yarn. Knowing this nuance, the worker takes it into account in her activities. If you make a mistake with the yarn, then getting the desired result will be false, and sometimes even impossible. Devices do not like Angora, because the carriage is often clogged. This often happens if the Angora yarn contains more than 20%.
Note! All technique is sensitive to threads. The finished product depends on their quality. There are many weaves in the car, so this must be carefully monitored, the parts must be lubricated with oil in a timely manner and the assembly must be carried out.
Having carefully studied the tips and tricks for buying home appliances, you can easily understand which model is better from which company, as well as how much each of the presented models costs.
