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Notes on buying a knitting machine.
I strongly suggest that if you are new to knitting machines you
would be wise to find a dealer or two near where you live and go talk with
them. Machines come in a range of gauges (related to the size or weight
of the yarn that you can use on the machine) and none of the machines
will work on all weights of yarn. Machines also come in a range of
complexity. Some, like the plastic bed machines are simple to learn and
use, others take a longer time to learn as there are more steps to using the machine because of the variety of things
that the machine is capable of doing. You need to talk with the dealer
or retailer about what you want to be able to do, and to learn what the
various machines can do. If you are in our area (south-western Ontario)
we would be glad to help in any way we can. It is also very helpful to
have ongoing support during your learning stage and to be able to get lessons
if you want them. Questions to ask yourself
If you are new to knitting machines, don't have a store or dealer
near you that carries machines and you want to purchase a machine on the
net there are some things that you should consider:
*Are you good at teaching yourself how to do things?
-Plastic bed machines
are simple to use and come with a good manual and video.
-Punchcard machines
come with a good 'how to' manual and videos on how to use your machine,
how to use the punchcard, how to use the other accessories that may be
available are for sale.
*What weight of yarn do you want to use?
Standard gauge machines use
from fine fingering yarn to fine 4ply or light double knitting. Mid gauge
machines (most plastic bed machines are mid-gauge) use light 4ply to light
chunky, which includes worsted weight (the most common weight used in North
America).
Chunky/Bulky gauge machines use worsted weight to chunky.
*Plastic bed machines generally do not come with ribbers and most patterning
work is hand manipulated (you do it on the machine) (ribs are hand knit
before or after or a mock rib can be done on the machine) *punchcard machines
can have ribbers and most patterning work is done by setting up the pattern
using the punchcard facility and includes fairisle, intarsia, lace, weaving,
tuck, and slip.
Good luck with your purchase and enjoy!
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