Machine Knitting

Synopsis

The popularity of hand frame knitting is underestimated and there are many passionate and creative knitters who have taken machine knitting into their heads, hearts and hands. Overflowing with colour and stitch ideas, inspirational photos and customizable patterns, this book will inject vitality into your knitting practice. Explore how colours can be juxtaposed for best effect or where Slip, Tuck and Fair Isle stitches will add new textures and make intricate fabrics. Seventy-five knitting patterns, ranging from coats and scarves to bags and sculptures, offer enticing new project ideas as well as suggested variations and additions you can make to expand your design skills. Topics covered include: a history of hand frame knitting; techniques and stitches; the design process; stripes, circles and colour; Fair Isle; lace and sculptural vessels and, finally, how to develop your hobby into a business. Written for both experienced knitters and anyone using a knitting machine, this book will act as a catalyst for hand frame knitters to add stitch and colour variety to their work.

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction to Machine Knitting

* Overview of machine knitting, types of machines, and basic components.
* Example: Understanding a circular knitting machine with 80 needles and a ribber bed.

Chapter 2: Casting On and Binding Off

* Techniques for casting on and binding off stitches on a knitting machine.
* Example: Manual casting on using the "cable cast-on" method and binding off with a "3-needle bind-off."

Chapter 3: Basic Stitches

* Fundamental stitches in machine knitting, including knit, purl, rib, and tuck.
* Example: Creating a simple 1x1 rib stitch pattern by alternating knit and purl rows.

Chapter 4: Tension and Gauge

* Adjusting machine tension to achieve the desired stitch size and fabric quality.
* Example: Testing different tension settings to determine the best gauge for a particular yarn.

Chapter 5: Pattern Reading

* Interpreting knitting patterns written specifically for machine knitting.
* Example: Analyzing a pattern chart to determine stitch counts, row numbers, and special stitches.

Chapter 6: Shapings and Increases

* Techniques for shaping knitted fabrics, such as increasing stitches, decreasing stitches, and creating darts.
* Example: Using "make 1" and "slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over" to increase stitches for a slanted edge.

Chapter 7: Finishing Techniques

* Methods for finishing knitted garments, such as blocking, seaming, and adding embellishments.
* Example: Blocking a lace shawl to open up the stitchwork and give it a delicate drape.

Chapter 8: Troubleshooting

* Common problems encountered in machine knitting and their solutions.
* Example: Identifying and resolving a "dropped stitch" issue where a loop falls off the needle.

Chapter 9: Advanced Techniques

* Intricate stitches, such as cabling, lacework, and intarsia.
* Example: Creating cable patterns using the "cable needle" technique to cross stitches over each other.

Chapter 10: Machine Knitting Projects

* Step-by-step instructions for creating machine-knitted garments and accessories.
* Example: Making a basic beanie hat with a rib brim and a smooth stockinette body.