Before you start searching for a knitting machine, you need to figure out how the machines are divided into types, and what each type is intended for. It must be borne in mind that all knitting machines for home use will be flat. This means that the machine can knit any size fabric, but cannot knit, for example, socks or gloves. At the same time, household knitting machines are still divided into different types.

By the number of needle beds (fontur):

1. Single jar. This machine is suitable for beginner needlewomen. It is easy to use and does not require much experience and special skills. It works with one set of needle beds, which provides a one-sided fabric at the exit - a culinary one. It is also possible to perform various patterns, but when knitting with multi-colored threads, unpleasant overlays can occur.
2. Dvukhfonturnaya. Suitable for more experienced knitters. At the heart of the work are two sets of needle beds. This allows you to make a double-sided canvas. At the same time, work with multi-colored threads will be more successful, in contrast to single-loop machines. Great for knitting jacquard patterns, semi-fang, fan, eraser, press, zigzag cloths.

By class:

• 3rd grade. On a 3rd class machine, only thick threads of about 100-200 m per 100 g are used. In this case, the needles are set at a distance of about 6.5 - 9 mm.
• 5th grade. The yarn is suitable for a thickness of 300 to 500 m per 100 g. The needles are medium, located at a distance of 4.5 - 5 mm.
• 7th grade. The needles are thin and spaced at a distance of 2.8 mm - 3.6 mm. This allows you to make products from yarn with a thickness of 500-600 m per 100 g.

By type of management:

1. Manual. The entire knitting process is minimally automated. The selection of needles for the advising drawing is also carried out manually. Currently, it is practically not in demand.
2. Punched card. Knitting pattern is carried out using special punched cards. They may be included in the set. If desired, the pattern can be applied to the punch card yourself.
3. Electronic. The machine is controlled by a computer. You can choose any pattern - from simple to the most unusual.

When looking for a suitable knitting machine, we suggest that you take into account the following tips:

• Designate a target. If knitting is just a hobby for a needlewoman, then it makes no sense to buy an expensive electronic machine. For knitting several things per season for family members, an inexpensive domestic single-line machine is quite suitable.

Advice. If you have additional funds, you can also look at the punched card model of an imported manufacturer.

• Account for consumables and depreciation. During operation, the parts may wear out, and the needles may bend. They will have to be replaced. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account the possibility of easily obtaining the necessary details. When buying a used model, it is better to make sure that it is not discontinued, and that individual parts for it are on sale.

Attention! You also need to keep in mind that the maintenance of electronic machines is an order of magnitude more expensive than the maintenance of punched cards, and, moreover, manual ones.

• Take into account the thread format. Simple domestic machines and inexpensive imported ones will start knitting from balls. But professional models are designed for factory bobbin winding of threads.

Attention! If the production of an “industrial” scale is planned at home, you will have to attend to the equipment of the workplace and the installation of special shelves to support the reels.

• See with my own eyes. For beginner knitters, it will be useful to spy on more experienced colleagues. Experienced needlewomen are advised to look "in action" at work on a specific knitting machine. This will help to understand the principle of operation of each individual model and make the right choice.

Top 3 manufacturers of knitting machines: characteristics and reviews

After studying the types of knitting machines and recommendations for choosing the right one, you can proceed to choosing a manufacturer. In the modern market, experienced knitters have formed their own list the best manufacturers. Right choice they confirm with their reviews.

"Brother", Japan

The manufacturer produces high-quality and reliable models of knitting machines. Simple and rather flexible machines are suitable for needlewomen with any experience in machine knitting. It will be especially easy for beginner knitters. It does not require special care. For preventive purposes, lubrication and cleaning are periodically necessary, as well as replacement of worn parts during prolonged use.

• Milana's review: “I knit a lot to order. Compared to other Brother machines, there is simply no equal. Very reliable - for 3 years it has never broken down.
• Ksenia's review: “Knitting is my hobby. I love to give homemade things to my relatives. Five years ago I received a Brother car as a gift from my husband. I still use it. Mastered new styles of knitting and ways of weaving.

"Silver", Japan

The machines of this company are designed for needlewomen who already have some experience working on knitting machines. It will take a margin of patience, as the car is quite capricious when handled carelessly. Ideal for creating designer exclusive gizmos. Works for quality, not quantity.

• Review of Valeria: “When the fashion for knitted things began, I quickly learned to knit and decided to develop my talents. Bought a Silver car and started my home business. Now I make things to order according to sketches of clients. The machine has many advantages, but the main thing is a huge range of opportunities for creativity.”

Toyota, Japan

The main difference between the machines of this company and other Japanese manufacturers is the wide range of yarn used. It is at the bottom of the ranking due to the fact that the production of these machines is now limited, and some models have been completely discontinued. In this regard, if it is necessary to replace parts, it is possible to get them, but difficult.

• Dina's review: “I have a two-hole Toyota. The model is good. She quickly mastered it. It helped a lot that I already knew how to knit by hand. A week later, I already knitted my first machine product in my life - a jacquard vest.

Knitting machine TM "Ivushka", Russia

The manual knitting machine is made in Kaluga. This model is not included in the top of the best, but is worthy of attention because of its simplicity, durability and compactness. This is a mechanical knitting machine made of metal and covered with enamel. Convenient and easy to learn will appeal to craftswomen who do not pretend to mass-produce things, however, want to make their work easier.

A hand knitting tool can knit both the front surface and different kinds rubber bands. Has in its design 33 hooks in 2 rows. The small dimensions of the car allow you to take it on vacation or on long walks with a child.

Knitting is an opportunity to create original things for yourself, family members or for sale. The task becomes easier with the purchase of a knitting machine. It is better to start mastering machine knitting with single-line inexpensive machines, and as you gain experience and increase the speed of work, you can switch to punched card and computerized ones.

Types of knitting machines: video

Knitting is a favorite needlework for many women. Someone is engaged in the manufacture of only small things - socks, mittens, scarves. Other craftswomen go further and make sweaters, skirts or dresses to order. To facilitate their work, such women should definitely purchase knitting machine and learn how to use it.

On sale today are the most different models such equipment, differing in functionality, device, degree of equipment, etc. In principle, a device such as a knitting machine is not too complicated to use. For beginner needlewomen, almost any model is suitable. But it is better, of course, to try your hand at equipment that has the simplest design.

Types of knitting machines

On the modern market, only two main types of such equipment are offered: industrial and intended for domestic use. All machines used at home belong to the flat knitting class. However, they may differ:

By the number of needles. For knitting things, single-line and double-line machines can be used.

By class. Each model is designed for a specific range of yarn thicknesses.

By type of management. Distinguish ordinary mechanical machines, punched cards and computer.

Single-loop machines: design features

A typical representative of this type of equipment is the familiar to almost everyone experienced needlewomen domestic model "Neva-5". This one is for beginner needlewomen. fit better Total. The design of this device is very simple. The machine set includes:

Threaders and thread guides.

The carriage responsible, in fact, for knitting.

Row counter.

Metal needles with tongues.

Plates-rails on which the carriage walks.

A single-hole machine can be fixed on any table with the help of special screws.

Single-loop machines: principle of operation

This option for a beginner needlewoman will be just perfect. Single-loop machines can be used for all basic types of knitting. Learning to work on such equipment will not be difficult. The technique for manufacturing products using single-line machines is approximately as follows:

Yarn is pulled through the thread guide, thread guide and a special hole in the carriage.

With the help of a special ruler, the required number of needles is advanced forward.

The yarn is pulled on them not too tight (otherwise the carriage may break it).

With the help of a special screw, the required knitting density is set (depending on the thickness of the yarn).

The carriage levers are moved to the working position.

The first row is knitted.

In order for the loops not to jump off the needles during further work, a pull comb is hung on them (not in all models).

If you just drive the carriage to the right / left, you get the usual surface. To knit an openwork thing, you need to use a special tool, a decker, to outweigh the loops from one needle to another according to the pattern of the pattern.

Which single-line model should I buy

"Neva-5" is a very easy to use knitting machine. For beginners, in addition to this popular model, the Severyanka is also likely to be a good fit. Unfortunately, at present, the production of knitting machines in our country has been completely discontinued. Therefore, you can buy a domestic model, including the Neva-5 or Severyanka, only with your hands. The same needlewomen who prefer new equipment should take a closer look at the imported single-hole Toyota or Silver models. Brother brand equipment also enjoys a good reputation among knitters.

Benefits of double jet machines

Using a model with two needle beds allows you to knit better things. The fact is that only flat parts can be manufactured on a single-loop device. Sleeves and sides at the end of knitting have to be connected to sewing machine. In addition, products made on such equipment have both a face and a wrong side. So, on the reverse side of things associated with the use of threads of several colors, ugly broaches remain. In a sock, such products will not be particularly comfortable. Putting on, for example, an ornamented sweater, the broach can be easily hooked and pulled out. On the front side this creates an ugly dent. It will not work to knit on such a machine and elastic bands (only snags).

Double-loop models are devoid of all these shortcomings. Knitting on a knitting machine for beginner needlewomen in this case will be more difficult, since there are two needle beds for devices of this variety. However, by adapting to such a model, you can make things in which both sides look like the front. Also, elastic bands are knitted using a two-line machine. The procedure in this case will be quite lengthy, and many operations will have to be performed manually. However, elastic bands knitted by machine are much more even and of higher quality than those made using knitting needles.

The best models of two-liner machines

Structurally, such equipment differs from single-line equipment only in that it has a special attachment that allows you to perform circular knitting. Such an addition, if desired, can be purchased for all the brands of knitting machines discussed above, with the exception of the Severyanka and Toyota models.

Knitting machine classes

Of course, before buying a knitting machine, you should decide what exactly it is for. The fact is that different models are designed to work with yarn of various thicknesses. If you only want to knit socks, mittens and thick sweaters, you should get a third class knitting machine. Such models are designed to work with yarn 100-200 meters / 100 grams. These machines can take such a thick thread due to the fact that their needles are far enough apart.

Class 5 models are designed for the manufacture of both rather thick and thin things (300-500 meters / 100 grams). Such a knitting machine for beginner needlewomen is best suited. With its use it will be possible to make both mittens or socks, as well as sweaters or scarves. It is to this group that, for example, the same Neva-5 belongs.

Class 7 machines are designed for making only very thin things from yarn 500-600 meters / 100 grams.

What is a punch card model

Today, there are also quite easy-to-use equipment on sale, with which you can make very beautiful products with patterns. A punch card model is also a good answer to the question of which knitting machine to choose for beginner needlewomen. In a device of this type, the selection of needles is carried out using special cards with holes, the location of which corresponds to the pattern of the pattern. The design of models of this variety, in addition to the main elements, includes a special device - a puncher, into which the card is inserted.

computer machines

PC-powered equipment is, of course, the most expensive and convenient variety. Needle control in such machines is carried out using not a punch card, but special software installed on a home computer. The convenience of electronic models lies in the fact that they can be knitted with a variety of patterns without limiting the loops and along the given contours.

It is a century of high technologies and progressive moods. But even time fails to devalue the things made by the skillful hands of the master. So knitting machine for home use is gaining more and more popularity among lovers of needlework, both experienced and beginners.

Machine knitting will make things well bought and will allow you to work without leaving your home. Perhaps the first knitting machine you bought will give impetus to the development of your own business. So let's talk about what knitting machines are and how to choose the right option for yourself.

Knitting machines for the home will allow you to make a knitted product many times faster than with knitting needles. At the same time, its quality and characteristics are superior to those made by hand. Knitting by machine will not only allow you to flaunt wonderful products made by yourself, but also make money in your favorite business.

Single and double sided models

Knitting machines can be simpler or more complex, like everything else in the world. All of them can be divided by the number of needle beds into single and double needle beds.

Single knitting machine
Double knitting machine

1. In the first case machine knitting has 2 sides - the front and the wrong side, on which broaches are usually placed when changing colors or creating patterns like jacquard. Such a machine is not capable of knitting in a circle.
2. Second option able to make the wrong side not only more attractive, but also completely indistinguishable from the outside of the canvas. Of course, the cost of the device in this case increases. Your opportunities in the world of knitting are also expanding. This is useful even for beginner craftswomen. After all, there is always room to grow and you don’t need to acquire a new knitting machine later to expand your “horizons”.

Mechanical and electronic options

Also, a knitting machine can be mechanical or electronic.

Mechanical knitting machine
Electronic knitting machine

1. Mechanical option varies from very simple to more complex. They have separate motifs, and the machine knitting itself is made using special devices.
2. Electronic have great cost. They contain programs that make it possible to create complex patterns, and they do not limit the number of elements. You can program knitting along the contour, as well as combine the machine with a computer program capable of calculating the number of loops and the type of pattern.

Video: Which knitting machine model to choose

When choosing knitting machines for home use, it is important to understand what to focus your attention on in the first place. We'll talk about this.

Start your machine knitting with small pieces. Let it be a scarf or mittens. Such a product is completed quickly. The process will not have time to get bored, and you will be proud of yourself.

If the process of working on knitting needles is already familiar to you, then master new technology you can also with more complex things, such as a dress or a sweater.

Video: Knitting socks on a typewriter

Overview of knitting machines for the home

Of course, novice craftswomen will reasonably have a question about which model is the best among the store variety. After all, the characteristics of many of them are similar to each other. Let's look at the best for home use.

So, we examined the types of knitting machines for the home, including their best representatives. They will help you rediscover the world of needlework and even change your life by starting your own business.

Having once tried on rare things in an individual style, you will no longer want to part with this sense of your own uniqueness.

Video: Openwork patterns on a knitting machine

Many women love to knit. For some, this is a hobby and they provide only their loved ones with wool, scarves and hats. And some make clothes (dresses, sweaters, sweaters, skirts, etc.) not only for their families, but also to order. In this case, an automatic knitting machine will help facilitate their work.

The name "knitting machine" is most often associated with huge machines standing in the workshop, but thanks to modern technologies, there are already knitting machines for home use. Such devices are significantly smaller, multifunctional and easy to use.

In this article, you will get acquainted with the main types of knitting machines for home use and how to choose the right one.

Types of knitting machines

All knitting machines that are used at home are flat knitting machines, that is, they can only knit a flat fabric and the knitting process occurs in reciprocating motions.

But due to the difference in technical characteristics, there are several classifications of knitting machines for the home.

By the number of fountains (needle beds):

• single knitting machine - makes a one-sided fabric (knitting) and various weaves based on it;
• double knitting machine - produces a double-faced fabric (elastic, jacquard, press).

By class (according to the distance between the needles and the size of the thread used):

• 3rd class - thick needles are installed at a large distance (6.5-9mm), so only thick threads (100-200m per 100g) can be used;
• 5th grade - medium needles are installed at a distance of 4.5 to 5 mm, you can knit with yarn of medium thickness (300-500m per 100 g);
• Grade 7 - thin needles, located at a distance of 2.8 mm - 3.6 mm, make it possible to knit from fine yarn (from 500-600m per 100 g).

According to the needle management system:

• manual knitting machine - with minimal automation of the knitting process, the creation of a pattern (selection of needles) is carried out manually, so they are no longer in demand;
• punched card knitting machine - knitting is carried out according to either an existing set of punched cards with certain patterns, or the necessary pattern is applied to a punched card, and then processed by the machine;
• electronic knitting machine - completely computer controlled. Even the most complex and unusual patterns can be programmed into the machine through a computer.

How to choose a knitting machine?

Since a knitting machine is quite an expensive purchase, before buying it, you need to decide for the manufacture of which products you need it, so as not to overpay for functions you do not need.

The most popular knitting machine for home use is considered to be a 5th class two-line model, since it can be knitted with both thin and thick threads by selecting the knitting mode through a needle. Choice between punched card and electronic models depends on the amount of money you can pay. Naturally, an electronic knitting machine is more expensive, since it uses more additional attachments and you will need a computer to organize it.

On the this moment The most reliable and high-quality knitting machines are considered to be Japanese firms Silver Reed, Brother, Janome and German PFAFF.

Before you choose a knitting machine for your home and start knitting on it, you need to prepare a workplace for it. It can be a table or chest of drawers with a large tabletop (the size of the machine itself) with large quantity drawers and shelves. And then work on your machine will only be a pleasure!

Once hand knitting it was almost the only way get warm clothes and seasonal accessories. Now this activity is more of a hobby, because it requires a significant investment of time, and because of this it brings little financial income.

A knitting machine is a unit that will help you combine a hobby and an excellent additional income, and all because it is in its power to make knitted fabrics high quality and much faster than it is done by hand.

What is it for?

In fact, such a device saves you a lot of time and money. Think for yourself: even if you knit not for sale, then all members of your family will definitely flaunt in new outfits knitted on the loom.

With it, it is quite possible to weave:

• winter and autumn clothes: sweaters, cardigans, pullovers, hats, jackets and scarves;
• skirts and full dresses;
• swimwear and stoles;
• socks, gloves, panamas;
• handbags and more.

For all this, manual knitting machines require “paying off” by the fact that they need to be installed in a specially equipped place where there will be good lighting, comfortable furniture in the form of a table and a chair.

It is also worth preparing for the fact that they exude uniform noise, and you still have to make physical efforts.

The latter manifest themselves in the form of the need to adjust the weaving process or move the carriages.

All these inconveniences can be endured, given the fact that knitting machines are not only designed for gloves, but also capable of producing professional and model knitwear. The presence of automated functions enables them to implement the most complicated schemes weaving, which in manual execution takes a lot of time, effort and nerves. In addition, such a unit is always ready to decorate ready-made clothes with elastic bands, patterns and other inserts from a knitted cloth.

What types of knitting are available to machine owners?

Any, even the most elementary knitting machine for large-sized clothes and socks, is capable of producing a fabric knitted using the satin stitch technique. Already on its basis, it is possible to achieve an openwork, embossed and colored canvas, as well as invent their combinations.

Otherwise, the following types of thread weaves are available:

• viving and openwork knitting;
• jacquard and terry;
• cross and plating;
• press and embossed openwork;
• lined and combined;
• intarsion and circular;
• uneven and cross;
• coupon (elastic band) and pattern;
• with the dissolution of loops and much more.

Industrial circular knitting machines are impressive and noisy units, not at all focused on home use.

For this purpose, special flat-knitting mechanisms were created, in which the woven cloth appears as a result of the reciprocating movement of the carriage. It moves along the line of location of the fountain, that is, the immovable needle bed.

In the event that you need a wide range of types of knitting, you should think about buying a double-loop machine. In this case, it will be possible to weave not only simultaneously on a pair of needle beds, but also in a circle, only in turn.

If we talk about what kind of yarn can be used for gloves, outerwear, summer outfits or socks, then different types of threads are quite acceptable, from the thinnest to the thickest.

In the event that the threads are already very coarse and thick, they can be used for finishing. finished products or the same viving. Again, it all depends on the model of the weaving machine.

For example, some modifications cannot fully work with mohair and boucle threads, which clog and spoil the needles.

What and how quickly can you weave on the loom?

Knitting on one fonture makes it possible to receive only an expanded pattern of the product, which then still needs to be sewn. Therefore, all gloves, socks or other things will have many seams.

If you make them neat, then the craft will come out beautiful, otherwise you should think about purchasing a machine with two fonts. On it, knitted things are woven in a circle, which means that they need minimal manual refinement.

About time: it completely depends on the size of the chosen model, threads, complexity of the pattern and other parameters. For example, a standard pair of socks or gloves can be made in just 1.5-2 hours.

The pullover will take 4 hours, no less, and then with certain skills in handling the unit. In production, a two-hole machine produces 4-6 semi-finished sweaters (blanks, without assembly) in one work shift.

Which machine to choose?

Among home needlewomen, it remains in demand to optimize their work with the help of knitting machines.