Previously, knitting was done only by hand. Then knitting machines appeared and made the process of creating knitted items easier. Currently, the knitting machine is used in large enterprises and small workshops. The greatest demand for knitting equipment is from glove manufacturers. After all, now any “dirty work” is done with gloves. Gloves are used in agriculture, during repair work, in auto repair shops and other areas.
There are many enterprises that manufacture knitting machines for the production of gloves. The choice of quality equipment depends only on the owners of a business specializing in the production of gloves. When choosing knitting machines, you need to focus on the following properties:
- Cheap machines are characterized by poor quality work; their use can lead to slow production, poor product quality, regular repairs and reduced operational safety.
- By choosing an electronic or manual unit, you can get a good knitting machine.
- When purchasing, you should rely on after-sales service during the warranty and post-warranty periods.
- Regular technical inspections contribute to long-term operation without breakdowns.
- Equipment that has quality certificates is of high quality and genuine.
- Don't forget about upgrading your installations.
- User reviews will be useful when choosing knitting machine models.
Types of machines depending on the nature of the work
Making gloves involves choosing a good machine. The nature of the work is determined by the following types of installations:
- Manual - characterized by the fact that knitting occurs with a set of loops that are installed with a special device, usually a chain. By changing the number of links, the required number of loops changes.
- Automatic – imply automatic operating mode. The number of lines is set on a specific board.
Another knitting machine can have a different number of needles. Models with a large number of needles are popular for high production speed and increased productivity.
Modern equipment allows us to make gloves of varying densities and hardness. An additional function of glove looms is also the weaving of additional threads into the product. This feature makes the product durable and environmentally friendly. At the same time, gloves made with the use of weaving additional threads are characterized by low cost and breathability.
Manufacturers of knitting machines
Prices for knitting equipment depend on production and manufacturer. Japanese-made machines are highly valued. But they are in a high price category. Japanese models are characterized by low noise levels.
There are knitting machines made in Korea. For example, model MG-C-7/10G. The numbers 7 and 10 indicate class membership. The number indicates the number of loops per inch. Moreover, large mating corresponds to a small class.
The Korean model combines a knitting machine and an overlocker. Automatic control allows you to quickly change the size of products. Operation is possible in the presence of one person.
The presence of automatic lubrication of parts and shutdown when broken increases the demand for this device. The production of gloves on such a machine varies from 250 to 360 pairs, depending on the class. The cost of installation is in a wide range - 100,000-200,000 rubles.
Another well-known model is the Chinese JACK BX203-10G. It also works in automated mode. Can change the type of manufactured products (mittens, fingerless mittens, gloves). If the needle breaks or the threads break, it automatically turns off. One person can operate the machine.
There is a well-known glove machine made in China, AURORA, with different knitting classes. The main advantages of this equipment are computer control, the use of different types of source material, and the ability to change the operating speed.
The installation is characterized by low cost of components and spare parts. The output on such equipment is 8-15 pairs per hour. The price of the device ranges from 190,000 to 370,000 rubles, depending on the class.
Video: a glove is knitted on a mechanical machine.
Equipment installation
Depending on financial capabilities, a certain type of machine is purchased. The purchased installation can be configured independently. To install the machine you will need:
- Smooth hard surface, preferably concreted.
- Availability of electricity.
- Finding grounding.
The stability of the machine is achieved by adjusting the legs. When connecting to the network, you need to make a separate switch that will work during an emergency shutdown. The operating mode is indicated on the display if automatic control is present. When done manually, the number of threads is indicated.
If you want to have your own glove production business, you can always find a suitable machine. With the right investment, the costs will pay off very quickly, because there is not so much competition in the glove production market.
At the Google I/O 2019 developer event, search giant Google announced new smartphones - Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL. They differ from their older brothers by a more affordable price tag, while they have retained most of the main characteristics of the flagships. The main one is the main camera. Read moreKnitting is the favorite craft of many women. Some people make only small things - socks, mittens, scarves. Other craftswomen go further and make sweaters, skirts or dresses to order. To make their work easier, such women should definitely purchase a knitting machine and learn how to use it.
There are a variety of models of such equipment on sale today, differing in functionality, design, level of equipment, etc. In principle, a device such as a knitting machine is not too difficult to use. Almost any model is suitable for beginning needlewomen. But it’s better, of course, to try your hand at equipment that has the simplest design.
Types of knitting machines
There are only two main types of such equipment offered on the modern market: industrial and intended for domestic use. All machines used at home belong to the class of flat knitting machines. However, they may differ:
By the number of needle beds. For knitting things, single- and double-font machines can be used.
By class. Each model is designed for a specific range of yarn thickness.
By type of control. There are ordinary mechanical machines, punched card machines and computer machines.
Single-flow machines: design features
A typical representative of equipment of this type is the domestic model “Neva-5”, familiar to almost all experienced needlewomen. This one is best suited for beginner needlewomen. The design of this device is very simple. The machine kit includes:
Thread guides and thread guides.
The carriage, which is actually responsible for knitting.
Row counter.
Metal needles with tongues.
The plates are the rails on which the carriage runs.
The single-font machine can be fixed on any table using special screws.
Single-flow machines: operating principle
This option will be simply ideal for a beginning needlewoman. Single-loop machines can be used to perform all basic types of knitting. Learning to work with such equipment will not be difficult. The technique for manufacturing products using single-font machines is approximately as follows:
The yarn is pulled through the thread guide block, thread guide and a special hole in the carriage.
Using a special ruler, the required number of needles is pushed forward.
The yarn is not pulled too tightly over them (otherwise the carriage may tear it).
Using 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.
To ensure that the loops do not jump off the needles during further work, a pull comb is suspended from them (not in all models).
If you simply move the carriage to the right/left, you will get a regular stitch. To knit an openwork item, you need to use a special tool, a decker, to rehang the loops from one needle to another according to the pattern pattern.
Which single-flow model should you buy?
"Neva-5" is a very easy to use knitting machine. For beginners, in addition to this popular model, the “Severyanka” is most likely also a good choice. Unfortunately, the production of knitting machines in our country has now been completely discontinued. Therefore, you can only buy a domestic model, including the Neva-5 or Severyanka, second-hand. Those needlewomen who prefer new equipment should take a closer look at the imported single-frame Toyota or Silver models. Brother brand equipment also enjoys a good reputation among knitters.
Advantages of double-font machines
Using a model with two needle beds allows you to knit better quality items. The fact is that only flat parts can be produced on a single-frame device. At the end of the knitting, the sleeves and sides have to be joined together using a sewing machine. In addition, products made on such equipment have both a front and a back. Thus, on the reverse side of things associated with the use of threads of several colors, unsightly broaches remain. Such products will not be particularly comfortable to wear. When putting on, for example, an ornamented sweater, the broach can be easily hooked and pulled out. This creates an unsightly dent on the front side. You won’t be able to knit even elastic bands on such a machine (only decoys).
Double-face models do not have all these disadvantages. Knitting on a knitting machine for beginning needlewomen in this case will be more difficult, since devices of this type have two needle beds. However, by adapting to such a model, it is possible to make things in which both sides look like front ones. Elastic bands are also knitted using a two-piece 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 smoother and of higher quality than those made using knitting needles.
The best models of two-font machines
Structurally, such equipment differs from single-piece equipment only in that it has a special attachment that allows for circular knitting. If desired, such an addition can be purchased for all 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 needed for. The fact is that different models are designed to work with yarn of different thicknesses. If you only want to knit socks, mittens and thick sweaters, you should buy a class three 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 located quite far from each other.
Class 5 models are designed for the manufacture of both fairly thick and thin items (300-500 meters/100 grams). This knitting machine is best suited for beginner needlewomen. Using it, you can make 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 items from 500-600 meters/100 grams of yarn.
What is a punch card model?
Today there is equipment on sale that is quite easy to use, with which you can make very beautiful products with patterns. The punched card model is also a good answer to the question of which knitting machine to choose for beginning needlewomen. In a device of this type, needle selection is performed 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 type. The needles in such machines are controlled using not a punched card, but special software installed on a home computer. The convenience of electronic models is that you can knit a variety of patterns on them without limiting the loops and along given contours.
And also the opportunity to provide your loved ones with warm mittens, socks, scarves, hats and other woolen items. Some even manage to make money from this by producing custom-made clothes. If there is a large amount of work to do, an automatic knitting machine will help to make the work much easier.
Often, when people hear the phrase “knitting machine,” they imagine a large unit used in workshops, but modern technologies have made it possible to produce machines for working at home. These devices are easy to use, they are compact in size and have great functionality.
Types of knitting machines and how to choose the right one
All knitting machines produced for home use are flat knitting, which means they can only be used to produce a flat fabric, and the working process is a reciprocating movement.
Despite this, they have different technical characteristics; therefore, all household knitting machines are classified according to the following criteria:
By number of fountains:
- single-face - produce single-face fabric and various weaves based on it;
- double-sided - produce double-sided fabric.
By class(depending on the distance between the needles and the size of the sacramental thread):
- third class - thick needles are used, removed by 6.5-9 mm and thick yarn (up to 200 m/100 g);
- fifth class - medium needles are used, removed by 4.5-95 mm and threads of medium thickness (up to 500 m/100 g);
- seventh class - thin needles are used, removed by 2.8-3.6 mm and thin yarn (up to 600 m/100 g).
According to the needle control method:
- manual machine - a mechanical model, the pattern is created manually;
- punched card - the knitting process takes place using existing punched cards with a finished pattern or by applying the required pattern to a punched card and then processing it on a machine;
- electronic – has computer control. Using the software, you can configure the machine to create unusual and complex designs.
Which knitting machine is best for home – review
Since a knitting machine is a rather expensive purchase, before purchasing it you need to decide what kind of work will be done on it, what things you plan to knit on it, so as not to overpay for functions that will not be in demand in the future.
The most popular household machine is the fifth-grade double-font model, as it is ideal for knitting on thin and thick threads. When choosing between a punch card machine and a computer machine, you should consider the capabilities of your wallet. Of course, a computer-controlled model will cost significantly more and you will have to fork out a lot, since it comes with more attachments, and you will need a computer to organize the workflow.
Today, the highest quality and most reliable knitting machines are from well-known companies such as Silver Reed, Janome, Brother and PFAFF.
Computer knitting machine Silver Reed
Silver Reed SK-840/SRP-60N is a two-piece knitting machine with a fifth class computer control. The needle bar contains 200 needles, spaced 4.5 mm apart. To fully use all the capabilities of the unit, you need to purchase special Knit Styler software, which allows you to create absolutely any pattern, developed by yourself or borrowed from the catalog. Using the program, you can easily create the necessary pattern according to individual sizes or use the standard option.
Electronic – Brother
Brother KH970 is the most popular model of household electronic knitting machine. The manufacturing company has already stopped producing this modification, but it can be purchased second-hand. This high-quality machine is capable of knitting about five woolen items per day. Equipped with a pattern device and an electronic row counter. The upper fittings in Brother KH970/KR8XX knitting machines are the same everywhere, while the lower fittings differ in functionality in different models, and therefore the price for the KH970 may vary slightly.
Manual model - “Ivushka”
“Ivushka” is a mechanical knitting machine made of metal and coated with enamel. It is compact in size and durable. It is convenient and easy to understand.
With this hand tool you can create not only the front stitch, but also various forms of elastic bands. Designed for 33 hooks in 2 rows. Convenient to take with you on the road.
Video: computer controlled knitting machine
Not every needlewoman has a knitting machine, but many would like to learn how to use this device. The presented video is educational and is suitable for both true connoisseurs of knitting and beginners. The author of this video will introduce you to the Brother 965i electronic knitting machine, tell you how this model works, what its features are, and also show you how to knit various patterns using the machine.
Many needlewomen, despite the wide range of knitting machines, still prefer manual knitting. After all, this is not only an opportunity to create a new thing with your own hands, but also, in some way, to relax and take your mind off unpleasant thoughts.
With machine knitting, meditation will not work. They are noisy and require significant physical effort during operation. Also, in manual mode, it is necessary to adjust the knitting, move the carriage and perform other actions for the ideal operation of the entire device.
Therefore, it is necessary to prepare a special place for placing the machine with a comfortable working area and bright light.
What types of knitting machines are there?
Attention! In their reviews, needlewomen praise punched card knitting machines. They are easy to learn to work with. They are relatively inexpensive.
To expand the capabilities of the machine, you can additionally purchase various types of carriages, patterning devices, automatic weaving, and equipment for changing thread colors.
What thickness of thread can I work with?
When knitting products of different thicknesses, it is necessary to have a knitting machine that can work with fairly thick threads. Manufacturers divide knitting equipment into classes according to this characteristic. To properly understand this issue, we recommend comparing the thickness of the spokes you are used to working with and the class of machines.
So, for coarse knitting with very thick threads, you need a class 3 or 4 machine. She is able to cope with the task perfectly, having large needles in the amount of 130-150 pieces.
The most popular and versatile are class 5 cars. They will help you make a product of medium thickness. They have 200 working needles; it is additionally possible to equip them with a fontura (set of needles) and knit complex patterns.
To knit thin items, you need a machine of 6, 7, and sometimes 10 classes. They have the largest number of needles - up to 400. Class 10 machines are most often used in industrial enterprises that work with large volumes of knitting knitted items.
Attention! On any type of knitting machine you can knit only straight fabric without three-dimensional patterns. To perform this work, as well as to make openwork, you need a cooler.
Features of working with the machine
Using knitting machines you can knit a product of any size in a matter of hours.
- Pullover for women – up to 6 hours;
- Men's sweater – up to 4 hours;
- Scarf – up to 2 hours;
- Hat – up to 1 hour.
Knitting machines with the help of additional devices can easily cope with the following types of knitting:
- Openwork knitting using a carriage for making openwork;
- Weaving – this requires auto-weaving;
- Cooking surface;
- Combined types of mating;
- Jacquards of different types of complexity;
- Double-sided knitting;
- Using an intarsia carriage – intarsia types of knitting;
- Stockinet;
- Weaving;
- Rubber band - eraser;
- Zigzag;
- Uneven types of knitting with possible unraveling of loops;
- Terry cloth;
- Coupon – the ability to knit various patterns;
- Press and plating;
- Futirovanie is a type of weaving;
- Embossed openwork.
Performing different types of matings requires some experience and perseverance.
Choosing a manufacturer
The quality of knitting depends on the experience of the needlewoman. When buying machines of any complexity, beginners will have to read the instructions for a long time and watch videos on how to use automatic knitting devices.
- Decide on your goals. For knitting several items per season, domestically produced single-font machines, as well as inexpensive imported punched card machines, are suitable. When purchasing expensive electronic versions, it is better to use them for knitting items for sale. After all, the car must pay for itself.
- Knitting machines also have consumables. Often during operation the needles may bend or the cooler may fail. Therefore, you need to be prepared to replace them. If a model is discontinued (purchased secondhand), then most likely spare parts for it are not publicly available. Additional consumables for electronic devices are expensive. You also need to be prepared for this.
- Winding threads. More expensive and professional models of knitting machines require factory winding of thread onto bobbins. For stream knitting, you need to install additional shelves near the workplace. The tangles familiar to us are “accepted” by domestic and inexpensive imported cars.
- Are you a newbie? Experienced needlewomen advise watching work at a knitting machine “in action” while staying with acquaintances or friends. This will make it much easier to decide on the right model and learn the basics of machine knitting.
Knitting is an excellent opportunity to make a new thing with your own hands for yourself, family members or for sale. The task is greatly simplified if you have a knitting machine. It is better for beginners to learn the basics of working on single-font devices, more advanced ones will like to knit on punched cards, and professionals prefer computerized ones. The choice is yours!
How to knit on a knitting machine - video
