Here are links to all of the beginner lessons:
Getting Started: Threading the Machine, Preparing the Yarn
Lesson 1: Open Cast On
Lesson 2: E-Wrap Cast On
Lesson 3: Diana's Cast On
Lesson 4: Latch Tool Cast On
Lesson 5: Plain Hem
Lesson 6: Mock Rib Hem
Lesson 7: Picot Hem
Lesson 8: Shortcut Picot Hem
Lesson 9: Latch Tool Bind Off
Lesson 10: Tapestry Needle Bind Off #1
Lesson 11: Tapestry Needle Bind Off #2
Lesson 12: Loop-Through-A-Loop Bind Off
Lesson 13: Crocheting to Cast Off
Lesson 14: Transfer Tool Bind Off, Chain Edge
Lesson 15: Transfer Tool Bind Off, Holey Edge
Lesson 16: Increase and Decrease
Lesson 17: Short Row Toe Shape
Lesson 18: Short Row Shoulder #1
Lesson 19: Short Row Shoulder #2
Lesson 20: Short Rowing a Dart
Lesson 21: Carriage Jams, Ripping Out, Dropped Stitches
Lesson 22: Kitchener Stitch Seams
Lesson 23: Mattress Stitch Seams
Lesson 24: Method One Shoulder Join
Lesson 25: Joining Shoulder, Method 2
Lesson 26: Idiot Cord
Lesson 27: Latched Ribbing
Lesson 28: Gauge Swatch
Lesson 29, Part 1 of 2: Divide and Knit Neckline
Lesson 29, Part 2: Divide and Knit Neckline
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
Bless you for making these videos, I just bought a knitting machine and was desperate to find any help in learning how to use it. Your videos and instructions are clear, easy to follow. I can't even begin to express how grateful I am for what you've done.
ReplyDeleteYour lessons are so very helpful. I was really struggling with the manual. I am now attempting to do a a tuck stitch (on a brother 930 electronic machine) sweater with a V neckline. I was able to do the back and sleeves easily. Where I fall in a mess is when I get to the V neck on the front. How do I get the pattern to go right on the left side of the neck when I get to those stitches after doing the right side. I have reread the manual several times and it really doesn't explain it very well other than to turn the memory on. When I go to the left side of the v neck the pattern is all out of allignment. I know I must be missing an easy step but I'm getting really frustrated trying to figure it out. Please help. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteTry this procedure: At the place to begin shaping the neck, press the M key.
ReplyDeleteTake ALL the knitting off on waste yarn. This way, there are no dirty marks on your sweater.
Rehang one side. Have only the needles for the side you're knitting first in B position.
Carriage outside turn mark, set to select needles, press M key. Part buttons in. Push carriage across. Put in tuck buttons and knit first side of neck.
After that's finished, rehang second side of neck, carriage outside turn mark, M key, part buttons, 1 row, then tuck buttons and knit second side of neck.
If this drives you crazy, consider a cut-and-sew neck - a lot of people like to do that instead.
Good luck. Email me, keep me posted. diana_knits *at* sbcglobal.net.
Diana
Thank you, thank you for making these videos!!!
ReplyDeleteI own a Kitking Compunit III which has been stored for too many years. Need to give it a good cleaning (it was set up and covered for a few years) and lubricating. The rubber part under the needles has disintegrated. I don't dare even cast on it (which thanks to you I know remember how to do!) before getting it in shape. Therefore I have no idea if the electronics still function. I no longer have the Manual and have looked on line for days, but have not found one.
Would you happen to have a class/video on how to set up the machine, how to clean it,change needles, or any such thing?
Can you give me any advice, please?
(My husband says I havent done in so many years I should quit while I'm ahead...)
Thank you so much for all your work on behalf of machine knitters I think it is wonderful!
Yoly Gottlieb
In Conroe, Texas)
allmyexs@hotmail.com
Start by replacing the sponge bar. You can order one by mail or you can rebuild the sponge bar. There's a set of detailed instructions over at Knitssings.com.
ReplyDeleteVaccuum and brush the machine in the direction of the needles next.
Compuknit III is the same as Brother 940. I have a .pdf of the 930 manual, which operates nearly identically, if you will email me at diana_knits "at" sbcglobal "dot" net.
The oil that came with the machine is fine for lubricating it, or a light sewing machine oil. Oil along the needle bed lightly and oil the moving parts on the underside of the carriage. Put the needles in B and run a few rows without yarn to loosen things up, then wipe off excess oil.
hi diana i have just find my moms old knit machine and would love to lean to use it,its a knitmaster 260,but you use a brother machine can i still lean by watchin your videos? thanks for any help you can give me.
ReplyDeletehi daina can you buy any of these videos on dvd?
ReplyDeleteThe beginner lessons are not available on DVD at this time. I need to re-film them for that purpose - all my DVDs are hi-def.
ReplyDeleteIf you have a Knitmaster 260, you'll need to learn the open cast-on from the book and learn to use the I II levers and the russell levers. Otherwise, almost everything else can be learned from the videos - the difference is simply with the controls.
Hi Diana, i'm so desperate i bought a second hand knitmaster 560 but i cant understand the manual where can i get good practical help to learn what this machine can do? many thanks sheila.
ReplyDeleteHey, Sheila, check out the ravel cord cast-on video I just put up. That's a good cast on for your Knitmaster. After that, you should be able to follow most of the beginner course videos. One machine isn't all that different from the next, as long as you thread it according to the manual.
ReplyDeleteThere are still Silver Reed dealers. Dealers will happily give lessons on machines they didn't sell, and some of them have classes and knit clubs. There are also knit clubs that are all volunteer, like ours. In addition, you might be able to run a Craig's List ad for other knitters or even a teacher and find someone near you. A lot of folks are having hard times financially right now and would be blessed to have the opportunity to teach some lessons for pay.
Hi Diane,
ReplyDeleteI have purchased three different type Brother knitting machines. Your You Tube videos are a GREAT help. However I was wondering if you have your lessons on any CD's. I watch on the computer and by the time I get into my craft room I have forgotten what to set the machine on. Then I have to go back and bring it up on the computer. It would be great if I had a CD to play by my knitting machine. My question is do you have any CD's to purchase?
Email me at diana_knits "at" sbcglobal "dot" net. we can work something out about CDs. I never marketed the original beginner lessons because they were on an ordinary camcorder and are grainy and noisy in places. The quality isn't professional and I haven't had time to re-film them all. Still, I would like to do that because hundreds of people are using them in their little YouTube version to learn to knit...they were obviously needed.
ReplyDeleteNow I know more about what I'm doing (I'm an accountant and rather shy, not a filmmaker!) and now I use a hi-def camcorder and fancier editing software and my videos for sale are all done that way. They're still goofy and full of clumsiness, but I figure that if I can knit, anybody can learn!
Diana, you are wonderful! I all your lessons! I just wish I had more time to dedicate myself to knitting projects! For me, It is much easier to see than to read since English is not my first language. This videos are great!
ReplyDeleteDiana,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the wonderful videos! I'm trying to thread up my Singer 360k but I dont know how to insert the yarn in the carriage, as it's a different type of machine than the ones in the video. Do you know how it might work?
Thank you,
Victoria
Oftentimes the Singer machines require a tug to the right to get the yarn back behind a little piece. I played with a Singer 321 recently and found it quite difficult to thread, but tugging to the right worked.
ReplyDeleteYou might try using a needle to feed the yarn into the feeder. Do you have a machine manual?
Maybe a Singer 360 owner could help?
HI Diana, the question from victoria is answered differently as the Singer sinker plate changed later.
ReplyDeleteThere is now a gate post which you open by moving the little metal lever to the left and close by moving it to the right.
I have KM for years, mostly on Singers, but I have a brother which I bought to use the garter carriage. I hope to be able to align it's ribber properly one day when I have lots of time and patience, as I thought this would be ideal for socks as well.
I keep seeing references to your site from the Ravelry groups.
I visited ages ago and was impressed but only just had another look. Well done with how much more you have added.
I do audits of wages, so am in a similar field, coincidence?
EC
Thanks. I hope the Singer person read your note.
ReplyDeleteLots of accountants like to knit. Just talked with my friend who is the chairman-elect of the TSCPA - she has taken up knitting for all the travel.
Hello Diana,
ReplyDeleteI am new to machine knitting and I purchased the SilverReed SK160 along with "The Treasury of Machine Knitting Stitches". I am lost; I look at the charts in the book and don't have a clue as to what to do at the machine. Does every black dot/square indicate that the corresponding needle should be in D position(not worked)? Please direct me to any form of instructions that will walk me through reading the chart and what I should do at the machine. I've searched the web for two weeks and can't find any step by step help.
That's a manual mid-gauge, right? Could you send me a photo or two of the machine?
ReplyDeleteI need to look at the manual and see how it manages fair isle. Generally, yes, the black dots are needles you need to select to upper working position, but since I don't have that exact machine, I better find out more.
I can be emailed at diana_knits@sbcglobal.net.
Hello Diana,
ReplyDeleteHow i admire passionate people like you, thank you so much for your videos. I just purchased the enchanted edges and i'm looking forward to working with it. I have a question for you:
Every time i knit a blanket (double bed) on my standard gauge Brother machine i get wobbely or wavey (probably not correct English) sides. I have tried a lot of things steaming, blocking and all kinds of hems but nothing seems to work what am I doing wrong?
Greetings from the Netherlands
Daphna,
ReplyDeleteRibbing does tend to be wriggly on the sides, but here are a few ideas -
Make sure the end needles knit every row. If any stitches on the main bed are tuck stitches, have the end needles on the ribber.
Try having a couple of end needles out of pattern, not just one.
Don't leave any weights on it when you're not knitting.
Try a firmer yarn or a tighter tension.
I was given a Brother KH940 with the ribber, the knit leader, the lace carriage, and all the instruction books over a year ago and have attempted to learn how to cast on and plain knit several times according to the book, but having used a Singer 700 for years, I have a great deal of frustration in trying to learn the Brother. Having found your videos on U-tube, I am now a much more relaxed and happier machine knitter being able at last to use both machines. I really would like to have the videos though instead of having to run back and forth to the computer to see how to do something. Your instructions are extremely easy and user friendly. How can I get the disks in order to watch them on my DVD or VCR player?
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work.....
kraftylady@gmail.com
Thank you so much for making these video's! You make machine knitting look so easy. I am no longer scared of trying out my new machine:) Any chance you might make a video on how to use a punchcard and read a control card someday?
ReplyDeleteThese videos are perfect! I inherited my let Nanna's machine last year and have been utterly frustrated by my ignorance, but your videos have inspired me to stop giving up and blaming the machine, and to star using all the weird and wonderful tools and gizmos! I can't wait to actually make something! Thank you so much. :D
ReplyDeleteHello and thank you for all your wonderful videos!!!
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if you have any videos on bands and buttonholes. I did your child's v-neck sweater and it really helped me get through it. It turned out great.
I would love to try a cardigan but I am hesitant because of the band and the buttonholes. I do not use a ribber yet.
Thanks!
I also want to take this opportunity to say thank you for your excellent videos. Approximately 2 yrs. ago I decided to learn machine knitting. My first purchase was thru Ebay with a Bond machine. After the Bond experience I almost gave up the attempt. After sometime I purchased a Studio 560 Electronic; a Brother KX-260E and a hobby knitter--the Brother Convertible KX-390 Home Knitter. I have made mostly shawls and scarves with either the Brother KX260E, or the Brother Convertible KX-390 Hobby Knitter.The Studio 560 has not seen any action yet. Now I am at a point where I want to get a return on the investment I have made. The Brother Convertible was a real deal. I purchased it from the UK for less than $50 USD. When it arrived it was rather dirty, so I set it on the back porch for over 1 yr., but last year I got it out, removed the crumbling sponge bar, cleaned it, oiled it, took out each needle and soaked them to get the grunge off of them, and it has done a good job. But the truth is that doing sweaters overwhelms me, and I have not been able to complete not one. It is a blessing that I have discovered your videos, for I was almost at a point of "throwing in the towel" on ever becoming accomplished in machine knitting. Helen
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words. Sounds like you have become a bit of a collector! Keep an eye on the blog as I work through using a Knit Leader or Knit Radar.
ReplyDeleteDo you have any video's on using the punchcard?
ReplyDeleteI am brand new and I have tried several times to set the Brother 860 up and it just does't make the pattern. The card is turning like it should be no design is being produced. Any suggestions?
Thanks Pam
No videos specifically about punch cards.
ReplyDeletePam, make sure your carriage is set to KC or KCII. Then it'll select needles.
hai Diana I am very surprise to see your knitting lesson videos infact you are doing a greate job for the people/humen being who wants to help themselves. Mam I have Knitting Machine Knitmaster MK70 Mid Gauge but do not have its Operation Mannual and design Cards. Could you help me for managing the both items. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI have an MK-70, too! You should join the MK-70 yahoo group. They have the resources you need.
ReplyDeleteThe punch cards are a little scarce, but obtainable. I'd put a request on the MK-70 list and a request on the Knitting for Sale list. The manual is probably in the files. That list also has instructions for making homemade punch cards. The MK-70 uses unusual 18-stitch punch cards.
Hi Diana,
ReplyDeleteWow I think you are a knitting goddess! I just found a Singer Memo-matic 700 I'm and I don't know how to use it! It is in very good condition. It did not come with any manuals so I am totally lost. I gather from some of your info. That I need to repair the sponge bar. I hope to find more help in your videos. And any other help would be SOOO appreciated.
Thanks.
Ann
Ask93@yahoo.com
Hi Diana,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to know the youtube tutorials you have made will they be appropriate for an Old Jones Knitting machine my dad gave me which has a push button Pattern Center in it?
Many thanks
liz
Hi There, Diana. Wow. Having I been looking for someone that knows about using a Brother CB-1 Stitch Leader, KH-970. Find Bed.I have googled for yrs, and have found nothing, until today. Yesss. I have had this knitting machine for awhile. I bought it new.But boy I have found it so confusing trying to understand, figuring out how to use this electronic machine. I have acouple of brother bulky machines--one is a punch card. And I can knit with them. But this Stitch Leader KH-970 is driving me to insanity-ha. I found the one video -Enchanted Edging. I thought I hit the jackpot.Do you have any videos on how to understand working with this machine. I so want to knit with the KH-970. I would so love for you to help me and maybe others who are looking for help. I would very much appreciate your help. THANK YOU, pearlwhalen@yahoo.ca
ReplyDeleteHi, I'll take that under advisement - that some more 970 videos would be helpful.
ReplyDeleteCharlene Shafer has a booklet on the 970 that I found helpful. Also, there's some instructions at one of the dealer sites that were helpful, too. Maybe I'll do a blog post linking some of these resources.
Hi Diana, I am hopeing to buy a Brother KH 950 somethime this year. Can I use Double knitting wool on this machine if not which is the best thickness of wool is best for the machine in question. My grandchildren want me to knit them a xmas jumper for this xmas, but i can not hand knit any more due to the start of arthritus. Hope you can help. Thank you Lynn.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the Brother 950, Lynn. It's a wonderful machine.
ReplyDeleteDK is a bit too heavy for the machine. You can coax it to knit DK by using every other needle and getting the weights, wax, tension, and upper tension perfect, but it's difficult.
You'll have a happier experience with fingering yarn. Cones of thinner yarn are really the easiest way to begin, and you won't have the yarn to worry about.
Hi Diana, Thank you so much for the information on the wool thickness, so is 4 ply better? also if I have a chart of a motif can I put it onto the Mylar card as it is on the chart? I have not used a Mylar card before, well I have not used an Electric machine before so please excuse the ignorance, as I am not very good at reading instructions. I learn by watching normally. I will have alot of questions for you, hope you dont mind. maybe I will just ask a couple for now instead of confusing you with all the ones I need to ask you.
DeleteHello Diana,
ReplyDeleteI just purchased a brother kh 965, for some reason I can not find a video on how to use the patterns from the book , and program the patterns to knit them the right way. Working from the manual is not very clear to me.
Is this in one of your beginners video's?
ps. Great site you have :-)))
Blessings
I just had to chime in, I found your videos about 2 weeks and was avidly devouring them in my wait for me new machine, an old 1959 SK-8 SilverReed.
ReplyDeleteStandard gauge. After finally getting it home I have been happily obsessing over it.
Your lessons have been a real joy, I am in love with my new beauty. After a simple clean and oil she just sings, and thanks to your first lesson I was able to figure out the proper configuration of the tension mast.
Thank you.
Michelle
Hi Diana,
ReplyDeleteI love You ... :)
I just have a knitting machine KH 820 and I'd glad when I have your lessons.
I have seen your lesson : increase and Decrease one stitch.
Could you help me about decrease 2 stitches (to right or left on right side) as hand-knitting?
I am really a newbie in knitting machine, so I need your explain about stitches very much.
Thank you so much.
Have a nice day... :)
hi Dinana,
ReplyDeleteMany thanks to the beginners lesson.I have recived a beautify gift(Singer 321-memometric ) from my neighbour. she has showed me how to set up but I was not able to learn really how to use it. I have found your videos today and I am so excited to start stright-way from lesson 1. I have made 1 to 5 lesson sample today. I am so happy that I have found your videos. Thanks a lot :)
hemaa - Australia
Say, Hemaa, this is exactly the best way to use the lessons! Knit them up as samples. Lucky you, a free knitting machine! The Singer 321 is a very sturdy and serviceable machine. Make sure you have a good sponge bar, oil it, and check that the needles and gate pegs are straight. You're on your way.
ReplyDeleteHi Diana,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your encouraging prompt reply.I will do as you have adviced.
I feel like I am having best teacher in the word.I love your voice.Thanks again for taking time to reply.
Much appreciate.
Hemaa-Australia.
Your website is a gold mine. I have my silver reed sk840 for over a year and was pretty hard to know how to start my first project. THANK YOU !!
ReplyDelete