The Pros and Cons of a Knitting Machine

When you have decided to buy a knitting machine, your decision has just begun. Unlike sewing machines, knitting machines maybe one of the most complicated gizmos ever built. It comes with wires, springs, buttons, and hooks may be enough to contact the outer space.

It is sometimes referred to as a knitting loom or a knitting frame. A knitting machine is made for the purpose of hastening the naturally time consuming process of knitting. It is categorized into two kinds – motor assisted or hand powered which both have predetermined bed of hooked needles. Patterns and stitches are altered with a simple manipulation of the needles, or sometimes with dials and buttons. In more sophisticated cases, patterns are obtained with the aid of electronic pattern reader, punch cards, and computers.

A knitting machine is used in both industrial and domestic purposes and mostly on huge businesses which caters to knitted garments. They come in circular or flat beds which then produces tubular or rectangular fabrics. Some may even have 2 flat beds in front of each other to create plain ribs and purls using various multi patterns. For ordinary knitting machines, ribbing attachments can be supplemented to obtain similar results.

The material made from a knitting machine is obviously more even in texture compared to hand-knitted ones. This is seen as an advantage not to mention saves a significant amount of time. However, many enthusiasts still prefer hand knitted fabrics because they value the fact that these are hand made, most skilled knitters can even create even fabrics that are comparable to that made by machines.

However, along with the convenience of premium quality fabrics and a considerably short amount of time in production, it too comes with shortcomings. In order for one to use a machine on its maximum capability, one must be highly skilled and firm because the tension that the machine creates is not that easily manipulated. Also, there are some stitches that are easier to do by hand-knitting such as the garter stitch which is tremendously hard on a machine.

Knitting machines are product of technology. True, they may bring convenience and savings in terms of both time and money. For apparel companies, they may be utilized at their most. However, if you are just at home, you wouldn’t necessarily need one. After all, what would be nicer that sitting around knitting on a lazy afternoon.