Essential Accessories and Tools for Knitting Machines and How to Use Them

Knitting machines open up a world of possibilities for creating fabric quickly and efficiently. To get the best results, having the right accessories and tools is crucial. These items help you manage yarn, shape your work, and fix mistakes with ease. This guide covers the essential accessories for flat bed knitting machines, explaining what they do and how to use them effectively.

Flat bed knitting machine with essential accessories

Transfer Tools

Transfer tools are small handheld devices designed to move stitches from one needle to another. They are essential for creating patterns, shaping fabric, or fixing dropped stitches.

• Purpose: Move stitches sideways across the needle bed to create cables, lace, or other textured patterns.

• How to use: Insert the tool under the stitch on one needle, lift it off, and place it onto the target needle. This process can be repeated to form complex stitch arrangements.

• Tips: Use a transfer tool with a smooth tip to avoid snagging yarn. Practice on scrap fabric to get comfortable with the motion.

  
  

Latch Tools

Latch tools resemble small hooks with a latch that closes over the yarn. They are used to manipulate stitches, especially when working with hand techniques on the machine.

• Purpose: Help pick up dropped stitches, create hand-knit effects, ribbing, or assist in binding off.

• How to use: Insert the latch tool into the stitch, close the latch to catch the yarn, and pull the stitch through as needed.

• Tips: Keep the latch tool clean and free of rust to ensure smooth operation.

  
  

Cast On Comb

The cast on comb is a metal comb with "teeth" designed to hold stitches evenly after the cast-on process.

• Purpose: Maintain even tension and spacing of stitches when starting a project.

• How to use: After casting on stitches, hook the comb onto the fabric. Attach weights to the comb to keep the fabric stretched and flat.

  
  

Needle Pushers

Needle pushers are small tools used to move needles into the correct position on the needle bed.

• Purpose: Adjust needle positions for patterning, shaping, or fixing errors.

• How to use: Gently push the needle forward or backward to the desired position. This is especially useful when needles get stuck or misaligned.

• Tips: Use needle pushers carefully to avoid bending or damaging needles.

  
  

Garter Bar

The garter bar is used to hold stitches temporarily.

• Purpose: Transfer stitches between beds or hold stitches while working on other parts of the fabric.

• How to use: Slip the garter bar through the loops of stitches. This frees up needles for other tasks.

  
  

Weight Claws

Weight claws are small metal hooks attached to weights that hang from the cast on comb or fabric edge.

• Purpose: Apply consistent downward tension to the fabric to prevent curling and maintain even knitting.

• How to use: Attach the claws to the cast on comb or fabric edge, then hang the weights. Adjust the number of weights depending on fabric tension.

• Tips: Use enough weight to keep fabric flat but avoid pulling too hard, which can distort stitches.

  
  

How to Maintain Your Accessories

Proper care extends the life of your knitting machine tools:

• Clean metal tools regularly to prevent rust.

• Store small tools in a dedicated box to avoid loss.

• Inspect tools for damage before use to prevent fabric snags.

  
  

Practical Example: Using Accessories Together

Imagine you want to knit a lace panel on your flat bed machine. You would:

1. Use the cast on comb to start with even tension.

2. Attach weight claws to keep the fabric flat.

3. Use transfer tools to move stitches and create lace holes.

4. Employ latch tools to fix any dropped stitches quickly.

5. Adjust needle positions with needle pushers for shaping.

6. Hold stitches temporarily on a garter bar when switching beds.

   
   

This combination of tools makes complex knitting manageable and enjoyable.