Mastering Knitting Machine Skills Step by Step: From Casting On to Creating Pockets and Necks

helenB-a
2 days ago
3 min read

Knitting machines open a world of possibilities for creating beautiful jumpers with speed and precision. Yet, mastering the skills needed to use these machines effectively takes practice and a clear learning path. If you want to make jumpers that fit well and have professional details like pockets and necklines, you need to build your skills step by step. This guide breaks down the essential techniques you need to learn, from casting on to shaping and finishing, so you can confidently create your own knitted garments.

Close-up view of knitting machine needles with yarn being cast on — Casting on yarn on a knitting machine

Casting on yarn on a knitting machine

Starting with Casting On

Casting on is the foundation of any knitting project. On a knitting machine, casting on means getting the yarn onto the needles in a way that sets up the fabric for knitting. There are several methods, but beginners often start with the e-wrap cast on or ladder cast on.

E-wrap cast on: Wrap the yarn around each needle in sequence. This creates a neat edge and is easy to adjust.
Ladder cast on: Uses waste yarn to create a temporary edge that can be removed later, useful for seamless joins.

When casting on for a jumper, make sure your tension is even. Too tight and the fabric won’t stretch; too loose and the edge will look sloppy. Practice casting on several times until you get a smooth, even row of stitches.

Knitting the Basic Fabric: Knit Plain

Once your stitches are cast on, you start knitting the fabric. The most basic stitch on a knitting machine is the knit plain stitch, which creates a smooth, flat fabric similar to stockinette stitch in hand knitting.

Set your machine to the plain knit setting.
Turn the carriage across the needles to knit each row.
Keep an eye on tension and yarn feed to avoid dropped stitches or uneven loops.

This plain knit fabric forms the body of your jumper. Practice knitting flat panels before moving on to shaping or using tools.

Using Tools: Transfer Tool and Others

To add shaping and details, you need to learn how to use the knitting machine’s tools. The transfer tool is essential for moving stitches from one needle to another. This skill lets you create shaping, patterns, and openings.

Use the transfer tool to move stitches sideways to increase or decrease width.
Transfer stitches to create holes for pockets or armholes.
Practice transferring stitches carefully to avoid dropped loops.

Other tools include ravel cord for holding stitches and weight bars to keep tension consistent. Familiarize yourself with these accessories to improve your control.

Increasing and Decreasing Stitches

Shaping a jumper requires changing the number of stitches on your needle bed. Increasing adds stitches to widen the fabric, while decreasing removes stitches to taper it.

Increase by transferring a stitch to an empty needle or by wrapping yarn around a needle.
Decrease by transferring two stitches onto one needle or by dropping a stitch carefully.

For example, to shape the waist or sleeves, you’ll increase or decrease gradually over several rows. Keep track of your stitch count and use markers if needed.

Understanding Pockets

Adding pockets to a jumper adds both style and function. On a knitting machine, pockets are usually created by knitting separate panels or by creating openings in the fabric.

To knit a patch pocket, cast on a small rectangle separately and sew it onto the jumper.
For inset pockets, use the transfer tool to create an opening and knit the pocket lining inside.
Practice neat edges around pocket openings to avoid stretching or distortion.

Planning pocket placement before you start knitting helps ensure they sit correctly on the finished jumper.

Shaping Necks and Necklines

Necklines give jumpers their character and fit. Common neck shapes include crew neck, V-neck, and turtleneck. Shaping necklines involves careful decreases and sometimes short rows.

Use decreases at the center or edges to create curves.
Short rows add extra length in certain areas for a smooth neckline curve.
Bind off stitches neatly to avoid loose edges.

Try swatching different neck shapes on your machine to see how they look and feel.

Putting It All Together

Once you master casting on, knitting plain, using tools, increasing and decreasing, and shaping pockets and necklines, you can combine these skills to make complete jumpers. Start with simple designs and gradually add complexity.