Knitting, especially socks

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Knitting, especially socks
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sally_in_wales
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 06 Mar 2005
Posts: 20809
Location: sunny wales

Posted: Thu Sep 01, 05 5:35 pm Post subject: Knitting, especially socks

I have brief and occasional knitting phases. I quite like knitting socks on four needles, but ever since I discovered that the world held such devices as hand cranked circular knitting machines, I've lusted after one. However, although they were allegedly made into the 1980s and should therefore exist second hand, I've only ever seen antique ones. Anyone got one, know of any current affordable makes, got any cunning sock churning-out plans, that sort of thing??
I'm sure I even once saw a kids plastic version. I've tried the giant knitting nancy type sock frame, and its much faster just to knit on 4 or 5 needles, but I like the idea of cranking out a pair of socks in an evening just by turning a handle...

culpepper

Joined: 16 Dec 2004
Posts: 638
Location: Kent

Posted: Thu Sep 01, 05 6:14 pm Post subject:
knitting them flat on a knitting machine can be quite speedy. I havent done any in a while but could easily do a pair of ankle socks in an evening.

wellington womble

Joined: 08 Nov 2004
Posts: 15051
Location: East Midlands

Posted: Thu Sep 01, 05 6:37 pm Post subject:
Good lord, I didn't know such things even existed. Mind you, I have only this very day, mastered purl - and knitted about half a hat!

knitty visitor
Guest

Posted: Thu Sep 01, 05 7:43 pm Post subject: Knitting, especially socks
Hi - I think you are talking about a knitting "loom". A quick internet search will get you on your way for either a restored machine or a new one - although if I remember correctly there is more of a market for looms in the USA. I have never tried one and I applaud you for fashining four/five needle socks. I can only do 2 needle simple ones!

hardworkinghippy

Joined: 01 Jan 2005
Posts: 1110
Location: Bourrou South West France

Posted: Thu Sep 01, 05 9:16 pm Post subject:
It only takes about an hour to do socks on a single bed ordinary knitting machine. I posted how to do it in here a while ago - I'll look it out.... You can do circular knitting on most twin bed machines - I've a pattern if anybody wants it. HWH

hardworkinghippy

Joined: 01 Jan 2005
Posts: 1110
Location: Bourrou South West France

Posted: Thu Sep 01, 05 9:21 pm Post subject:
Sock making on a single bed machine: https://forum.downsizer.net/about999.html&highlight=so ...

sally_in_wales
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 06 Mar 2005
Posts: 20809
Location: sunny wales

Posted: Fri Sep 02, 05 5:38 am Post subject:
Oh no, I now want a knitting machine! But I havent got anywhere for it aargh...

sally_in_wales
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 06 Mar 2005
Posts: 20809
Location: sunny wales

Posted: Fri Sep 02, 05 5:42 am Post subject:

hardworkinghippy wrote:

It only takes about an hour to do socks on a single bed ordinary knitting machine.

I posted how to do it in here a while ago - I'll look it out....

You can do circular knitting on most twin bed machines - I've a pattern if anybody wants it.

HWH

Just had a quick look online for a twin bed knitting machine- so I know what I'm keeping half an eye open for. But I can't seem to find one. Is there a specific term I should be searching on?

tahir

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 45431
Location: Essex

Posted: Fri Sep 02, 05 10:29 am Post subject: Re: Knitting, especially socks

sally_in_wales wrote:

I like the idea of cranking out a pair of socks in an evening just by turning a handle...

Didn't Wallace and Grommit have something like that?

How big is this circular knitting machine? The only ones I've ever seen are huge (but they've been in knitwear and t-shirt factories)

sally_in_wales
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 06 Mar 2005
Posts: 20809
Location: sunny wales

Posted: Fri Sep 02, 05 12:38 pm Post subject:
This is the sort of thing https://www.angoravalley.com/ak.html though there are lots of models, a bit like with the early sewing machines

tahir

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 45431
Location: Essex

Posted: Fri Sep 02, 05 12:41 pm Post subject:
That's a lot smaller..., never seen em but I'll keep my eyes open

otatop

Joined: 01 Jun 2005
Posts: 1425
Location: North London

Posted: Fri Sep 02, 05 1:18 pm Post subject:
I was "asked to leave" the brownies before I finished knitting the string dishcloth. I much prefer my sewing machine. I don't have to get very far into a project before I can step back and admire.

Bugs

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 10744

Posted: Fri Sep 02, 05 1:56 pm Post subject:

otatop wrote:

I was "asked to leave" the brownies

Guest

Posted: Sun Sep 04, 05 7:48 pm Post subject:

hi have been reading the posts on knitting with great interest. i have knitted before using needles but only baby garments. i would love to experiment with a knitting machine. i have looked at a few and they do look rather confusing.

so hopefully somebody will be able to answer my questions on this matter.

1. are these machines easy to use ?

2. any particular make/model i should look for ?

3. is it more expensive than with knitting with needles ?

thanks

Róisín

Joined: 30 Jul 2005
Posts: 578

Posted: Sun Sep 04, 05 9:15 pm Post subject:

Sally, I worked in a haberdasheries and those needles are still for sale in your normal fabric/ haberdashery shop. If you really can't find them, the staff should be able to source them for you as they definitely are still being made, and made in England too

I was asked to leave Brownies too!

This is the first time I've met someone else who was! *waves furiously* What was the reason behind your leaving? Mine was that I was sick for three weeks and refused to pay the fee for those three weeks ...

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