Last Updated on July 14, 2026 by KM-nerd

Silver Reed SK160 is a very simple machine with only manual stitch/needle manipulation abilities, yet it is a very desirable machine.

First, because it is a mid-gauge machine with the needles 6.5 mm apart, which makes it compatible with a lot of yarns for hand-knitting. It is known to create a hand-knit feel of the fabrics (I know, bulky machines too), but has significantly more needles than bulky machines (it has 150 needles versus 100-110 on bulky machines).

Second, this machine can be easily converted to an electronic mid-gauge machine with the carriage from the electronic Silver Reed SK860 (which is also hard to find).

The carriage lock is very interesting too. To the best of my current knowledge, it is so unique that it is not interchangeable with other machines. If you are missing one, the carriage can be temporarily fastened using a strong thread passed through the carriage lock slot and underneath the oyster clamps on the carriage itself.

I have this machine in my collection so stay tuned for more insights.