Last Updated on September 1, 2026 by KM-nerd
There is very little information on YC1 color changers despite them still circulating on the used market.
YC1 color changer is identical to AC1 color changer and can be used with Silver Reed knitting machines with standard gauge (also branded as Singer, Studio, Riccar, Empisal Knitmaster, Silver Reed, and Silver). It is identical to AC1 color changer.
Having a connecting arm suggests that the YC1 color changer is intended for knitting on double beds (ribber + main bed).
YC1 color changer comes with an automatic yarn changer, a connecting arm (which connects the main needlebed carriage to the ribber carriage and to the ribber, respectively), needle guide, and a set of double jacquard punchcards. It does not come with the tension masts, even though the manual shows the use of two different ones. So, it is probably implied to use the tension mast from the original machine, and for knitting with 3 and 4 colors to buy an additional tension mast. So, one more indicator: your machine will need to have two slots for two color changers to work with 3 and 4 colors and YC1.
The manual states that the connecting arm indeed can be used on ribbers without even the color changer attached. So, if your ribber is missing the arm, look for YC1 color changer, and it might have one (maybe this is one I have several YC1 color changers without the connecting arms).
Although it is not stated directly, the manual implies that the color changer fits machines with patterning drums (this patterning method starts with models SK311 and up), AKA those with punchcard-reading capabilities. Some of the turn-knob machines have a carriage that could fit the sinker plates from the punchcard machines (models marked as SK303 and up). Thus, YC1 color changer could potentially be used on those turn-knob machines, but of course without the advantages of punchcard-based patterning.
So far I’ve seen YC1 color changer branded as Silver (Silver YC1) and Singer (Singer YC1). But it will fit all other machines of a similar generation branded under Empisal Knitmaster, Riccar, Studio, Silver Reed, and Singer. In fact, I own one and will post pictures very soon.
