Surprisingly, the information about knitting machines is very scattered across the World Wide Knitting Web—especially when it comes to hobbyist machines. When I first became obsessed with knitting machines, I could not find a single, go-to source where I could learn everything I needed to know. I came to realize that the reason such a resource was hard to find because there is simply so much to learn about these fascinating pieces of engineering!
This Encyclopedia started first as an attempt to keep all my newly acquired knowledge somewhat organized for my own sake. Then I realized that a lot of knitting machine hobbyists and enthusiasts all over the world are also struggling to find a somewhat centralized resource.
So, I created this site as an attempt to build a more comprehensive database and encyclopedia for non-industrial knitting machines, their accessories, techniques, and everything surrounding them. I also wanted a place to bring together all the bits and pieces of information I had collected over the years. In that sense, this website is as much for me as it is for you.
A Resource Built from Hands-On Experience
A lot of information on this site comes from my own experience. I have acquired, collected, tested, and researched information while refurbishing vintage knitting machines manufactured in Japan—including Brother, Singer/Studio/Silver Reed, and Toyota—as well as in Europe (e.g., double bed Passap and Singer machines).
I have personally knitted on, serviced, repaired, cleaned, tested, and otherwise worked on a wide variety of machines. Of course, I don’t pretend to know everything. In fact, one of the things I love most about knitting machines is how much there is still left to discover.
Always a Work in Progress
This encyclopedia is—and probably always will be—a work in progress. There are still countless machines, accessories, techniques, manuals, quirks, and pieces of history waiting to be documented, collected, organized….
Well, if you don’t find what you’re looking for, don’t assume the information isn’t here because it doesn’t exist (I may simply not have gotten to it yet!). So, send me a message. I will do my very best to answer you or guide you in the right direction.
A Resource We Can Build Together
My greatest hope is to make this site as useful, comprehensive, and accessible a resource as possible for anyone interested in knitting machines and their accessories. And if you find something here that is useful to you, please feel free to borrow, reference, or cite the information. I would simply appreciate knowing how it helped you or where you are using it.
Thank you for joining me on this journey of discovering, preserving, and sharing the wonderful world of knitting machines from all over the globe!
Happy knitting—and happy exploring!
Also, don’t forget to check my Etsy and my independent store (with better prices) for accessories, parts, and machines.
HUGE THANKS to everybody who contributed with their knowledge, pictures, suggestions, and donations!