Design

DesignaKnit and manual machines (LK-150, TH160, KX350)

August 18, 2025
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DesignaKnit is powerful software for the serious machine knitter. It is designed to interface directly with electronic machines, but can also be used with any machine, manual to punchcard.

Expect a learning curve to create your own garment designs, modify "standard" designs, create stitch patterns, and knit-from-the-screen.

DesignaKnit can be a powerful design and shaping tool — even for non-electronic knitting machines like the LK-150, KX350, or TH-160. You won’t be able to download stitch patterns, but that doesn’t mean the software can’t transform your knitting.

If you have a non-patterning machine (no electronics or punchcard) DesignaKnit can be a great help with your knitting.

What You Can Do with DAK

Stitch Designer
You can create stitch patterns and use the printed diagrams to hand select needles.

Graphic Studio
Use photos or scans to create stitch patterns.

Standard Garment Styling
You can create hundreds of garment shapes and print out knitting instructions to use on any machine

Original Pattern Drafting
Create knitted pieces from scratch or modify Standard Garment shapes and let DAK do all the math to create knitting instructions based on your gauge

Interactive knitting
Using a cable you can "knit from screen". This is an electronic version of a Charting Device

What You Can’t Do

You can’t download stitch patterns to your machine

Use DAK as Your Knitting Assistant

DesignaKnit won’t knit for you — but it will guide you. Use it to plan your shaping, visualize your stitch patterns, and knit with more clarity and confidence, even on a manual machine.

Want to Get More from DesignaKnit?

Check out the course at LearnDesiganKnit.com created just for LK150 and manual machine users: "LK150: Getting the Most from DesignaKnit.

You’ll learn how to generate patterns, shape garments, follow charts, and use the software - even without an electronic machine.

Explore the Course

Visit LearnDesignaKnit.com and learn how DAK can help with YOUR machine knitting

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use DesignaKnit if I have no cable?

Yes! Many features work without any electronic connection. You’ll just use printouts or on-screen helpers for shaping and stitch charts.

Is this only for the LK150?

No. Any flatbed, non-electronic machine — like the Brother KX350 or Silver Reed TH-160 — can benefit from DAK’s planning tools.

Do I need to be good with computers?

Not at all. If you can open a file, click a few buttons, and follow step-by-step prompts, you can use DesignaKnit successfully.

What’s the difference between using DAK with and without electronics?

With electronics, you can download stitch patterns or use row-by-row tracking. Without electronics, you still get shaping help and stitch charts — just printed or viewed on screen.