Knitting Machine Tips

No more knitting patterns

July 30, 2024
9 comments

Use a Charting device

Imagine ....

Visual knitting
Shaping accuracy
No more translating cryptic abbreviations
No more following row-by-row instructions
No referring to written instructions - faster knitting
Fewer errors
Custom designs

Silver Reed Kr10/11

Sadly this device is no longer made, but they can be found on the used market.
Do you have one that needs a new home? List it in the Marketplace

Course: Learn to use the KR10

Built-in Charting Device

Some machines have the charting device built-in (this is the Singer SK360).

Brother Knit Leader

DesignaKnit Interactive Knitting

Create your own designs in DesignaKnit, connect DAK to your knitting machine and knit visually, "interactively".

This can be done with ANY machine. Even manual machines Lk150 and DAK

Do you use a Charting Device? Tell us what you think.

9 Comments

- Cherie S
- August 7, 2024
I've traced knit sewing patterns onto the Brother Knit Leader (minus the sewing seam allowance) and have found it works pretty good.
- Molly P
- August 1, 2024
PDF sewing patterns printed with the home computer/printer can be useful in the KR7. Just print out the sewing pattern at 50%, tape it together as for the normal size and trace that form unto a KR7 sheet. This works quite well. I purchased an original used set of KR7 sheets on Ebay and traced right over the preprinted green ink with black marker.
- Jenny M B
- August 1, 2024
I have used both. DAK is much more expensive but does so much more and is definitely my preferred option.
- Patricia D
- July 31, 2024
I have the brother knit leader (actually a couple of them) one for my standard and one on my chunky machine. I've been working with them since the early 90's and love it. Haven't tried DAK, but I have read about it and need to do a bit more research
- Tom P
- July 31, 2024
I have a KR6 (as of three weeks ago) which I use with a Knitmaster E-302, and I love it.I don't have the mounting bracket, so I simply have it on the table behind the main needle bed, and after each row I turn the advance knob on a click. This slows me down a little (which is good, I reckon) and allows me to back track easily. I have knitted without the Knitradar, but find this way of knitting far more relaxing. It has upped my skills and my productivity at a stroke
- Tina B
- July 30, 2024
I love my punchcard machine with the knitradar for simplicity. Alternatively I got more used to my DAK with interactive knitting for the silver reed sk 840. I nearly never knit without one of these charting devices.
- Lynda G
- July 30, 2024
I would not be without my DAK 9 charting device. It changed my entire approach to knitting. I rarely use written patterns anymore. I'm forever designing and changing patterns. Chopping up, and turning patterns is a simple process now.
- Sigrid T
- July 30, 2024
I use an excel file. I have to type the row number I see on the mechanical row counter, then all cells representing the stitches on that row number and below change color, so I can easily see what I have to do on the next row - similar to the image aboc showing designakit. preparation is to draw the pattern or put the symbols in the cells for the needle positions. (my knitting machine is 100% manual - no electricity needed)
- Mary K
- July 30, 2024
Years ago I used Toyota KNIT TRACER. These devices are great, but for me 2 negatives: 1) copying the pattern (full size) was a little tiring to the back. 2) you have to remember to record row count on the pattern or somewhere, so that increases & decreases, armholes, sleeves, etc are the same. The advancing of the pattern is such that it can be interpreted differently. I imagine this is true for the other brand devices, whether full scale, 1/2 or quarter scale. I currently have DAK & love it, precise & accurate.