Machine Knitting Techniques

Ladders in Machine Knitting

October 4, 2021
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Ladders bring interest to your knitting. In machine knitting ladders are made using needles out of work and can be used in a variety of ways. Here are 5 ways to use ladders in your knitting that are both decorative and useful.

What is a ladder in machine knitting?
A ladder is a column of enlarged sinker loops formed by the yarn that floats across the space between two working needles when there are one or more non-working needles between them

from Susan Guagliumi's book: Hand Manipulated Stitches for Machine Knitters

Watch the video

By Angie Scarola (used with permission)

A Needle out of work will make a bar the width of one stitch; when stitched in multiple rows, these bars will resemble the rungs of a ladder.
This is really basic strategy that I have used countless times without giving it much attention. I knew I needed to brush up on my ladder knowledge.

1 Mock Ribbing

What is Mock Ribbing and why does mock ribbing work?

The bar that runs across the fabric distinguishes a purl stitch. When viewed from the stockinette side, the rung generated by the needle out of work resembles a purl bar.

Ladders can be uniformly spaced to provide the appearance of ribbed fabrics, which are now popular in fashion. It is simple to perform with a single bed machine.

Mock ribbing is frequently one of the first techniques learned by beginner machine knitters.

Mock ribbing uses less yarn than standard ribbing while retaining much of its stretch.

This technique isn't just for home machine knitters; sock manufacturers use it all the time.

Visit the Classroom: Ribbing Without a Ribber

2 Cables

Ladders can be used in small amounts, too.

A purl stitch is often used on both sides of a cable to make the cable look bigger. A needle out of work on each side of the cable does the same thing and looks the same as a real purl stitch.

Video: Cables on the Machine

3 Decorative Accents

Additionally, needles out of work can be used to weave various cords, ribbons, and other embellishments. After a few rows, ladders can be stopped and restarted elsewhere.

4 More uses for ladders

Use them to make cutting lines for steeks or other cut 'n sew projects.
A needle out of work just inside the selvedges can be used to crochet pieces together.
When lifting and rehanging stitches, ladders are easier to count than rows and usually get hidden in the fold caused by the lifting of the stitch.
Using ladders as a turning row (or a fold line) was new to me. Vertical Bands
Lace a cord on a hat brim that gets tightened to head size. This is a fun and easy hat that is very flattering.

Needle out of work
turning column for a vertical band

5 Every other needle

There is one instance where every other needle is used that has nothing to do with ladders. That is when the yarn is too heavy to run every needle on the machine. (the yarn still needs to fit in the hooks of the needles)

Once the piece is off the machine and is tubed (pulled lengthwise), the ladders between the stitches are pulled into the stitch to make the fabric appear normal.