FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What machine should I buy?
Second hand machines can be purchased from other members via our 'For Sale/Wanted' page, in our newsletters and sometimes at club meetings. There are also often machines available on Ebay. Be careful When buying machines on eBay as it can be difficult to assess the condition of the machine.
New machines are available from Reynolds Bros. - Where can I get a knitting machine?
There are many things to consider when you buy a knitting machine.
The type of yarns you want to knit with. Different machines have different gauges. There are 4 main gauges, fine gauge (1-3ply), standard gauge (2-6ply), mid-gauge (4-10ply), bulky (8-14ply). These ply ranges are very approximate. Standard gauge machines are the most common.
Do you want a ribber or not? As well as knitting a great variety of ribs, they can be used to provide different fabric textures and are useful when doing cables.
What type of patterning do you want to do? There are manual patterning machines, punchcard machines, and electronic machines.
New or Secondhand? This depends a lot on your personal preferences and what you can afford. If you're not sure whether machine knitting is for you start with a secondhand machine. If you prefer the security of warranty maybe a new machine is a better option. - Where can I get lessons for a knitting machine?
Machine Knitting Clubs provide lessons for new and existing members. There are also members in the MKAV that give individual lessons and provide assistance to new knitters. Contact the MKAV committee or a local club leader. - Where can I get parts for my machine?
In Perth, try Dormani-Yarns.
In Sydney, try Reynolds Bros.
On Facebook - search on the Australian Machine Knitting Group Sales
Search on Ebay as there are lots of international sellers
- Where can I get my machine repaired/serviced?
Members can learn how to service their machines and do basic repairs themselves at club meetings.
There are lots of helpful videos on YouTube
Perth - Dormani-Yarns.
Sydney - Reynolds Bros.
- Where can I buy yarn?
See our Links page for a list of our traders who advertise with the MKAV Inc.
We have also included other yarn traders. - Where can I sell an old machine?
Members or non members can advertise their machines and/or accessories in our Newsletter or Website
Another place to sell your machine is on eBay, Gumtree or Facebook - Where can I get a manual for my machine?
Manuals for some of the older machines can be hard to find. We have many of them in our Library which members are welcome to borrow. See our Library page.
Manuals for most of the Brother machines can be downloaded from Brother's Website
You can try mkmanuals.com where you can download the ones they have for free
There are also some places on the web where you can buy different manuals on disc. One of these is: Ebay Shop - Where can I see a demonstration of a knitting machine?
The MKAV regularly demonstrate knitting machines at the Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo and the Craft and Quilt Fair at the Exhibition Centre in Melbourne.
Associations in other states also demonstrate at the Craft Shows in their states.
Knitting machines are also demonstrated at club meetings. See our list of clubs and contacts.
The MKAV also organises live in weekends and workshops where knitting machines and their capabilities are demonstrated.