Machine Knitting a hat

I have decided that this is the year that I properly learn how to use my knitting machine. I own a (2nd hand) Knitmaster 360 and ribber. I have never given myself enough time to fully understand how these work.

The reverse of my hat, halfway through knitting

I have made a few things with them…you might find some old posts on this blog. (I still regularly wear that Cardigan!)

In order to motivate myself, I joined The Machine Knitting Community at the end of January. It’s run by a designer named Nic Corrigan who owns Whitehall Studio. The membership opens up 4 times a year, so that new people join in batches.

The Community operates through an app and website, where there are monthly Knitalongs, monthly zoom knit night, guest speakers and demonstrations. With all previous events recorded and available to watch at any time.

I’m slowly making my way through the videos, and have also followed the pattern and instructions for a previous Hat Kal.

My first machine knit hat! Pom Pom to be added!

I have never gotten to grips with my ribber, and within minutes of posting a query on how to get it set up, some helpful members directed me to some videos, and helped troubleshoot my setup. This alone was worth the joining fee!

My first hat was knitted and I made lots of great mistakes (I know that sounds odd… But hear me out)…

1. My ribbing was like cardboard… Due to setting it up wrong. I know better now!

2.The hat was too long… I will now remember to knit a swatch🤣.. (looking at my post from 7 years ago, I should have known that!)

3. If I don’t unlock the punchcard, the pattern will freeze and become vertical stripes (could be useful in future!.

Non stretchy ribbing and accidental stripes!

4.The patterning has some missed areas… Due to not pushing the carriage fully past the punchcard selectors.

It’s a steep learning curve and needs alot of patience/perseverance, but I’m enjoying the challenge.

I could have unravelled my practice hat and started again, but I needed to try to make it wearable, (why?…. Because sometimes I make life hard for myself!)

So I threaded a lifeline and cut off the grey ribbing.

I folded up a band and hung all the stitches back on the knitting machine…. (Probably won’t do that again… Too much time).Knitted a row and then cast off.

Once the side was seamed it was good to go!

Patterning mistakes are a bit more obvious on this side

I worked on some swatches during the week and plan to spend some more time at the machine this week, putting what I’ve learned into practice on a second hat.

And I’m also wearing a hand-knit in progress in the above picture… I’m working on the sleeves and will hopefully have a finished piece to show soon!