Difference between revisions of "Equipment/Knitting Machine"
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| acnode = No<!-- Is the equipment ACnode locked? --> | | acnode = No<!-- Is the equipment ACnode locked? --> | ||
| origin = Unknown <!-- If via pledge, please link to the completed pledge page on the wiki --> | | origin = Unknown <!-- If via pledge, please link to the completed pledge page on the wiki --> | ||
| − | | location = Ground floor, | + | | location = Ground floor, Middle Room room, crafts corner<!-- Floor, room/zone and location within that area --> |
| maintainers = Chixor, Russ, Solexious <!-- NO LINKS PLEASE; it currently breaks the template. If someone is nominated as managing the upkeep of this item, please list them here. --> | | maintainers = Chixor, Russ, Solexious <!-- NO LINKS PLEASE; it currently breaks the template. If someone is nominated as managing the upkeep of this item, please list them here. --> | ||
| template_ver = 1.1 <!-- Please do not change. Used for tracking out-of-date templates --> | | template_ver = 1.1 <!-- Please do not change. Used for tracking out-of-date templates --> | ||
}} | }} | ||
| − | We have a Brother KH- | + | We have a Brother KH-950i knitting machine with a pile of attachments which we bought through a [[Pledges/Knitting Machine|pledge]] in July 2011. This is a computerised knitting machine with the capability of "printing" in multi colour either from the large collection of on-board patterns, draw your own pattern on supplied mylar sheets or via USB. |
| − | |||
| − | |||
==The Bits== | ==The Bits== | ||
| Line 27: | Line 25: | ||
* Brother KH-950 Knitting Machine | * Brother KH-950 Knitting Machine | ||
* Brother KR-850 Ribber | * Brother KR-850 Ribber | ||
| − | * Brother | + | * Brother KRC-900 4 Way Double Bed Colour Changer |
* Brother KL-116 Knit-Leader | * Brother KL-116 Knit-Leader | ||
==How to use it== | ==How to use it== | ||
| − | The knitter is a surprisingly complex device - talk to someone who knows how to use it before using it (try [[User:Chixor]] first, but [[User:Solexious|Solexious]], [[User:Russ|Russ]], and Tom Wyatt have also used it). Being shown how to set it up and use it will save you at least an hour and will reduce the chance that you'll break it. | + | The knitter is a surprisingly complex device - talk to someone who knows how to use it before using it (try [[User:Chixor|Chixor]] first, but [[User:Solexious|Solexious]], [[User:Russ|Russ]], and Tom Wyatt have also used it). Being shown how to set it up and use it will save you at least an hour and will reduce the chance that you'll break it. |
Dispense with your hubris, and read the manual. You might think you're able to use any device without a manual, but this will prove you wrong and leave you looking like a fool. The manual is mostly good (if rather terse and formatted in a fetching, patronisingly sexist shade of pink), but you have to follow it well and take it slowly. And sometimes it glosses over the important bits. | Dispense with your hubris, and read the manual. You might think you're able to use any device without a manual, but this will prove you wrong and leave you looking like a fool. The manual is mostly good (if rather terse and formatted in a fetching, patronisingly sexist shade of pink), but you have to follow it well and take it slowly. And sometimes it glosses over the important bits. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Log book== | ||
| + | |||
| + | If you run into any problems (the machine jams repeatedly, you run out of yarn or a needle bends) we won't growl we just need to know about it so it can be fixed. Record your usage and any issues on the knitting machine log book [[Equipment/Knitting_Machine/Logbook | here]]. | ||
==Where it Lives== | ==Where it Lives== | ||
| − | In the | + | In the Wembley space you can find the knitting machine and its accessories/attachments on the 1st floor in the textiles room. |
'''Please keep the knitting equipment in the correct boxes''', or everyone will get confused. The parts live in 5 different boxes: | '''Please keep the knitting equipment in the correct boxes''', or everyone will get confused. The parts live in 5 different boxes: | ||
| Line 59: | Line 61: | ||
If you're new to the realm of machine knitting it's best to use a 3 or 4 ply yarn that's smooth and consistent all the way along (no thickness variation or fancy bits). The reason for this is if you haven't setup the yarn feeder or tension dial perfectly on either the main bed or ribbing bed then you'll run into more trouble with a complex (thickness varied) or very thin (2 ply) yarn than you would with a simple 3 or 4 ply which are more tolerant of mistakes. | If you're new to the realm of machine knitting it's best to use a 3 or 4 ply yarn that's smooth and consistent all the way along (no thickness variation or fancy bits). The reason for this is if you haven't setup the yarn feeder or tension dial perfectly on either the main bed or ribbing bed then you'll run into more trouble with a complex (thickness varied) or very thin (2 ply) yarn than you would with a simple 3 or 4 ply which are more tolerant of mistakes. | ||
| − | The yarn supplied in the yarn crate is for learning how to knit, feel free to use it to create small samples and tests. If you want to start a project (scarf, sock, pillow, whatever) please supply your own yarn | + | The yarn supplied in the yarn crate is for learning how to knit, feel free to use it to create small samples and tests. If you want to start a project (scarf, sock, pillow, whatever) please supply your own yarn. Always buy a little extra for mistakes. If you have leftovers, you could consider donating them to the yarn box ;) |
| − | |||
| − | |||
==Computer Connection== | ==Computer Connection== | ||
[[File:Knitter-USB-cable.jpg|thumb|right|USB Cable]] | [[File:Knitter-USB-cable.jpg|thumb|right|USB Cable]] | ||
| − | The knitting machine | + | The purpose of connecting the knitting machine to a computer is so you can knit a two-colour pattern from a bitmap image. This is much easier than using the mylar sheets, however some experience using the command line is recommended before you try this. |
| + | |||
| + | You will need: | ||
| + | * Follow [http://learn.adafruit.com/electroknit/ ladyada's excellent tutorial] (her 930 is older than our 950i, the equivalent button to "step" is "M") | ||
| + | * Our hacked USB to FTDI cable created by [[User:Russ|Russ]] ([[User talk:Russ|talk]]) using the tutorial [http://daviworks.com/knitting/cable_tutorial.html here]. You can find the cable in the knitting machine crate on the craft area shelves. | ||
| + | * Our modified version of the python floppy drive emulator [https://github.com/chixor/knitting_machine available to download here]. Ladyada's 930 is a 16bit knitting machine, our 950i is a 32bit machine so changes had to be made. Shout out to [http://www.kentfield.co.uk/hacking_the_brother_950i.html Sally Kentfield for her support]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Our python floppy drive emulator codebase is in active development by [[User:Chixor|Chixor]] ([[User talk:Chixor|talk]]). Current work includes: | ||
| + | * Upgrading to multi-colour | ||
| + | * Accept the most common image formats (png, jpg, gif, bmp) | ||
| + | * Any width and height images (not restricted to 60x150 grid) | ||
| + | * A much improved user interface | ||
| − | + | Best talk to [[User:Russ|Russ]] ([[User talk:Russ|talk]]) if you have problems with the USB cable. Have a chat with [[User:Chixor|Chixor]] ([[User talk:Chixor|talk]]) if you have problems with the python script. | |
| − | + | [[User:Chixor|Chixor]] has been pondering how to convert this rudimentary (steep learning curve) hack into a simple print service interface that doesn't require any programming or command line knowledge. Pondering diagram below, it's a work in progress. | |
| + | |||
| + | [[File:Knitting-machine-networked.png|thumb|center|Knitting Machine Print Server]] | ||
==Some inspiration== | ==Some inspiration== | ||
| − | What can | + | ===So what have we been doing with it?=== |
| + | |||
| + | [[File:Two_colour_samples_(front).jpeg|150px]] [[File:two-colour-back.jpg|150px]] [[File:qr-code.jpg|150px]] [[File:two-colour-jumper.jpg|265px]] [[File:halloween-bunting.jpg|265px]] [[File:two-colour-scarf.jpg|150px]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===What else can be done? === | ||
| + | |||
| + | *[http://www.kentfield.co.uk/ Sally Kentfield's Marvellous Knits] | ||
*[http://www.stylebite.com/2010/08/anie-larson.html Annie Larson’s Colorful Knitwear] | *[http://www.stylebite.com/2010/08/anie-larson.html Annie Larson’s Colorful Knitwear] | ||
| − | |||
*[http://www.toroidalsnark.net/mathknit.html The home of mathematical knitting] | *[http://www.toroidalsnark.net/mathknit.html The home of mathematical knitting] | ||
**[http://www.toroidalsnark.net/mkpp.html Multidimensional patterns] | **[http://www.toroidalsnark.net/mkpp.html Multidimensional patterns] | ||
| Line 87: | Line 105: | ||
*[http://www.k2g2.org/wiki:blf Brother Liberation Front] more crafting machine hacks | *[http://www.k2g2.org/wiki:blf Brother Liberation Front] more crafting machine hacks | ||
*[http://www.knitic.com/about/ Knitic] a different way to mod a knitting machine | *[http://www.knitic.com/about/ Knitic] a different way to mod a knitting machine | ||
| + | *[http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoUZP3NyltP8wWNF69XK-cgpMUzUr1Bii Diana Sullivan's beginner lessons] on YouTube | ||
[[Category:Textiles]] | [[Category:Textiles]] | ||
Revision as of 18:02, 2 December 2019
| Knitting Machine | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Model | Brother KH-950i |
| Sub-category | Crafts |
| Status | Good working order |
| Last updated | 19 August 2022 21:58:08 |
| Consumables | Yarn |
| Accessories | Brother KR-850 Ribber, Brother KL-116 Knit-Leader, yarn winder |
| Training requirement | Yes |
| Training link | Unknown |
| ACnode | No |
| Origin | Unknown |
| Location | Ground floor, Middle Room room, crafts corner |
| Maintainers | Chixor, Russ, Solexious |
We have a Brother KH-950i knitting machine with a pile of attachments which we bought through a pledge in July 2011. This is a computerised knitting machine with the capability of "printing" in multi colour either from the large collection of on-board patterns, draw your own pattern on supplied mylar sheets or via USB.
The Bits
Our knitting kit consists of:
- Brother KH-950 Knitting Machine
- Brother KR-850 Ribber
- Brother KRC-900 4 Way Double Bed Colour Changer
- Brother KL-116 Knit-Leader
How to use it
The knitter is a surprisingly complex device - talk to someone who knows how to use it before using it (try Chixor first, but Solexious, Russ, and Tom Wyatt have also used it). Being shown how to set it up and use it will save you at least an hour and will reduce the chance that you'll break it.
Dispense with your hubris, and read the manual. You might think you're able to use any device without a manual, but this will prove you wrong and leave you looking like a fool. The manual is mostly good (if rather terse and formatted in a fetching, patronisingly sexist shade of pink), but you have to follow it well and take it slowly. And sometimes it glosses over the important bits.
Log book
If you run into any problems (the machine jams repeatedly, you run out of yarn or a needle bends) we won't growl we just need to know about it so it can be fixed. Record your usage and any issues on the knitting machine log book here.
Where it Lives
In the Wembley space you can find the knitting machine and its accessories/attachments on the 1st floor in the textiles room.
Please keep the knitting equipment in the correct boxes, or everyone will get confused. The parts live in 5 different boxes:
- The KH-950 knitting machine, in its proper white case with a handle. This contains everything you need to use the knitter itself. When you open the box, observe carefully where everything is, because it's a bugger to put back together. (Instructions on how to pack the knitting machine up are in the manual.)
- The ribber, its accessories (plus a couple of large spares for the knitting machine), in a cardboard box. (Some of these accessories might be useful for using the knitter alone but they are not essential for it.)
- A plastic box with the yarn, elastic, and misc additional knitter accessories.
- The "Knit-Leader" and its tube of supplies, loose.
- The Waitrose bag of knitting books, which includes the manuals for all the devices.
Yarns
The KH-950i is a standard gauge domestic 4.5mm (industrial 5.6 gauge). This means it will knit:
- 2 ply
- 3 ply (fingering weight)
- 4 ply (sock/sweater weight)
- some double knitting / sport weight yarns
If you're new to the realm of machine knitting it's best to use a 3 or 4 ply yarn that's smooth and consistent all the way along (no thickness variation or fancy bits). The reason for this is if you haven't setup the yarn feeder or tension dial perfectly on either the main bed or ribbing bed then you'll run into more trouble with a complex (thickness varied) or very thin (2 ply) yarn than you would with a simple 3 or 4 ply which are more tolerant of mistakes.
The yarn supplied in the yarn crate is for learning how to knit, feel free to use it to create small samples and tests. If you want to start a project (scarf, sock, pillow, whatever) please supply your own yarn. Always buy a little extra for mistakes. If you have leftovers, you could consider donating them to the yarn box ;)
Computer Connection
The purpose of connecting the knitting machine to a computer is so you can knit a two-colour pattern from a bitmap image. This is much easier than using the mylar sheets, however some experience using the command line is recommended before you try this.
You will need:
- Follow ladyada's excellent tutorial (her 930 is older than our 950i, the equivalent button to "step" is "M")
- Our hacked USB to FTDI cable created by Russ (talk) using the tutorial here. You can find the cable in the knitting machine crate on the craft area shelves.
- Our modified version of the python floppy drive emulator available to download here. Ladyada's 930 is a 16bit knitting machine, our 950i is a 32bit machine so changes had to be made. Shout out to Sally Kentfield for her support.
Our python floppy drive emulator codebase is in active development by Chixor (talk). Current work includes:
- Upgrading to multi-colour
- Accept the most common image formats (png, jpg, gif, bmp)
- Any width and height images (not restricted to 60x150 grid)
- A much improved user interface
Best talk to Russ (talk) if you have problems with the USB cable. Have a chat with Chixor (talk) if you have problems with the python script.
Chixor has been pondering how to convert this rudimentary (steep learning curve) hack into a simple print service interface that doesn't require any programming or command line knowledge. Pondering diagram below, it's a work in progress.
Some inspiration
So what have we been doing with it?
.jpeg)
What else can be done?
- Sally Kentfield's Marvellous Knits
- Annie Larson’s Colorful Knitwear
- The home of mathematical knitting
Links
- Floppy Drive Emulator
- Brother Accessories Explained
- Knittington, a GUI for the serial interface hack
- Brother Liberation Front more crafting machine hacks
- Knitic a different way to mod a knitting machine
- Diana Sullivan's beginner lessons on YouTube