Knitting machine: how to choose and buy new or used wisely
The gauge comes first
Knitting machines are classed by gauge, which is the distance between the needles. The lower the gauge, the thicker the yarn it needs: a 3 or 4.5 gauge machine knits chunky pieces, while 5 and 7 gauge suit fine knitwear. Get the gauge wrong and you end up with a machine that simply won't take your yarn.
The second question is one needle bed or two. A double-bed machine can do ribbing, cuffs and bulky patterns, but it costs more and is harder to set up.
What to put in your request
- what exactly — the machine itself, a second bed, a colour-change carriage or needles;
- model — for example Silver Reed SK280;
- gauge and whether it has one bed or two;
- patterns — punch cards, electronic patterning, computer link, motor drive;
- what is included — second bed, extra carriages, spare needles, table, manual;
- what it is for — a hobby at home or a small business;
- new or used, delivery with your city and budget.
Example: “Looking for a used 5 gauge knitting machine, double bed, with punch cards, complete with the second bed and table. For a small socks business. Courier delivery to Cape Town, budget up to R 7,900.”
What to check in a used machine
Few new knitting machines are on sale, so most people look for used ones, and checking matters. The carriage should glide along the whole bed without catching. The needles should be intact: bent, broken or rusty ones cause dropped stitches. Check that no plates or combs are missing, and that the punch cards or electronic unit are there if it is a patterning model.
Simple but important: ask for the original manual and whether spare parts for this model can still be found. For old models needles and carriages are harder to find, so it is better to know this beforehand. Ask for a video in which the seller knits a few rows.
How to compare offers
Compare the same gauge and the same extras: a table, a second bed or a patterning carriage can change the price more than the brand does. Ask how the machine will be shipped: it is heavy and fragile, so it needs solid packing.
How it works with BlaBlaPrice
You describe what you are looking for once on BlaBlaPrice, and sellers reply in chat with the machine, its condition, price and delivery. They can see where their offer stands and compete for your request. The site shows the best-value offer first, with seller reviews next to it. Contacts stay hidden and are opened only to the seller you choose. More on the How it works page.
For sewing, take a look at sewing machines and overlockers, and if you need parts, see spare parts for home appliances. The overview of the section is in Home appliances.
