Antique Sock Knitting Machines - CRAFT Video Podcast

I caught up with Shelly Hatton at Maker Faire Austin, where she was demonstrating antique circular sock knitting machines! She writes, "Circular sock machines have been around since the early 1900's and were built so sturdily that they still survive and work to this day. The machines were originally advertised as a way for homemakers to make money at home by cranking out socks, but the learning curve was really high. Currently, there are a number of enthusiasts around the globe who help each other figure out how to use these really nifty antique machines." Shelly got interested in these machines when she heard a friend had knitted a pair of sock in two hours!

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Howto & Style

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• antique
• austin
• craft
• faire
• knitting
• machine
• magazine
• maker
• sock
• makezine
• how-to
• diy
• electronics
• science
• art

[zarry22]

Ohgosh, so cool. I will never look at my socks the same way again. (Seriously!) Neat old machine - isn't it great when things are built to last?

[psychodelicdragon]

very awesome that the technology has lasted that many years. how do you find one of these machines?

[kjhblue]

@Chassid48 Hi I have one of these machines for sale not 100 years old however it is circa 50+ years old still in its original box with the original Instruction service manual and instructions. It is the Ricut MIRACLE portable Hand Knitter. If you are interested please contact me at raisethewind@yahoo.co.uk

Kevin

[Chassid48]

Oh fantastic machine. I wonder if I could ever find one that works that I could purchase?

Abraham in Stephenville,TX

[tranquilisolati]

I renewed my interest in knitting after reading loomknittingnow (.) com

[Ritercrazy]

Love it that the machine has lasted this long! Quality quality quality. Love the machine. You are blessed to have it!

[TheAutumnWinter]

If I had one of these, I would make hundreds of pairs of thigh-highs. And it would make my day.

[BigTerKC]

They are really cool machines, and for the comments saying you can't make really cool pattern's like lace and textures, you can, its a little slower, but by using that pick thing she was using to point with you can transfer the stitches and make different patterns like lace, herringbone, tuck, and also with the ribber you can set the needles up on half after you do the ribbing and do 1x1 rib down to the toe.

They are truly cool machines!

[Kdb2kdd]

These are still sold by a company called "N.Z.A.K" for about $1800.00

[cosmobunter]

Fantastic! Informative and interesting. Thank you.

[SunflowerHeliotrope]

That is really cool! Still...I think I prefer hand-knitting. I like incorporating lace into my knitting too much :P Still, I've always wondered how they made store-bought socks like that...