Brother DesignaKnit Cable Comparison
Use this quick comparison to help decide which Brother cable setup best matches your machine and the way you want to use DesignaKnit.
- Recommended cable
- Optional secondary option
| Feature / Use | USB BrotherLink 5 (Full Featured) | USB BrotherLink 4 (Cartridge Cable / 4 Plus variant) |
|---|---|---|
| Buy this cable if… | You want two-way communication with DesignaKnit, need to upload 900-series patterns from the machine or PPD, and want Interactive Knitting via a magnet arm (works with any machine). | You use a cartridge-based Brother machine, want easy pattern downloads, need standalone transfer software, or want Interactive Knitting with Brother electronic machines (4 Plus variant). |
| Primary purpose | Two-way: download to machine and upload 900-series patterns to DesignaKnit | Download to cartridge-style machines + extra transfer features |
| Download patterns from DesignaKnit to machine | Yes | Yes |
| Upload patterns from machine/PPD to DesignaKnit | Yes (900-series patterns only) | No |
| Machines supported (direct) | KH930, KH940, KH950i, KH965i, KH970 | KH270, KH900, KH965, KH965i, KH970 |
| PPD support | Yes (PPD for KH900; PPD for CK35) | Yes (PPD) |
| Cartridge details (PPD / CK35) | PPD using Cartridge III in KH900 mode, or PPD using CK35 cartridge | Supports CK35; special version available for downloading to CK35 via the PPD |
| Includes its own transfer software | No | Yes |
| Can replace a PPD cartridge | No | Yes |
| Interactive Knitting (DesignaKnit 8 / 9) | Yes — includes magnet arm; works with any knitting machine, including non-electronic | Yes (4 Plus variant) — works with Brother electronic knitting machines |
Still not sure? Check the individual cable pages for more details, compatibility notes, and ordering information.
