Silver Reed LK150
- Gauge
- Mid-Gauge (6.5 mm)
- Patterning
- Manual
- Bed
- Plastic
Silver Reed LK150 is a mid-gauge (6.5 mm) manual knitting machine with a plastic needle bed, well suited to plain knitting and hand-selected patterning.
Silver Reed vs. Taitexma Knitting Machines
Silver Reed and Taitexma both offer new knitting machines, but their model ranges and patterning systems differ. Silver Reed is the choice for knitters who want a currently produced electronic standard-gauge machine, while Taitexma offers punchcard and manual machines in a wider range of gauges, including bulky. The best choice depends on the yarns you use, the type of patterning you prefer, accessory availability, and current delivery times.
Model availability can change. Follow the links on this page for current machines offered by Knit It Now.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Silver Reed | Taitexma |
|---|---|---|
| Available new | Yes, 5 models listed for sale | Yes, 5 models listed for sale |
| Standard-gauge models | SK280, SK840, SRP 60N | TA-8200, TH860, TR-850 |
| Mid-gauge models | LK150 | TH160 |
| Bulky models | SK155 | TH260 |
| Electronic option | SK840 | No electronic model currently listed for sale |
| Punchcard option | SK155, SK280 | TH260, TH860 |
| Plastic-bed option | LK150 | TA-8200 |
| Needle-selection method | Patterning needles selected as the carriage knits the row (not visibly preselected before the pass) | Punchcard machines preselect needles for the next row, similar to many vintage Brother machines |
| Ribber availability | Optional ribbers listed for SK155, SK280, SK840 | Optional ribbers listed for TH160, TH260, TH860 |
| Lace capability | SK155: Thread/Punch-Lace; SK280: Thread/Punch-Lace; SK840: Lace, Thread/Punch-Lace | TH260: Thread/Punch-Lace; TH860: Lace, Thread/Punch-Lace |
| Typical ordering considerations | LK150: Available; SK155: Available; SK280: Available; SK840: Available; SRP 60N: Available. Availability and delivery times vary. Check the current machine listing or contact Knit It Now. | TA-8200: Available; TH160: Expected Ship Date September 15; TH260: Expected Ship Date September 15; TH860: Expected Ship Date August 15; TR-850: Expected Ship Date September 15. Availability and delivery times vary. Check the current machine listing or contact Knit It Now. |
What should you compare before buying?
A Silver Reed vs Taitexma decision usually comes down to practical fit, not brand loyalty. Compare these factors on the specific models you are considering:
- Electronic, punchcard, or manual patterning
- Metal or plastic needle bed
- Machine knitting gauge and yarn weight
- Available accessories
- Replacement parts and support
- Current availability and delivery time
- Budget
Silver Reed knitting machines
Silver Reed is a long-established Japanese knitting machine brand with current shop listings that include standard-gauge punchcard and electronic models, a mid-gauge manual machine, and a bulky punchcard option.
Silver Reed SK155
- Gauge
- Bulky/Chunky (9 mm)
- Patterning
- Punchcard
- Bed
- Metal
Silver Reed SK155 is a bulky/chunky (9 mm) punchcard knitting machine for automatic stitch patterns without a computer.
Silver Reed SK280
- Gauge
- Standard Gauge (4.5 mm)
- Patterning
- Punchcard
- Bed
- Metal
If you're looking for a standard gauge knitting machine, the Silver Reed SK-280 is one of my favorite recommendations. It's dependable, easy to learn, and gives you plenty of room to grow as your skills improve.
Silver Reed SK840
- Gauge
- Standard Gauge (4.5 mm)
- Patterning
- Electronic
- Bed
- Metal
If you're looking for a standard gauge electronic knitting machine, the Silver Reed SK840 gives you 4.5 mm needle spacing with electronic patterning instead of punch cards.
Silver Reed SRP 60N
- Gauge
- Standard Gauge (4.5 mm)
- Patterning
- -
- Bed
- Metal
Silver Reed SRP 60N is a standard gauge (4.5 mm) knitting machine listed in the Knit It Now shop.
Silver Reed may be a good fit when:
- You want an electronic standard-gauge option.
- You use or plan to use DesignaKnit.
- You want a widely recognized modern machine system.
- The available Silver Reed gauge matches the yarns you want to knit.
Taitexma knitting machines
Taitexma produces new Brother-style knitting machines, including standard-gauge punchcard, mid-gauge manual, and bulky punchcard models. Current shop listings use metal beds and Brother-style punchcard needle preselection on patterning models.
Taitexma TA-8200
- Gauge
- Standard Gauge (4.5 mm)
- Patterning
- -
- Bed
- Plastic
The TA-8200 Intarsia Carriage lets you create beautiful multicolored designs without carrying floats across the back of your knitting. Instead of hand-manipulating each color, the carriage makes it easy to knit picture motifs, geometric patterns, lettering, and other colorwork one row at a time.
Taitexma TH160
- Gauge
- Mid-Gauge (6.5 mm)
- Patterning
- Manual
- Bed
- Metal
Taitexma TH160 is a mid-gauge (6.5 mm) manual knitting machine, well suited to plain knitting and hand-selected patterning.
Taitexma TH260
- Gauge
- Bulky/Chunky (9 mm)
- Patterning
- Punchcard
- Bed
- Metal
Taitexma TH260 is a bulky/chunky (9 mm) punchcard knitting machine for automatic stitch patterns without a computer.
Taitexma TH860
- Gauge
- Standard Gauge (4.5 mm)
- Patterning
- Punchcard
- Bed
- Metal
Metal bed, this machine will provide years of service. Get all of the domestic knitting machine functionality with minimal fuss. The punchcard feature offers automatic needle selection for amazing texture and color stitch patterns. The included lace carriage combined with punchcards creates "true" eyelet lace, equivalent to (k2tog, yo) in hand knitting.
Taitexma TR-850
- Gauge
- Standard Gauge (4.5 mm)
- Patterning
- -
- Bed
- Metal
The Taitexma TR-850 Ribber transforms your Taitexma TH860 knitting machine into a versatile double-bed knitting system. By working two needle beds together, the ribber allows you to create beautiful, elastic fabrics that are impossible to produce with a single bed alone.
Taitexma may be a good fit when:
- You want a new punchcard machine.
- You prefer Brother-style needle preselection.
- You want a currently produced bulky-gauge option.
- One of the available Taitexma gauges better matches your preferred yarn.
How needle selection differs
Needle selection is one of the most important technical differences in a Silver Reed vs Taitexma comparison. Both brands can knit patterned fabric successfully, but the carriage pass feels different.
Silver Reed needle selection
On Silver Reed machines, patterning needles are selected as the carriage knits the row. The needles are not visibly preselected before the carriage pass, so you do not see the upcoming patterning selection in advance.
Taitexma punchcard needle preselection
Taitexma punchcard machines preselect the needles for the next row, similar to many vintage Brother machines. After one row is completed, the needles required for the following pattern row are moved into their selected position.
This difference affects how the machines feel to operate, but both systems can produce patterned knitting successfully.
Electronic patterning and DesignaKnit
Among current shop listings, the Silver Reed SK840 is the DesignaKnit compatible knitting machine option for automatic electronic patterning. Like other Silver Reed electronic machines, the SK840 uses an external pattern source rather than built-in pattern memory.
DesignaKnit can send patterning information through a SilverLink 5 connecting cable and the Silver Reed curl cord included with the SK840 listing. Interactive Knitting with DesignaKnit is also possible on manual machines such as the LK150 using a Screen Link cable, but those machines do not download stitch patterns to the bed.
Taitexma does not currently list an electronic knitting machine for sale on Knit It Now. Vintage Silver Reed EC1/PE1 controllers are no longer produced; current electronic patterning on Silver Reed generally uses DesignaKnit with a SilverLink cable instead.
Learn more on the DesignaKnit overview and DesignaKnit Basics reference pages.
Which machine should you choose?
Choose Silver Reed when...
- You want a currently listed electronic standard-gauge machine.
- DesignaKnit electronic patterning matters to your workflow.
- You prefer a plastic-bed mid-gauge manual option such as the LK150.
- A Silver Reed punchcard or bulky model matches your yarn and technique goals.
Choose Taitexma when...
- You want a new punchcard knitting machine with Brother-style preselection.
- You want a currently listed bulky-gauge punchcard model.
- A Taitexma mid-gauge or standard-gauge listing fits your yarn range better.
Compare individual models before deciding
Brand alone is not enough. Machine gauge, patterning method, accessories, price, and current availability matter more than the name on the bed. Use the quick comparison above, then open the individual machine pages before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Are Silver Reed and Taitexma knitting machines still made?
Both brands still appear on current Knit It Now shop listings. Silver Reed has 5 models and Taitexma has 5 models listed for sale today. Model availability can change. Follow the links on this page for current machines offered by Knit It Now.
Does Taitexma make an electronic knitting machine?
No Taitexma electronic knitting machine is currently listed for sale on Knit It Now. Current Taitexma shop listings are punchcard and manual models.
Which brand offers a bulky knitting machine?
Among current shop listings, Silver Reed offers SK155, and Taitexma offers TH260. Compare gauge, patterning, and accessories on each machine page before deciding.
Which machines work with DesignaKnit?
The Silver Reed SK840 support DesignaKnit electronic patterning with a SilverLink 5 cable and curl cord. The Silver Reed LK150 can use DesignaKnit Interactive Knitting with a Screen Link cable, but pattern download to the machine is not supported on manual machines. Taitexma punchcard and manual models do not download patterns from DesignaKnit.
What is the difference between Silver Reed selection and Taitexma preselection?
On Silver Reed machines, patterning needles are selected as the carriage knits the row, so you do not see the upcoming pattern selection in advance. Taitexma punchcard machines preselect the needles required for the following pattern row after one row is completed. Both systems can produce patterned knitting successfully; the difference is mainly in how the carriage pass feels during pattern work.
Is Silver Reed or Taitexma better for a beginner?
Neither brand is universally better for every beginner. A plastic-bed manual machine such as the Silver Reed LK150 can be approachable for plain knitting, while a punchcard model adds automatic patterning with more setup to learn. Compare machine gauge, patterning type, included accessories, and current availability rather than choosing by brand alone.
Can I add a ribber to these machines?
Several current listings include optional ribbers in the machine database accessories (Optional ribbers listed for SK155, SK280, SK840; Optional ribbers listed for TH160, TH260, TH860). Ribber compatibility depends on the specific main-bed model.
Where can I check current machine availability?
Visit the Knit It Now knitting machines shop page for current listings, availability badges, and links to individual model pages. Availability and delivery times vary by model.
