Michelle

Be kind to yourself everyone learns at different rates and by different methods

• Patience no matter how smart you are there is a learning curve
• Practice if you watch a video go and try to do it right away
• Join Facebook groups Lots of talent out there to help you
• Join Knit it Now Knit-alongs watch the videos
• Be kind to yourself everyone learns at different rates and by different methods

Lise

Learn the capabilities of Machine different functions

• Master short rowing
• Learn the capabilities of Machine different functions
• Adjusting pattern to self (fit)
• Which yarn to use
• Finishing edges

Claire

Machine Knitters love to share their skills

• Always ask others to help if you know anyone. Machine Knitters love to share their skills.
• Look to see if there are any clubs near to you. Local libraries sometimes have a list of local clubs.
• Ask the people you bought your machine from and look in magazines for help.
• I now act as a Buddy in my area which means that Machine Knitters can ring or email me for help and advice. I started in Cyprus and knew no-one, but I persevered and got well and truly hooked

Jean

Yes! Gauge is important ...and NO! It's not a waste of yarn!

• Yes! Gauge is important ...and NO! it's not a waste of yarn!
• Practise is important, even if you think it's "just a simple little whatever
• use good yarn. Not something your Mom, or Grandma had stashed.
• Find a great site - like Knit it Now - and videos that might make it easier to start a project.
• If you can, find a course that is offered, (why not find a group if there is one, and join it)

Joann

Repeat after me ....

• One machine
• One pattern
• One yarn
• Work it
• Work it

Choose: Until you get it right!

Betty

Beginner's need to feel good about a new craft slow & easy

• Start out with a very basic project ---- dishcloth, Baby Blanket, Scarf something that you would use to set up machine - ewrap - latch off/bind off -basic Something very very basic..something you would be able to use and be proud of....you made OPENING THE DOOR FOR A BEGINNER
• Move to a very simple top --- boat neck......again something simple no shaping ... plain knit.....no ribber yet No increase or decrease Mock ribbing on the bottom??? Again something you would be proud of...you made
• Still a simple top, hat ..... introduce mock ribbing....learning more about setting on your machine, yarn Charting...Knit it How was a build in system Something beginners, I think needs to learn
• Still a simple top/project.... lots of things to do without ribber Beginner's need to feel good about a new craft slow & easy
• Introduce ribbing.....

Marilyn

Check your gauge first

• Gauge- I assumed if I took recommendation off the wool label I would get the perfect sizing Wrong! Check your gauge first.
• Realize how much hand manipulation your chosen pattern will need before starting (I have a Bond, I love)
• Choose wool for project, put all other away from machine. Some colors are too close to be left in work area. They show up on knitted garment - probably not where you want it.

Cindy

Allow yourself to be a beginner and expect mistakes and triumphs

• Allow yourself to be a beginner and expect mistakes and triumphs
• Read instructions, watch the videos and then DO IT !
• Start at the beginning and let your projects grow with your skills!
• Play with all of the buttons on your carriage-you will need to memorize which is which and along the way you will learn how to put stitches back on the needles, how to use the hand tools , etc.
• Ask questions, look at other's work and know that you will be a machine knitter along the way!

Jennie

Machine knitting is addictive. Don't say I didn't warn you!

• Don't feel guilty about your massive yarn stash. We've all got one!
• You are not alone! We've ALL struggled, we've ALL made mistakes, so don't feel you are stupid or silly if something goes wrong.
• Modern knitting machines can do so much it is tempting to plunge in and try and conquer everything TO-DAY. Slow down, take time to get really familiar with the basics, practice new techniques and master just one machine first.
• Machine knitting is addictive. Don't say I didn't warn you!
• Make the most of Knit It Now - it's the most fantastic resource with lots of help, ideas and fun for every machine knitter.

Shari

Basic machine operation, of course

• Basic machine operation, of course
• Gauge Swatch: making and measuring
• Basic sweater construction and assembly
• Yarn cone info: yarn weights 2/10, 2/30, 8/2 ??!, cone storage, and wax or not?
• Weights: what kind, when to use, where to use, and which extras to have on hand? how to move weights/bar for long garment that hits the floor?
• machine cleaning, maintenance, and care between uses. Any No-No’s?

Wilma

Which machines are available for which yarns

• Which machines are available for which yarns
• I was led to believe I could knit up to DK weight on the standard gauge machine. With my garter carriage I can sometimes, but not without it. If I’d known I would have bought a mid gauge for my first machine.
• Think ahead of what you will be likely to knit the most and in what techniques. The plain lace on a silver reed is so much easier (in my opinion)
• Info like that on Knit it Now for helping to beat the learning curve and not having a km hibernating at the attic. Also for the little Know-hows to make things easier.

Marie Jo

I personally made ALL these mistakes !!

• First of all, take time to know how works the machine : buttons, keys, combs.. it's frustrating to read the booklet while trying a new swatch
• "Swatching is not optional!!" A new pattern or a new yarn needs a new swatch
• The yarn : it's critical to use a yarn that matches perfectly the gauge of the machine; neither too big nor too thin
• Don't start a project without knowing how much yarn you need !! (The Knit it Now yarn estimator is a precious tool.)
• A lot of very easy patterns are available : start with the beginning and enjoy increasing your skills!

Josephine

Take the beginner course on Knit It Now!

• How to take the machine apart when it gets stuck...I damaged needles and brushes because I did not know, I panicked!
• Start small and be realistic
• Most problems are technical
• Practice
• There are free manuals on the web...study them
• Take the beginner course on Knit It Now!

Nancy

Only unbreakable rule...SWATCH

• Only unbreakable rule...SWATCH Swatching doesn't take as long as tearing out and starting over
• Label and keep notes, you will not remember as much as you think you will.
• Use swatching to try new stitch patterns and label everything.
• Learn your machine...each model has its own quirks and every individual machine has has a personality... if you know how it is supposed to feel as you knit, you can sense problems immediately and take action.
• Invest in a dozen or so large knitters safety pins (no coil) keep them open and close at hand to slip into a dropped stitch before it can run...in lace knitting pin the dropped stitch to the stitch it should be knitted together with.
• HAVE FUN

Kathy

Great Tips!

• Learn how to calculate amount of yarn needed
• How to rip out correctly and reuse yarn
• Dye lots and how to use separate lots if needed
• Cleaning machines. Which Chemicals to use.
• How to oil correctly

Jacqueline

It is a 'high maintenance hobby' this is not something you can really do once in a while

• Machine knitting is not like knitting in a rocking chair. It is more like you as a pilot with your aircraft or you as a SCUBA diver with your air supply. You are having an experience with a machine, not a tool. This has sophisticated mechanics that need to be understood to be used well.
• Have your pre-flight checklist : all clean, lubricated, straight needles, resilient sponge bar, yarn that plays nicely with the feeders, carriages and needles, weights that make sense
• In-flight activities should be made pleasurable. Will you love managing the machine and yarn. Will you enjoy finding the right pace. Are you happy to keep your eyes pealed for problems and fix them early before small problems become big problems.
• Post flight : How well you end one machine knitting session will determine how nice it is to start the next. Make it clear via notes, and placement of all the pieces to pick up seamlessly where you left off
• It is a 'high maintenance 'hobby' this is not something you can really do once in a while and then when you have 20 min. It has a consuming effect on your space and time. If there are 10 other hobbies in your life this will probably not fly.

Elaine

Ravel Cord, Label Your Tools, Ribbing Tip

• Where to get Ravel Cord: In the US, Hobby Lobby has a large collection of slippery cord. For std gauge machines, I use dental floss that is nicely waxed!
• Label your tools: If it's a 1/3 prong tool, label the 1 end with "3" and the 3 end with "1", and so on with all the tools, so when they are in the tool holder, you know what's hidden, as all three tools are different -- a 1/2, a 2/3 and a 3/1. If you have two two prongs sticking up, you don't have to guess which has the 1 prong and which has the 2 prong.
• How to make ribbing with waste yarn, then use 1 circle with ravel cord. After that, make your zigzag row, two or three circular rows, and knit the rib. There is much less flair on the bottom. Ribbing Cast on Methods

Claire

Don’t knit for hours on end, take a break. You’ll avoid a lot of mistakes

• Knit slowly and evenly. I had a teacher when I started and was always trying to keep up with my friend who was fast. Not good
• Spend the time swatching, it’s really worth it. You can use the swatches for cast on rags
• Lubricate machine between projects. Remove dust and yarn bits
• Don’t knit for hours on end, take a break. You’ll avoid a lot of mistakes
• PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE!

Joy

Don't expect to knit something wearable the first time

• They should know that they will make lots of mistakes
• Find out how to clear a jammed carriage
• Read the manual thoroughly
• Don't expect to knit something wearable the first time lol
• Watch plenty of how to videos

Cindy

Fool around with your equipment; you will be the boss eventually!

• Take notes--you will NOT remember what you did when you go to repeat it!
• The row counter is your ally; use it and write down where you are when you do something!
• Fool around with your equipment; you will be the boss eventually!
• Walk away when frustrated and watch one of Sue's videos and then walk back to your machine and watch the video again and then follow along with the video while you are DOING what you want to learn!
• Practice--you will make tons of swatches (learn to have a good attitude while doing so bc this is another ally) Don't hesitate to make a sleeve or a sweater back for example several times until you feel comfortable. (Rip it out and rewind the ball and then knit it for real!)

BONUS TIP --This tip I am still working on--GATE PEGS ARE MY FRIENDS; they really do not mean to grab and catch every strand or loop of yarn and make a tangle but they DO!!!!

Betty

Great Tips

• The easiest cast on method for a closed edge [Learn the one YOU like]
• When to use scrap yarn
• Why my cast on does not knit all stitches [Learn what the buttons and levers on your machine do]
• Tension on machine same as hand knitting needle size
• How often to oil machine

Leolinda

Don't try to learn and practice too many things at one time

• You could use waste yarn before the definite cast on
• The latch tool bindoff
• How to do a proper swatch
• Learn one thing ,practice and when you feel confident learn a new. Don't try to learn and practice too many things at one time
• Read and practice the things in the manual
• It's not a quick journey, takes alot of time and effort, but every little thing conquered is a joy

Lorrie

Use natural fibers not just acrylic yarns

• Sponge bar needs to be replaced.
• casting on methods
• That you can use natural fibers not just acrylic yarns
• Where to find patterns for the machine (Knit it Now - where else? Sue)
• Where to find classes? (Knit it Now - where else? Sue) Hard to find locally but lots of the web