LeaMar 6
I’m at a knitting conference, and Scott and I decided to use this as a forcing deadline to publish an alpha version of the printable modular flat-bed knitting machine that he has been working on. I made a lil zine about it too.
Show threadLea
Mar 6 at 7:12pmMetatext
Show threadLeaMar 6

Knit files and instructions: https://cmu-devlab.github.io/knitting_machine/

This is absolutely an alpha release and we’d welcome feedback. The documentation notably does not include any “how to knit with this,” but fwiw this machine was highly inspired by the Bond “Ultimate Sweater Machine” (as well as other modular knitting machines on Thingiverse), so tutorials for those should be helpful here too.

Knitting Machine | DevLab

An inexpensive modular knitting machine

Show threadLeaMar 6

The machine has, shall we say, zero bells or whistles. It was engineered by Scott (an expert in hobby build processes) to be robust to low-quality printing, to use very few tools, to minimize complication (e.g. all of the bolts are the same), and to be modifiable and open-ended. It is probably harder to use than a “real” machine.

It does have one genuinely helpful unique feature: the cams and needles are *much* more visible than in other machines. I think this will make it good for teaching!

Show threadLeaMar 6
also I’ve been walking around holding this thing like a keytar
Show threadOliv'Mar 9
@lea this looks really interesting, and I am genuinely intrigued. Any video of it in action? 😇
Show threadLeaMar 9

@oliv Not yet! It’s very much a work in progress (and we were mostly pushing for this deadline of showing people in-person at the conference).

It is definitely not the very smoothest knitting experience and I think a video will help set expectations, so I do want to get some footage soon. I’m hoping that’s within the next few weeks (but, I mean, I hope all kinds of things and they don’t always happen).

Show threadOliv'Mar 10
@lea thanks, I will follow the project :)
Show threadJulia EvansMar 6
@lea ooo i've never 3d printed anything but i've been really wanting to 3d print a knitting machine!!
Show threadLeaMar 6

@b0rk Build files and instructions here: https://cmu-devlab.github.io/knitting_machine/

If you try it, let me know how it goes! This is very much an alpha release, feedback would be highly appreciated. :)

Knitting Machine | DevLab

An inexpensive modular knitting machine

Show threadLeaMar 6
@b0rk also uhhhhh the docs were written 1) “very recently” and 2) with not enough sleep. (I already see a typo in the zine…)
I do hope to improve them somewhat but you should also absolutely ask any questions you have.
Show threadJulia EvansMar 6
@lea will do thank you!
Show threadJulia EvansMar 6
@lea I think the materials links in the PDF (like "25N KR830, KR838, or KR850 needles such as _these_") are not working? https://cmu-devlab.github.io/knitting_machine/knitting_machine_instructions.pdf
Show threadLeaMar 6
@b0rk haha oh no! Will look into it.
Show threadLeaMar 6
@b0rk I can’t upload the fix because the site is GitHub pages (not my choice) and apparently one can’t push to git on eduroam.
Here are the links:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BYJWBGYK
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FSVK2Y
https://excelblades.com/collections/knives-and-cutters/products/k1-craft-knife
https://excelblades.com/products/sprue-cutter
(You do *not* have to buy from Amazon — those are Scott’s links, but the needles can be found on AliExpress and foam from a hardware store.)
Amazon.com: Knitting Machine Needles Set, Pack of 50 12cm / 4.7in Steel Needles Set Weaving Tool Accessories DIY Craft Tool Fit for KR830 KR838 KR850 Knitting Machine

Shop Estink at the Amazon Arts, Crafts & Sewing store. Free Shipping on eligible items. Save on everyday low prices.

Show threadLouisMar 7
@lea looks super cool! Do you have a video of it operating somewhere?
Show threadLeaMar 8

@merlin Not yet! It’s very much a work in progress (and we were mostly pushing for this deadline of showing people in-person at the conference).

It is definitely not the very smoothest knitting experience and I think a video will help set expectations, so I do want to get some footage soon. I’m hoping that’s within the next few weeks (but, I mean, I hope all kinds of things and they don’t always happen).