The machine is a tool to make the non-artistic part of knitting go more smoothly and quickly, just as a sewing machine is used to speed the assembly of garments and quilts. The fiber artist still selects (or creates) the pattern and/or design, the yarn, and the method of finishing. The benefit to the consumer is that a custom designed item can be created for them at an affordable price, due to reduced labor time. These items can proudly bear the name hand-made or hand-crafted. There is, in fact, quite a bit of hand work involved in knitting items on the knitting machine.

All knitted items listed in this store have been made by me personally, using a hand-operated domestic knitting machine. It bears no resemblance to the factory-based industrial knitting looms.

Whilst I am an experienced hand-knitter [40+ years] .... this is just a variation of the same craft of knitting. I have been using knitting machines [different brands/types] for over 28 years.

By using a machine and high quality yarns of different fibre content, I can make hard wearing, long lasting and dependable garments as well as delicate lacey ones which are not found in the general retail sector, and allows me to make unique and individual garments for everyone regardless of size and/or shape.

These machines were most popular from the 50's through to the 80's, and as such, are an art form in its own right.

Machine knitting is a totally different way of producing knitwear, and in some cases is classified as a hobby. The knitter [me in this case] is involved in the process every step of the way.
I can only use one machine at a time ... no motors are involved ... unlike the factory machinery.


You cannot set up the machine, yarn, patterning devices etc, then go away and have all the pieces knit when you return ... as many people believe. Even industrial knitting looms must have at least 2 or more people "overseeing" the entire knitting process. The industrial looms require electricity and generators to work.

The most common thought is that machine knitting is "cheating", or that it is easy. Just throw yarn at the machine, right? Wrong !!!

The fact is machine knitting is much more complicated and difficult to learn, than hand knitting. There are many "technical" aspects to machine knitting, and whilst they take time to master ... they take a lot more time to "perfect" and this is what makes it different to traditional knitting. Swatching yarns for tensions is very important in order to have a consistant stitch size/tension throughout the knitting to ensure a quality item.

A knitting machine is like NO OTHER piece of equipment. It does not involve mass-produced "factory" knitting in any way. The fabrics created in factory environments are usually referred to as "jersey" or "knitted interlock" and are constructed differently to "knitting" in the true sense of the word.

By using a knitting machine, I save "time" in the actual construction [knitting process] of the garment, but I do not compromise on the quality of yarns used. Depending on the machine I choose to use for a particular garment, I can use the exact same yarns as those used by traditional hand-knitters ... from very fine thread-like yarns to thick and chunky heavy-worsted weight yarns.

This savings in time, allows me to use the highest quality Australian yarns available, which is evident in the overall quality of the finished item.

All garment seaming is done by hand [ie needle and garment yarn] and not on a sewing machine or overlocker. I also have the personal "luxury" of being able to work with wool during the hot/humid days of a Queensland Summer !!!

By using a knitting machine, the finished item looks and feels exactly the same as hand knitted items - it is of a more even texture than hand-knitted fabric - the only "visual" difference is that the overall tension of the knitted "fabric" is more even thoughout, giving a longer wearing and easier to care for item. This also depends on the type of yarn used. To achieve this kind of quality and texture has taken many years to learn and perfect the "true and correct fluidity" of the knitted fabric.

And don't ever let anyone tell you [or me for that matter] machine knitting is "cheating".

Not all hand knit stitches and techniques can be reproduced identically on the machine. Some are impossible to replicate, and others are tedious and very time consuming.

There are also many techniques and stitches worked on the machine that cannot be replicated by hand.

This is what makes machine knitting a unique craft.

ALL crafts employ some type of machinery or tools in the process of completing the craft. As an example, traditional hand-knitting requires needles [the tools] in order to "make" the knitted item. In actual fact true hand-knitting is performed by using the fingers and thumb only ... no tools are used.

On a personal note .... I have nothing against hand-knitting or those people that choose to knit by hand .... in fact I admire and respect their skill and dedication and the time it takes to finish a garment.

It is however "MY CHOICE" to use a knitting machine.





For the "purists" out there ... I personally do not make the claim that any of my items are hand knitted ... to do so is not entirely correct.

I can honestly say, however, that my knitwear items are "hand-crafted" - and that is no lie.

I can hand-knit the traditional way - but choose to knit a "different" and more technical way.



Where I may have knitted an item by hand, I will specifically state this in the listing.

And if you have mastered machine knitting, I bow down to your dedication and perseverance. You deserve it!!!

This photo is just 1 of the 5 machines that I currently own and use ...