▼

Knitting interlock on a hand knitting machine (part 1)

I've been compiling a knit fabric glossary over on my other blog Crafting Fashion. I'm hoping that the glossary will be helpful to sewing enthusiasts and anyone who has questions about knit fabrics. In my recent blog post on interlock fabrics, someone asked in the comments if an interlock fabric could be knitted on a home knitting machine. The answer is yes, so long as the machine has two beds. It's particularly easy on a Passap using pushers or on any machine with "lili" (every other needle selection on the ribber) buttons. If "lili" buttons aren't available, simple manual selection of needles makes this fabric possible.

Here's the knitting sequence for all machines:


And this is how you do it on the Passap DM80:
  1. Set the beds in full pitch position. That is, rack the beds so needles on the front bed (FB) are directly opposite needles on the back bed (BB). 
  2. On the FB, set pushers so that first pusher is in working position and second pusher is in rest position, repeating the pattern for all pushers on the FB.
  3. On the BB, alternate pushers starting with first pusher is in rest position and second pusher in working position, repeating the pattern for all pushers on the BB. (This is the exact opposite of the FB.)
  4. BX< > / BX< > (Front and back locks are set to BX. Depress left and right arrow keys on front and back locks.) 
On the Passap E6000, use setting is BX< > / LX < >, knitting technique 118. (Thanks, Terry.)
For machines without pushers, use the 1 x 1 pattern card on the main bed. Use the every other needle selection buttons ("lili" buttons) on the ribber. Be sure to coordinate needle selection so that needles opposite each other are not selected at the same time. If your machine doesn't have "lili" buttons (or any type of needle selection), needles can be selected manually with a 1 x 1 needle ruler. Both carriages are set to slip (a/k/a miss, skip, part). Alternate the needle selection every row, (which will happen automatically with the 1 x 1 card and "lili" buttons).

This interlock knit fabric looks the same on both sides.
The interlock fabric is quite stable and warm. It's heavier that a 1 x 1 rib. It has a smooth flat surface that's good for printing, and the edges do not roll. Interlock is great for jackets, coats and afghans!

Any questions? Be sure to ask in the comments.

Update:  Posted more detailed instructions for non-Passap machines here.
___
Last update 12Nov2013
Posted

11 comments:

  1. ItMakesYouSmileSeptember 12, 2013 at 11:58 AM

    Thanks so much for this! I get it now.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kathe LewisSeptember 15, 2013 at 8:51 AM

    I am using Knitmaster and Brother, I don't get it - would you mind spelling it out for "dummies" please?
    Kathe

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. O! Jolly!September 15, 2013 at 11:25 AM

      Hi Kathe, yes these instructions do take a certain level of KM experience for granted. I'll try to do a more detailed explanation in another blog post later this week. In the meantime, if you have any specific questions, let me know and maybe I can address them in the post. :)

      Delete
    2. O! Jolly!September 20, 2013 at 11:37 PM

      Kathe, I've posted a more detailed explanation for non-Passap users here.

      Delete
  3. TerryNovember 12, 2013 at 9:34 AM

    You have the correct settings for the E6000. Interlock is one of the builtin knitting techniques - 118. It looks interesting. It should go to the end of my already long queue, but a scarf would be a quick and easy experiment.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. O! Jolly!November 12, 2013 at 9:52 AM

      Thanks for your comment, Terry! I'll add that info to the main post. Yes, a scarf would be good with thin yarn. If the yarn is too bulky, the scarf might not have enough drape. I hope you have a great time working through your queue. :)

      Delete
  4. TerryDecember 18, 2013 at 7:23 PM

    I did sneak in an interlock scarf. It was about 30 minutes for 48" long. I think it turned out pretty well. There is no curl and the single 2/24 yarn was just about right for thickness. It feels right for a scarf, so I guess the drape is good.

    Thanks for introducing me to interlock knitting.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. O! Jolly!December 18, 2013 at 7:45 PM

      That's awesome! Yes, it's important to mention that the yarn should be relatively thin or else the fabric will be "thick". So glad it worked out so well!

      Delete
  5. TerryJanuary 12, 2014 at 6:22 PM

    I'm fresh from a quick experiment. Interlock is an intertwined 1x1 rib, so I thought ... what happens with a 4x4 interlocked rib? As I expected, I got fabric that consists of interconnected tubes. I suppose these tubes could be stuffed for an interesting effect. While my test swatch is very bad, it is enough to demonstrate the effect.

    My next experiment is 2 color interlock.

    I don't think I can post pictures here, so I'm saved from being embarrassed by my sloppy swatch. ;-)

    Terry

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. O! Jolly!January 12, 2014 at 6:36 PM

      Thanks, Terry, for posting this. I love hearing of experiments! I'm imagining how the 4x4 looks. Have fun with the 2 color interlock. Sometimes it can give a nice illusion of texture on the relatively flat surface.

      Delete

I love hearing from you!
(Comments will be moderated in order to prevent spam.)