What’s the Stitch About Knitting Machines?
Let's talk about knitting machines! What are they, how do they work, and does it count as hand crafting if you use one? Why choose a knitting machine vs knitting by hand?
Heddles come in a variety of sizes called dents to allow you to control of number of ends per inch in your project. The standard heddle with each Kromski loom is 8-dent. Also available are 5, 8, 10 and 12-dent heddles. As you expand your weaving interests, you may want to have more than one heddle size.
Note: 32″ heddles do not have the top frame shaped as an arch.
Additionally, you may want to try using 2 heddles of the same blockdent size as the same time. This will allow you to approximate a 4-harness loom. The process is not as easy as a true 4-harness loom, but for the occasional need, this is a nice option. If you are interested in doing this, order an extra set of heddle blocks to support the extra heddle.
CLICK HERE to see the 2nd Heddle Block Set in Walnut.
Rigid heddles come in different dent sizes. It is important to consider the dent size of your heddle(s) before you choose a warp yarn. As the dent size number increases (5 to 8 to 10 to 12), the “thickness” of your warp material must decrease.
All rigid heddles composed of slots and holes. Your warp threads must be able to pass through these holes and slots without resistance. As you raise and lower the heddle, the threads in the slots must slip so their elevation is not altered. As you beat your project, the heddle must slide forward and back without causing yarn to bunch up in the slots and holes. Up, down, forward and backwards – your rigid heddle must move easily.
With experience you may be able to judge suitability of dent size/yarn size simply by looking at your warp material. But at first there is a chance you will misjudge. We suggest that if in doubt you first create a short sample warp maybe 2 inches wide and thread it through your heddle to test how it performs. Remember, in addition to changing heddle size you can adjust your project by substituting a slightly different material for the warp. Some material will not be suitable as a rigid heddle warp, but you may be able to use it for the weft.
Our first response to your order would be to have it shipped directly from our warehouse. In the case that our stock levels are too low, your order may need to be either ordered into our warehouse or dropshipped directly to you from Kromski’s warehouse in Georgia, USA. Please allow 3-5 business days for them to process and ship out your order before receiving an e-mail with your tracking number. Should your order be backordered with our vendor, one of our customer service representatives will contact you with delays and shipping information.
Please note that Kromski drop-ships are sent via UPS or USPS and typically arrive within 3-7 business days after being shipped. Please provide a physical address for your order as UPS does not send to PO Boxes. Drop-shipping is not available for international orders at this time so please allow time for your order to reach us before we ship it to you.
Please contact us with any questions or concerns regarding your order at (509) 536-7746 or sales@paradisefibers.com.
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Let's talk about knitting machines! What are they, how do they work, and does it count as hand crafting if you use one? Why choose a knitting machine vs knitting by hand?
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