One of the most important types of knitting is ribbing. Ribbing is used to create elastics for knitted garments. As a hand knitter, I never had the need to learn how to rib on a knitting machine, although I own several knitting machines, I used to knit cuffs, collars and waistbands by hand and then mount the stitches on the machines. Unfortunately, I ended up with a herniated disc after injuring myself at the gym. As a result, I slowed down my handknitting because it became very painful.
On one of my first posts on this blog, I told the story of how I came in possession of my first knitting machine. I bought craft leftovers from a friend, which consisted in one Brother KM (knitting machine), one ribber, pattern books and knitting manuals. The KM is long gone, but I kept the ribber and it took me 10 years to gather the courage to learn how to use it. It took me long enough, huh?
I was desperate to knit again because I am addicted to knitting, but I didn’t see how I could mange the ribbing part. Then I remember that I had a ribber gathering dust somewhere in my basement. I ran to the basement and unpacked a very dirty Brother ribber. I decided to give it a second chance.
According to the manual, the ribber was bought in 1971 (the date was handwritten by the original owner). And I thought, Hmm, this machine is too old, I don’t think it will work. But, oh boy I was mistaken. I cleaned the old thing and attached it to my 1980s electronic Brother KH-900. And…It worked
Here is the video I just posted on YouTube.
I am so happy I never got rid of the ribber and that I decided to face my fears and learn how to use it. It is an incredible well made machine, built to last. So if you are thinking about learning how to use a ribber, let me tell you that you won’t regret it. Challenge yourself to do it and let’s keep knitting machines alive!
KNITTINGFINGERS CRAFTS 