Brother Ribber KR-830

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. Then, I would 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 hand knitting because it became very painful.

On one of my first posts on this blog, I shared a story. I explained how I came in possession of my first knitting machine. I bought craft leftovers from a friend. These included one Brother KM (knitting machine), one ribber, pattern books, and knitting manuals. The KM is long gone. However, I kept the ribber. 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. I am addicted to knitting. But, I didn’t see how I could manage 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. I decided to face my fears and learn how to use it. It is an incredible well made machine, built to last. 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!