Designaknit8

I have been asked on several occasions to troubleshoot Designaknit setup problems.  
So here's a step-by-step guide for setting up DAK for Interactive Knitting.

The following screen shots assume that you have designed your piece and integrated the stitch pattern. 
(Sorry about overspilling into the text on the right-hand side, but it was difficult to read when made smaller)

1. Select the Interactive Knitting icon.

2. Click OK to accept pattern piece.

3. Click OK to select Integrate with stitch pattern

4. Under Options, select Method of Knitting

5. Select machine, then click OK

6. Setup knitting technique  

(For punch lace on a Silver Reed, choose Fairisle but the dial on the knitting carriage needs to be set to L (lace)

7. Under Go, select Go to RC (row counter)

8. Set to 0 (zero)

From my experience, even though it may be showing a highlighted 0, I always input it again by overtyping with a 0

9. Still under Go, select Ready

If during knitting you get a message saying 'Carriage going the wrong way', take the carriage back to where it started for that row, reset the row counter (Step 8), and do the Ready process again (Step 9)
This message can appear even if you move the carriage slightly back, when moving forward. So be sure to make smooth accurate movements with your carriage - slow and steady - not too fast!

10. Almost there, click OK

11. Position needle cams (for Silver Reed) as directed - then click OK.

12. You will now be ready to start

 

Cablelinks

For information on Softbyte's Designaknit cablelinks all knitting machines see
http://www.softbyte.co.uk/cablelinks.htm

An at a glance guide for Brother machines
http://www.aboutknittingmachines.com/DAKCablesBrother.php

The Berkshire Guild of Spinners, Weavers & Dyers at the Henley Show on Saturday, 14 September 2013

Click on any image to enlarge

Izzy's tunic

King Cole Galaxy DK

I-cord Necklace with Beads

Twisted fringe made on a Knitting Machine

I'm having a Diana Sullivan Fest; here is Diana's new tutorial for a twisted fringe - simple and effective to do - a perfect trim for cushions. 

Link:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-5d8ke_af4

Another Cushion Cover

My take on this pattern (below) made on my Silver Reed SK860 (6.5mm) gauge knitting machine.

Another first for me ....  inserting a zipper

There's a great tutoturial  by Interweave Knits ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnNFOQucals

Like most things I do, I take information on board and adapt it. On this occasion, instead of using a mini latch tool to make the chain stitch, I marked the rows per inch and made a chain embroidery stitch each side of the zipper as 'the hook' to sew the cushion sides on to. It worked a treat!

This version can be knitted on any standard gauge (4.5mm) knitting machine

Santa Cushion

I was inspired make a machine knit version of this Bernat Santa Cushion crochet pattern.

The first challenge was to how to get the diagonal effect on the knitting machine.

I made a square and then folded back the corners. The seams were then mattress/kitchener stitched. 

I added several rows of latch tool chain stitch (behind the stitches); this firmed up the edge, before casting off.

The Chinese Ball buttons used for the closure at the back were fun to make.

I crocheted the red ball nose using the Amigurumi technique.

Eyelash yarn was added for the beard which was weaved with the white yarn.

 

Back of cushion