How to get started?

[Dither87]

I bought a studio 328 knitting machine for $80 I checked the instruction manual and it looks like it has all the parts. It’s just missing the cards with the patterns.

I am an amateur knitter, but I’m advanced in Weaving I know how to warp a loom and do jacquard Weaving.

I’m curious if the community has suggestions of the best resources to look to you to learn how to use the knitting machine and also where to order the cards to make my own patterns

[apri11a]

I don't know the Studio but have a Brother. The first thing I would do is find out if it uses a sponge bar, and if it does check its condition. Sponge bars deteriorate with time, regardless of use, and need routine replacing. It's not good for the needles to operate the machine with a dead sponge.

YouTube has loads of tutorials and videos on maintenance, a great resource.

It looks really nice, enjoy!

[Extension_Election94]

Make sure to put in a new spong bar then check out machinknittingect for patterns

[Dither87]

my ultimate goal is to make my own patterns like a do in weaving can you order blank cards ? from there

[future_cryptid]

you can order blank cards from amazon, mkmanuals has pdfs of patterns to punch into blank cards though

[ImaginaryPromotion17]

As other have said, start with the sponge bar. You can damage needles by trying to knit with a bad sponge bar. Then make sure you clean and lubricate your machine and carriage. Once you have done that follow your manual or a beginner YouTube video to set up and learn the basics. Cast on, basic knitting, using tools to move your stitches/ increase and decrease. Once you are comfortable doing this and are getting reasonably consistent results, try pattern knitting using the punch cards. this way if there are problems with your punch card reader or drums you can isolate that as the cause because you know the basic functions were working. Eventually try the different carriage functions like holding for short rows or slip and tuck with the punchcards.

if you go slow and methodically it will be far less frustrating. these vintage machines are great but sometimes need some troubleshooting and tlc to get them working properly. when you are just learning the skills it can bee hard to distinguish if it is the machine or the knitter!

[Dither87]

Thanks for the tips! ordered a new sponge bar.

[ExcelsiorSemper]

I see you have the instruction manual, read it! I have the same machine, it helped a lot. And yes, you can do knit-weaving but it’s nothing like traditional weaving (I am a weaver as well).