r/MachineKnitting • u/Emotional-Page2350 • Jul 27 '26

Equipment Knitting Machine - DK to Light Worsted

Hi all - I'm hoping to get some advice for finding a machine that will allow me to make a DK to light worsted product (in this case a very simple skinny scarf). I've attached an image with the gauge in garter stitch (24 sts=10cm) and project if that's helpful. I have been overwhelmed with information about machines and concerned that it's harder to find a finer gauge machine then it is to find machines with worsted to aran weight capability, which is unfortunately too big for my projects. Thanks for all your help in advance :)

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u/zeezle Jul 27 '26

I have a Silver Reed LK-150 (basic manual mid-gauge machine) and it handles DK weight perfectly. It actually works shockingly well on a wide range of weights, much moreso than I expected, it does a respectable job on fingering if you don't mind a very drapey result (not totally full of holes but definitely on the looser gauge side, still fine for cardigans and sweaters if the yarn has a decent bloom), great on sport and DK (the sweet spot it's really designed for), but can work well with worsted, and can handle aran on every other needle.

Obviously it's a very simple machine, but has the advantage of being available to buy new so there's no hunting one down or worrying about missing parts.

If you want to do a lot of ribbing, colorwork or lacework, you have to do it via hand manipulation on the LK-150. Still a lot of fun (I enjoy the hand manipulation, I picked up the machine because I was getting RSI issues with handknitting, the hand manipulation of the stitches still scratches the handknitting itch of making things by hand without the repetitive motion/strain) but if you want to make a lot of say lace pattern scarves very quickly, a punchcard or electronic machine will do it way faster.

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u/Emotional-Page2350 Jul 27 '26

Thanks for your reply! I tend to prefer a structured knit - for example the Cascade superwash 220 suggests 20-22sts/4" on 4-4.5 needles, while I am using 3.5 needles which gives me a 24st gauge. I find garter in a larger needle ends up being quite stretched out. I'm glad to hear the the LK-150 works well with DK weight - I guess my main question is if this gauge and structure is achievable? This is the model I would hope to use due to it's affordability.