Antique Sock Knitting Machines
In this era of instant gratification, I find myself falling into the trap of wanting quick knitting projects. With tiny needles and fingering weight yarn, hand knit socks take me hours upon hours of finger cramping work. What if I could turn out a pair of socks in 4 or 5 hours of work? Just turn a crank and watch your sock grow, no finger cramping stitches!
100 years ago buying your socks in a 6 pack from the local Walmart wasn’t an option. Socks were mass produced, but not in the quantity or as inexpensively as in our current times. Many families made their own and to speed up the process, many companies manufactured circular knitting machines. These machines are now highly desired as collectibles and for use. An “As-Is” machine can go for $500 or higher on eBay. A fully refurbished machine can set you back as much as $1800.
So even though I won’t be buying a circular sock knitting machine any time soon, I enjoy watching them work and dream of when I can make a pair of socks a day. Several websites have history and photo galleries, then head over to youtube to see some in action!
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devon Says:
holy. crap. that’s. amazing.
Posted on April 28th, 2008 at 10:05 am
Mel Says:
I was nerdily amazed as I watched the video! That’s awesome!
I am surprised none of the more mechanically minded people have either re-created one for sale or made their own. It seems to work on the same principle of modern knitting machines, and since they are older and manually operated, I would imagine that it wouldn’t take too much fenagling to make your own. Also, the needles shown look very similar to needles used in modern knitting machines (almost a rug-hooking style hook?)
I bet there would be a huge new market of knitters who would love a fully functional sock knitting machine. Today’s advancements could include things like sealed gears and bearings (no greasing or maintenance), and using aluminum or stainless steel for a long-lived metal housing.
Posted on April 28th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Alyssa Says:
Ok that’s just awesome! I really want one!
Posted on April 28th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Missamite Says:
Was anyone else totally hypnotized by that. Honey…Mother’s Day is coming up…please.
Posted on April 28th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
stariel Says:
There is a company in New Zealand manufacturing new ones, though they’re actually about the same price or more expensive than the antiques. You can see them here.
They’re pretty complicated little machine – I think it would be very hard to make one unless you had the ability to mold metal!
Posted on April 28th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Tammy Says:
I have to admit that the allure of a CSM at first seems very compelling. Recently I visited with a bunch of ladies who were having a weekend retreat with their machines, at Apple Leef Farm in Van Alstyne, TX. 9 machines or so in one room, very cool. I loved watching the machines work, when they worked. I felt a lot of tension in the room as stitches popped off of the little hooks mid row. The machines are very fidley. Also, it is like sitting down to a sewing machine to make a pair of socks. I like my socks to be portable. Also, as far as I can tell you can only make short row heels, and a plain stockinette leg. So even though they are fun watch, they are definitely not for the faint of heart. A very steep learning curve seemed apparent.
Posted on April 29th, 2008 at 6:04 am
Page Wilhelm Says:
I have a Legare 47 from 1904 and I love her with all my heart! Beware of sellers who do not send you all the parts, if you get one! I learned the hard way, and did not know what to look for! We have a CSM group in Central/SW Virginia that is open to anyone who wants to crank with us! the learning curve is not that steep, and you can make any kind of heel you want with it, there are many ‘recipes’ for the knitter out there, yes stitches get dropped, but they do when I knit by hand, how about you? I knit socks by hand but when I am home, I crank ‘em out in an hour!! Who said you cannot enjoy both? I love my machine, and my knitting machine, but I also love knitting, crocheting, designing with clay, building clocks, paper arts, and hand painting fiber and yarn!! It is a new old craft, one that needs to be preserved for all that come after us, the history of the machines and the ladies who used them to make socks for soldiers is a very important part of our history!!
Posted on April 29th, 2008 at 1:46 pm