My knitting machine is dropping stitches?

Dropping or missed stitches whilst using a knitting machine is quite common and can be solved by simple fault finding.

There are three main actions that can cause dropped stitches; Is it missing on the same needle every row? or is it dropping random stitches? or missing at the end, or edge of a row?

Without doubt the first step in finding the cause of dropped stitches, is to check the needles. Every needle must be is perfect working order.

• Check the needle latch-blade, do they all move freely?
• Is there any indentations in the needle stem?
• Is the needle parallel to the needle next to it...this would be a quick indication of a bent needle.

A quick check of the sponge bar, to make sure the sponge is robust enough. It should hold the needle in a stationary position, so if you were to give the needle hook a small flick, it should move, then stop suddenly under the tension of the sponge bar.

If any needles need replacing and you dont have spares available, use the least used needle at the very ends of the bed as a replacement until you can purchase extra, to replace as required.

Another common problem that causes dropped stitches is when the fabric press plates attached to the carriage are not parallel with the needle bed. We will cover realignment and the correct clearence between the fabric plates and needle bed pegs in another knitting machine faq.

Missing stitches at the same position/needle every row;

• Bent needle.
• Needle latch stiff or bent.
• Punch card not located vertically.
• Custom punch card incorrectly punched.
• Gate pegs are out-of-alignment.

Dropping random stitches;

• Yarn tension antenna incorrect.
• Yarn tension on mast.
• Yarn tension setting on carriage.
• Yarn cone must be centered directly below the feeder hole/guide.
• Uneven yarn thickness.

Missing dropped stitches at the very end of each row;

• Yarn antenna wire out of position.
• Not using enough weights, especially at the edge of the knitting.
• Pushing the carriage too far past the last needle. The carriage only needs to clear the last needle.
• Carriage yarn tension setting.
• Check weaving brushes are not active.

If you get stuck? Yes we are also carry out servicing and repairs to knitting machines, as well as sewing machines.!