A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO USING A CIRCULAR SOCK KNITTING MACHINE: Machine with metal needles

Fewer than 24 hours after receiving this book I have engulfed its contents!I have watched Harry Rogers on YouTube for a few years (great channel!) on leathercraft and woodcraft, and it was his exploration of circular sock knitting machines (CSKMs) that piqued my interest in ordering a machine and getting this book.Pros:Giant Photos (most 4 x 6 and 5 x 7) in color, MACRO photographs of tiny mechanical parts, hooks, details.Clear (terms illustrated and defined, procedures explained visually and in writing, along with WHY)Complete (for noob CSKM knitters starting from 0, I got to full speed by the end of the book)Cons:I wish it had information on Lamb's LT150, but I will rely on the manufacturer for particularities which diverge from the general principles which are so clearly laid out in this book.In a reconnaissance-in-force, leaving no area of the craft unscouted, Harry Rogers defines the strange and wonderful circular sock knitting machine. He has chapters on things to consider when acquiring one, including the all-important decision of which cylinder size to buy. Having just gone through the decision-making concerning cylinder size, I can attest to the fact that it's difficult to commit to a particular size not having any experience in the making of socks by machine. In light of the fact that new cylinders are expensive, you don't want to make the wrong decision! He describes his experience of 3D printing a sock machine with lessons learned. He then shows the mechanical problem-solving and restoration that he did with an antique machine which he now also uses. Of course, he throws no shade on those of us who would choose to buy a new machine considering all of his adventures.... He fully documents his journey in photos so you can see the truth of his experiences. (After he piqued my interest in this craft, but before he published this work, I ordered a new Lamb LT150, which is one manufacturer of modern CSKMs that he does not discuss).I love how he discusses how to build some of your own tools and accessories -- homemade heel forks are shown, among other things, and he includes detailed instructions for how to make a clever casting on tool from a balloon whisk (he illustrates three different ways to cast on BTW!!! Open-minded!!!). At all points, he explains the "why" of a procedure or the purpose of a mechanical linkage/interaction. Once you understand this, you see that there may be several "roads to Rome" in achieving success on one of these machines, and that is truly liberating. I feel like, with Harry Rogers's book at my side, I will be reaching cruising altitude with my new machine very quickly!Seeing is believing .... the photography is incredibly helpful -- truly small-scale detail is captured in colossal images of tiny knitted stitches, needle positions, and unfamiliar machine parts. For example, on pp. 132-41, he includes nine photos, several of which are about 5 x 7, along with text clearly laying out the procedure for picking up dropped stitches. Some of the images of knitted stitches are the size of the end of my finger, so you can imagine how easy it is to see what is going on down inside the cylinder. I know that when I receive my machine I will drop a few stitches, but I will not be sad and alone learning a new craft with this big book of help at my elbow. Thank you, Harry Rogers! It's like having a private lesson with him. While there's a place for internet how-to videos, there's an even larger place for a beautiful craft book which is a gem of expository writing and doesn't move too fast or flicker like a computer screen.He shows how to cone-up your yarn into a well-built copp for perfectly-tensioned delivery, how to make gauge swatches, how to keep records, how to form two heels, mock rib, and the use of a ribber dial... Half the book is a blow-by-blow lesson about how to make your first socks and to barrel through the learning curve on using a CSKM.It is just magnificent that there is a book to snuggle up with filled with huge, bright pictures to study and clear text explaining the unfamiliar mechanical workings. I feel like I will be able to Do It when the time comes.

Harry Roger's book is a GREAT resource for the CSM (Circular Sock Machine). If you own a machine, or want to know how they work, Harry's detailed, close-up photos and descriptions are invaluable. The print is slightly larger than is common in today's texts. Letters are bright and dark, making this book easy to read and study.I own a new sock knitting machine and wanted a manual that would accompany my machine for general reference. I need to refresh my knowledge when returning to the machine after a lapse of time away from knitting/cranking.Sock machines are an excellent way to use up your sock yarn stash, and this book helps me stay up-to-date with the basic circular knitting techniques.This book is for metal circular knitting machines (Tru-Knit, Erlbacher, NZAK, Legare), not plastic hat and toy knitting machines (such as the ADDI or Sentro machines). The photos are geared to machines with the rotating yarn carrier, not the rotating cylinder-style machines. Many tips will apply to the rotating cylinder machines, while others will be unique to the rotating yarn carrier machines alone.

In the world of circular sock machines, there’s not a lot of books, especially for beginners. I’m not a beginner myself, but heard about this book, so ordered it. It is thorough, has LOTS of pictures and should be a great resource for beginners. This hobby has grown in the 10+ years I’ve been doing it, and with at least five companies manufacturing new machines, plus all the antiques out there, there are more and more newbies all the time needing a resource like this. I’m glad someone took the time to document all the steps of making socks on a CSM.

This book fills a huge need in the circular sock knitting community. With his refreshingly down-to-earth writing style, excellent and numerous close-up photos, Harry Rogers has given new 'crankers' the true gift of knowledge and confidence. This is a comprehensive work which arms the new cranker with all the information they will need to determine the type of CSM to buy (or make!); which yarn and accessories to use, how to set up your work area, casting on, shaping a heel and toe and on and on. There's a troubleshooting chapter if things don't go right. Finally, Harry presents the information in a calm and humorous fashion which is a delight to read. I cannot recommend this book more highly.

Excellent but really for the total beginner.

This is a very excellent book everyone with a circular sock machine should have this book I highly recommend it very good for beginners and so well explain every thing about circular sock machines

Well-written resource book for all levels of knitters.

I just got my copy in the mail and I have already started reading feom the beginning. The pictures are large and detailed. Harry describes pretty much everything you should look for in a machine, possible places for parts, 3D machines, and then getting into knitting and trouble shooting. I am 12 pages in and already learning important things. I have a 3D commercial printed machine and an Antique Legare and there is info pertaining to all.