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Nickname	Make	Model	Where	Manual	Issue Tracker	Status
"Ariadne"	Brother	KH-900	Workshop	KH-900 Manual	Tool: Knitting Machine (Ariadne)	TBC

Overview

Brother KH-900 with AYAB software - allowing it to knit from png files

How it works

This is a Brother KH-900 knitting machine, but we've fitted it with an AYAB board to allow it to knit from png files using the AYAB software

Specifications

This has a standard gauge - it seems to take yarn from 3 ply to double knitting (tension needs to be adjusted accordingly.

The work area (bed size) is 200 needles (pixels) across if all needles are present.

History

TO-DO

Step 1: Create your design

Create your design using any software that will produce a png file e.g. from a photo or graphics program. We have had some success with Inkscape and Gimp (some instructions on preparing a file using GIMP). Adjust the width in pixels to the number of needles you want to use, and use only 2 colours (e.g. black and white). Make sure there isn't any antialiasing. Using dithering e.g. in Gimp, can be a good idea in terms of the design and means there isn't a long piece of unused yarn across the back of the output.

As the knitting pixels are short rectangles, you need to stretch the length of your design by approx. x 1.5

Step 2: Obtain materials

Buy yarn - it seems 3 ply to double knitting are suitable. Smooth yarns are best to avoid tangles (don't use fluffy or boucle yarns).

Step 3: Knit several rows

See manual and YouTube videos (Karen likes Knitting on the Hook) for how to cast on, knit and cast off - this is quite complex but there are some good explanations on YouTube etc. Thread up with the background colour. Karen recommends the ewrap cast on, although it is time consuming. Select the N (normal?) option and knit backwards and forwards until you have a good firm base before starting the pattern. Thread up with the 2nd colour. Select the KC option and the MC part of the 3rd button on the front of the carriage.

Step 4: Open the AYAB software

You need to have installed the AYAB software on your computer (follow the instructions in the online AYAB manual for your operating system. Make sure that the AYAB board is connected to your computer and that the separate power cable is also connected!

Import your png file, choose the appropriate port, click on Configure, then Knit. You should hear a click from the knitting machine - if you don't then it's likely the power cable isn't attached). Continue to knit - the needles should be in the D position and some will move forwards depending on the pattern. The AYAB board should beep at the end of each row.

Hints & Tips

If the knitting carriage gets stuck, select the CR (carriage remove?) button, then shake the carriage very gently to try to extract from tangles. Sometimes some of the needles get stuck in a down position - it's worth checking before restarting.

Knitting machines are complex and we're just beginning to learn about them (e.g. that you need lots of patience). Hopefully people will add more useful information to this page as we find out more.

Maintenance

• If the machine is broken or needs maintenance, create an issue in the issue tracker (link in Troubleshooting above)
  • Label the issue: 'Tool: Knitting Machine (Ariadne)'
  • If broken, add Broken label, otherwise add the Bug label
  • If general maintenance required, add Maintenance label
  • If parts or consumables need purchasing, add Shopping label