Knitting Machine Comparison Chart & Model Guide
Trying to compare knitting machines, identify an older model, or replace a knitting machine you already own? The most important place to start is with machine gauge, or the distance between the needles.
Knitting machines have been manufactured under many different brand and model names over the years. Some were manual machines, some used punch cards or push buttons for patterning, and later models introduced electronic patterning.
This knitting machine chart includes both current Silver Reed knitting machines and a historical reference list of older knitting machine models.
Current Silver Reed Knitting Machines
Silver Reed currently offers four knitting machines covering standard, mid-gauge and bulky-gauge knitting.
| Model | Gauge | Needle Spacing | Needles | Patterning | Best Yarn Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Reed SK280 | Standard | 4.5mm | 200 | 24-stitch punch card | Lace, fingering, some sport |
| Silver Reed SK840 | Standard | 4.5mm | 200 | Electronic / DesignaKnit | Lace, fingering, some sport |
| Silver Reed LK150 | Mid-gauge | 6.5mm | 150 | Manual | Sport, DK, worsted |
| Silver Reed SK155 | Bulky | 9mm | 110 | 12-stitch punch card | Worsted, Aran, bulky |
Silver Reed SK280
The SK280 is a 4.5mm standard-gauge metal-bed knitting machine with mechanical punch-card patterning.
It is well suited to lace and fingering-weight yarns, along with some lighter sport-weight yarns. The SK280 uses 24-stitch punch cards and is a good choice for knitters who want automatic patterning without using a computer.
Silver Reed SK840
The SK840 is also a 4.5mm standard-gauge, 200-needle metal-bed machine, but its patterning is electronic rather than punch-card operated.
Patterning is created through DesignaKnit software and the appropriate connection between the knitting machine and computer. DesignaKnit can also be used for garment design, shaping and interactive knitting.
The SK840 works particularly well with lace and fingering-weight yarns and some sport-weight yarns.
Silver Reed LK150
The LK150 is a 6.5mm mid-gauge manual knitting machine with 150 needles. It has a lightweight plastic bed and is considerably easier to move and store than the metal-bed machines.
It works especially well with sport, DK and worsted-weight yarns, making it a practical choice for hand knitters moving into machine knitting.
Although heavier yarns can sometimes be knitted on the LK150, yarn that is too thick can be difficult for the needles and carriage to handle. For true bulky-weight yarns, a 9mm machine is usually the better choice.
Silver Reed SK155
The SK155 is Silver Reed's 9mm bulky-gauge metal-bed knitting machine. It has 110 needles and automatic patterning using 12-stitch punch cards.
The wider needle spacing allows the SK155 to handle substantially heavier yarn than a standard-gauge machine. It is particularly suited to worsted, Aran and bulky-weight yarns.
Replacing an Older Knitting Machine
If you have an older Brother, Studio, Singer, Knitmaster, Toyota, Passap or other knitting machine and are looking for a current replacement, start by determining its needle spacing.
The old model doesn't necessarily have to match the new machine exactly. What matters most is choosing a machine that will handle the types and weights of yarn you want to knit.
If Your Old Machine Is 3.5mm or 3.6mm
These machines have very closely spaced needles and were designed primarily for fine yarns.
Silver Reed does not currently offer a 3.6mm fine-gauge machine. The closest current options are the 4.5mm Silver Reed SK280 and SK840.
Both are standard-gauge machines capable of knitting fine yarns, including many lace and fingering-weight yarns.
If Your Old Machine Is 4.5mm
A 4.5mm machine is considered standard gauge.
The current Silver Reed replacements are the SK280 and SK840.
The primary difference between them is patterning:
SK280: mechanical 24-stitch punch-card patterning
SK840: electronic patterning using DesignaKnit
Both have 200 needles at 4.5mm spacing.
If Your Old Machine Is Around 6.5mm or 7mm
Look at the Silver Reed LK150.
The LK150 has 150 needles spaced 6.5mm apart and works well with sport, DK and worsted-weight yarns.
It is a manual machine, so stitch patterns are created through hand manipulation rather than automatic punch-card or electronic patterning.
If Your Old Machine Is Around 8mm or 9mm
The closest current Silver Reed model is generally the SK155 bulky-gauge knitting machine.
The SK155 has 110 needles spaced 9mm apart and uses 12-stitch punch cards for automatic patterning. It is designed for heavier yarns, particularly worsted, Aran and bulky weights.
Historical Knitting Machine Model Chart
The following knitting machine model list has been maintained for many years as a reference for identifying older and discontinued knitting machines.
This list was a joint effort of members of the Knit Machines Email Discussion Groups. It was charted, designed, tracked and maintained by Angelika.
Please do not copy or reproduce this list in digital or printed form. This compilation is copyrighted.
Older and Discontinued Knitting Machines
| Brand / Model | Type / Construction | Gauge | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bone ISM | Plastic | 8.0mm | 100 needles |
| Corona CN9N | 8.0mm | ||
| Passap Speed-O-Knit | Manual patterning | 5.0mm | |
| Passap Vario | Manual patterning | 5mm / 10mm | |
| Swiss Knitter | Plastic | 180 needles | |
| White Knitter Model 7 | Plastic | 5.0mm | 163 needles; Easy Knitter |
| Phildar Big Phil | Plastic, manual patterning | 9.0mm | 123 needles |
| White Magic Knitter | Plastic | 9.0mm | 115 needles; Bulky 9 |
| Prazisa | Manual, metal | 4.5mm | 1959 or earlier; made in West Germany |
| Studio SK7 | 1959; Knitten Kitten | ||
| Studio SK8 | Plastic | 1960; original price $260 | |
| Studio SRP20 | Ribber, metal | 4.5mm | 1977; 200 needles; original price $179.95 |
| Brother KH35 | Manual, metal | 4.5mm | 1955; 184 needles; original price $187.50 |
| Superba S48 | |||
| Studio SRP50 | Ribber, metal | 4.5mm | 1978; 200 needles; original price $279.90 |
| Studio SRP60 | Ribber, metal | 4.5mm | 1985; 200 needles |
| Studio SRP60N | Ribber, metal | 4.5mm | c. 1984; 200 needles; original price $299 |
| Studio MK70 | Punch card, plastic | 6.0mm | 1980; folding bed; 160 needles; 18-stitch punch card |
| Studio FRP70 | Ribber, metal | 3.6mm | 1982; 250 needles |
| Studio SRP70 | Ribber, metal | 4.5mm | 200 needles |
| HK70 | Punch card | 18-stitch punch card | |
| Passap DM80 | 5.0mm | 179 needles; 40 with Deco | |
| Studio FRJ80 | Ribber, metal | 3.6mm | 250 needles; jacquard carriage |
| Studio/Singer HK100 | Manual, plastic | 8.0mm | 1983; 120 needles; original price $149.95 |
| Studio LK100 | Manual, plastic | 9.0mm | 1986; 90 needles; original price $179.95 |
| Studio SR101 | Ribber | 1962; original price $80 | |
| Studio SK101 | 1962; original price $259.95 | ||
| Studio SK103 | 1963; original price $200 | ||
| Studio SK105 | Selector, metal | 4.5mm | 1965; 200 needles; original price $149.95 |
| Studio SK106 | 1967; original price $149.95 | ||
| Studio SK120 | Metal | 8.0mm | 1978; 120 needles; Bulky Eight |
| Studio SR120 | Ribber | 8.0mm | 1982; original price $289.95 |
| Brother 120 | Pushbutton, metal | 3.5mm | |
| Brother 120 Ribber | Ribber | 3.5mm | |
| Studio SK121 | Manual, metal | 11mm | 98 needles |
| Studio LK140 | Manual, plastic | 6.5mm | 1988; 140 needles |
| Studio SK140 | Manual, metal | 8.0mm | 140 needles |
| Studio LK150 | Manual, plastic | 6.5mm | 1989; 150 needles |
| Studio SK150 | Manual, metal | 9.0mm | 1983; 110 needles; original price $344.95 |
| Studio SR150 | Ribber, metal | 9.0mm | 1983; 110 needles |
| Studio SK151 | Manual, metal | 9.0mm | 1986; 110 needles |
| Studio SR155 | Ribber, metal | 9.0mm | 1985; 110 needles |
| Studio SK155 | Punch card, metal | 9.0mm | 1985; 110 needles; 12-stitch punch card |
| Empisal HK160 | Punch card, plastic | 6.0mm | 1982; 160 needles; 18-stitch punch card |
| Studio SK160 | Manual, metal | 6.5mm | 150 needles |
| Passap M201 | Manual | 5.0mm | 1953; 201 needles |
| Brother 210 | Manual, metal | 9.0mm | 1977 |
| Studio SK210 | Punch card, metal | 4.5mm | 1987; 200 needles; 24-stitch punch card |
| Brother KH212 | Manual, metal | 4.5mm | 1957 |
| Brother KH230 | Manual, metal | 9.0mm | 1981; 110 needles |
| Brother KH260 | Punch card, metal | 9.0mm | 1984; 114 needles; 24-stitch punch card |
| Brother KR260 | Ribber, metal | 9.0mm | 110 needles |
| Studio SK260 | Punch card, metal | 4.5mm | 200 needles; 24-stitch punch card |
| Studio F270 | Metal | 3.6mm | 1990; 250 needles; 30-stitch punch card |
| Brother KH270 | Electronic, metal | 9.0mm | 114 needles |
| Studio SK280 | Punch card, metal | 4.5mm | 1988; 200 needles; 24-stitch punch card |
| Studio SK301 | 1964; original price $219.95 | ||
| Studio SR301 | Ribber | 1964; original price $89.95 | |
| Studio SK302 | Metal | 4.5mm | |
| Studio SK303 | 1967; original price $219.95 | ||
| Studio SK305 | 1971; original price $219.95 | ||
| Studio SK312 | 1969; original price $279.95 | ||
| Studio SK313 | Punch card, metal | 4.5mm | 1970; 200 needles; 24-stitch punch card |
| Studio SK320 | Punch card, metal | 4.5mm | 200 needles; 24-stitch punch card |
| Studio SK321 | Punch card, metal | 4.5mm | 1972; 200 needles; 24-stitch punch card |
| Studio SR321 | Ribber, metal | 4.5mm | 1972; 200 needles |
| Studio SK322 | Punch card, metal | 4.5mm | 1973; 200 needles; 24-stitch punch card |
| Studio SRP322 | Ribber | 1973; original price $169.95 | |
| Studio SK323 | Punch card, metal | 4.5mm | 1973; 200 needles; 24-stitch punch card |
| Studio SK324 | Punch card, metal | 4.5mm | 1976; 200 needles; 24-stitch punch card |
| Studio SK326 | Punch card, metal | 4.5mm | 1976; 200 needles; 24-stitch punch card |
| Studio SK327 | Punch card, metal | 4.5mm | 1977; 200 needles; 24-stitch punch card |
| Studio SK328 | Punch card, metal | 4.5mm | 1978; 200 needles; 24-stitch punch card |
| Studio SK329 | Punch card, metal | 4.5mm | 1977; 200 needles; 24-stitch punch card |
| Brother KH341 | Manual, plastic | 4.5mm | Folding portable |
| Studio SK350 | Punch card, metal | 4.5mm | 1980; 200 needles; 24-stitch punch card |
| Brother KX350 | Manual, plastic | 7.0mm | 132 needles |
| Synchro Knitter SH350 | Manual, metal | 4.5mm | 200 needles |
| Brother KX355 | Manual, plastic | 7.0mm | 128 needles |
| Studio SK360 | Punch card, metal | 4.5mm | 200 needles; 24-stitch punch card |
| Studio F370 | Punch card, metal | 3.6mm | 1982; 250 needles; 30-stitch punch card |
| Brother KH370 | Manual, plastic | 4.5mm / 9.0mm | |
| Brother KH390 | Manual, plastic | 4.5mm / 9.0mm | 110 needles |
| Brother KH400 | 1955 | ||
| Studio SK500 | Electronic, metal | 4.5mm | 1978; 200 needles |
| Toyota 500 | Metal | 4.5mm | |
| Studio SK501 | 1965 | ||
| Studio SK502 | 1967 | ||
| Brother KH503 | 1960 | ||
| Studio SK511 | Electronic, metal | 4.5mm | 1982; 200 needles |
| Studio SK550 | Electronic, metal | 4.5mm | 1982; 200 needles |
| Brother KR551 | Metal | 4.5mm | c. 1966 |
| Brother KH551 | 4-button, metal | 4.5mm | 1960s |
| Brother KH560 | 8-button, metal | 4.5mm | 1964 |
| Studio SK560 | Electronic, metal | 4.5mm | 200 needles |
| Studio SK561 | Electronic, metal | 4.5mm | |
| Brother KR561 | Ribber, metal | 4.5mm | |
| Studio SK580 | Electronic, metal | 4.5mm | 200 needles |
| Brother KR580 | Ribber, metal | 4.5mm | 1966 |
| Brother KH580 | Metal | 4.5mm | 1966 |
| Brother 581 | 8-button, metal | 1969; 200 needles | |
| Studio SK588 | Punch card, metal | 4.5mm | 1987; 200 needles; 24-stitch punch card |
| Toyota SK600 | 9.0mm | 110 needles; 12-stitch punch card | |
| Brother KH601 | Push button | 4.5mm | |
| Toyota SR650 | 9.0mm | ||
| Studio SK700 | Punch card, metal | 4.5mm | 1985; 200 needles; 24-stitch punch card |
| Genie 710 | 8-button, metal | Same as Brother KH588 | |
| Toyota 727 | Metal | 4.5mm | 12-stitch punch card |
| Toyota 747 | Metal | 4.5mm | 12-stitch punch card |
| Toyota 787 | Metal | 4.5mm | 24-stitch punch card |
| Brother KH800 | Punch card, metal | 4.5mm | 1971; 12-stitch punch card |
| Studio SK810 | 1972 | ||
| Brother KH810 | 1973 | ||
| Brother KH820 | 4.5mm | 1974; 24-stitch punch card | |
| Brother KH830 | Punch card, metal | 4.5mm | 1976; 24-stitch punch card |
| Studio SK830 | Electronic, metal | 3.6mm | 1991; 250 needles |
| Brother KR830 | Ribber, metal | 4.5mm | 200 needles |
| Brother KH836 | Punch card, metal | 4.5mm | |
| Brother KH838 | Punch card, metal | 4.5mm | 24-stitch punch card |
| Brother KH840 | Punch card, metal | 4.5mm | 1978; 200 needles; 24-stitch punch card |
| Studio SK840 | Electronic, metal | 4.5mm | 1990; 200 needles |
| Brother KR850 | Ribber, metal | 4.5mm | 200 needles |
| Toyota 858 | Punch card, metal | 4.5mm | Push button; 12-stitch patterning |
| Studio SK860 | Electronic, metal | 6.5mm | 1990; 150 needles |
| Studio SR860 | Ribber, metal | 6.5mm | 1992; 150 needles |
| Brother KH860 | Punch card, metal | 4.5mm | 200 needles; 24-stitch punch card |
| Brother KH864 | Punch card, metal | 4.5mm | 200 needles; 24-stitch punch card |
| Brother KH868 | Punch card, metal | 4.5mm | 24-stitch punch card |
| Empisal Supermatic | |||
| KH88 / KH880 | 8-pushbutton, metal | 4.5mm | 1960s?; carriage marked KH88/KH880 |
| Brother KH881 | Punch card, metal | 4.5mm | 200 needles; 24-stitch punch card |
| Brother KH890 | Punch card, metal | 4.5mm | 1979; 200 needles; 24-stitch punch card |
| Studio SK890 | Electronic, metal | 9.0mm | 1990; 110 needles |
| Brother KH891 | Punch card, metal | 4.5mm | 200 needles; 24-stitch punch card; built-in KnitLeader |
| Brother KH892 | Punch card, metal | 4.5mm | 200 needles; 24-stitch punch card |
| Brother KH894 | Punch card, metal | 4.5mm | 1994 |
| Brother KH900 | Electronic, metal | 4.5mm | 200 needles; 24-stitch punch card |
| Brother KR900 | Ribber, metal | 4.5mm | 200 needles |
| Toyota 901 | Metal | 4.5mm | 24-stitch punch card |
| Brother KH910 | Electronic, metal | 4.5mm | 1980; 200 needles; pattern via 60-stitch Mylar |
| Brother / Knitting III KH930 | Electronic, metal | 4.5mm | 1986; 200 needles |
| Brother / Knitking IV KH940 | Electronic, metal | 4.5mm | 1988; 200 needles |
| Brother KH950i | Electronic, metal | 4.5mm | |
| Toyota 950 | Metal | 4.5mm | 24mm listed in original chart |
| Brother KH950 | Electronic, metal | 4.5mm | No disk-drive port |
| Brother KH950e | Electronic, metal | 4.5mm | No disk-drive port |
| Brother KH965 | Electronic, metal | 4.5mm | 1992; no disk-drive port |
| Brother KH965i / Knitking VCX | Electronic, metal | 4.5mm | 200 needles; original price $2,045 |
| Brother KH970 / Knitting V Star | Electronic, metal | 4.5mm | 1996; 200 needles; original price $2,375 |
| White / Superba 1602 | 5mm | ||
| Elna EK2300 | Punch card, metal | 9.0mm | 110 needles; 12-stitch punch card; Studio SK155 equivalent |
| Elna ER2350 | Ribber, metal | 9.0mm | 110 needles |
| Elna EK2400 | Punch card, metal | 4.5mm | 200 needles; 24-stitch punch card |
| Elna ER2450 | Ribber, metal | 4.5mm | 200 needles |
| Passap E6000 | Electronic | 5.0mm | |
| Passap E8000 | Electronic |
Choosing a Current Machine From the Chart
If you found your older knitting machine in the chart, look first at its gauge or needle spacing. That will give you a much better starting point for choosing a current machine than simply trying to match the brand.
As a general guide:
- 3.5–4.5mm: Start with the Silver Reed SK280 or SK840.
- 6–7mm: Start with the Silver Reed LK150.
- 8–9mm: Start with the Silver Reed SK155.
The best machine ultimately depends on both the yarn you want to knit and the type of patterning you want the machine to perform.
Written by Angelika Burles. Copyright Knitcraft Inc. All rights reserved. This chart and guide may be printed for personal use. Please do not reproduce it on another website or in commercial or noncommercial printed materials without permission.