1. Introduction
The BOND Incredible Sweater Machine is designed to facilitate the creation of knitted items such as sweaters, skirts, coats, afghans, cushions, and children's wear. This machine is compatible with various hand-knit yarns, including sport, worsted, double knit, Aran, cotton, mohair, and chunky types. This manual provides detailed instructions for the assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your knitting machine.
Image 1.1: Overview of the BOND Incredible Sweater Machine, showing its main components ready for assembly.
2. Safety Instructions
Please read and understand all safety instructions before operating the machine to prevent injury or damage to the product.
- Keep fingers and loose clothing away from moving parts during operation.
- Ensure the machine is placed on a stable, flat surface before use.
- Do not force the carriage or needles if they encounter resistance. Investigate the cause of the obstruction.
- Keep the work area well-lit and free from clutter.
- Store the machine in a dry, safe place when not in use.
- This machine is not a toy. Keep out of reach of small children.
3. Package Contents
Verify that all components are present in the package before beginning assembly.
- Knitting Bed Sections
- Carriage Assembly
- Yarn Mast and Tension Unit
- Clamps for securing the machine
- Needle Retainers (Green and Yellow Cards)
- Weights (Hanging Hem Weight)
- Instruction Manual
- Accessory Tools (e.g., latch tool, tapestry needle)
4. Setup and Assembly
Follow these steps to assemble your BOND Incredible Sweater Machine:
- Secure the Knitting Bed: Place the knitting bed sections on a sturdy table or workbench. Use the provided clamps to firmly attach the bed to the surface, ensuring it is stable and does not move during operation.
- Assemble the Yarn Mast: Insert the yarn mast into its designated slot on the knitting bed. Attach the tension unit to the top of the yarn mast.
- Install Needle Retainers: Carefully slide the green and yellow needle retainer cards into their respective grooves along the knitting bed. Ensure they are seated correctly to hold the needles in place.
- Attach the Carriage: Place the carriage onto the knitting bed rails. It should slide smoothly along the length of the bed.
- Initial Inspection: Before loading yarn, gently slide the carriage back and forth to ensure all needles move freely and are not obstructed.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Yarn Selection
The machine is designed for a variety of hand-knit yarns. For optimal performance, select yarns that are consistent in thickness and have good elasticity. Avoid overly thick or uneven yarns, as these can cause stitches to drop or the machine to jam.
5.2 Casting On
- Thread the yarn through the tension unit and into the carriage's yarn feeder.
- Bring the desired number of needles to the working position.
- Follow the specific casting-on method outlined in the detailed instruction book provided with your machine. Common methods include e-wrap cast-on or waste yarn cast-on.
- Ensure the first row of stitches is evenly formed across all active needles.
5.3 Knitting Rows
- Attach the hanging hem weight to the cast-on edge to provide tension.
- Ensure the yarn is correctly positioned in the carriage's feeder.
- Smoothly push the carriage across the knitting bed from one side to the other. Each pass completes one row of knitting.
- Maintain consistent tension on the yarn and a steady pace when moving the carriage.
- Periodically check for dropped stitches or tangled yarn.
5.4 Binding Off
Once the desired length is achieved, bind off the stitches using the method described in your instruction book. This typically involves using a latch tool to transfer stitches and create a finished edge.
6. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and smooth operation of your knitting machine.
- Cleaning: Use a soft brush or cloth to remove lint and yarn fibers from the knitting bed, needles, and carriage after each use. Accumulated fibers can impede needle movement.
- Lubrication: Periodically apply a small amount of machine oil (specifically designed for knitting machines or sewing machines) to the carriage rails and needle beds as recommended in your product's specific guide. Avoid over-oiling.
- Needle Inspection: Regularly check needles for bends, rust, or damage. Replace any damaged needles to prevent dropped stitches or yarn snags.
- Storage: When not in use, cover the machine to protect it from dust. Store in a cool, dry place.
7. Troubleshooting
Refer to this section for common issues and their potential solutions.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Dropped Stitches | Incorrect yarn tension, damaged needle, carriage moving too fast, insufficient weight. | Adjust tension, replace needle, slow down carriage speed, add more weight. |
| Carriage Jams/Sticks | Yarn caught, lint buildup, bent needle, dry rails, incorrect needle retainer placement. | Clear obstructions, clean machine, replace needle, lubricate rails, reseat retainers. |
| Uneven Fabric | Inconsistent yarn tension, uneven weight distribution, varying yarn thickness. | Ensure consistent tension, distribute weights evenly, use uniform yarn. |
| Yarn Breaks | Excessive tension, weak yarn, sharp edges on machine, snags. | Reduce tension, use stronger yarn, inspect machine for burrs, clear snags. |
8. Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 22.6 x 14.2 x 4.3 inches
- Item Weight: 9.39 pounds
- ASIN: B000SMFPGO
- Date First Available: June 26, 2007
- Compatibility: Various hand-knit yarns (sport, worsted, double knit, Aran, cotton, mohair, chunky)
9. Warranty and Support
For information regarding warranty coverage, product support, or to purchase replacement parts, please refer to the documentation included with your original purchase or visit the official BOND website. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
For further assistance, you may contact BOND customer service through the contact information provided on their official website or within your product packaging.
