For the Ultimate Sweater Machine:

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any trouble setting up or knitting on your Ultimate Sweater Machine, follow the suggestions below.

For more information on the Ultimate Sweater Machine, please see:
Tips, Hints and Troubleshooting
Assembling Two Ultimate Sweater Machines

QUESTIONS

How large a sweater can I knit on the Ultimate Sweater Machine?

How many needles come in the Ultimate Sweater Machine?

What else comes in the Ultimate Sweater Machine kit?

What is the Ultimate Sweater Machine made of?

How long does it take to learn to use the machine?

How long does it take to make a basic sweater or afghan?

Can I use hand knitting patterns?

Can I add hand knitting or crocheted sections fo my machine-knitted projects?

Can I get more patterns for my machine?

What kinds of yarns can I use on my machine and do I have to buy special types of yarns?

What happens if I get stuck? Is there a help line I can call?

What type of warranty comes with the machine?

How long has the Ultimate Sweater Machine company been making machines?

I have an Incredible Sweater Machine®. Can I use the Ultimate carriage and accessories on my machine?

What are the main differences between the Incredible Sweater Machine or Bond Classic and the Ultimate Sweater Machine?

How large a sweater can I knit on the Ultimate Sweater Machine?
Up to a size XL (50" circumference using 4-ply knitting worsted weight yarn). If you need a larger size, you can purchase one or more Extension Kits and make your machine as large as you want. You can even bolt two Sweater Machines together. See instructions here.

How many needles comes in the Ultimate Sweater Machine?
100.

What else comes in the Ultimate Sweater Machine kit?
The machine comes with:
1. Needle bed with 100 needles,
2. Carriage that you push back and forth to create the knitting,
3. 4 keyplates in 6 sizes that you insert into the carriage, like cassettes, that make the loops that create the stitches. You choose the size keyplate based on the type of yarn you are using.
4. Accessory box with all the tools and accessories you need to use your machine.
5. 35-minute instructional video
6. Instruction book loaded with pictures for setting up, knitting and doing fancy stitches.
7. Pattern book with 12 patterns starting with a simple scarf and ending with a set of family sweaters.
8. Even a ball of yarn to get you started.

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What is the Ultimate Sweater Machine made of?
The body and carriage are made of engineering polymers, the same that are used in aircraft. Other components are hardened steel needles and weights.

How long does it take to learn to use the machine?
To learn the basics, just one evening - or a weekend, if you want to go through the complete instruction book.

How long does it take to make a basic sweater or afghan?
You can make an adult sweater or large afghan in two evenings. You can make a child's sweater, smaller afghan or throw in one evening.

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Can I use hand knitting patterns?
Yes. Information on how to convert hand knitting patterns for use on the machine are included in the pattern book that comes with your machine.

Can I add hand knitting or crocheted sections fo my machine-knitted projects?
Yes. You can knit the back and sleeves on the machine and hand knit the front. Or you can machine knit part of the front, then take the knitting off the machine and hand knit a yoke. You can do the same for crochet, especially with afghans (edgings, joinings, panels, etc.)

Can I get more patterns for my machine?
Yes. Your machine will come with a brochure of other accessories, videos and pattern books that are available for your machine. You can also get free patterns on this website in our project section.

What kinds of yarns can I use on my machine and do I have to buy special types of yarns?
You can use between a sport weight and chunky weight yarn. You can also use fancy yarns such as mohair (or brushed yarn) and bouclé as well as different yarns mace from acrylic, cotton, wool, mohair and lots more.

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What happens if I get stuck? Is there a help line I can call?
Yes. The phone number for the help line is printed on the information that comes with your machine. There is no charge for this help except the cost of the long distance call. You can also get help by going to our Ultimate Sweater Machine help center online.

What type of warranty comes with the machine?
The machine comes with a limited lifetime warranty against product defects. You may register your machine here.

How long has the Ultimate Sweater Machine company been making machines?
For over 20 years.

I have an Incredible Sweater Machine. Can I use the Ultimate carriage and accessories on my machine?
Yes. All the accessories for the Ultimate Sweater Machine are interchangeable with the Incredible Sweater Machine. Check our online store for tools and accessories.

What are the main differences between the Incredible Sweater Machine or Bond Classic and the Ultimate Sweater Machine?
The needle bed is the same. The carriage is quite different and incorporates all the “wishes” of Sweater Machine knitters over the years: the front of the carriage is open (no fabric guide) so doing intarsia “on the fly” (as you knit) and other changing of yarn, such as for stripes, is especially easy. The carriage also has a built-in tripper for the row counter. There are six different keyplate sizes to match every size hand knitting needle from a 6 through a 10. The color of the carriage is plum and the keyplates are a transparent green. There’s a new pattern book, instruction book and video and lots of new accessories and pattern books.

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