"So... You Don't Actually Knit the Clothes?"

Storytime:

A couple of years ago, I was doing a demonstration in a local craft shop, showing how I use my manual knitting machine. I was carefully explaining the process of how I manually transfer stitches to shape each panel so there’s no cutting, no waste. I showed how I move the carriage across the needles to knit each row.

And then a lady watching said:

“Oh… so you don’t actually knit the clothes.”

 

Let me tell you- my jaw dropped.

 

After all the explanations, after watching me shape every row by hand, it still didn’t click for her that what I was doing was knitting. And I get it, if you’ve never seen it done before, machine knitting can look a bit mysterious.

But here’s the thing: domestic machine knitting is absolutely handmade. It’s skilled, time-consuming, and requires a whole lot of knowledge, practice, and patience. Just because I’m not using two needles and sitting by a fire doesn’t make it any less of a craft.

 

So What Is Domestic Machine Knitting?

Think of it as a blend between traditional hand knitting and the precision of machine work. I use a flatbed knitting machine with a row of needles and a carriage that I move by hand. Every stitch, every decrease, and every bit of shaping is done manually by me. The wool runs through my fingers, and the tension guided by feel.

There’s no automation involved- it’s a hands-on process that takes time, skill, and a good dose of patience. In many ways, it’s a bit like playing an instrument: it takes practice, rhythm, and care to get it just right.

 

Why I Love It

Domestic knitting machines were invented at a time when “slow fashion” wasn’t a buzzword- it was simply how things were made. I love carrying that tradition forward. Despite my machine being made in the late nineties, it is still extremely durable and is capable of creating high-quality, detailed garments with both precision and structure. I can shape panels to size directly on the machine, which means no fabric waste, no cutting. It’s a lovely way to blend traditional craftsmanship with a modern approach- using time-honoured techniques in a way that fits today’s pace and values. Machine knitting at home is a slow, intentional process. In the midst of our fast-paced world, I find real joy in sitting down with the steady purr of my machine, creating garments with care, precision, and purpose.

 

Appreciating the Craft

Using a tool doesn’t take away from the handmade nature of the work. Every piece I create is thoughtfully designed, carefully shaped, and finished by hand. The artistry is in the detail- in each stitch, every design decision, and the process that brings it all together.

 

So yes, I do actually knit the clothes, and proudly so.

That moment in the craft shop reminded me that not everyone has seen this kind of knitting before, and that’s completely understandable. It inspired me to write this post, not only to share a little behind-the-scenes insight, but to celebrate the craft, the care, and the love that goes into every piece I make.

 

Thanks for being here and for taking the time to learn more, and as always-

 

Happy woolgathering,

Caitlin