Caron Ultimate Sweater Machine Deluxe

by Caron

Product Features

• Yarn can be used right from the skein saving you loads of time
• Includes knitting machine, deluxe kit, sweater extension kit, row counter and intarsia plate
• Knit as many as 1200 stitches per minute
• Make cables, lace, picture knits, tuck stitch, Fair Isle and more
• Includes instructional dvd

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 17.2 x 4.3 x 23.2 inches ; 12.1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 12.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B000WV3Y6O
• Item model number: 10102N
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,819 in Arts, Crafts & Sewing (See Top 100 in Arts, Crafts & Sewing)
  • #72 in Arts, Crafts & Sewing > Knitting & Crochet > Knitting

Product Description

Learn how to use this fabulous machine in minutes. Yarn can be used right from the skein saving you loads of time. This set includes the Knitting Machine, deluxe kit: the sweater extension kit, row counter and intarsia plate. Knit as many as 1200 stitches per minute. With this machine you can make: cables, lace, picture knits, tuck stitch Fair Isle and many more fancy stitches with professional looking results. An instructional DVD is also included so you can see the machine in action. Machine is constructed of plastic and steel. Made in USA.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

78 of 78 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars We must live in a world of impatient people., September 17, 2008

By 

Amy Driver (Kansas City, MO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

I also was a bit skeptical to purchase this after reading all the horrible reviews, but I set it up and it works fantastic! All you have to do is FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS and take your time. The only time I have experienced any stitches dropping is if I didn't move the plate all the way to the end or didn't hold the yarn properly (as the instructions talk about). Once I followed the directions, I haven't had any problems.

I'm a bit concerned about the people writing the reviews claiming that this is a piece of junk or that they are "engineers" who apparently can't follow directions.

The only thing I think you should be aware of is that this machine definitely is made for making sweaters in stockinette stitching. You can do some fancier stitches like cables, but you can't mix up stitches like knit 1, perl 1. Well you can, but I think it takes longer than doing that part by hand. On sweaters where I want to have a ribbed edge with k2/p2, I just cast on to needles, start the first few rows and then transfer it to my machine for the stockinette stitching.

I knit an entire sweater for my son in one night. I never could have done that just on my needles.

If you are not a patient person or if you are incapable of watching a video and following instructions don't buy this because you will experience what everyone else with negative reviews experienced. However, if you have a bit of patience and take your time, you will LOVE this machine!

Also, I don't have a special table (like one other reviewer suggested), I just use the non-slip pad that comes with the machine and it works great.

72 of 72 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars knitting, December 10, 2005

By 

J. D. Langley (Michigan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

I was skeptical about this product after reading mixed reviews. I have used it many times over the last few weeks and so far I haven't had any problems. It works great for me. The only thing I wish it mentioned in the product description is about the kind of table you need to attach the machine to. Your table cannot have rounded edges or a skirt underneath, which mine has. There needs to be two inches under the tabletop to attach the clamps to. I rigged something up by using a couple of wood blocks from my kids and non-slip padding. It's working and I'm getting projects done. I suppose that's all that counts.

46 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good but limited and not sturdy, August 8, 2007

By 

N. Troth "Addicted to Knitting" (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

The Ultimate Knitting Machine Deluxe by Caron

I have been knitting over a year now and wanted to try a knitting machine, so I chose the Bond Knitting Machine. I do feel this is an adequate machine for newbies and simple projects but it is not something I will use long term and will be upgrading to what I would consider a "real" knitting machine. But with that comes the hefty price tag of $600-$1200.

I also do think it is pricy for what you get and the quality. I paid $105 for my machine at urban outfitters (on amazon), but I think the machine should actually have a price point of around $75 due to the quality and its limits. Below is a summary.

GOOD:
-Price a little expensive but affordable
-Good for simple projects
-Good for cables
-Good for Garter stitch only
-Great for blankets or scarf type projects
-Good for simple sweaters and coats

BAD:
-Stiches catch all the time
-It is plastic so quality is not that great
-Not good for intricate designs
-If I make something where I will need to purl or do a chevron stitch I do this my hand
-REALLY NOT good for yarn other than simple spun yarn. Not good for any yarn such as feather, hand spun, or fun yarn. This machine will ruin your yarn and project.

I did get a few extras but have not tried the Intarsia plate, I will at a later date, maybe.

So, bottom line, it is ok and great to see if you want to try machine knitting before investing in a better model. Good, not great, but good for simple projects that use a garter stitch or cabling but that is about it. Anything more intricate than that I will hand knit.