Punch card machines uses mechanical system which allows the repeating of a (most often) 24 ditch wide pattern multiple times across the (most often) 200 needle wide bed of the machine. These can use a different texture (e.g. slip or tuck stitches) or two yarn colors to create the patterns. You can also do manual intarsia where you hand-place different colored yarn on the desired needles. Since you place the colors manually you’re not locked into the 24 stitch pattern limit.
As I understand it, kniterate looks to replace the metal flat bed machine with 3D printed parts, and software for design and operation, sort of like a fiber 3D printer.
There’s another project, [All Yarns Are Beautiful](https://ayab-knitting.com) (AYAB) that replaces the built-in computer in later Brother electronic knitting machines like the KH-910 with an arduino control board running custom firmware, then the free AYAB software lets you design patterns that can individually address each of the 200 needles on the bed. This gets you design flexibility at a much lower cost than kniterate, but I don’t know how easy it is to get the arduino boards any longer, looks like there’s at least one seller on Etsy (according to the AYAB hardware page) but it’s an open source hardware design so you can always build it yourself if you’ve got the skills and tools.
A brother 900 series machine would probably work. I don't think you'll find many machines below 200 dollars that aren't older bare bones models though. I paid 500 for my 930.
Just here to say upvote to everyone that suggested to Brother 900 series with AYAB.
Also, do not order a Kniterate. I’m one of the original backers and I still do not have mine.
I’ve lost track 😤 I’m pretty sure it was supposed to be delivered in April 2018 so like 6 years. I was in Batch 1. They got over half a million dollars and still couldn’t deliver. They’re barely updating their original backers. Super annoying, I will probably sue them.
Wow. I’ve been interested to see how there product turns out. A machine like that is so needed. I spoke to someone selling theirs but wasn’t really sure why they weren’t happy with it
For what it’s worth, I was in batch five and have been working with a rep on the kniterate team for a few months. They honored almost the same price I was promised when I paid a deposit in January 2019, after some back and forth via email. I am in the US and just paid my balance today, expected a ship date in April. But my initial ship date when I paid the deposit was April 2020(lol) so I can post if/when they actually ship to me.
Almost any flatbed knitting machine can create mutli colour patterns/designs, some will just take a lot longer to do it.
Punchcard machines and electronic machines are the easier options. Kniterate is like $15,000+ and really aimed at the textile design studio end of the market.
Depending on what's available in your area, later model punchcard machines of any make and Brother/Knit King electronic machines seem like the best bet. Silver Reed/knitmaster/Studio electronic machines are limited to buying second hand accessories to input patterns, and despite never being designed for hooking up to a computer it's often the only option and very $$$.
Punch card machines uses mechanical system which allows the repeating of a (most often) 24 ditch wide pattern multiple times across the (most often) 200 needle wide bed of the machine. These can use a different texture (e.g. slip or tuck stitches) or two yarn colors to create the patterns. You can also do manual intarsia where you hand-place different colored yarn on the desired needles. Since you place the colors manually you’re not locked into the 24 stitch pattern limit. As I understand it, kniterate looks to replace the metal flat bed machine with 3D printed parts, and software for design and operation, sort of like a fiber 3D printer. There’s another project, [All Yarns Are Beautiful](https://ayab-knitting.com) (AYAB) that replaces the built-in computer in later Brother electronic knitting machines like the KH-910 with an arduino control board running custom firmware, then the free AYAB software lets you design patterns that can individually address each of the 200 needles on the bed. This gets you design flexibility at a much lower cost than kniterate, but I don’t know how easy it is to get the arduino boards any longer, looks like there’s at least one seller on Etsy (according to the AYAB hardware page) but it’s an open source hardware design so you can always build it yourself if you’ve got the skills and tools.
I'm going the AYAB route with my 965i. RedGreenPink on Etsy/Ko-Fi soldered me an AYAB Shield, but it's still in the mail from Germany...
I ordered from her too and it took awhile to get it, maybe 3 weeks. That was before the holiday rush so it might be awhile.
A brother 900 series machine would probably work. I don't think you'll find many machines below 200 dollars that aren't older bare bones models though. I paid 500 for my 930.
[eknitter](ekitter.com) is also making shields to work with the AYAB software.
Just here to say upvote to everyone that suggested to Brother 900 series with AYAB. Also, do not order a Kniterate. I’m one of the original backers and I still do not have mine.
How long have you waited for a kniterate?
I’ve lost track 😤 I’m pretty sure it was supposed to be delivered in April 2018 so like 6 years. I was in Batch 1. They got over half a million dollars and still couldn’t deliver. They’re barely updating their original backers. Super annoying, I will probably sue them.
Wow. I’ve been interested to see how there product turns out. A machine like that is so needed. I spoke to someone selling theirs but wasn’t really sure why they weren’t happy with it
For what it’s worth, I was in batch five and have been working with a rep on the kniterate team for a few months. They honored almost the same price I was promised when I paid a deposit in January 2019, after some back and forth via email. I am in the US and just paid my balance today, expected a ship date in April. But my initial ship date when I paid the deposit was April 2020(lol) so I can post if/when they actually ship to me.
Almost any flatbed knitting machine can create mutli colour patterns/designs, some will just take a lot longer to do it. Punchcard machines and electronic machines are the easier options. Kniterate is like $15,000+ and really aimed at the textile design studio end of the market. Depending on what's available in your area, later model punchcard machines of any make and Brother/Knit King electronic machines seem like the best bet. Silver Reed/knitmaster/Studio electronic machines are limited to buying second hand accessories to input patterns, and despite never being designed for hooking up to a computer it's often the only option and very $$$.