Thursday, January 18, 2018

Bond America ~ Ultimate Sweater Machine


 

Welcome to the Home Page for the Ultimate Sweater Machine






There is a lot of good information on this site for the Bond Ultimate Sweater Machine user, click on links to navigate around. You can always click on the "home" button to bring you back to this page.

NEW ACCESSORY FOR THE USM! Stainless Steel Cast-on Combs now available for USM and 8mm machines. Link to Cast-on Combs

Bond Pattern Books & Accessories for Sale
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ's
Assembling 2 Ultimate Sweater Machines together
Short Row Shaping For Shoulders
Abbreviations
Free Patterns
Lace knitting book
Free Bond Misc Magazines, Books, Publications
Videos
Bond Buzz Newsletters
Clubs  

Other Misc Links

TIPS, HINTS AND TROUBLESHOOTING
If you have trouble setting up or knitting on your Ultimate Sweater Machine, follow the suggestions below.
Troubleshooting



 

Setting Up Your Machine:


Use the non-skid mat on any flat surface, but be sure not to pull down on the hem as you set up. Or, if you want to use the clamps, be sure to use a flat surface with a "true" bottom, similar to a piece of hardwood board. One of the long pre-cut shelves available at hardware stores and home centers is a good choice.  I can't stress enough that it is very very important to have your machine on a perfectly flat surface.

Be sure not to screw the clamps on too tightly. This could raise the back of the bed and cause the needles to go out of alignment.

Be sure there are no raised retainer bars across the bed. These are the green bars that hold in the needles. If any are raised slightly you can push them down with your finger or use a small hammer with fabric or rubber as protection to tap them down into place.

Do not bear down on the carriage or it could be difficult to knit. Just hold down the handle enough to keep the keyplate in place.

USM Attributes:

Comes with 4 keyplate sizes to match every size hand knitting needle size from 6 to 10 1/2.
Comes with 100 needles, so you can make up to 52" circumference sweater using chunky weight yarn. 

You can use hand knitting patterns from information provided with each machine.
Extendable—make an even larger sweater or afghan with one or more
Extension Kits—you can even join two Ultimate Sweater Machines together!

Knits yarns from sport weight through chunky weight.
Knits fancy yarns from pencil roving through textured bouclé yarns, in all fibers.
Made of high quality polymer used in aircraft.
Resulting knitted fabric looks as if it had been made by a professional hand knitter.
"Bond" and "Sweater Machine" names are highly recognized and respected for quality needlecraft tools, especially easy-to-learn and high quality knitting machines.
No prior knowledge of knitting is required.
Free detailed instructional video on all the basic techniques and doing fancy stitches comes with each machine.
The Sweater Machine is ideal for crocheters who can add knitting to their crocheted pieces, or sewers, who can now knit as fast as they can sew.

86 comments:

  1. Urgently in need of a row counter for my Incredible Sweater Machine

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  2. Hi. I picked up this classic Bond knitting machine. I had one years ago. It is missing key plate 2 is there any where in the u.k I can obtain spares?
    Your help would be Most appreciated.
    Pamela

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    Replies
    1. I bought a bond knitting machine and it didn't heavy elastic with it what do you use if you don't have any elastic to use for the the machine

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    2. For Elastic thread try Dritz elastic thread, it is available in most craft stores such as Hobby Lobby, Michaels, JoAnn, etc. This is also available on Amazon.com

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    3. Try nylon kite string, you open hem out flat, unpick end and just pull straight out.

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  3. I have an extra, pay for postage and it’s yours!

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    Replies
    1. Kathy, do you happen to have an Intarsia keyplate in good shape for sale? I wore my first one out.

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  4. I have need of help though, what can you use under the needles if your foam has disintegrated?

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    Replies
    1. There are videos on YouTube that show how to replace the sponge bar.

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  5. Does anyone know where, in the USA, you can buy replacement parts? I need a hem (I have the rods) and a #3 keyplate.

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    Replies
    1. Barbara, if you can't find one you can make one. (I made 3). Knit several rows using every needle on the bed, then bring row 1 up and hook it over your last knitted row, forming a hem for the steel rods. Then knit several more rows and bind off and remove from machine. Now when you want to knit, grab one row of stitches above the hem and hook them onto your needles. I then use ravel cord. Pull down on the hem and you're good to go.

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    2. I found several things for both my Incredible Sweater Machine and Ultimate Sweater Machine at very reasonable prices on eBay. Recently my row counter went on the fritz and I really didn’t think I’d be able to find another one but when I searched eBay there they were. There are several places in the U.S. that still sell accessories for our wonderful machines. If you’re looking for keyplates, hems, carriages, pattern books look there. Good luck.

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    3. Stainless Steel Cast-on Combs are now available for Bond USM and other 8mm knitting machines. see them here: https://www.kriskrafter.com/product-page/ultimate-sweater-machine-cast-on-combs

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    4. Hey Kris, make a 70 needle cast on comb, too! Please, most of my project fall between 60-70 needles.

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    5. granny, I have a 30 st comb coming out any day now (at the polisher as I write this). With one of the 50 st combined with the new shorter one you'd have 80 sts. Or some may want 2 of the "minis" so joined would have a 50 st. etc...

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  6. I purchased a used Incredible Sweater Machine - looking parts, dvd instructions, etc., can only find for Ultimate Sweater Machine. Can anyone help? Thank you in advance.

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    1. I have a USM and an ISM. The keyplates for both are interchangeable. The only difference in the carriages for both are the ISM has a yarn guard in the front and the USM doesn't. I prefer the ISM carriage. Everything else that comes with the USM and the ISM is the same, I believe. The pattern book is just a bit different.

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    2. Watch YouTube. That's how I'm learning how to use it. I also need parts. A.m. trying to find parts without having to buy another one.

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  7. Do you know where I can buy the ribber for the machine

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    Replies
    1. Debbie, I've heard they are extremely rare to find now. I've been Googling everything Bond for about 5 yrs and have never seen one for sale.

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    2. Forget such thing for this machine. I believe it was rubbish. You must try hand knitting. Try garter st - if you don't like ribs.

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  8. I just saw a bunch of listings on eBay...don't know if that help

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  9. I recently acquired the incredible Sweater Machine, only problem is it didn't come with instructions booklet. Any ideas where I may find one

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    Replies
    1. YouTube is your best bet for learning. Diana (Dianna?) Sullivan has the best ones for learning your machine. Also on youtube "Meet Your Bond".

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    2. http://machineknittingetc.com/catalogsearch/result/?order=date&dir=desc&q=bond

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  10. Hi, I bought an ultimate Sweater Machine -second hand- and the green and yellow cards are missing. Is it possible someone to give me the dimensions of them?

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  11. machine came with (I think-..that's what I currently have) -
    (1) yellow card @ 2x8 in. (metric: 5x20 cm)
    (4) green cards @ 2 9/16 x 8 in. (metric: 6.5 x 20 cm)

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  12. Is there a DVD available of the instructions of the Incredible Sweater Machine?

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    Replies
    1. YouTube has the same as the DVD (or at least the CD) that came with them. YouTube search "Meet Your Bond".

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  13. I bought my Incredible Sweater Machine from Costco a number of years ago and it sat in my garage except the instructional manual. Where can I get instructional manual?

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  14. YouTube has the same as the DVD (or at least the CD) that came with them. YouTube search "Meet Your Bond".

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  15. Hola me llamo Elena,soy de Guatemala,adquirí la maquina dw telar(así le secimoa aquí)en u a venta de caras,pero le falta el currito negro donde van las barras de acero !!!don de podré comprar aquí en guatemala ???y sí no como hago para adquirir uno?

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    1. Translated: "Hello, my name is Elena, I'm from Guatemala, I bought the loom dw machine (so I secimoa here) in a sale of faces, but it lacks the black field where the steel bars go !!! What can I buy here in Guatemala? And what do I do to acquire one?"

      Hello, Elena. It's called a cast-on hem. https://sewknit.ca/knitting-machines/bond-america-caron/ultimate-sweater-machine-parts/cast-on-hem

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  16. I have acquired a "Fashion Knitter" and wondered what information is available for it. The box I bought has all the components and directions but when I tried to look it up to see what additional information was available all I can find it "Sweater Machine" information. Are they the same with mine just being an older model? Is there a link to more information on the one I have?

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  17. Hi, Elaphae. I searched for the Bond Fashion Knitter and it looks like the (yellow) keyplate that came with yours is the intarsia keyplate. (I'm guessing.) Everything else that comes with it is the very same as the Ultimate Sweater Machine. This means that you can purchase regular knitting (Bond Ultimate Sweater Machine and Bond Incredible Sweater Machine) keyplates and they will fit in your carriage. The USM keyplates are green and the ISM keyplates are clear. Both will work for you. The clear ones give you some half sizes.
    If your yellow keyplate is Intarsia you can search YouTube, etc. for Bond Intarsia how-to's.
    On the underside of your keyplate if there's a spring there it would be the intarsia keyplate.

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  18. I should have added...intarsia is for pattern knitting with more that one color.

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  19. hi i picked up a bond knitting machine at the thrift store. i have made about 10 items on it. i have recently noticed that the hem plastic is tearing from stress. Where could i find a new one or used one to replace it.

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    Replies
    1. Hi, craziquilter. You can find one on ebay, but you can make one yourself...I have made 2 so far and love them better. YouTube search "Cast On Rag" or "Make Your Own Cast On Rag". If you can't find what I'm talking about, post again and I'll go find the videos. - Pet

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    2. Stainless Steel Cast-on Combs are now available for Bond USM and other 8mm knitting machines. see them here: https://www.kriskrafter.com/product-page/ultimate-sweater-machine-cast-on-combs

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  20. thank you . i will try that this weekend. saved me at least 20$. they want a mint because they are vintage. LOL thanks again.

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  21. What are the dimensions of the yellow card. I think I can make one out of mat card stock. Thanks

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    1. From an earlier post:

      SewnpaxJanuary 31, 2019 at 3:32 PM
      machine came with (I think-..that's what I currently have) -
      (1) yellow card @ 2x8 in. (metric: 5x20 cm)
      (4) green cards @ 2 9/16 x 8 in. (metric: 6.5 x 20 cm)

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  22. Hi. I am looking for some replacement parts for an Incredible Sweater Machine. It is missing the transfer tools (3x1 prong, 3 prong) and the latch tool. I haven't seen anything like it online yet. Do you know where I could order these? Once I have these I'll be able to better tell if anything else is missing or needs repairing. The manual also mentions wax, but since that is also missing, is there anything else I can use?

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    Replies
    1. Hi, Carmen. If you are in the US, go to ebay and search "Bond transfer tool". I just did and got good results. Also if you read the other answers there's a website to order them from.

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    2. Thanks Petunia. The research I had already done wasn't very promising, so I'll try again with your info.

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    3. Try knitting machine spray. Silicone. Or beeswax

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  23. I bought a second hand machine. I am not able to cast on stitches. It did 3 stitches and then skipped rest. Can someone please help?

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    Replies
    1. What type of cast on are you doing that you are not able to cast on?

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    2. Thank you! I was able to figure it out. The green plate was not inserted properly. Now the cast on work well.

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  24. I want to knit 3ply DK yarn. I tried using Keyplate 1 and find the carriage does not run smooth after knitting a few rows and it starts dropping the first 2-3 stitches in the row. Please help

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  25. I am new to USM and am still learning. Just experienced twice today, after knitting 1.5 inches as the carriage was moving smoothly to knit the next row, suddenly the hem with rod and knitting dropped-off from the needles on the ground. I am very puzzled what could cause this. Thanks,
    Rashmi

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    Replies
    1. Did the yarn come out of the feeder ? You must sellotape a piece of cardboard over the front, as it is very easy for it to come out.

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  26. Hey, Kriskrafter, your new cast on comb looks great!

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    Replies
    1. Waiting for them. My paper clip ones are too flimsy. Ready t to burn them.

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  27. My mom has the "original Bond knitting machine" and she lost the fabric guide wire. Do you have any idea who I can reach out for her to get another one? Thank you.

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    Replies
    1. Did you ever find the fabric guide wire ?

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    2. Hello, I just bought a bond knitter and it is also missing the fabric guide, would you have an extra by chance if Wendy does not respond or has found one,

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  28. Hi. I got a Bond Elite and Ribber but it did not come with the ribber mounting brackets, would anyone know where I can get them?
    Thank you.

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  29. Hi. I got a Bond Elite and Ribber but it did not come with the ribber mounting brackets, would anyone know where I can get them?
    Thank you.

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  30. I need a needle retainer bar for incredible sweater machine.Can somebody help me please?

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  31. I bought a row counter for my Bond Incredible Sweater Machine, but it needs a "tripper spring" to attach to the carriage to trip the counter. I can't find one anywhere. Any help?

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    Replies
    1. You could make one with a jumbo paperclip. Use jewelry pliers to bend wire. Took 3 tries before it worked.

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  32. I need to buy a cast on hem. anybody knows where I can get one?

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    Replies
    1. Diana Sullivan did a video on how to make a cast on rag for a Sweater Machine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTct5mmq5QQ

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  33. I'm in the US & am in need of self-adhesive numbers & the wire fabric guide. Only found an online store in Canada. checked eBay to no avail.

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  34. i have the ultimate sweater machine and am having a problem. had the machine for a while, first time using it. followed the directions in the booklet. after doing 2 or 3 rows, the needles don't catch on all the stitches and there is a large gap in the knitting. At other times, the hem rod and the knitting drops off of the needles altogether. i am only doing a scarf so there are only about 25 needles in use. I was using eyelash yarn and thought that was the problem, so i tried 3 ply yarn and the same thing happened. what am i doing wrong.

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    Replies
    1. Do you have enough weight? Is your tension (holding the yarn) too loose?

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  35. I am downsizing to a smaller house this summer and will need to sell my two Bonds and all (very, very many) accessories and books. Everything is in good shape and will be extremely reasonably priced. Does anyone know where I can post them? Reply here. Thank you.

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    1. I would love to buy them, but I'm thinking that postage would be expensive? If you receive this message, will you message me back? I really would love to have them.

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    2. If you're a member of Ravelry (ravelry.com) there are several machine knitting groups on the site, in particular one called 'Bonders', specifically for Bond machines, and a group solely for buying, selling and swapping them. I'm admin of the Bonders group: https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/bonders/topics.

      We welcome all 'Bonding' members from around the world!

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    3. Evelyn, where are you? I'm in TN and would like to sell one or both of mine.

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    4. Hello! I would be interested, how much are you all getting rid of them for? and how much would postage be to NY??

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  36. need help. when I first got the usm, there was a pattern book that had a baby's jumper in tuck stitch. several moves later I don't have it. do you have an idea where I can get a copy of it? I have the back done, the front still needs to be done.

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