Archive for the ‘machine knitting’ Category

Is Machine Knitting the Answer?

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

When knitters begin knitting for profit, especially if they are profiting directly from their knitted items, it can be most beneficial to increase knitting production. One of the easiest ways to increase production is by doing machine knitting and automating as much of your work as possible. While there may be some knitters who prefer the hand-knitted label, some people just need the added little push that a knitting machine can give them to take their knitting work into the realm of a viable business opportunity and to actually start to make money knitting.

Machine knitting may not be the right answer for all knitters though. Some of the new knitting machines require computer interfaces and have more setup options than many new cars or the latest electronic gadgets ever will. If you are one of those people that thought resetting your VCR, VCD or DVD player was a difficult task, you have not seen anything yet. However, many of the more advanced knitting machines have so many options that despite the complexities of the learning curve, they can still be a great boon to anyone who has seriously thought about knitting strictly for profit.

Machine knitting can also be a great way to get your children or grandchildren involved in knitting.  Some children do not have the necessary patience or attention span to learn how to properly use the knitting needles and will grow frustrated and quit long before they ever get a start knitting. Small, inexpensive plastic “spool” or “reel” type knitting machines can be the perfect answer. With these, machine knitting involves scarcely more than being able to wind the knitting yarn in the proper manner over the protrusions on the knitting machine. While special tools may be required to remove the finished, knitted products from these knitting machines, they still allow even the most inexperienced knitter to quickly (and easily) create some very beautiful knitted items.

Imagine the delight in a child’s eyes when they have begun machine knitting new and “cool” things … and then imagine how much more enthusiastic they will be when they learn that they too can actually begin knitting for profit as well as for fun. These small, hand-held or table-mounted knitting machines are ideally suited for making many small, knitted items that can be sold in yard sales, craft fairs and even at school (on at work in some cases) for a tidy little sum. If your child really wants to have fun or make money knitting, have them make a selection of small items in their school colors and sell them at school.

For most people under normal conditions, the addition of a flat knitting machine will generally be enough to help them supplement knitting production while still allowing them the freedom to create hand-knitted accessories and accoutrements while machine knitting the large, tedious and time consuming parts of large, hand knitted garments. One of the many beautiful things about machine knitting is that it really does increase your knitting options. Once you do get past the learning curve, machine knitting can be a great way to still have fun knitting while greatly increasing your knitting production when you are knitting for a profit.

Tags: knititng machines, knitting for profit, knitting machine, machine knitting, Make Money Knitting
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Machine Knitting for Fun and Profit

Tuesday, March 30th, 2010

Knitting throughout the ages has enjoyed both peaks and ebbs in popularity but there have always been some people who had difficulty handling the knitting needles and thus, used to be unable to attempt knitting to see whether they enjoyed it or not. For the last few hundred years, knitting machines have made it possible for nearly everyone to at least try knitting. While machine knitting does make it possible for everyone to at least try their hand at knitting, you should not go out and order the most expensive knitting machine you can find just yet.

Machine knitting can be a great way to increase knitting production, help you to make even more profit from your knitting work and experience and even to replace those knitting needles if you are having a difficult time holding or controlling them. However, knitting machines, like knitting yarn, come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and price-ranges. Before you go spending any money on your knitting machine, you need to figure out exactly what you hope to be able to knit, what kind of knitting production you want to be able to create and whether or not the knitting machine is going to be one that you can operate.

Machine knitting can be easy with many of the knitting machines on the market today but it can also be difficult, frustrating and not really what you expected. If all you want to work on with your machine knitting is small embellishments and decorations for your knitted garments, this can usually be done on very small, inexpensive, hand-held knitting machines that are easily found online. If you want to do something a bit more complex, your knitting machine needs may be a little more involved as well.

Some people prefer to use the large, flat knitting machines for their knitting work at home. Machine knitting large swaths of cloth or fabric is easily accomplished on these flat-knitting machines and those in turn are used to create other garments. These flat knitting machines run the full-range from the ability to create a small selection of simple knots all the way up to some knitting machines that are attached to your computer and are much more complex but will allow you to take your machine knitting projects to amazing new heights.

What kind of machine knitting you get involved in and what kind of knitting machine you will need really do depend on what you want to do with it. If you are just knitting for fun, you may actually have a wide selection of the smaller, manual knitting machines that are always handy, inexpensive and still make some great knitted products. If you are knitting for profit, you may still want numerous knitting machines eventually. The small hand-held knitting machines can help you to add that “final touch” while the large flat machines can be used to create swathes of cloth for capes, sweaters, scarves and other large knitted items.

The fact of the matter is that really, no matter what type of machine knitting you want to do, you can do it these days. Simply figure out which knitting machine best fits your current needs before you go investing large sums of money. As you progress, no matter whether you are just knitting for fun or even if you are knitting for profit, you can always add more knitting machines later.
 

Tags: flat knitting machines, hand held knitting machines, knitting for profit, knitting machines, machine knitting, manual knitting machines
Posted in Knitting Bits and Bobs, machine knitting, Make Money Knitting | 19 Comments »

Machine Knitting Success Story From Linda

Thursday, June 18th, 2009

Linda's story is another great example of finding a niche and creating a successful knitting business that has grown and developed over her lifetime. In this interview, she gives some valuable tips and advice about knitting jobs and how to make your knitting and crochet business a success.

How long have you been knitting and crocheting?

I have been knitting and crocheting for over 40 years now. I started designing about 20 years ago but didn’t get serious until about 5 years ago and created a loom knitting pattern book. “Looney for Looms”

Can you give a brief description of your knitting business?

I have recently retired from my knitting business as far as producing products, but they included everything from slippers to afghans. Mostly though I made personalized knitwear for both individuals and schools and such. The meat and potatoes of the business were personalized knitted ski caps. These were made to order so it wasn’t something you could make up ahead of time and keep in stock. Now I am more into helping others learn the ropes so to speak. (Linda's website is www.knitting-n-crochet.com)

When did you decide to start your knitting business and what gave you the idea?

I have always enjoyed making and creating knitted items and sales is just a natural outlet. In my early 20s I first saw an ad for a knitting machine and couldn’t get it out of my head – I just had to have one! Before that everything was done by hand and very limited to how much I could produce. The knitting machine opened up a whole new world for me.

I also learned a lot from a neighbor, who had had a successful knitting business. She knitted all sorts of things including hats, sweaters and dog sweaters that she sold all over the world. They were beautiful items and were made in no time flat. There was no Internet back then so she sold through ads in magazines and a sales rep.

I had always dreamed of my own home based business but thought it was only for the rich. Then here was my neighbour running a successful knitting business, and she was an a stay-home-Mom, just like me.

She sold me her old Brother 260, she encouraged me and shared her knitting patterns. She was the one who showed me how to make a personalized ski cap. When she moved away I taught myself with books and a mad desire to open my own knitting business.

Since 1986 I have learned machine knitting, loom knitting and hand knitting along with the crocheting I already knew. You can make money and work at home with these crafts. It takes persistence, determination, a little imagination and a bit of guidance, but you can do it!

Did you have any business experience when you started?

My mother was always selling something by party plan when I was growing up, but other than that I had to learn everything on my own. Books became your best friend back than but now you have the internet and so many more opportunities available.

Were there any challenges when you started out?

There were many challenges from finding supplies, to finding customers to finding time and lets not forget finding start up money. Yes you will have many bumps in the road, but if you are willing to do the research and put in the time, you can make it.

Is there anything you have learned that you wish you had known from the start?

Yes, I wish I had not tried every get rich scheme that came down the pike. I should have chosen my niche and learned all there was about it and stuck with it.

What are your hours like? Do you work from home?

When I first started I spent many more hours working than if I had a traditional job, but this is just what you do to get started. Than I gradually would work during the day when the kids were in school. With the internet it is even better because you can work a couple of hours here or there when ever you want. You can create knitwear and ship 24 hours a day now.

Do you still enjoy knitting now that it is your business as well as your hobby, and whats the best part of knitting for a living?

Yes I still enjoy it and always will. I love working with the yarns, patterns and colors. It is fun just to see it all come together into a beautiful article. The best part of knitting for a living is I can choose my own hours, it doesn’t matter if I am working at 12:00 noon or 12:00 midnight. My family was always first for me and this made it so much easier to have both family and income.

What's the hardest part?

I know this sounds contradictory but it is that you have times and seasons when the orders flood you and you HAVE to work long into the night. Especially with my product the holidays were extremely busy and the phone rang non-stop with more orders. When I choose to work at midnight I didn’t mind, but I hated to disappoint people and say “Sorry I just can’t get that done in the time you want it”

Do you have any tips for someone who is just starting out?

First you have to have a product people like and want – if you don’t have that than you need to find one. Than you have to get it out in the public’s eye, you need the product and you need the customers to buy it. And you need to take your knitting business seriously – give it 150% if you want to succeed. With all the sales avenues available now, you have a better chance of success today than I did 20 some years ago – you have the Internet and that is a tremendous advantage alone. If you want your own business and are willing to work at it, you can do it.

Read more about Linda and her knitting business on her website at www.knitting-n-crochet.com, where you'll also find her books, patterns and some great information about starting a machine knitting business.

Tags: knit ski cap, knitting and crochet, knitting business, knitting for a living, knitting jobs, knitting machine, loom knitting, machine knitting, Make Money Knitting
Posted in Knitting Jobs, machine knitting, Success Stories & Interviews | 7 Comments »

Machine Knitting Success Story – Diana from Wizardknits

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

Diana learned to knit from her great grandmother, and although she didn't realise it at the time, the skills she developed put her on the path to becoming a true “knitterpreneur”.

Like so many knitting businesses, it started as a hobby and grew over time into a full-time occupation. Now Diana enjoys spending her days doing what she loves to do. Read on to find how she has created a fantastic niche knitting business that grows and grows, with an advertising budget of zero!

Diana's knitterpreneur journey started back in 1975 when her daughter was born. After learning from her great grandmother how to knit complete garments for her dolls, she started doing the same for her daughter. Neighbors noticed her creations and started asking her to knit for their children too.

Diana offered a very personalised service, with her customers able to choose colours and adjust styles and sizing, and very soon she could hardly keep up with demand. Even after moving interstate and starting her knitting business over, her customer base quickly grew as word spread about her unique and high quality creations including children's clothes and layettes. Even today she knits for the same customers, but now it's for their grandchildren!

The Switch To Machine Knitting

It was at this point in her business that she realised she just couldn't keep up with hand knitting alone, so Diana invested in a knitting machine and hasn't looked back. After figuring out how to use the machine herself, she also began teaching others. This included demonstrations in yarn-stores, craft shows, school events and adult education classes.

Throughout her knitting career, Diana has used every one of the five “Knitting For Profit” strategies. She has done contract knitting for designers to test patterns and correct mistakes, she taught others how to knit, she has re-created vintage knitwear for a Parisian couturier, she has designed knitting patterns of her own, and also created unique made-to-order garments for theatre, vintage and historical costuming. She never tires of knitting, because something new and interesting is always available!

How Diana's Son Changed Her Whole Business…

Diana's knitting business now includes a great niche market and whole new marketing strategy, all because her son wanted to go to a convention dressed as Harry Potter in a Hogwarts uniform. She knitted up a woollen scarf and school sweater for him, and suddenly there were requests from friends and other fans for the same. Her son posted the items on the internet, and they got more orders than they could fill – the scarves selling out in just 3 hours!

Diana's knitting service had always been so personalised she hadn't thought that she would be able to sell online, but after the success of the scarves and sweaters she created wizardknits.com and found that her high quality garments and personalised service were a winning formula online as well as off.

She has not spent a cent on advertising – all her traffic and orders come from word of mouth and referrals. People from around the world now know her name and will seek her out to get their knitted wizarding garments.

The secret she says, is authenticity. When you buy from wizardknits, you get a quality product of 100% wool that has the most authentic design and colours available. And the second most important factors are customisation and service. She tailors each sweater to suit her customers and always maintains communication with them. She will answer each and every email because “If you want to get a sale, you need to act like you are interested and respond to questions. Working on the internet is not the same as being live in front of someone, but you still need to communicate with people!”

The Problem Of Pricing?

Every knitterpreneur has to contend with the issue of pricing – valuing your time and skills can be hard – and Diana was no different. “I have spent sleepless nights trying to figure out what is a fair price for me, but also working out how much someone would be willing to spend, and I know I would pay almost any price to get something that fit me and looked great. In the end, you need to look at it that way, get the best materials and make it as something you would buy yourself”.

She has found that her most expensive products actually sell just as well (if not better) than her lower priced ones, which shows that people are willing to pay more when they are getting a high quality niche product that they won't find anywhere else.

Stock Control And Minimising Costs

Diana has some great advice for keeping costs down. Once you find your niche and know what knitted products you are going to provide you'll be able to order your yarns in bulk and from yarn wholesalers rather than retail. Diana has found that by knitting to order (and having virtually no stock) she can order only the yarn she needs, so she doesn't have costly leftovers lying around and she doesn't need lots of space to store stock.

Diana's Advice For Starting Out?

“The first thing you need to do is decide whether you are ready to spend the time to make your knitting into a business. You can be knitting furiously all day but it doesn't make a knitting business, there are a lot of things that go with it. If you spend the hours to start the right way, and if you set it up correctly then it pretty much runs itself.”

And Her Advice For Starting Machine Knitting…

“There's a big learning curve with a knitting machine, in my opinion you need to spend the money and get a good quality machine. So you need to decide if your knitting business is ready for it – do you have enough orders and business to warrant it? A knitting machine is an investment, I take it off in my tax return, and my business did not warrant one in the beginning, but it came to a point where I just couldn't keep up with demand and it really helped.”

“There are many different kinds of knitting machine so you need one that suits your business and the kind of knitwear you produce. Stay away from plastic machines, and get one with accessories because once you have achieved the learning curve and are comfortable with it, you want your knitting machine to be able to grow with you as you are able to do more complex designs.”

“Remember its a learning experience, you shouldn't assume that you can buy a knitting machine and instantly have a sweater, even the knitting on a machine takes a long time to learn. It will speed things up in the end, and if you are knitting the same things over and over again then its perfect”

Her Favourite Part Of Knitting For Profit?

“I just enjoy the knitting, and knowing that the person on the other end just can't wait to get what I'm making for them. You would think I would get tired of knitting these, but they are all different – different sizes and colours. I knit hundreds of sweaters and scarves a year, so you can't do that without really loving it!

And it's the unsolicited testimonials and that they are always pleasantly surprised when they open their package from me, that's what I enjoy hearing”

Visit Diana's website at www.wizardknits.com and if you would like to know more or ask any questions you can contact her by clicking here.

Tags: contract knitting, knitting business, knitting machine, layettes, machine knitting, Make Money Knitting, teach knitting, vintage knitwear, wizard costume
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