The number of needles in the cylinder is equal to the number of stitches you would cast on if you were to knit a pair of socks by hand. So, imagine casting on 60 stitches with a lace weight yarn, now imagine casting on 60 stitches with a sport weight yarn…you would have two different size socks, wouldn’t you? Our machines are designed primarily for sock weight yarns. If you are interested in using a heavier than sock weight yarn, the smaller slot cylinders (48, 54 & sometimes 60) would be a better choice. The 96 and 100 slot cylinders are best used with lace weight yarns.
The most requested cylinder size is the 72 with the 64 and 60 following not far behind.
One combination we sell a great deal of is the 72/54 cylinder with the 72 ribber dial. There are several reasons why people buy this combination.
- You can use the 72 ribber dial with both cylinders, it makes a 1×1 rib on the 72 and you can make a 2×1 rib on the 54. (please be aware that some people don’t care for the lacy looking top edge of the 2×1)
- You can get a large range of sock sizes with this combination. The 72 makes beautiful knitting with sock weight yarn, and the 54 can easily knit sport weight yarn as well as sock weight yarn for a smaller size sock.
The 72 ribber can also be used with the 60 cylinder for 1×4 and 1×5 ribbing.
The 64/48 with a 64 ribber dial and the 80/60 with a 80 ribber dial will give you the same advantages of being able to use the ribber dial with both cylinders.
The 60 and 64 are used for most ladies sizes with the 72 is most common for men, though longer or wider feet or calves may need an 80 cylinder.
