Caron Ultimate Knitting Machine Deluxe

I'm a experienced knitter and crocheter and was eyeing this Deluxe USM for a couple of years (I want to make mostly blankets for CareNet and homeless shelters and do it fast) but the reviews kept me from purchasing. A couple of months ago I caved and I am so happy I did! I watched the DVD and read the book following each step. I did have a problem at first with not getting the carriage to slide over and I thought maybe I didn't wax the keyplate good enough. So I waxed it some more and it still didn't slide. I found out I was pressing down on the carriage too much. Once I fixed that, it slid like butter over every needle. Bond America has excellent customer service. There were a couple of things damaged when I opened the extension kit so I called the number provided. They are replacing what was damaged. Walmart has the best price for a store and they shipped it out within the next business day. So if you have reservations about this machine because of reading the reviews, remember that I did too and wish I would have bought this sooner.

It gets stuck, the weighted hem pulls the needles so hard that it lifts the back n makes it almost impossible to pull the cart over smoothly which make the stitches drop.

Honestly, when I first got the machine, I was ready to send it back. Instead, I went online and watched videos of how the machine worked. First step for me, throw away the table clams, they caused more problems than they were worth, and buy a couple non-slip mats to go underneath. Second step, move slowly across the row, it should feel like a hot knife going through butter. If you have to force the carriage, you're doing something wrong-see trouble shooting. Third step, create/buy a cast on comb or claw weights. The machine needs weight to work properly, and the hem they give you just isn't enough, also those S hooks are useless. After these three steps, I was cranking out 3 scarfs a day. Now, the techniques for working the machine are completely different from hand knitting, so it will take some practice, and lots of patience. Fair Isle for instance was particularly difficult to learn. In summary, the machine can be frustrating in the beginning, and requires additional objects to work properly, but once it does it is awesome!

I have had a lot of enjoyment out of the Ultimate Knitting Machine Deluxe. It might not be the fanciest, but what do we expect for the price? It is well made even though it is largely plastic. I had to call customer service when it skipped a stitch on every row. They responded after the weekend and were very friendly and helpful. (It was my error, too.) There are three things I think could be improved. The first is the "hem," a weight that holds the knitting taut as you knit. I'm sure they could make one that is easier to attach and use. I also believe the hem will be the first think to "go" and need replacement. The second is the instruction book. It is well-written and clear, but it is hard to find what you want to review once you have read it. The third is the row counter. I found it easier to count a few rows in my head and move the stitch counter manually than it was to hook it to the knitting machine. It was cumbersome to have it attached to the machine. Hope I've thought of everything I needed to say!

I spent almost $200.00 on this product and could not be more unsatisfied! I am so upset with how it jams and drops stitches constantly .I am a knitter and have been for several years and I cannot tell you how much of a complete waste of time this product is! I have spent hours trying to fix it and make it work, with no improvements. This could have been a great product for me and make my hobby of knitting more fun and easier but instead its made it twice as hard. So I give up with it..I am going to throw it away because its no help to me!