Are punchcards interchangeable?
- November 1, 2022
- 3 comments
Q: Are punchcards interchangeable?
A:
Punchcards made by different machine makers may look a little bit different, but they can be used in the same machines with some restrictions.
Commonly you will find 24 stitch punchcards. They can be used on any 24 stitch punchcard machine.
(8 stitch or 12 stitch punchcards cannot be used with a 24 stitch machine)
The mechanism on some machines may sit lower than others, causing less of the card to be visible.
Commonly you will find 24 stitch punchcards. They can be used on any 24 stitch punchcard machine.
(8 stitch or 12 stitch punchcards cannot be used with a 24 stitch machine)
The mechanism on some machines may sit lower than others, causing less of the card to be visible.
The key is understanding the position of the punchcard mechanism in the body of the knitting machine.
Determine how many rows you need to advance for YOUR machine to position the first row of the stitch pattern correctly.
Determine how many rows you need to advance for YOUR machine to position the first row of the stitch pattern correctly.
Video: Punchcards: Where to start?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use punchcards from one knitting machine brand in another?
Generally, yes. But it depends. While many Japanese machines use similar punchcard widths and spacing, the number of rows, reader types, and even punch shapes can differ. Always double-check before mixing cards between brands.
What's the most common punchcard format?
The 24-stitch repeat punchcard is the most widely used. Brands like Brother, KnitKing, Studio, and Silver Reed often support this format, making cards potentially interchangeable—if the reader and punch pattern match up.
Are Studio and Silver Reed punchcards the same?
Yes, for the most part. Studio and Silver Reed punchcards are usually interchangeable because they share the same card specs. Still, always test first with a simple pattern.
Will the design knit correctly on a different machine?
Even if the card physically fits, the way the machine reads the holes may differ. A Brother machine might interpret a pattern differently than a Studio machine. Preview or test your design before committing to a full project.
Can I punch my own cards to match different machines?
Yes! As long as you follow the correct spacing and repeat count for your specific machine model, hand-punched or die-cut cards can work just as well as originals.
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