Tips

Perfect Punchcards: Use a Die Cut Machine!

May 1, 2023
12 comments

Did you know you can create punchcards for your knitting machine with the popular Die cut machines? Cricut, Silhouette, etc?
Imagine - no more tedious punching hole-by-hole. Thank you Carolyn, for sharing this

Use DesignaKnit to create the design and format the pattern into TXT format that can be used by your diecut machine.

In DesignaKnit, when you print/preview the stitch template, a file named Diecut.txt is saved in your default DAK folder.

This file can then be converted to SVG format using this tool: Punchcard Generator The generator outputs a file that can be imported into the die cutter software and used to create the punchcard.
There is an active group on Ravelry about this process

Create a Diecut file with DesignaKnit

1In Stitch Designer select a punchcard machine >Options >Method of Knitting

2Open/Design a stitch pattern for the correct punchcard size (12 stitches or 24 stitches)

3Print (preview) the stitch pattern to create a TXT file

4Locate the TXT file

5Convert it to SVG format with this Punchcard Generator

6Import and use the SVG file according to your Diecut machine instructions

*The txt file that is produced looks like this*

Frequently Asked Questions

Why use a die cut machine for punchcards?

Using a die cut machine gives you crisp, consistent holes—no more sore hands or uneven punching. It’s a time-saver and makes your punchcards look professional.

What machines are compatible with die-cut punchcards?

Most Japanese punchcard knitting machines like Brother, Studio, Singer, and Silver Reed can use die-cut cards, but check the card size to confirm compatibility.

Can I use digital files to create punchcards?

Yes! You can use SVG files with your Cricut, Silhouette, or other die cut machine to punch your stitch pattern directly—perfect repeats every time.

What materials work best for die-cut punchcards?

Heavy cardstock or blank punchcard stock works best. Your material should be strong enough to withstand repeated use in the knitting machine.

How do I make sure my pattern repeats correctly?

Design your pattern within the 24-stitch repeat and ensure it aligns across 60 rows. Double-check your file and card template before cutting.

Can I use DesiganKnit to create the design to work with my die cut machine?

Yes, use the instructions above to create an electronic file (TXT format) to convert and download to your die cut machine.

12 Comments

- Catherine W
- October 22, 2024
What about the columns each side and rows top and bottom. Are they not needed?
- Alyssa C
- September 15, 2024
I do this however I don't use stitch designer. I just use photoshop with 24 pixels. I am sure it would work with Gimp as well. I just export my black and white png and then use a simple python script I generated with chat gpt to convert the black pixels to x's and the white to -'s and save that to a text file. then use the punch card generator. My machine did not come with any punch cards so I have exclusively used my Cricut. I am trying to find a good material for the longer cards
- Jason L
- March 13, 2024
I've used it a few times for cards for my HK160 as it only ever had 5 cards manufactured for it. It seems to work very well...! The only sticking point is finding the right material to use as a punchcard - I find that vinyl works best but people overseas recommend a light plastic however here in the UK plastic is all but banned these days
- Jacqui H
- December 30, 2023
I tried this with a cricut, got the punchcard made but my machine would not work with it. It won’t work with ANY self punched cards!
- Sue J
- May 3, 2023
Translated: I'm interested. I have a Brother-910 knitting machine and Brother -230 knitting machines. It would be wonderful if I could make punch cards or other Sheets for these machines. Technology has come a long way! The DAK system is indeed too expensive for this kind of hobby. It should be cheaper and more flexible.
- Tuula P
- May 3, 2023
DAK systeemi on kyllä liian hintava tällaiseen harrastukseen. Halvempi ja joustavampi pitäisi olla.
- Tuula P
- May 3, 2023
Olen kiinnostunut. Minulla on Brother-910 neulekone ja Brother -230 neulekoneet. Olisi ihanaa, jos voisin tehdä näitä koneita varten reikäkortteja tai muita Sheettejä. Tekniikka on kovasti mennyt eteenpäin!
- Carolyn K
- May 2, 2023
I've been making punch cards (12 st and 24 st) with my Cricut for about 2 years now - wouldn't do it any other way! It was certainly fiddly at first to work out all the details but once I had it sorted there was no turning back.
- Lynne H
- May 2, 2023
I have never used punch cards, (I started with electronic machines), so I have no first hand knowledge of them and whether or not they are fussy, but I am very familiar with cutting machines and Cricuts are notorious for cutting ovals, instead of circles. As cutters go, they are highly inaccurate.
- Sue J
- May 2, 2023
Amy, It looks like Brenda's Generator does recognize a 30 stitch repeat. DesignaKnit also recognizes and produces punchcards for Silver/Studio F270 and F370 (fine Gauge) machines Also, as Katherine mentioned, the TXT/ SVG file could be created with any text editor
- Amy S
- May 2, 2023
Can you do a 30 stitch pattern punchcard?
- Katherine B
- May 1, 2023
I'm going to guess that this could be done in a text editor as well, albeit with a lot more typing.