Round sock knitting machines (sometimes called CSM's, or Circular Sock Machines) Circular Sock Machines (CSM's) continue to be popular with knitters and fiber artists looking to expand their craft or desiring a new challenge.



Most CSM's were manufactured in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Today they are collectible and there is a national organization of collectors who clean and refurbish the machines and enthusiasts who use the machines for making unique socks and other items.



Some round machines are rare. Some owners of round sock knitting machines are interested mostly because of the fun of owning an antique piece of equipment, rather than actually using them to make large quantities of socks. A proud owner says that she has the original Bill of Sale with her antique round sock machine, and the original sale price was approximately $42. Now she says a similar machine sells on Ebay for almost $1000 regardless of condition.



Recently a knitter in New Zealand has begun manufacturing new Round Sock Machines similar to vintage Auto Knitter models. They are known as "NZAK" machines (New Zealand Auto Knitter). These models were priced at approximately $1400-$1500 in 2009.



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We have several pattern leaflets written with Circular Sock Machine users in mind:



"Homestead Rug" After cranking out longgggg strips of circular knit fabric, the long tube is cut into strips and used with a wooden frame to make a rug similar to old-fashioned rag rugs. Several tips are mentioned about knitting on a round sock machine. Wooden frame instructions included. $6.00 +s/h



"Crank E. Bear" was named after the "cranky" nickname for round sock machines. This leaflet shows you how to knit rows of in a long tube which are then felted. After the felting process, and wool will stay in the "fulled" state so can be cut to shape for any project, such as this bear. Felting instructions and Template included. $8.00 +s/h



"Felted Moccasins" knit fabric on your Circular Sock Machine and felt it, after it is felted it can be cut into the Moccasin shapes and assembled without any fear of raveling. Includes felting instructions and templates in various children and adult sizes. $8.00 + s/h



"Felted Baby Booties" includes felting instructions and template for cutting pieces. $8.00 + s/h



"A Purse with Personality" includes felting instructions and template for cutting pieces. Several embellishment methods are described. $6.00 + s/h



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John Loeffelholz makes instructional videos about Circular Sock Machine operation. John explains the basic operation of a CSM and mentions some of the differences with machine brands and models. Each DVD features a complete project from beginning to completion.



DVD #1: Hemmed Top Sock, $15.00 +s/h



DVD #2: Mittens on the round sock machine, $15.00 +s/h



These videos are highly recommended by many owners. The watcher will learn a lot about the machines, their potential problem areas, trouble shooting, and more.



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Instructional CD with pictures, video clips and E-book by Bonnie Smola: $20.00 +s/h.



This is an excellent learning tool but also fun for anyone simply interested in antiques. Bonnie has included a wealth of information about the history of CSM's along with the excellent videos and instructions for operation. There are several sock patterns and advanced techniques included. This CD might be the best CSM resource available! We are really impressed with all the great information packed on this CD.



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Sock Sizers, measuring devices for use with any knitting machine or handknitting: $10.00 +s/h, for set of 2 (mens and ladies).



Spin-Off Autumn 2007 issue featuring CSM article by Susan Forsythe, $7.99 +s/h



(Priority Mail s/h for any of the above items is $5.49 to US addresses)

Click here for an excellent article about buying machines from EBAYor other online sellers.

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2009 CSMSA CONFERENCE LINK

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Everyone gets "cranky" at Round Sock Machine gatherings.

Click here to go to the site of the Circular Sock Machine Society of America