Sock knitting machine (csm) by Joshua De Lisle by JoshuaDeLisle
www.thingiverse.com
This is my design attempt at building a cost effective 3D printed sock knitting machine (CSM). This is the build video: https://youtu.be/2y1gakl4IEw Additional parts list (Affiliate links): Knitting machine hooks (cut off tails using wire cutters) - UK: https://amzn.to/3EHtA7s USA: https://amzn.to/3Z4x1NH Yarn winder/baller- UK: https://amzn.to/3KBgdZB USA: https://amzn.to/3qg6Doe Digital magnetic counter- UK: https://amzn.to/442LJ9P USA: https://amzn.to/45ioGJ5 PLA+ filament- UK: https://amzn.to/43Z4Bqe USA: https://amzn.to/3Ystqd0 3D printer timing belt- UK: https://amzn.to/44XPheV USA: https://amzn.to/3DO8jZi PU transmission belt (useful for future projects)- UK: https://amzn.to/3rX5HW1 USA: https://amzn.to/47oDQyd 110lb magnetic hook pack- UK: https://amzn.to/3qv4Lb3 USA: https://amzn.to/3qpOKmT Abec 9 bearings- UK: https://amzn.to/3ONeZgk USA: https://amzn.to/3qos1aO M3 threaded inserts- UK: https://amzn.to/3YoatYY USA: https://amzn.to/3Yy6qcz M3 screws only- UK: https://amzn.to/3DP3ajm USA: https://amzn.to/43Uwtf6 M3-M8 bolt set- UK: https://amzn.to/44ZgRbE USA: https://amzn.to/45lfJiq

I’m in the process of building this - should be done within a week if my needles will come in. Really looking forward to it since I started hand knitting a pair of socks ~4 years ago and they’re maybe 20% done :D

Prints are pretty easy but two are longish (15hrs and 27hrs on my machine/ settings).

Anyone tried something similar?

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2y1gakl4IEw

  • @IMALlama
    4•9 months ago

    since I started this project ~4 years ago and they’re maybe 20% done :D

    I feel personally insulted. But also, great job realizing why you were struggling to complete your prior project and making it easier to achieve.

  • monotremata
    4•9 months ago

    I’ve thought about this too, and for a similar reason. About a third of the way through my first sock I realized that knitting was contributing to tendonitis, at least on top of my day job which was non-stop typing. I’ve got a tub of yarns waiting for me to figure out what I’m going to do about them. I’ve watched videos from various folks about the 3d printed options.

    One thing I’ve never really figured out is how the socks compare to something like a smartwool. It seems like they might be pretty prone to becoming loose. I’d be interested to hear your evaluation of the actual end product.

    • clifOP
      4•9 months ago

      I’m a big smartwool fan for outdoors work and hiking. I can guarantee this kind of circular knit sock will be a MUCH looser knit than smartwool (comparing to their PhDs, specifically).

      For one, they integrate elastic nylons into the sock (spandex, maybe - I forget). Second, they seem to be more woven than knit. Very tight looped fabric, dramatically finer threads than even lightweight fingering yarn.

      But, I’m happy to compare and give it a try. I’ll try to remember to post back in a few weeks when I make my first pair but feel free to drop me a message to remind me :)

    • clifOP
      3•9 months ago

      I’m going to make so many socks…

      Once my personal sock stockpile overflows then it’s on to gifts for every occasion for the foreseeable future. Everybody loves good socks.