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Plaiting on Brother Machines
There are 2 forms of
plaiting: single bed, and double bed. Each form requires the
use of its specific plaiting feeder. With the feeder installed,
2 yarns knit every stitch. One yarn is always seen on the K
side, while the other is seen on the P side in single bed stockinet.
In double bed, one yarn is seen on the K Sts, while the other
is seen on the P Sts. The Tuck and Slip buttons may be used
as well to produce plaited pattern knitting. Depending upon
skill level, 1 Tuck and 1 Slip button are also possible, either
separately, or in combination. Unlike stockinet, the tucked
or slipped yarn is seen on the opposite side of the fabric.
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Yarn Choice
Plaiting utilizes 2 yarns. Usually, one is
thicker than the other, but not always. With a little care,
it is possible to plait any 2 yarns. Dramatic textures or special
effects can be created by plaiting 2 yarns of similar color
using lycra, lurex, slub, bouclé, or eyelash yarn in
conjunction with Yeoman Supersheen, or 2/24 yarn.
A washable, linen is achieved in single bed
stockinet by plaiting an acrylic slub yarn, such as Bramwell
Hobby, with a smooth acrylic yarn, such as Yeoman Supersheen.
One is not restricted to yarns of similar
color. However, the St structure creates a noticeable grin-through,
which slightly changes the individual color of each yarn. By
playing with the various types of yarns and colors, plaiting
possibilities are endless.
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Tension
Because both yarns are knitted on every stitch,
the tension must accommodate both yarns. Increase the tension
by at least 1 whole number, from the thicker yarn’s stockinet
tension. Otherwise, you’ll need the strength of Tarzan to
move the carriage. In double bed, the RB tension is usually 1
whole number less than MB tension, example: 6/5. |
Single Bed Installation
In the accessory box is the
plaiting feeder. The sinker plate is the metal portion of the
carriage holding the yarn feeder. Use the 2 very predominant
screws on the sinker plate to remove it. Remove the 2 small
screws on top. Pull out the yarn feeder from the back, and insert
the plaiting feeder. It can only be inserted into the sinker
plate in one direction, matching the screw holes. Replace the
2 screws. Attach the sinker plate to the carriage.
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Threading The
Single Bed Feeder
On the right-hand-side of the
feeder, toward the back, is a tiny slot. Holding the yarn tail
below the carriage, slide the yarn into this slot, from right
to left. When correctly positioned, the yarn will slide left and
right along the back of the feeder. It doesn’t make any
difference which yarn is placed into this feeder. Since the slot
is so tiny, it may break or damage the thicker of the 2 yarns;
therefore, it’s best to thread the thin yarn into this feeder.
The other yarn simply feeds into the “V” opening,
in the center front of the mechanism. There is no yarn gate preventing
this yarn from coming out of the feeder. To provide a gate, let
the yarns pass between your thumb and index finger while holding
the carriage handle. You only need to provide this gate for the
first R of knitting. Once the yarns have been engaged, simply
knit freely. The yarn in the back feeder slot will be seen on
the P side. The yarn in the “V” feeder will be seen
on the K side. |
Single Bed Stockinet
Blue in Slot
Yellow in “V”
Knit Side
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Single
Bed Stockinet
Blue in Slot
Yellow in “V”
Purl Side
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Single
Bed Stockinet
Yellow in Slot
Blue in “V”
Knit Side
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Single
Bed Stockinet
Yellow in Slot
Blue in “V”
Purl Side
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Single
Bed Tuck
Blue in Slot
Yellow in “V”
Knit Side
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Single
Bed Tuck
Blue in Slot
Yellow in “V”
Purl Side
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Single
Bed Tuck
Yellow in Slot
Blue in “V”
Knit Side
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Single
Bed Tuck
Yellow in Slot
Blue in “V”
Purl Side
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The
tuck pattern used in these examples is #276 in Stitch World II. |
Tuck Pattern
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Double
Bed Installation
The plaiting feeder came with
the ribber. Remove the 2 screws on the top of the connecting arm,
and remove the yarn feeder. Insert the plaiting feeder. It can
only be inserted into the connecting arm in one direction, matching
the screw holes. Replace the 2 screws. Attach the connecting arm
to the carriage. |
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Threading
The Double Bed Feeder
One feeder is at the top and
the other is at the bottom. On the left-hand-side of the top feeder
is a slot. Holding the yarn tail below the carriage, slide the
yarn from left to right into this slot. When correctly positioned,
the yarn will slide left and right inside the rectangular hole
on the right end. It doesn’t make any difference which yarn
is placed into this feeder. Since the slot is small, it may break
or damage the thicker of the 2 yarns; therefore, it’s best
to thread the thin yarn into this feeder. The other yarn simply
feeds into the “V” opening, at the center bottom of
the mechanism. The yarn in the top feeder will be seen on the
K side. The yarn in the bottom feeder will be seen on the P side. |
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Easy,
2-Color, Ribbing
Because the fronts of the K Sts and the backs
of the P Sts are displayed on both sides of the fabric, by plaiting
with 2 colors, the K Sts are 1 color while the P Sts are the other.
This is an easy way to obtain a vertically striped, 2-color, rib.
Knit or Purl Side
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2-Color, Plaited,
Racking Pattern
Plaiting creates a great 2-color, racking technique,
too.
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Knit
Side
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