eKnitter

Welcome to eKnitter, where we understand the passion for producing outstanding knitwear with an old trusted knitting machine from 80s.

That’s why we are developing an alternative mainboard for Brother knitting machines, packed with the latest technology to find out what is possible with these traditional electronic machines today.


Be part of it, join our knitting community:

What is eKnitter?

eKnitter is an alternative mainboard designed for Brother knitting machine that allows you to easily receive knitting patterns from your desktop PC via Wi-fi, eliminating the need for messy cables on your workspace.

We believe in the power of community and collaboration, and we invite you to be a part of this exciting journey. Whether you’re an experienced machine knitter or a beginner, your ideas and unique perspective can shape the future of this craft by using modern technology. Together, let’s push the boundaries, explore new possibilities, and create something extraordinary.


Features of eKnitter:

Empowering Knitters with Versatility:

  • All Carriage Compatibility: We understand the importance of versatility in knitting. That’s why our hardware is designed to be compatible with all carriages (K, L, and KG carriages). No matter which carriage you prefer to use, eKnitter allows you to start knitting from both sides for all carriages.
  • Wide Pattern Knitting Capacity: eKnitter enables you to utilize a 200-pixel wide pattern, where each pixel corresponds to a needle on your machine. Unlock a new level of knitting possibilities with this feature, expanding your creative horizons like never before.
  • Works perfectly with Ayab Desktop Software: We recognize the importance of open-source software and how it benefits knitters. That’s why our machine is fully compatible with Ayab desktop (Win) software. It’s just the first step towards our goal of offering you a wide range of options to explore and giving you the freedom to unleash your creativity.

Seamless and Hassle-Free Knitting:

  • Wi-Fi Connectivity: Say goodbye to the hassle of messy cables cluttering your workspace. With eKnitter, you can enjoy the convenience of Wi-Fi connectivity. Simply connect your machine to your Wi-Fi network, and you’ll be able to send patterns and instructions wirelessly, making your knitting experience even more seamless.
  • Simple Installation Process: We recognize that not everyone is a tech expert, which is why we have designed eKnitter to be easily installed in the same spot as the original mainboard.
  • No Soldering Skills Needed: We believe in accessibility and want everyone to be able to enjoy knitting with eKnitter. That’s why we’ve ensured that no soldering skills are required. We’ve taken care of the technical aspects so that you can focus on what you love – knitting.

User-controlled Experience:

  • User-controlled Sound Feedback: We recognize that each knitter has their own unique preferences when it comes to sound feedback during the knitting process. That’s why we want users to decide on their own preference if they want to hear when the pattern is finished or not. This feature is in progress.
  • Power Supply Options for Flexibility: We understand having an external power supply is essential for some machines. That’s why we equipped the hardware with an alternative power supply option that gives you the flexibility to choose between internal and external power supply.

Enhanced Control and Pattern Accessibility:

  • Pattern Storage for Reliable Accessibility: We understand that mishaps happen, such as laptops running out of battery or unexpectedly going into sleep mode. That’s why we prepared the hardware for storing patterns, making it possible to knit without relying on the computer for sending out knitting information to the machine.
  • Display and buttons for User Control: But wait, there’s more! We’re always looking for ways to improve your knitting experience. That’s why we’ve brought back the buttons, allowing us to create even more helpful features. This exciting update is a step forward in making things easier for you.


How do you use eKnitter?

Step 1: Use any program of your choice, such as Paint or Gimp, to design your pattern. With eKnitter, your knitting machine can receive digital images from your computer. Knitting a baby blanket with a nice frame and a picture inside and a maximum width of 200 pixels/needle will be an easy work with eknitter.

Step 2: Send the pattern to your knitting machine by installing the Ayab desktop software, which we’ve slightly adapted to work seamlessly with eKnitter. You can find the download links on our installation page.

Step 3: Start knitting by passing the sensor on the right or left side of your needle bed with your carriage. The knitting machine will instantly recognize the carriage you’re using with the first pass, and will remain recognized throughout the knitting process, allowing you to move your carriage close to your knitting for even yarn tension.

With eKnitter, knitting becomes more convenient and fun than ever before. Simply plug it in, turn it on, and let your creativity flow!