Needle Replacement

• If one of your knitting machine's needles becomes damaged, you must install a replacement needle; otherwise, you may experience dropped stitches or other errors in your knitting. To install a replacement, first locate the latch tool (a length of wire attached to a plastic handle) that came packaged with your machine. Examine the sides of your knitting machine and locate the opening near the front where you can access the sponge bar. Insert the latch tool into the opening and push part of the sponge bar out the other side of the device.
  
  Use your hand to pull enough of the sponge bar out of the machine to allow you to access the needle you wish to replace. Push the broken needle as far forward as you can. Press down on the hook end of the needle until its rear rises from the needle bed. Grip the rear of the needle and extract it from the device. You may now insert a replacement needle. Set the replacement needle to the "A" position. The hook should be against the upper edge of the needle bed. Push the sponge bar back into its original position. The device is now ready for use.
  
  

Oiling

• It is important to oil your knitting machine between uses, otherwise its machinery may wear down prematurely and operation may prove difficult. Begin by applying a light machine oil to a piece of soft, lint-free cloth. Do not apply oil directly to the machine's parts. Wipe down all the exposed metal pieces you can find. Pay careful attention to the rear portions of the needles, the feet of the carriage, the carriage cams and the rails of the needle bed.
  
  Next time you use the machine, run 20 to 30 rows worth of waste yarn through the device to clear away any residual oil before you begin work on your knitting project.
  
  

Cleaning

• Apply a gentle, acid-free cleanser (avoid alcohol or benzene-based products) to a soft, lint-free cloth. Use the cloth to wipe down all the plastic portions of the knitting machine. Check the machinery on the carriage and use a separate cloth to brush away any lint or stray pieces of yarn that may have accumulated.