Knitting machine

Toyota KS858 Knitting Machine

The Toyota KS858 is a domestic punchcard knitting machine used at East Essex Hackspace for flat-bed knitting projects. It is suitable for beginners through to intermediate users and supports a wide range of stitch patterns using standard punchcards.

This page documents the specific machine and the complete set of accessories held by the hackspace.

Overview

• Manufacturer: Toyota
• Model: KS858
• Type: Single-bed punchcard knitting machine
• Needle pitch: Standard gauge (4.5 mm)
• Needles: Approx. 200 latch needles
• Pattern system: 12-stitch punchcards
• Drive: Manual carriage
• Power: None required

Location

The Toyota KS858 and all associated accessories are stored together in the Craft & Textiles area of East Essex Hackspace.

Please ensure all parts are returned together after use.

Full Equipment Set (as held by the Hackspace)

The following items are present and shown in the reference photo. This represents the complete set currently owned by the hackspace.

Main Components

• Toyota KS858 main needle bed
• Carriage assembly
• Integrated 12-stitch punchcard reader
• Stitch size / tension dial
• Pattern selection controls
• Folding machine lid / protective cover

Ribbing Attachment

• Toyota ribber needle bed
• Ribber carriage
• Ribber mounting arms
• Ribber support brackets and fixings

The ribber allows production of 1x1 and other rib structures for cuffs, hems, and borders.

Yarn Handling

• Yarn mast with tension unit
• Yarn guide arms
• Threading guides

Weights and Casting-On

• Cast-on comb
• Long bar weights
• Claw weights (multiple sizes)
• Weight hangers

Hand Tools

• Single-needle transfer tools
• Multi-needle transfer tool
• Needle pusher / selector
• Claw tools
• Cleaning brush
• Oil bottle

Pattern System

• Built-in 12-stitch punchcard reader
• 12-stitch punchcards
• Punchcard storage box

Yarn Accessories

• Skein holder (stored in the blue plastic box)

The skein holder is used to hold yarn in skein form, allowing smooth and even yarn feed into the tension unit.

Documentation

• Original Toyota KS858 instruction manual
• Pattern examples and reference sheets

What You Can Make

• Scarves and shawls
• Hats and flat panels
• Jumpers and cardigans (assembled from panels)
• Ribbed cuffs and hems (with ribber)
• Textured punchcard fabrics
• Sample swatches and test pieces

Yarn Compatibility

Recommended yarns:

• Double knitting (DK)
• 4-ply (with appropriate tension settings)
• Light worsted yarns

Avoid:

• Chunky or super-chunky yarns
• Highly textured novelty yarns
• Very fluffy or eyelash yarns

Always knit a test swatch before starting a full project.

Basic Setup

1. Clamp the machine securely to a stable table
2. Check all needles move freely
3. Install the yarn mast and thread the yarn correctly
4. Set stitch size using the tension dial
5. Insert a punchcard if a pattern is required
6. Cast on using waste yarn or a closed edge
7. Hang weights evenly across the work

If the carriage does not move freely, stop immediately and check needle position and yarn path.

Safety Notes

• Keep fingers clear of the needle bed while moving the carriage
• Do not force jammed needles or the carriage
• Weights can fall and cause injury if dropped
• Tie back long hair and avoid loose clothing
• Children must be supervised at all times
• Do not store the machine under yarn tension

After Use

Please always:

• Remove yarn, weights, and cast-on comb
• Return needles to the non-working position
• Wipe the needle bed with a soft cloth
• Lightly oil if required
• Pack all accessories back into the storage box
• Report any damage or missing items via Discord or to a trustee

Training and Induction

An induction is required before first use.

Inductions are typically run during Craft & Textiles sessions or can be arranged via the Hackspace Discord.

Further Resources

• Toyota KS858 instruction manual
• Punchcard pattern libraries
• Knitting machine tutorial videos
• Hackspace Discord #sewing-textiles

Punchcard Resources

The Toyota KS858 uses standard 12-stitch mechanical punchcards. A wide range of compatible patterns are available free of charge from online knitting machine communities and archives.

Free Punchcard Downloads

• Needles of Steel

 An extensive UK-based archive of knitting machine documentation and resources, including:
 * Free downloadable 12-stitch punchcard patterns
 * Blank punchcard templates
 * Instructions for designing and punching your own cards

 These resources are suitable for Toyota KS-series machines.

Blank Punchcard Templates

Blank 12-stitch punchcard templates are available as printable PDFs. These allow users to design custom patterns and punch them manually.

When printing templates:

• Ensure scaling is set to 100%
• Do not use “fit to page”
• Check dimensions before punching

Cross-Compatibility

The KS858 uses a standard 12-stitch punchcard format. In many cases:

• Brother 12-stitch punchcards are compatible
• Simple texture, tuck, and slip patterns work well

Note: Lace or machine-specific cards may not function correctly.

Community and Learning Resources

• Knitting machine forums and Facebook groups often share free punchcard designs
• YouTube tutorials demonstrate punchcard creation, pattern reading, and setup
• Hackspace members are encouraged to share successful punchcards and samples

If you find a useful free resource, please consider adding it to this page for others.

Hackspace Policy

This is shared equipment.

Please treat it with care, respect other users, and leave it ready for the next person.

Members are encouraged to contribute punchcard designs, help maintain the machine, or run workshops for others.