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

Clamp the machine securely to a stable table
Check all needles move freely
Install the yarn mast and thread the yarn correctly
Set stitch size using the tension dial
Insert a punchcard if a pattern is required
Cast on using waste yarn or a closed edge
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.