Brother KH892e serviced and tested in March 2025

Brother KH892e is a blueish-color combo (anniversary edition) of the standard-gauge knitting machine Brother KH892. Read more about the pros and cons and features of KH892 in my Knitting Machine Encyclopedia.

This blog post is dedicated strictly to the Brther KH892e I serviced and tested in my shop in March 2025.

I removed the old sponge, cleaned the metal section of the retaining bar, and removed, cleaned, and inspected all needles. I was checking each needle for good latches, for being straight, and for having no rust.

I cleaned, serviced and inspected the punchcard reader mechanism, timing belt, and the drums guiding the timing belt to ensure absolutely reliable needle selection and patterning. The carriage was opened and deep cleaned as well.

After the machine was thoroughly serviced and cleaned, I first tested on all number of needles to ensure all carriage functions run well. I knitted stockinet first and then fair isle (see the video).

Then, I tested the machine on all needles to ensure that all needles formed correct stitches and that the needle selection worked across the full needle bed. All tests passed with flying colors (see the video).

The machine came with some accessories missing but I was able to source most of them out. So I included new-stock claw weights, table clamps, transfer tools, replacement needles, punchcards, and card snaps. I only used them during my tests.

The tension mast also did not come with the machine so I am including a brand new (new stock) mast. It is a bit hard to insert (and then to remove) it into the place for the tension mast but I kinda like it because sometimes when the tension mast sits too loose, it is too wobbly and messes up with my knitting (or yarn tension).

The cast on comb did come with the machine. It is a new design where the two sections, a longer and a shorter one, attach to each other. Well, the slide out each other easily. But I was still able to use it without problems. (All my tests in the video were made with that cast-on comb). I actually find of like it because in the past, some of the cast on combs attach to each other so hard that it actually hurts to pull them apart.

The original lace carriage will come with the machine. I cleaned the carriage and tested all the knobs but I did not test it in action. It is a simple enough carriage where I do not anticipate any problems.

The hard copy of the manual will NOT be included. But a free online version can be found here.

The punncard set (20 cards total, like in the manual) also did not come with the machine, so I included a set I purchased from new stock. Card #1 was used quite extensively during my tests, so it is a bit bent (which still did not affect its functionality). But all other cards are in great shape. Some match the cards in the manual and some don’t.

Cast-on lace is not included, but any strong, thin (and preferably silky) yarn will work the same. A tapestry needle is not included: any needle of your choice with a wide eye will work as fine. The oil will also not be included. I use Hoppe’s gun oil I purchase on Amazon for everyday lubricating and when I clean needles.

The original metal carriage also did not come with the machine. I am including a 3D printed plastic one.

The punchcard holder pin is also not included but all the tests I ran in the video were done without it so it is actually not such a critical component.

I replaced broken plastic rivets with new ones (new stock); therefore, some of them look whiter than others (not shown).

The little cap for the punchcard reader lever was cracked, and I replaced it with a new 3D printed one (on the right-hand side in the picture below).

Some of the imperfections:

– The tension mast sits very tightly in its socket on the needlebed. Thus, some pressure/strength needs to be applied when inserting and pulling the tension mast out.

– Some of the teeth on the cast on the comb are a bit rusted. I chose to leave them be instead of risking them being bent. This is NOT a critical con at all.

– There is a tiny crack on the lever on the sinker plate. I see it pretty often in punchcard machines. It is not critical and does not affect knitting.

The spring that holds the lace carriage in the lid is acting up. I do not have a replacement spring, but this is a very non-critical component. I am posting it here so you are aware that it is not behaving when the lace carriage is removed from the case and put back together.

– The case and the lid have minor scratches and bumps. The most serious ones are shown in the photographs below.

Despite these minor flaws, this machine is beautiful and works beautifully.