When I prepare machines for other people, knitting on the full bed allows me to check a lot of things at once (and knitting JUST the swatch, especially just in the middle of the needle bed, might not show these flaws/problems):
Are all needles knitting and forming the correct stitches? Do all needles knit (and do not drop stitches)? (Sometimes bent needles get stuck in the carriage, sticky latches form tuck stitches on stockinet, slightly rusted needle heads might not allow for stitches to slide as easily. Visual inspection can overlook these faults. Additionally, dropped stitches could be due to a bent or warped needle bed.)
Is the carriage gliding smoothly across the full bed? Without static? With even tension? Sometimes the bed can be uneven (bent/warped from old age or from being dropped), and the problems are discovered only when knitting in that area.
Is the patterning (in some cases needle selection) correct across the whole bed?
Keep in mind that the very last two needles form more like edge-stitches rather than full stitches. It is recommended not to knit any patterns on these needles. For example, on Brother machines, these two needles should be pushed forward to C when knitting patterns (some Brother carriages can do it automatically).
Knitting with garter carriage on the full bed:
It is typically used for blankets, ponchos and other large/wide projects. I found it pretty straightforward (watch video). The garter carriage moves left to right, turns on and off the light at the turn and there is nothing to worry about (like memorizing at which pattern row we stopped, moving the carriage back to be pass the turn light, etc. – you know or will know soon what I mean) when stopping the machine when away or to fix errors.
Brother Profile 551 (also often called Brother KH551) is a standard-gauge knitting machine with four pushbuttons for automatic needle selection and knitting patterned fabrics. Read more about this model in my Knitting machine Encyclopedia. The post below is dedicated to a specific Brother Profile 551 serviced and tested in my shop in June 2026.
I performed the standard cleaning/servicing steps outlined in my other post.
Briefly: all needles were removed and inspected, the machine was removed from its case and cleaned, the sponge strip was replaced with a new one, and the retaining bar was cleaned. I knitted on the full bed to ensure that the machine patterns along the whole needle bed and that all needles form correct stitches. The video of these tests is here. The reasoning for testing on the full bed (rather than demonstrating that the machine knits on a swatch) is described in my other post. The machine formed beautiful stitches. I had to take some precautions on the tuck-stitch, but by choosing the right yarn, the machine knitted reliably.
I acquired this machine without a lot of accessories, but I was able to put together a good replacement set. Thus, the machine will come with all major and most minor accessories.
The missing accessories are:
tool box and its lid; the tools will be packed in bubble wrap for shipping;
left and right sinker plate yarn hangers: a replacement can be easily made from paper clips; these are used only for fair isle and potentially weaving;
tapstry needle: any needle of your choice will work
oil: get Hoppe’s gun oil from Amazon;
plastic case for spare needles;
accessory stand;
the lid did not have the original wire bracket that holds the sinker plate and the handle inside. I used bungee cords to secure the sinker plate and the handle during transport and storage.
The carriage, carriage handle, and sinker plate are all original. The transfer tools are original from Brother. They show some yellowing.
The row counter is not original. I retrofitted another Brother row counter (of a more modern design). It sits very solidly and works reliably. Check out a short video I made with this new design tested on this particular machine.
Table clamps are still S-shaped but from a ribber. They worked fine, and I used them during all the tests shown in the video. If you decide to add a ribber to this Profile 551 machine (if you are lucky to find one), these brackets will not affect anything as the ribber setup comes with its own table and connecting brackets. One needle selection ruler is original (it is metallic). I am including two other rulers but they are not original (plastic).
The tension mast is original Brother but not original to this model. Other replacements are: ratchet tool, hand brush (brand new), picker (a needle selection tool; it is a 3D-printed copy).
The claw weights are not part of the original setup, but they are so important that I am including a pair from my original stash (they are shown in the left corner of the very first image in this blog).
Imperfections:
The metal on the tension mast and table clamps showed some discoloration, and I used silver Rust-Oleum to even it out and prevent potential corrosion.
The tension mast has some yellowing but is still absolutely functional.
The sinker plate had some very minor roughness. Not really rust, but I covered it with a thin layer of Rust-Oleum to prevent any forming in those areas.
The tension dial has a couple of minor dimples.
table clamps are not original: they are ribber clamps. so the angle of the s is different. but they still work
new “feet”: 3D printed because the old ones completely cumbled. these are storng and UV resistant.
clamps from KR850 ribber. The machine worked great. You dont have to worry about incompatability because the compatible ribber (KR551) will have its own clamps.
Here is the serial number for this machine. The picture will be removed after the machine is purchased, received, and inspected.
