Last updated on November 12, 2026
Brother KH860 knitting machine is a wonderful standard-gauge knitting machine with 200 needles, 4.5 mm apart. Read about this model in my Knitting Machine Encyclopedia. The rest of the post is dedicated to a specific KH860 that was serviced and tested in my shop in November 2026.
The machine was thoroughly cleaned, according to the steps described in detail in my other post. Briefly, all needles were removed, individually cleaned and inspected (for sticky latches, straightness, and rust). The sponge strip was replaced in the retaining bar. The punchcard patterning mechanism was cleaned and serviced. The needlebed was cleaned.
Then I followed my steps of testing the machine (outlined here). I recorded a shortened version of those steps and made a video. All tests were passed with flying colors. The machine behaved amazingly. I used two different yarns: thin acrylic and cotton yarn (using a lace carriage). I knitted on all needles to ensure that all needles form correct stitches and no mispatterning on either section of the needlebed.
The machine will come with all major accessories and most minor ones. The only missing minor ones are the lubricating oil (I recommend getting Hope’s gun oil from Amazon), crochet hook (I never even use those for anything knitting machine-related), and a tapestry needle (any needle of your choice will work). Those accessories are very minor and absolutely do not affect anything related to crafting and creating fabrics.
I am including several new accessories (new stock): tension mast, single motif cams set, table clamps, punchcard set, and a row counter. Card holding rod is also included but I have not used it at all during the tets shown in that video.
Punchcards are generic but for Brother. Some correspond to the patterns shown in the manual and some do not. I am also including a hard copy of the manual but it is missing the cover. I will also include several custom punchcards and several brochures.
The machine did not come with the original carriage. So I am equipping it with a fully serviced carriage from a Brother KH910 machine. The carriage from the KH910 is a bit more advanced than a carriage from the KH860. It has KC(I) and KC(II) settings on the change knob. So, the very last needle selection/non-selection is done automatically without taking the carriage off the needlebed. So, far this is the only minor flaw of this machine: a mismatched carriage.
The cast-on combs are in good shape. The case itself is in great shape and has only minor scratches (which I document, but they are not shown here since they are really, really minor).
This machine passed all my scrutiny and is just great for its next owner!
Something to keep in mind: some KH860 machines come with built-in garter carriage rails, but this one did not.