Editing Brother KH 801

{{Machine
|ModelName=KH-801
|Manufacturer=Brother
|Gauge=Standard
|Type=Domestic
|Patterning=24 stitch punch card
|Needles=200
|ReleaseYear=1973
|Accessories=Lace Carriage, Extensions, 24-Stitch Punch Cards
|Aliases=Jones KH-801
}}

The '''Brother KH-801''' is a landmark standard gauge (4.5mm) knitting machine. It is historically significant as the first Brother model to feature the '''24-stitch punch card repeat''', establishing the industry standard that would remain in use through the end of Brother's machine production in the 1990s.<ref name="MKETC801">"Brother KH-801 User Guide," Machine Knitting etc. [https://machineknittingetc.com/brother-kh-801-user-guide.html accessed Feb 2026]</ref>

== Historical Context ==
Following the 12-stitch repeat of the KH-800, the KH-801 doubled the patterning width. This leap allowed for much more complex Fair Isle motifs and more intricate lace patterns. The 24-stitch card introduced with this machine is physically compatible with almost all subsequent Brother punch card models (KH-820 through KH-894).<ref>Newton, Eileen. ''The Family Knitting Machine'', 1978.</ref>

== Key Features ==
* '''24-Stitch Punch Card:''' The first model to use the "standard" Brother cards. It includes the "Stop/Start" and "Single Motif" settings that became staples of the Brother line.
* '''Integrated Sinker Posts:''' Unlike earlier "flat bed" machines, the KH-801 features sinker posts (also known as gate pegs) that help hold the knitting down, though weights are still recommended for most fabrics.<ref name="Service801">"Brother Service Manual: KH-801/810/820," Machine Knitting etc. [https://machineknittingetc.com/brother-kh810-kh820-service-manual.html accessed Feb 2026]</ref>
* '''Lace Carriage:''' Bundled with an early version of the Brother lace carriage. Unlike later "fashion lace" carriages, this model often requires separate passes for transferring and knitting.

== Technical Specifications ==
* '''Gauge:''' 4.5mm (Standard)
* '''Patterning Width:''' 24 stitches
* '''Needle Count:''' 200
* '''Construction:''' All-metal bed and internal gearing.

== Maintenance ==
* '''Sponge Bar:''' Uses a standard 4.5mm Brother sponge bar. 
* '''Old Grease:''' Because these machines are over 50 years old, the internal "drums" that read the punch card often suffer from dried-out grease. If the patterning feels stiff or needles aren't selecting correctly, a deep clean of the carriage and the card reader unit is required.

== References ==
<references />

[[Category:Brother Knitting Machines]]
[[Category:24-Stitch Punchcard Machines]]