Brother KH 800

Brother KH-800
Manufacturer	Brother
Model	KH-800
Gauge	Standard
Type	Domestic
Patterning	Push button
Needles	200
Release Year	1971
Accessories	Lace Carriage, Extension Rails, Table Clamps
Also Known As	Jones KH-800

The Brother KH-800 is a standard gauge (4.5mm) manual knitting machine. Released in the early 1970s, it is historically significant for introducing the 8-button patterning mechanism that preceded the modern punchcard system.

Historical Context

Before the advent of the 24-stitch punchcard, Brother utilized a system of 8 buttons to select needles for patterning. The KH-800 allowed for Fair Isle and Tuck stitches by manually depressing combinations of these buttons in sequence with the row counter.

Key Features

• 8-Button Selection: Patterns are limited to 8-stitch repeats. This system requires the knitter to manually change button settings every row or every few rows to create complex motifs.
• Metal Bed Construction: Known for extreme durability, though it lacks the "sinker posts" found on later machines like the KH-881, requiring the use of weights for almost all knitting.
• Lace Carriage: It was one of the first models to support a semi-automatic lace carriage, though it requires multiple passes compared to the "Fashion Lace" carriages of the 80s.

Technical Specifications

• Gauge: 4.5mm (Standard)
• Patterning Repeat: 8 stitches
• Needle Count: 200

Known Issues

• Button Sticking: The grease inside the button mechanism often solidifies over decades (common "gumming"). This typically requires a deep clean with isopropyl alcohol or a heat gun to loosen.
• Sponge Bar: Like later models, it uses a foam-based needle retaining bar that must be replaced to prevent carriage jams.