Brother KH 801
Revision as of 15:55, 7 February 2026 by KnitFactoryImpl (talk | contribs) (Created page with "{{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 i...")
| Brother KH-801 | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Brother |
| Model | KH-801 |
| Gauge | Standard |
| Type | Domestic |
| Patterning | 24 stitch punch card |
| Needles | 200 |
| Release Year | 1973 |
| Accessories | Lace Carriage, Extensions, 24-Stitch Punch Cards |
| Also Known As | 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.[1]
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).[2]
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.[3]
- 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
- ↑ "Brother KH-801 User Guide," Machine Knitting etc. accessed Feb 2026
- ↑ Newton, Eileen. The Family Knitting Machine, 1978.
- ↑ "Brother Service Manual: KH-801/810/820," Machine Knitting etc. accessed Feb 2026