Lamb Class 1
| Lamb Class 1 | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Lamb |
| Model | Class 1 |
| Gauge | Variable (typically 5 to 9) |
| Type | V-Bed Flat |
| Patterning | Manual / Needle Selection |
| Needles | 96 (Standard) |
| Release Year | 1867 |
| Accessories | Weights, Yarn Tensioner, Stand |
| Also Known As | Original Lamb, Lamb V-Bed |
The Lamb Class 1 is the original V-bed flat knitting machine produced by the Lamb Knitting Machine Corporation. Patented by Isaac Lamb in 1863 and 1865, it was the first machine capable of knitting a seamless tubular stocking with a shaped heel and toe on a flat bed.[1]
Historical Significance[edit]
Before the Class 1, flat knitting machines could only produce flat panels. Isaac Lamb's "V" configuration—two needle beds angled toward each other—allowed the carriage to pass yarn across both beds in a circle (tubular) or back and forth on one bed (flat). This design revolutionized home and small-scale industrial garment production and remains the basic principle behind modern industrial knitting power machines.[2]
Key Features[edit]
- V-Bed Configuration: Two needle beds set at an angle, allowing for tubular knitting, 1x1 ribbing, and flat jersey.
- Hand-Cranked Carriage: The operator moves the carriage back and forth by hand.
- Needle Selection: Early models required manual needle manipulation for shaping, though the "Class 1" was lauded for its ability to drop or add stitches without stopping the machine.
- Cast Iron Frame: Built for extreme longevity; many Class 1 machines from the late 1800s are still functional today if properly cleaned and timed.[3]
Technical Specifications[edit]
- Bed Width: Typically 9 inches to 12 inches for the Class 1.
- Pitch: Generally 5 to 9 needles per inch (coarse by modern standards).
- Operation: Manual hand-crank.
Maintenance[edit]
Restoring a Class 1 requires significant attention to the needle jacks and the internal cams of the carriage. Because they were often used with animal fats or heavy oils in the 19th century, "gumming" is severe in antique finds. Ultrasonic cleaning of the needles is the modern standard for restoration.
References[edit]
- ↑ Lamb, I. W. "Improvement in Knitting-Machines," U.S. Patent 50,369, Oct 10, 1865.
- ↑ "Industrial Heritage: Lamb Knitting Machine Corp," Chicopee Historical Society. accessed Feb 2026
- ↑ "The Lamb Knitting Machine," National Museum of American History. accessed Feb 2026