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Brother KH-860

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Brother KH-860
Manufacturer Brother
Model KH-860
Gauge Standard
Type Domestic
Patterning 24 stitch punch card
Needles 200
Release Year Late 1970s
Accessories Extension rails, Cast-on combs, Punchcards, Lace carriage, Mast, Transfer tools, Extra needles, Selection comb, Claw weights, Carriage lock, Table clamps, Single motif accessories, Punch-card holder rod, Plating yarn feeder, Built-in accessory storage box
Also Known As


The Brother KH-860 is a standard gauge punchcard knitting machine released by Brother in the second half of the late 1970s. It features 200 needles with a 4.5 mm needle pitch, making it suitable for a wide range of yarns and projects. The machine is known for its automatic patterning capabilities using 24-stitch punch cards.[1]

Features[edit]

Carriage and Controls[edit]

The carriage of the KH-860 includes a main knob with several positions: N-L (plain knit), KC (to activate patterning), SM (for single motif knitting), and CR (carriage release). Patterning is engaged when the knob is set to KC and the carriage latches onto a timing belt, which also aids in smoother carriage movement. The carriage handle folds for convenient storage.[1]

Buttons on the carriage allow for various stitch types, including tuck, fair-isle (using the middle MC button), and part (for slip-stitch knitting). It also has N/H and plain levers. A notable feature is the option for selecting the very last two needles (one on each side) when knitting patterns, adjusted by cams on the underside of the carriage.[1]

Patterning Capabilities[edit]

The KH-860 utilizes 24-hole punch cards for automatic patterning, with a maximum repeat pattern of 24 stitches. The punchcard reader translates the pattern to the needle selection mechanism. This allows for the creation of various patterns such as tuck, slip, weave, lace, and fair-isle. The punchcard reading mechanism also has an option to expand the pattern two times.[1]

Sinker Plate[edit]

The sinker plate is equipped with a two-thread yarn holder, and the standard mast can also handle two different yarns simultaneously. The KH-860's sinker plate features tuck rubber wheels that can be pushed forward, an advancement compared to the stationary tuck brushes found on earlier models like the KH-840.[1]

Retaining Bar[edit]

The machine uses a metal retaining bar with a sponge strip, which is crucial for holding needles in place and preventing dropped stitches. This sponge strip is 0.5 inches wide and 41 inches long and requires replacement every 6-12 months.[1]

Accessories[edit]

The KH-860 comes with a standard set of major and minor accessories. Major accessories, such as extension rails, cast-on combs, punchcards, and a lace carriage, fit into the lid of the machine's case. Minor accessories, including transfer tools, extra needles, a selection comb, claw weights, a carriage lock, and table clamps, are stored in a built-in storage box.[1]

Unlike earlier punchcard models like the KH-830 and KH-836, the KH-860 includes an extensive set of single motif accessories (long green bars) and a plating yarn feeder as standard. It also comes with a punch-card holder rod. The table clamps are of a modern design, simple and without bolt-like screws, differing from those on Singer/Studio/Silver Reed machines by having top and bottom panels on the same level.[1]

Compatibility[edit]

The Brother KH-860 is compatible with a range of Brother add-on accessories, including:[1]

Comparison to Other Models[edit]

The features and capabilities of the KH-860 are very similar to those of the KH-840 and KH-890. However, it differentiates itself from earlier punchcard models like the KH-830 and KH-836 by including single motif settings and accessories, as well as a plating yarn feeder, as standard.[1] The KH-860 also has a longer built-in toolbox and, in some instances, built-in garter carriage rails, which were not present on the KH-840.[1] The sinker plate of the KH-860 is slightly more advanced than the KH-840, featuring movable tuck rubber wheels instead of stationary tuck brushes.[1]

User manuals for the KH-860 are often identical to those for the KH-881, KH-890, and KH-891, with the primary differences being the specific punchcards referenced.[2]

Pros and Cons[edit]

Pros[edit]

  • Solid and durable machine with good availability of replacement parts on the used and new market.[1]
  • Extensive online resources and a well-written manual for guidance.[1]
  • Automatic patterning for slip, tuck, fair-isle, and weaving stitches using punch cards.[1]
  • Capable of handling two different yarns simultaneously without needing a color changer.[1]
  • Compatible with a wide variety of add-on accessories.[1]
  • Some machines come with preinstalled garter carriage rails.[1]
  • The timing belt, when engaged in patterning mode, facilitates smoother carriage movement.[1]
  • The punchcard reading mechanism allows for pattern expansion up to two times.[1]
  • Includes a plating feeder and single motif settings/accessories as standard, unlike earlier models.[1]
  • Features a built-in accessory storage box and a folding carriage handle.[1]

Cons[edit]

  • The repeat pattern is limited to 24 stitches, offering less flexibility than electronic machines.[1]
  • The sponge bar requires regular replacement (every 6-12 months).[1]
  • Prone to rust if not stored or maintained properly.[1]
  • Carriage buttons can become stuck if the machine is unused for prolonged periods.[1]
  • The standard set of punch cards is somewhat limited, requiring knitters to punch their own for more designs, which can be tedious.[1]
  • The patterning mechanism may malfunction if not used or maintained, often due to dirt, stuck yarn, incorrect timing belt engagement, improper yarn tension, or faulty needles.[1]
  • Plastic components are susceptible to discoloration from sunlight exposure, necessitating covering the machine when not in use.[1]
  • Not capable of knitting thread lace.[1]

Maintenance[edit]

Regular cleaning and oiling are essential for the longevity of the KH-860. The sponge bar should be replaced every 6-12 months. To prevent discoloration of plastic components, the machine should be covered when exposed to sunlight.[1]


Manuals and Documentation[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 1.21 1.22 1.23 1.24 1.25 1.26 1.27 1.28 1.29 1.30 https://mightyknittymachines.com/brother-kh860/ MightyKnittyMachines - Brother KH860 knitting machine
  2. ↑ https://mkmanuals.com/brother-kh860-thru-kh891-user-guide.html MKManuals - Brother KH860 KH881 KH890 KH891 User Guide
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