Circular Sock Machine
A Circular Sock Machine (often abbreviated as CSM) is a specialized circular knitting machine designed specifically to knit seamless hosiery, tubes, and sleeves. These machines utilize a vertical needle cylinder and can be fitted with a ribbing dial on top to create purl stitches and thus ribbed fabric.[1]
History[edit]
Circular sock machines peaked in popularity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries (specifically during World War I, when home knitters produced millions of socks for military use). Historic manufacturers like Gearhart, Creelman, Bickford, Auto Knitter Hosiery Co., and Cymbal produced durable cast-iron CSMs that remain in active use today.[1]
Modern CSMs[edit]
- Mechanical CSMs: Modern reproduction CSMs made of machined metal or cast iron (such as the Erlbacher Gearhart clone) are popular among vintage knitting machine enthusiasts.
- 3D-Printed CSMs: Open-source communities have developed printable CSM designs (utilizing 3D-printed cylinders, gears, and standard latch needles) to lower the barrier of entry for sock knitting.
Terminology[edit]
Modern enthusiasts who operate circular sock machines refer to themselves as “crankers”.[2]
A “crank-in” is an organized in-person gathering of crankers and their machines for technical exchange, maintenance sharing, and group knitting. Crank-ins range from single-day workshops to multi-day regional conventions featuring vendor exhibits and technical classes.[2]