Dubied MM
| Dubied MM | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Dubied |
| Model | MM |
| Gauge | Variable (5-cut to 14-cut) |
| Type | V-Bed Industrial |
| Patterning | High-level Needle Selection |
| Needles | Variable (typically 80cm to 120cm beds) |
| Release Year | 1930 |
| Accessories | Weight Hangers, Side Tensioners, Row Counter, Four-Color Changer |
| Also Known As | Dubied Master |
The Dubied MM is a professional-grade, manual V-bed flat knitting machine. Renowned for its precision and "indestructible" build quality, the MM was the flagship manual model produced by Dubied & Cie in Couvet, Switzerland. It is distinguished from the simpler Dubied NH by its advanced carriage cams and needle selection capabilities.[1]
Selection Mechanism[edit]
The "Master" designation refers to the machine's ability to perform complex stitch structures through specialized carriage settings:
- High-Level Cams: The carriage features a series of levers that allow for "half-milano," full-cardigan, and circular knitting with high precision.
- Bird's Eye Jacquard: The MM is capable of producing professional-grade bird's eye backing for double-knit jacquard fabrics.
- Needle Selection: Unlike domestic machines, the MM uses a system of jacks and "high/low" butt needles to allow for intricate textural variations within a single pass of the carriage.
Historical Context[edit]
During the 1930s, the Dubied MM was the standard choice for high-end knitwear factories producing luxury sweaters and suiting. Its heavy cast-iron stand and bed provide the stability required for consistent stitch tension, which is why 100-year-old units are still used today by high-end fashion ateliers and specialized textile artists.[2]
Technical Specifications[edit]
- Gauge System: Measured in "cut" (needles per French inch). Common sizes include 7, 8, 10, and 12-cut.
- Bed Material: Hardened steel needle beds mounted on a cast-iron frame.
- Carriage: Manual hand-cranked with integrated color-changing triggers.
Maintenance[edit]
Because the MM utilizes extremely tight tolerances, it is sensitive to "gummed" oil.
- Cleaning: For a 1930s model, it is essential to flush the carriage cams with a solvent to remove decades of polymerized grease.
- Lubrication: Requires high-quality clear spindle oil; never use modern "all-purpose" oils which can attract lint and seize the high-precision jacks.[3]
References[edit]
- ↑ "Dubied MM Instruction Manual," Dubied & Cie Archive. accessed Feb 2026
- ↑ Metcalf, S. "Swiss Precision: The Engineering of Dubied," Textile History Journal, 2005.
- ↑ "Restoring a 1930s Dubied MM," KnitFactoryImpl, 2026.