Foster
| W. & J. Foster Foster Flat Knitter | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | W. & J. Foster |
| Model | Foster Flat Knitter |
| Gauge | |
| Type | Manual V-Bed Flatbed |
| Patterning | Manual |
| Needles | |
| Release Year | 1910s |
| Accessories | |
| Also Known As | Foster |
W. & J. Foster (later the Foster Knitting Machine Co. Ltd.) was a pioneering manufacturer and distributor of domestic and industrial knitting machines based at the Market Street Works in Preston, Lancashire, England. Founded in 1861 by James Foster, the firm operated for over a century until the 1960s.[1]
History[edit]
In 1864, founder James Foster became the sole agent for the newly invented American Lamb V-bed flat knitting machine in the North of England, marking the company's entry into the mechanized knitting sector.
By the early 20th century, W. & J. Foster was manufacturing its own line of machines. Their circular sock machine, the *Victoria Automatic Improved Knitting Machine*, was widely used during World War I to knit socks for soldiers. In addition to circular machines, Foster manufactured and imported robust manual V-bed flatbed machines for home-industry and small workshop garment production.
Models & Features[edit]
- Foster Flat Knitter: A manual, heavy cast-iron double-bed V-bed flat machine. It featured manual racking of the beds, needle beds angled at 90 degrees, and manual carriage lock cam settings to select tuck and slip stitches.
- The Victoria: A hand-cranked circular sock machine (CSM) popular in the Edwardian and WWI eras.
Documentation[edit]
The following instruction manuals are hosted on the wiki:
- Foster Flat Knitter Instruction Manual (PDF) – Operating instructions, needle bed layouts, and carriage setups for the V-bed flat machine.