Passap Vario
This is the approved revision of this page, as well as being the most recent.
| Passap Vario | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Passap |
| Model | Vario |
| Gauge | |
| Type | Single-Bed Variable Gauge |
| Patterning | |
| Needles | |
| Release Year | 1980s |
| Accessories | |
| Also Known As | |
The Passap Vario is a vintage domestic single-bed variable-gauge knitting machine manufactured in Switzerland by Madag. Released in the 1980s, the Vario is designed as a simple, manual entry-level machine that can knit a wide range of yarn weights—from thin fingering to heavy bulky yarns—on a single bed.
Variable Gauge Design[edit]
The defining feature of the Passap Vario is its ability to knit at different needle spacings (gauges) on the same bed:
- Standard Gauge (5.0mm): With all needles in work, the Vario operates as a standard-gauge machine with 156 needles, suitable for light fingering and sport-weight yarns.
- Variable Gauge (10.0mm): By inserting specialized plastic **Spacing Clips** between every other needle (locking those needles out of work), the machine converts into a 78-needle bulky-gauge machine, suitable for knitting worsted, aran, and bulky-weight hand knitting yarns.
- The "Vario Big" Variation: Passap also marketed a dedicated version called the **Passap Vario Big**, which was factory-set with a fixed 10.0mm bulky configuration.
Needle Selection and Patterning[edit]
- Manual Carriage: The Vario carriage is simple and lightweight. Unlike the larger double-bed Passap machines (such as the Duomatic or E6000), it has no built-in punchcard reader, patterning console, or automatic needle selection drums.
- Yarn Feeding: The machine is designed without a standard overhead tension mast. Instead, the knitter lays the yarn manually into the open latch hooks before passing the carriage over the bed, similar to the operation of a Bond Sweater Machine.
- Stitch Control: The carriage has a central stitch size dial to regulate stitch density for different yarn thicknesses.
Technical Specifications[edit]
- Gauge: 5.0mm (standard) or 10.0mm (bulky) variable.
- Needles: 156 (at 5.0mm) / 78 (at 10.0mm).
- Bed Construction: Single bed, constructed with a durable plastic frame and steel latch needles.
Manuals and Documentation[edit]
The following digitized user manuals are available for reference and download: