Non-planar knitting and Sample storage

Hello Kniterate Community,

We are nearing the end of our project working with the Kniterate machine. We’ve been working on creating Non-planar and Auxetic knitted samples on the Kniterate machine. Last time we posted: https://support.kniterate.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/14682743907229 we were experiencing issues with yarns snapping during transfers. We are happy to report to haven’t had any more issues with transfers since changing to the suggested settings. 

We’ve also been successful in creating many more Non-planer and Auxetic knitted samples. However as the samples are piling up we’re facing another issue. Namely documenting and storing the samples. We have previously customized the Waste-Yarn to include a unique serial number. We’ve found this to be very effective in keeping track of the samples, but also make the knitting process more complex and less reliable. 

Our current system works the following way:

• Create the pattern
• Add serialized Waste-Yarn
• Knit
• Document
  • Pictures from three angles
  • Note changes in a text document
• Store sample

Currently there is no link between the sample, Images, notes and Kniterate files. Thus we’re looking for new ways to automate and improve this process. 

We have compiled a list of suggested improvements. We are interested in knowing if any of you have successfully tackled a comparable issue, or have or have general suggestions on how we can improve this process? 

• Revert to the default Waste-Yarn. Reduce knitting time and increase reliability. 
• Hang samples instead of storing them flat on a table, similar to hanging clothes in a clothes rack. In an effort to preserve the shape of the samples as best as possible. 
• Attach a printed information label to the clothes hanger or sew a labels to the waste yarn. 
  • The label would contain some basic information such as name, production date and serial number. 
  • The label would also have a QR code to link back to a digital repository where information about the knitting program used and its pattern, the identification of the author, the date of creation of the sample, notes on the creation and results and detailed photographs, would be stored. 

Thank you in advance for your time and assistance. We appreciate any input you can provide.

Best regards,