There are two main types of sock knitting machines: circular sock knitting machines and flatbed sock knitting machines.
Circular sock knitting machines are the most common type of sock knitting machine. They are designed to knit socks in a circular motion, which creates a seamless sock. This is the type of knitting machine that Sock Club uses to manufacture our custom socks. Circular sock knitting machines are further divided into two categories: ribber machines and cylinder machines.
Ribber machines are used to knit the ribbed cuff of the sock. The ribbed cuff is the part of the sock that sits at the top of the ankle and is usually made up of a pattern of knit and purl stitches. Ribber machines are equipped with a separate set of needles that are used to create the ribbed cuff. The best custom sock companies will tell you that they advise against design in the cuff because of this different type of stitching.
Cylinder machines are used to knit the body of the custom knitted socks. They are equipped with a cylinder that has a set number of needles. As the cylinder rotates, the needles move up and down, knitting the body of the sock.
Flatbed sock knitting machines are designed to knit socks in a flat position. This type of machine is used to knit socks that have a heel flap, which is the part of the sock that covers the heel of the foot. Flatbed sock knitting machines are equipped with a flat surface that has a set number of needles. The needles move back and forth to create the stitches that form the sock.
