Changing the Sponge Bar in a Knitting Machine

How to Replace the Sponge Bar in Your Knitting Machine

Is your fine gauge knitting machine jamming when you try to move the carriage across the bed? If so, it may be time to replace the sponge bar! The sponge bar, also known as the sponge brake, is a foam component in the knitting machine that keeps the needles against the bed and provides some resistance for consistent stitching. Over time, the foam can deteriorate, causing the needles to jump and the carriage to jam. In this article, I will guide you through the process of changing the sponge bar in your knitting machine, so you can get back to creating fabulous sweaters and accessories!

Materials:

• Sponge bar or brake for your model of knitting machine
• Phillips screwdriver
• Large tweezers, like the kind used for sewing (<– affiliate link!)

Replacing the sponge bar looks difficult and time-consuming but it really isn’t. I had mine completed in about 30-40 minutes. For the record, I’m using a Brother KX-350 knitting machine.

Start by flipping the needle bed over and remove the metal plates on the bottom. Phillips head screws hold these plates in place, so make sure to put the screws in a safe place or magnetic bowl.

Next, flip the needle bed over again and remove the needles by pushing them forward slightly, lifting the back end and pulling them out toward the back.

Then, remove the old sponge bar by pulling it through the channel. Thread the new sponge bar through the channel, using the tweezers to help pull it through. A new sponge bar may look like it is too big but if the correct one is purchased for your machine model, it will fit, I promise!

Now, reinsert the needles from the top of the bed by inserting them straight down, then under the sponge bar and back up to the top.

Once all of the needles have been put back in, replace the metal plates on the bottom.

Replace the carriage on the machine and run it back and forth a few times to make sure everything runs smoothly. It may feel really tight but it is supposed to feel this way to keep the needles in place.

Have questions about changing the sponge bar in a knitting machine? Leave a comment below!