Restoring circular sock machines has been a delightful experience for both myself and the new owner.  Over the past year, I have sold over two dozen sock machines to newbies and avid hand knitters!

The restoration process is a timely one that I value seriously.  It requires the removal of rust & grime, sanding & the application of primer, the replacement of worn metal parts and mechanical overhauling of the entire machine.  An investment of  10 - 14 days is standard.

Searching for a particular sock machine?  Have a specific gem in mind?  Contact us!  Let's find it!  

 

 

 

The Tradition of Antique Sock Machines

 

Antique sock machines have proven their use and value to the world, society and our families since the early 1800s.

Their greatest use surfaced during times of war when Britain, the United States and other countries required military socks, mufflers, mittens and other warm attire for their soldiers. 

Agencies such as the American Red Cross and the Soldiers Wives' League  rose to the challenge.  During the war, wool socks proved to be the greatest necessity.

 

 

 

Antique sock machines allow you to transform your favourite yarns into fine articles of clothing. 

Whether knitting commercial yarns such as Opal, Regina, Patons or Lopi; mill end cones or treasured handspun or homespun, antique sock machines will enrich your life with warmth.

If you love fibre like most of us, antique sock machines will allow you to enjoy a great variety of yarns.   Our machines readily accommodate fine, fingering weight; 4-ply worsted weight; super thick chunky yarns and all types in between.   Spinners just adore them!

 

 

 

 

With time and experience, you will be able to knit a pair of socks in about 1 - 1.5 hours on an antique sock machine. 

Many knitters customarily knit a pair of socks in an evening!  Imagine that!
 
In addition, your "workhorse" will allow you to knit through that huge stash of yarn that has been sitting idle for so long......only to send you off to the knitting store for more! 

 

 

 

 

Naturally, knitting with pins requires considerably more time to make a pair of socks. 

For this reason, many avid hand knitters enjoy the versatility offered by antique sock machines.  You too, will discover the rewards of owning an antique sock machine.

 

 

 

 

 

  

Knitwear such as gloves, scarves, hats, tea cozies, infant gowns, pram sets, toe socks, toys, children's hats, toddler's sets, facecloths and even bikinis can be knit on your antique sock machine!

 

 

 

The list is endless and limited only by your imagination.

Oldtymestockings is pleased to offer four product lines of restored antique sock machines:  Classic, Traditional, Mechanically Restored and Specialty Sock Machines.

Machines currently available are listed below.  Visit often for the latest updates.

 

 

 

 

Classic Antique Sock Machines

Introducing.......... Dr. Seuss!

That whimsical cat has returned to delight fans of all ages.  Experience the magic and fun of Geisel's most beloved feline.   Details soon to come! 

 

                                                              

                                 

 

  Winnie the Pooh comes to visit too!  Who can resist the sweetness of Edward Bear?  Celebrate the charm of 77 years of our adorable Pooh.  Arriving soon!

 

 

 

The classical animated fun of Looney Tunes returns!  Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Foghorn Leghorn and other laughable characters will tickle your funny bone.  Details soon to come!

 

 

 

 

 

Think "PINK"!  Stylish, sophisticated and sleek, the matchless wit of Friz Freleng's Pink Panther lives on!  Coming soon!

 

                               

 

 

 

Unpack Your Adjectives; Lolly, Lolly, Lolly, Get Your Adverbs Here; Conjunction Junction; Interjections!.......Who can forget those academic kids from the 70s?  Relive childhood as you discover "Knowledge is Power!"  Arriving soon!

 

                                   

 

 

 

Traditional Antique Sock Machines

Traditional or "fully restored" sock machines are our top of the line sock machines.  Traditional sock machines closely represent the look of sock machines when they left the Creelman factory.

Their original paint has been completely stripped and primer has been applied to all metal parts.  Thereafter, two generous coats of paint are applied.

Traditional sock machines are popular with knitters who want "beauty", as well as a solid workhorse.  Our selection and prices are listed below.  Contact us and reserve a Traditionally Restored Antique Sock Machine today.

Legare #400 Circular Sock Knitting Machine

Legare #400 Circular Sock Knitting Machine restored to exceptional condition.   This sock machine knits AND ribs like a dream and is a wonderful machine for a newbie.  Included is a 36 slot ribber, 54 & 72 slot cylinders, working needles, set up basket, heel weights, heel hook, "pick up" tool, 2 bobbins, yarn swift, an Auto Knitter instruction booklet (the Legare #400 series did not come with an instruction manual) and standard tools to get started.  The stand is not included.  This sock machine is guaranteed to knit and rib as stated.  It will arrive at your door with a completed stocking and knitted samples of fingering weight, 4-ply worsted weight and super thick chunky yarn still attached!  Unlimited assistance via email, telephone or private lessons is always available.  Cost is $1975.00 + $38.00 shipping.  Insurance is optional and costs $8.00.

Legare #400 Circular Sock Knitting Machine

Legare #400 Circular Sock Knitting Machine restored to exceptional condition. This sock machine knits AND ribs like a dream and is a wonderful machine for a newbie.  Included is a 36 slot ribber, 54 & 72 slot cylinders, working needles, set up basket, heel weights, heel hook, "pick up" tool, 2 bobbins, yarn swift, an Auto Knitter instruction booklet (the Legare #400 series did not come with an instruction manual) and standard tools to get started.  The stand is not included.  This sock machine is guaranteed to knit and rib as stated.  It will arrive at your door with a completed stocking and knitted samples of fingering weight, 4-ply worsted weight and super, thick chunky yarn still attached!  Unlimited assistance via email, telephone or private lessons is always available.  Cost is $1975.00 + $38.00 shipping.  Insurance is optional and costs $8.00.

Legare #400 Circular Sock Knitting Machine

This Legare #400 Circular Sock Knitting Machine has underwent a COMPLETE restoration.  The original paint has been stripped and all metal parts have been sanded and primed.  Two generous coats of high quality paint have been applied for extra durability.  All mechanical parts have been cleansed, polished and shine gracefully.  This sock machine has been fully restored and is guaranteed to knit and rib superbly.  What a nice treat for a newbie or seasoned knitter!  Included is a 36 slot ribber, 54 & 72 slot cylinders, working needles, set up basket, heel weights, heel hook, "pick up" tool, 2 bobbins, yarn swift, an Auto Knitter instruction booklet (the Legare #400 series did not come with an instruction manual) and standard tools to get started.  The stand is not included.  It will arrive at your door with a completed stocking and knitted samples of fingering weight, 4-ply worsted weight and super thick chunky yarn still attached!  Unlimited assistance via email, telephone or private lessons is always available.  Cost is $1975.00 + $38.00 shipping.  Insurance is optional and cost $8.00.

Legare # 400 Circular Sock Knitting Machine

This Legare #400 Circular Sock Knitting Machine has underwent a COMPLETE restoration.  The original paint has been stripped and all metal parts have been sanded and primed.  Two generous coats of high quality paint have been applied for extra durability.  All mechanical parts have been cleansed, polished and shine gracefully.  This sock machine has been fully restored and is guaranteed to knit and rib superbly.  What a nice treat for a newbie or seasoned knitter!  Included is a 36 slot ribber, 54 & 72 slot cylinders, working needles, set up basket, heel weights, heel hook, "pick up" tool, 2 bobbins, yarn swift, an Auto Knitter instruction booklet (the Legare #400 series did not come with an instruction manual) and standard tools to get started.  The stand is not included. It will arrive at your door with a completed stocking and knitted samples of fingering weight, 4-ply worsted weight and super thick chunky yarn still attached. Unlimited assistance via email, telephone or private lessons is always available. Cost is $1975.00 + $38.00 shipping.  Insurance is optional and costs $8.00.

Mechanically Restored Antique Sock Machines

Mechanically restored sock machines are identical to traditionally restored sock machines, except these machines retain their original factory paint.

Since mechanically restored sock machines retain their original paint, they have the "touch" of Mother Nature apparent in their appearance. 

Thus, expect to see areas of paint loss, chipped paint sections and other hallmarks of their age.

Most Legare sock machines are over 85+ years old.  Hence, they are genuine antiques and this is reflected in their condition.  

Mechanically restored sock machines are popular with knitters who wish to retain their machine's "antiqueness".  Many knitters love the look of these machines and often wonder who the original owner of the machine could have been with each turn of the crank wheel. 

The machine, donned in its original paint of manufacture, bridges a "bond" between knitters of the past and present.  Countless tales are written by knitters who often ponder "who, what and when" as each
sock is made.  

Mechanically restored sock machines are also very popular with beginners.  The demand for this type of sock machine continues to grow.  Indeed, there is a bit of "antique fancy" in all of us.

Mechanically restored sock machines hold the same guarantee of fine knitting and ribbing abilities as our traditionally restored sock machines.  Like our traditionally restored sock machines, all metal parts have been cleansed and polished so that they shine nicely.

A standard array of knitting accessories is included with each machine.  In addition, a completed stocking and knitted samples of fingering weight, 4-ply worsted weight and super thick chunky yarn will arrive, still attached to the machine. 

Mechanically restored sock machines cost $1785.00 + $38.00 shipping.  Insurance, although optional, is highly recommended and costs $8.00.  Contact us and reserve a Mechanically Restored Antique Sock Machine today.

Extraordinary sock machines such as the Creelman Money Makers and large Legare sock machines are priced individually.  These exclusive machines carry the same guarantee of fine ribbing and knitting abilities as our other sock machines.  Each machine comes with a standard array of knitting accessories.  Prices start at $1950.00.  Shipping and insurance costs are the same.  Contact us directly to reserve one of these exceptional sock machines.

P.T. Legare Large Sock Knitting Machine

This machine is one of the oldest knitters manufactured for the sock knitting industry.  For this reason, in order to retain its history and antiqueness, its original paint has been preserved.  For its age, it is in exceptional condition.  This sock machine was originally manufactured by the Creelman Brothers', but sold under the name of P.T. Legare.  Grand and impressive, this Canadian sock machine matches the Creelman Brothers' "Star",  "New Star" and "World Star" sock machines in appearance.  Aside from P.T. Legare's label, this machine is virtually identical to the Creelman Brothers' large sock machines and has the same exceptional features:

• An automatic needle latch opener for both ribber and cylinder needles to help prevent dropped stitches.
• Ease of ribber height adjustment - no screwdrivers or tools are needed.
• Efficient and traditional heel tension.
• EASILY accommodates LARGE HOOK NEEDLES in the cylinder to allow you to knit with thicker yarns, like 4-ply worsted weight.  Make hem top socks, hats, scarves and lots more with both thick AND thin yarns!

This sock machine has been mechanically restored and is guaranteed to knit and rib as shown.  Included is a 36 slot ribber, 72 slot cylinder, working needles, set up basket, heel weights, heel hook, "pick up" tool, 2 bobbins, yarn swift, an Auto Knitter instruction booklet and standard tools to get started.  The stand is not included.  It will arrive at your door with a completed stocking and knitted samples of fingering weight, 4-ply worsted weight and super thick chunky yarn still attached!  Unlimited assistance via email, telephone or private lessons is always available.  Insurance is optional.

Specialty Antique Sock Machines

Specialty antique sock machines are reserved for those who have experienced misfortune from a previous sock machine purchase. 

Such disappointment may have arisen from an auction purchase, destruction of a sock machine via shipping or discovering an array of damaged parts.

Other dilemmas include owning an incomplete sock machine or one that is a collection of parts.

Despite your best efforts, your sock  machine fails to function. 

Specialty sock machines have a unique quality in their make.  Like a prized lamb in a shephard's flock, there is something exceptional in their character.

The lamb's wool may be more lustrous than others, or perhaps, there is a certain twinkle in its eye.  Without doubt, the shepherd knows this one is a jewel.

Specialty sock machines are the very best knitters we have to offer. 

Their ease of use makes them user friendly to all knitters, regardless of background.  Indeed, these are our sweetest operating sock machines. 

We value our knitters, spinners and weavers.  If you feel this situation applies to you, please email us directly. 

In your correspondence, please state why you qualify for a specialty sock machine.  These machines are limited in number and thus, reserved for those suitable.

We want to see you knitting and knitting happily.

Have an antique sock machine to sell?  We are always looking to purchase and restore antique sock machines, regardless of the condition.  Contact us for specifics.

Purchasing an antique sock machine is a serious investment .  We wish you to consider all of the options available. 

When making a decision to purchase an antique sock machine, one must consider the importance that "antiqueness and aesthetics" holds for you.  In the end, it is simply a matter of personal taste.

To order one of our antique sock machines, please email us directly.   We would be pleased to reserve an antique sock machine for you today.