Stitches

where can I find the parts for a Brother-Knit Model KH551 knitting machine?

it is a knitting machine that was given to me by my aunt Jessie.It was made in the 60's or 70's.There are some parts that needs to be replaced,the brushes and the felt bar and sinker plate assembly and the tapestry needle I already have the books I just need the parts that are no longer work able I need to replace the parts.

Public Comments

1. There is several knitting books out. Most hobby stores have them. You could see if they still make the parts. Put a wanted ad in the local paper. Ask at a sewing store. If all else fails you could go to a antique store and ask. Ask the Internet. Google would be your best chance.
2. You can go to the brother website and they have a customer service link, and there is a phone number also, they should be able to help you.
3. First of all, make sure you have the exact proper name so you can search easily. I think what you have might be called BROTHER PROFILE 551 KNITTING MACHINE KH 551 I would always search on ebay first. You can also set it up as a favorite search on ebay and have them send you emails anytime something new comes up for auction. For example, is this the same one that you have: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220109180783&ih=012&category=146373&rd=1 The final selling price on ebay wasn't too high, which leads me to believe that you should be able to get what you want at a reasonable price. I doubt that Brother will have old parts for this machine, but you can check with them. There is also a website where you can check for knitting machines and parts: http://knittingmachinebargains.com/eb/brother-knitting-machines-/ I would keep looking there. For example, their site lead me to this one on ebay that didn't even come up when I searched ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160115124032&ih=006&category=146373&rd=1 You might also check with Brother to see if any other models of machines have compatible parts - such as the 551KH, KR, and the 551 or the 531. I downloaded a copy of the KR551 ribber manual and I noticed that someone handwrote 531 and 551 on the front cover. ftp://ftp.brother.ca/ENGLISH/KNITTINGMACHINE/ ftp://ftp.brother.ca/ENGLISH/KNITTINGMACHINE/KR551-UG.pdf This might increase your chances if they are interchangeable. Also, check with vacuum and sewing machine repair shops in your area. They may have parts for older knitting machines. You might also go to the Yahoo Groups section and join some of the machine knitting groups. Then post some messages stating you are looking for parts. Someone may have your parts or your answer on where they got some. This site advertises that they sell knitting machine parts, I would check it out: http://www.yarnups.com/default.htm Maybe you can send them an email and ask about your machine directly. In addition, I have seen Brother knitting machines called Knit-King. You might look into this option as well. As a last resort, I would contact these places to see what you can come up with. They sell used machines. http://www.customknitsmfg.net/usedknittingmachines.html This one will let you post a wanted ad: http://www.karpstyles.com/knitting_machines.html This site looks like they just plain know a lot about knitting machines: http://www.yarns-and.com/brother.htm Same here: http://www.yarn-store.com/knitting-machine-chart.html This guy looks like he might be able to help you too: http://www.ballistol.ca/brother_pages/brother_knitting_machines_used_page4.htm This site looks knowlegeable too: http://goodeys.tripod.com/goodeysknittingroom/id20.html EUREKA! Look what I just ran into when I did a GOOGLE: http://goodeys.tripod.com/goodeysknittingroom/id31.html It says that the parts are interchangeable: "The parts and pieces for the KH551, 555, 581, 585, 588, and 601 are virtually identical. " And it shows a photo with all the parts labeled. I had a feeling that several machines were interchangeable as they all look similar to me! I think it would be awesome to own and use one of these knitting machines. I am so jealous! Good luck getting it running. Beth