How To Change A Sponge Bar On A Knitting Machine

How to change a sponge bar on a knitting machine

First, let's talk about what a sponge bar is

A sponge bar is found in several brands, makes and models of knitting machines. Not all knitting machines have them but for the ones that do, it is an important part of a well functioning machine. The sponge bar is a long, flat piece of metal that has a channel in it where a strip of sponge rubber is glued into that channel.

The sponge bar servers a few purposes. First, it holds the needles securely in place by providing a bit of resistance on the top of the needle which keeps them from falling out of the knitting machine. Second, it cushions the needles as they move in and out of the machine while knitting, which can reduce wear and tear on both the machine and the needles. Finally, and most importantly, a good sponge bar keeps those needles under pressure providing the optimum knitting condition.

Sponge Bars

New sponge bars and sponge bars that are still in good shape have a tall layer of rubber sponge that is visible and still has some bounce to it when you push on it. The sponge should spring back up and maintain its shape after pressed down on.

They come in different lengths to correspond with your knitting machine make and model requirements. The color of the sponge can be different from each manufacturer. And lastly, the plastic end pieces may look different for each brand of machine.

The top 2 sponge bars came out of a knitting machine to show they are still in working order.

The bottom 2 are new sponge bars.

How to know when you should inspect your sponge bar

Knitting on a machine with a bad sponge bar is not only frustrating, it can also be damaging to your needles or carriage. Making sure your sponge bar is in tip top shape is a much easier and cheaper fix than replacing broken needles or fixing a broken carriage! Below are some signs that show your sponge bar may have gone flat and is no longer working properly.

– When knitting on your knitting machine and you notice:

Grinding sounds when you pass the carriage over the needles
The carriage gets jammed midway across the knitting
Needles drop stitches
When you push down on the needles, they spring up or have some give/bounce to them

– If you have a knitting machine that hasn’t been used in over a year.

– When you’ve just purchased or were gifted a used machine.

– Even if that machine looks new, it’s always good to check that sponge bar first.

If any of the above applies to you, then it’s time to check your sponge bar. Below is what an old sponge bar might look like. Yuck, right?

An deteriorated sponge bar
that needs to be replaced

Here is a good look at 2 sponge bars side by side.

The top sponge bar was taken out of this knitting machine. Look at the sponge. It is completely flat. And you can see the wear marks form the needles.

I will replace the old sponge bar on the top with the new sponge bar on the bottom.

Ok, so you now realize that yep, your sponge bar needs replacing

Don’t panic, it happens all the time. And the fix is rather easy! I created a video you can watch as I walk you through step by step on changing that yucky old sponge bar. Let’s do this!

Where to buy a new sponge bar

There are a few places you can buy sponge bars. But the place where I go over and over is The Knitting Closet. You can search for your make and model so that you get the sponge bar that will fit your machine perfectly! Click on the link below.

Now that you know what a sponge bar is, how it works, how to tell if yours needs to be checked and finally how to change your old one out for a new one, you will be on your way to smooth machine knitting!