Improved Try-on Knitter Sock Machine Manual

 

The Improved Try-on Knitter was manufactured in 1917 by Tryon Stores Inc. in Lowell, Massachusetts.  Intricate in design, Try-on knitting machines featured conical ribber dials.  Composed of solid cast iron and steel, Try-on knitting machines were built with industrial strength and guaranteed to last a life time. The Improved Try-on Knitter was fashioned to knit a wide variety of knitted goods, including the firm's own patented stockings.  The stockings were distributed throughout the world and sold exclusively by selected retailers and Try-on Stores incorporated. As with most contractual sales, stockings were knit in a particular fashion.  In order to obtain the best knitting results, Old-fashioned Try-on yarns were highly recommended.  The yarn was sold on cones at a cost of $3.00 per pound. Contractual workers received a 10% discount on yarn purchases.  Colours choices included black, navy, brown, heather, brown heather and green heather. Upon completion, the hosiery was sent to the company and subsequently sold on the free market.  Double heels were mandatory and became a distinctive trademark of Try-on's stockings. The Improved Try-on Knitter Four-in-One Model Instruction Book features 23 pages of teaching and instruction.  The manual has numerous illustrations that assist with the operation of the machine.

Clearly written, the instruction book contains measurement and size diagrams, as well as foot sizing charts.  The manual concludes with the company's own Try-on stocking patterns for men, women and children.

A photocopy of The Improved Try-on Knitter Four-in-One Model Instruction Book is available in english.