Retro Soviet Mechanical Hand Knitting Machine Chernivchanka Чернівчанка USSR

Description

How does the knitting machine work? The yarn passes through a tensioning mechanism and down through the knit carriage, which feeds the yarn to the needles as they knit. Domestic knitting machines use the weft knitting method which produces a fabric similar to hand knitting. ... Knitting machines work an entire row of loops in a single movement.
Among the best versions were the Soviet produced "чернівчанка" (Chernivchanka) which were very popular and probably resulted in half the knitted wear worn by Soviet citizens! These machines were not cheap at the time they were first sold, they were 60 rubles, which was a good chunk of the average monthly paycheck of the Soviet worker. So if you had one, it was an investment in saving money on clothing.
The machine is in perfect condition, and was originally sold in 1987, according to the manual that comes with it. It comes with two clamps for the table (ideally you will want to add a third clamp for the middle, easy to find), and a brush, thread hook, scapula. You will need to get a replacement yarn feed tool, they are commonly available and you can see the form of it in the Russian language manual.
The hand-knitted machine "Chernivchanka" was first released by a lighting factory in the city of Chernivtsi (Ukraine) in 1970. These machines are not available now, but they used to be the only way to make hand knitting easier. This machine, which produces stockings, shawls and bindings, allows you to knit everything from socks to sweaters.
Material:
Metal, Wood, Plastic
Condition:
In very good condition, with some age-related wear to the box exterior surface, the machine is complete and functions and only needs a new yarn feed tool and probably a third table clamp. See photos for details.
Dimensions:
See above
Year Made:
1980s, sold in December 1987
Shipping Weight:
5400g
Grading:
Very Good