Photograph the nameplate
Get the front badge, model plate, serial number and any label on the carriage or controller.
WHAT MACHINE DO I HAVE?
The Foss Plus Identification Clinic
Start with evidence you can see and measure. You do not need to know machine-knitting jargon before you ask.
Measure needle pitch
Measure from the centre of one needle to the next in millimetres. Do not guess from the words fine, standard or bulky.
Count the needles
200 needles often points toward standard-gauge domestic families; 150, 110 and other counts narrow the field quickly.
Look at the pattern system
Manual selection, push buttons, punchcard, Mylar, electronic controller or computer interface can separate similar-looking generations.
List what came with it
Ribber number, lace carriage, colour changer, KnitLeader, cast-on combs and tools can identify the machine family — and its real value.
Show the problem area
A clear photo of the needle bed, carriage underside, power/controller ports or broken part is often worth a paragraph of description.
SEND THE CLUES
Let's identify it.
Include the email where you want the answer. A machine photo is especially helpful when the badge is missing or the model number is ambiguous.
Photo tip
One full-machine photo + one close-up of the model plate + one photo of the needle bed or carriage usually gives far more evidence than a single distant photo.