How to clean & maintain your Knitting Mill

A knitting mill is a fantastic tool for crafting beautiful projects, but like any machine, it needs a little TLC to keep it running smoothly. If you’ve ever found your mill’s handle hard to turn or even stuck, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Instead of forcing it (which can cause damage), a simple cleaning and greasing routine will solve the problem and extend the life of your knitting mill.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to wash and grease your knitting mill step by step.

Let’s get started!

Why Regular Maintenance Is Important:

Over time, dust, lint, and yarn residue can accumulate in your knitting mill, making it harder to operate. Left unchecked, this buildup can cause permanent damage to the mechanism. By cleaning and oiling your knitting mill, you’ll:

Prevent wear and tear.
Ensure smoother operation.
Prolong the life of your favourite tool!

What You’ll Need:

A small screwdriver.
A very small screwdriver.
A small paintbrush.
A needle (optional)
A soft cloth.
Sewing machine oil.

Step 1: Disassemble the Knitting Mill

Turn your knitting mill upside down and locate the two screws at the bottom.
Carefully unscrew them using a small screwdriver.
Next, unscrew the two tiny screws at the top.
Once all screws are removed, gently separate the components of the mill.

Tip: Keep the screws in a small dish so they don’t get lost!

Step 2: Brush Out Dust and Residue

Use a small paintbrush to remove dust, lint, and yarn residues from the mechanism.
For the inside of the mill’s tube, use a soft cloth to wipe away debris.
Be thorough but gentle to avoid damaging any parts.

Step 3: Clean the Handle Hole

Pull out the handle carefully.
Use your paintbrush to remove any dust or lint inside the hole where the handle fits.
Apply a tiny drop of sewing machine oil into the hole to lubricate it.
Wipe the handle itself with a cloth to clean it before reinserting it.

Tip: This step ensures the handle rotates smoothly without friction!

Step 4: Apply Sewing Machine Oil

Add a tiny drop of sewing machine oil to the mechanism. Focus on the moving parts where friction occurs.
Apply a small amount of oil to each of the four hooks as well.
Use a cloth to wipe away any excess oil to prevent it from staining your projects later.

Tip: Less is more! A little oil goes a long way.

Step 5: Reassemble the Knitting Mill

Once everything is clean and oiled, carefully put the parts of the knitting mill back together.
Replace the screws at the bottom and the top, tightening them securely.
Test the handle to ensure it turns smoothly—no more struggling!

Enjoy Your Restored Knitting Mill!

That’s it! With just a few minutes of care, your knitting mill should be working like new. Regular maintenance like this will make your crafting sessions more enjoyable and help your mill last for years to come.

Watch the Tutorial Video

Prefer visual instructions? Check out my video below, where I demonstrate each step of the process:

I’d love to hear how this guide worked for you. Did you try cleaning your knitting mill? Was it easier to use afterward? Share your thoughts or ask questions in the comments below!

Happy crafting!