Superba is the name used to refer to a group of electronic knitting machines manufactured in Mulhouse, France by Standardisation Internationale de Tricotage (S.I.T) and sold under various trade names in different countries:
Singer: U.K., Europe
Phildar: Europe
Superba: Europe, U.S.A, Canada, Australia, Asia
White: U.S.A
These machines were available in both single and double bed models, but the single bed models are rare. The double bed models are "fixed" double bed machine with both beds permanently connected.
These machines are no longer being manufactured. Replacement parts and spare needles are scarce, but these machines were well built to last and the mechanical parts rarely fail if the machine is well maintained.
Models[]
Model #
Gauge
Needles
Description
Superba S44 Singer 2100, 2200
5mm
180 per bed
Used a pegboard for patterning (20 stitches x 30 rows)
Superba S42
5mm
180
Single-bed version of the S44
Superba S48 White 1602 Singer 2310, 2340
5mm
180 per bed
Used a light scanner with mylars for patterning (60 stitches x 88 rows)
Superba S46
5mm
180
Single-bed version of the S48
Superba S47 White 1502 Singer 600/Memo II
5mm
180 per bed
Used a pressure pad for patterning (16 stitches x 16 rows)
White 1402 Singer 400/Memo II
5mm
180
Single-bed version of the S47
Superba System 624 Singer System 624 Singer MT2140
5mm
180 per bed
Superba System 9000 Singer System 9000 Singer MT-700
5mm
180 per bed
Superba S9 White S9
9mm
White S7
5mm
Optional Accessories[]
Name
Description
P.T.V. Unit
Fits to the back carriage to knit plaiting punch pile, reverse plaiting, patterned punch pile, weft insertion weaving, drive lace, release lace and release fair-isle.
Transfer Carriage
Performs non-selective stitch transfers for needles in working position to either bed.
Double Garter Carriage
Performs selective transfers for needles in working position to either bed; also does transfer lace, garter stitch and pull up tuck stitches.
Lamp
Fits under the back bed to illuminate the work area.
DigiForm
An electronic device resembling a calculator that lets you enter pattern variables to aid in garment shaping.
Electric Motor
Fits to the back of the machine to drive the carriage back and forth.
Pattern Driver
A mechanical device to aid in garment shaping.
Colour Changer
A mechanical device to assist with color changes for Fair-Isle and Jacquard.