Knitting Machine Sponge Bars. Also called needle retainer bar or compression bar. This item supplies back up pressure for needles to hold them in place while allowing movement of the needles for knitting. They eventually lose their elasticity and strength as the foam rubber decomposes and collapses. They should be examined and replaced whenever the foam rubber loses 1/2 its original height. If your machine starts dropping a stitch or the carriage jams, you may need to replace the sponge bar. Our sponge bars have superb, very high quality foam with strong fabric coverings so they will last for years.
 
We do not usually recommend rebuilding your sponge bar unless your model is not available commercially. Often owners who have tried to rebuild their own sponge bar have had poor results. It can be a tenuous task using a variety of materials that can be dangerous and messy to use. Glues and cleaners are often bio-hazardous not to mention cutting of the sponge to proper size with a razor blade for fitting, a dangerous task.