Tag: knitting

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Are you new to circular machine knitting?

You might wonder what can be made on circular knitting machines. There are many different brands of circular knitting machines on the market today and they all come with various numbers of needles which influences the size/diameter of the finished tube. Most also allow flat panel knitting. Many have row counters as well either digital or manual. Personally I like the manual counters as the digital counters are affected by the static caused by the yarn. One drawback to circular knitting machines over hand knitting is it is limited to mainly knit stitches (although with some manipulation and experience purl stitches are possible). That being said almost any pattern that has a knit pattern can be made (with some alterations) on circular knitting machines. For example some of the items that can be made on a larger 46 to 48 needle machine include garments such as

  • Headbands or ear warmers
  • Neck warmers
  • Leg warmers
  • Gloves
  • Hats
  • Scarves
  • Bonfire beanies
  • Sweaters
  • Skirts
  • Afghans or blankets

Below are pictures I have found of products made on the larger knitting machines for sale today.

What about the smaller circular knitting machines such as the the Addi Pro? It seems so small and only has 22 needles. You might ask what can possibly be made on that? The Addi Pro as well as other 20 to 24 needle machines are the perfect size for smaller children sized items.

  • Socks
  • Mittens
  • Scarves
  • Headbands or ear warmers
  • Neck warmers
  • Leg warmers
  • Amigurumi dolls/animals
  • Coffee Cozies

There are so many things that can be made on these machines and every time I look on the internet I find more and more patterns that are soft, warm and overall cozy. Basically we are only bound by our imagination and creativity. The best place to find ideas, patterns and inspiration is to follow online groups such as Facebook or Instagram. An example would be to join the facebook group called Addi King Loomers and Knits or Addi Circular Knitting Machines. Following are some other websites that helped me when I was first starting and they continue to give me new inspiration daily.

https://yayforyarn.com/

https://sheepishlysharing.com/

https://littlejohnsyarn.com/

https://taylor-lynn.com/category/tutorials/

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Who wants to learn to knit?

I did, but I never had the time to sit and really learn how nor the patience to actually complete a project. Then I found circular knitting machines. They are absolutely the best way to knit for someone like me.

Why do I think these machines are great?

1. Small learning curve: still a learning curve but not as great as learning hand knitting

2. Fast production: produce a hat/scarf in less than 30 minutes start to finish

3. Quality products: although all knitting machines as well as hand knitters will occasionally drop stitches or find tucked stitches, there are fewer with this product.

There are many different types of circular knitting machines. What would I suggest to start learning circular machine knitting on?

My suggestion would be a fairly inexpensive machine. There are many “toy” machines on the market aimed towards children. I personally have never used them. I did some research and then after a few months of pondering the different models available, I bought the Addi King and the Addi Pro. Many would argue the point that these are inexpensive but I couldn’t see spending money on something that would only break or fall apart within the first month or two. Below are pictures of the models of machine I purchased.

Circular Knitting machine
Addi Express/King 46 needle knitting machine
Addi Pro 22 needle knitting machine

Other Circular Knitting Machines Available

There are a variety of brands available. Following are a few that I found on Amazon. Michaels has one as well under the their brand called Knit Quick.

Why did I chose the Addi model over others?

The Addi knitting products are made in Germany. They are well made although I did have qualms about the fact they are made of plastic. My qualms were unfounded. They are great and work just as described. They not only do circular knitting but are able to do flat panel knitting as well. One thing to mention is that due to there being made in Germany and housed there, it took approximately 3 weeks to receive them and this was with Amazon Prime. When they finally arrived, I was so excited. When I got them I put them together right away and dug out some yarn.

My first project?

I started by making a hat. It didn’t turn out quite like I wanted but I had something completed. This gave me confidence and encouragement to keep going. Fast forward to now and I have made many hats/scarves/fingerless gloves/stuffed animals, blankets and more.

Why a blog?

This blog will be about my adventures in using and learning all the items that can be made on circular knitting machines and sharing that knowledge with others that may be interested in learning circular machine knitting too. In future posts, I will address these machines, the related pros and cons, how to fix or solve potential problems, the best type of yarns to use for each and what items can be made on the individual machines.

Questions or Concerns

If you have questions, comments, ideas or thoughts about things you would like me to address please leave me a comment. I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas.