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From cozy hats and gloves to baby blankets to lightweight sweaters, there's a knitting project for every season. But learning to knit takes time, not to mention the time it takes to complete a knitting project even once you're proficient.
A knitting machine, however, can speed things up. While they might make knitting easier, nobody ever said selecting a knitting machine was straightforward. You'll find a range of factors to consider, including the type of knitting machine you need and the gauge.
We researched more than two dozen options and found the easy-to-use Addi Express King Size Knitting Machine to be the very best option for all skill levels.
Editors’ Favorite
Material: Plastic and stainless steel| Number of needles: 46 | Skill level: Beginner to intermediate | Accessories: Threading tool, table clamps, 5 replacement needles, instructional manual
Whether you’re a novice or experienced knitter, the Addi Express King Size Knitting Machine is for you. It’s straightforward to set up and easy to use, plus it comes with a user’s manual to guide you. It has 46 needles and a user-friendly hand crank that makes it easy to turn yarn into sweaters, blankets, hats and more.
Ideal for anyone who is learning the craft, it also has stoppers to keep yarn in place so it doesn’t slip while knitting. Its reliable performance makes it a good choice for seasoned knitters who simply want to create items faster than they could by hand.
In addition to the machine, this system includes a threading tool so you can begin knitting with minimal effort. Durable feet combined with table clamps keep it secure during use. You’ll also get five extra needles so you can replace any that get damaged or wear out over time.
Great Value
Material: Plastic | Number of needles: 48 | Skill level: Beginner | Accessories: Practice yarn skeins, crochet hooks, yarn tensioner, instructional manual
Designed with beginners in mind, the easy-to-use Sentro 48 Needles Knitting Machine has a hand crank that’s simple to grasp and turn. There’s no power required to operate it — simply turn the crank to begin producing stitches. It has 48 needles and can make flat or round stitches for completing numerous different types of knitting projects.
Those who are learning the art of knitting will love that this model includes yarn skeins for practice. It also comes with a yarn tensioner and crochet hooks that simplify learning. Once mastered, this small yet capable knitting machine will shorten the time it takes to knit scarves, baby clothes, socks and more.
Because it’s important that a knitting machine stays put when you are using it, this model is built for stability. It has sturdy legs with suction cups to prevent it from sliding around while knitting. What’s more, it’s compact and simple to store with other sewing and knitting equipment.
Best for Sweaters
Material: Plastic | Number of needles: 3 | Skill level: Beginner to intermediate | Accessories: Clamps, crochet hooks, needles, wire frame tool, several knitting boards |
Fast and easy to use, the Focket LK150 6.5-Millimeter Knitting Machine is a flatbed manual knitting machine that’s simple for beginners to learn to operate yet versatile enough for experienced knitters. Avid knitters appreciate that it’s built with a 6.5-gauge needle, which means it can handle thicker yarns, making it possible to tackle almost any knitting job.
In addition to its impressive performance, this knitting machine comes with a comprehensive accessory set. This includes extra needles, clamps, knitting boards, various tools and more. These items are essential to knitting and eliminate the need to make extra purchases to get started.
Despite the design and numerous extras, this machine is compact and simple to store. It weighs slightly more than 11 pounds, so it can be maneuvered with ease. We also love that it’s backed by a 12-month warranty to protect your investment. Overall, this model is a solid choice for creating numerous patterns and knitting larger items.
In our research of knitting machines, we began with 30 models and analyzed them to find the best. We noted that there are punchcard, flatbed, manual and electronic machines and explained their pros and cons. We assessed gauge options to help consumers find the best model for their needs.
Because knitting machines are made from different materials, we factored that into our assessments. Ease of use, number of needles, included accessories, customer feedback and price are also considerations that helped our team put together a roundup of top models to buy.
Knitting machines aren't for everyone, but they have their diehard fans, too. If you're still on the fence about knitting machines, here are some reasons you might want to buy one.
Machine knitting is much faster than hand knitting, so a sweater that would take you weeks to knit could be ready in days, or even hours.
Manual knitting machines can help beginners get a feel for hand knitting.
Knitting machines are good for people who don't have the manual dexterity for hand knitting — for instance, young children or people who suffer from arthritis.
You can get much more polished results from knitting machines — once you've mastered your machine, expect perfect patterns.
Fine gauge knitting machines create extremely fine knits that you could never achieve by hand.
With punchcard knitting machines, you must insert a special card that tells the machine which pattern to follow.
Pros: Some people find them simpler to use than electronic knitting machines. They don't require computer access or special software, and can create very fine and fairly complex knits.
Cons: Pattern width is limited to the width of the card, after which it must repeat. These machines use fairly archaic technology, and punchcards could easily be misplaced.
Price: Around $100 to $200.
Manual knitting machines or knitting looms may be circular or straight. They still require a fairly large amount of user input, but are great for beginners.
Pros: Easy to use, and don't need to be plugged into a computer. Basic models are very inexpensive. Some models can create flat knitting as well as tubes for hats or similar items.
Cons: Some models limit what you can make, and are not significantly faster than hand knitting. Also, some, don't produce results as neatly done as other types of machines.
Price: From less than $20 for a basic model, up to around $100.
Electronic knitting machines attach to a computer via USB to download patterns.
Pros: You can edit and create your own patterns using computer software, and these machines are more versatile than other types of knitting machines. They can tackle truly complex patterns.
Cons: Most models still require the user to move the carriage by hand, so they're not fully automated. High-end models can be pricey, and may require some computer literacy.
Price: From $100 for basic models, up to $1,000 or more for professional-level machines.
Most punchcard and electronic knitting machines are single gauge, meaning you'll have to consider which thickness of yarn you'd like to knit with and stick to it. Knitting machines may come in the following gauges.
Chunky gauge: Chunky gauge knitting machines have needles 8mm to 9mm apart, and are designed for making chunkier knits using double knitting (DK) yarn, Aran, mohair, and other bulky yarns. The results from chunky gauge machines are probably the most similar to hand knitting.
Mid-gauge: Mid-gauge knitting machines have needles 6mm to 7mm apart. They can create anything between sport weight and medium weight knits.
Standard gauge: Standard gauge knitting machines have needles 4.5mm to 5mm apart and usually use 4-ply yarn. This gives a smooth, neat finish, similar to what you might get from store bought knitwear.
Fine gauge: Fine gauge knitting machines have needles 3.5mm or 3.6mm apart. They use only very lightweight yarns, and can be used to produce fine, lacy knits. This is the least common knitting machine gauge.
The body of most knitting machines is made from plastic. Lightweight, fairly sturdy, and inexpensive, this is a sensible choice. The bed or needles, however, may be made of either plastic or metal.
High-end knitting machines tend to have a metal bed, as it's more durable and can help facilitate more intricate patterns.
Basic and mid-range models usually stick with a plastic bed, which — while not as hard-wearing as metal — is perfectly serviceable.
Not many manufacturers still make punchcard or electronic knitting machines, so you won't have as many options for these, unless you buy a used model.
Some knitting machines come with a lace carriage for crafting intricate knits — but you won't find these on manual or chunky gauge machines.
You can find knitting machines geared towards children, which can be a great intro to knitting for kids who don't yet have the patience or dexterity to hand knit.
Even if you choose an electronic knitting machine, you'll need to cast on and off by hand, so some manual knitting knowledge is required.
Depending on the style of knitting machine you choose, you're likely to eventually need replacement parts, so it's worth checking to see if they're readily available.
If you want to knit in the round, a manual machine will achieve this much more cheaply than a double-bedded electronic model.
Steam your machine knitted items once completed to help secure the stitches, and to get a smoother finish.
Electronic and punchcard knitting machines must be kept well-oiled or they may start to stick and jam.
A. This really depends on the type of knitting machine you own. Some models can deal with complex patterns, but most manual machines are fairly limited. Even fairly high-end electronic models may require a double bed in order to make ribbed knitwear, although you can manipulate the stitches into a ribbed pattern by hand, if you know what you're doing.
A. Knitting machines use basically the same kind of yarn as you'd use for hand knitting, however, some machines need the yarn to be wound on a special cone. You can purchase yarn that's already on one of these cones, to make the job easier for you, but otherwise you'll need to transfer the yarn onto the cone either by hand or using a yarn winder. Some yarns — such as those with a loose twist — aren't extremely well suited to use in a knitting machine, as they can get caught or separated.
A. While it's easier to knit with a machine than it is to knit by hand, there's still a fairly steep learning curve. Knitting machines are relatively easy to use, but don't expect to produce an intricate sweater your first time around. Each knitting machine works differently, so make yourself well-acquainted with the instruction manual before the first time you use your chosen model.
