Can’t knit?
Have always wanted to learn how to knit and don’t have the time to learn how? Then circular machine knitting can be the answer that you’re looking for. As a crocheter, knitting has never come naturally. Crochet uses bigger stitches, therefore, project work up much faster than knitting. I didn’t want to spend my life knitting and purling away.
What are Circular knitting machines?
These machines are not new. You might recognize some of these names from childhood. The Circular knitting machine is like a traditional peg loom but with a cranking device that knits each individual stitch with every turn of the handle. This takes the pain out of traditional knitting. What you’re doing is a creating a stockinette which is a repeat knit and purl stitch over and over.
Knit faster
You can knit a hat on a circular knitting machine in 20 minutes! Machine knitting allows you to knit at a much faster pace without the skill.
Wrist and hand pain?
We all know knitting and crocheting can lead to crafters wrist. This is great for anyone suffering from hand pains. These machines are operated with a crack positioned on the side of the machine. You can also purchase attachments to motorize your circular knitting machine.
Circular knitting machine brands
There are many circular Knitters on the market and I’ve tried quite a few of them. I’m going to give you my top rated circular knitting machine. Listed below are the specs on the higher price and cheaper circular knitting machine.
Addi Express knitting machines
The Addi Express line offers two knitters, Addi Express King with 46 needles and the Addi Express Profession with 22 needles.
- Addi Express Knitting machine $169 https://amzn.to/2PZsbP0
- Addi Express Professional Knitting machine $114 https://amzn.to/2CabQE6
These German made machines are very durable with a sturdy plastic outside, hooks and gears. Addi Express & Professional have a nice smooth feel to the handle. These higher-end machines drop fewer stitches compared to their cheaper counterparts. The packaging comes with tons of goodies and replacement needles.
Pros
- Comes with an electric row counter
- Includes table clamp to reduce machine movement
- Small learning curve
- Works with a variety of yarns
- Great customer service
Cons
- The counter can be affected by static electricity
The Prym is much cheaper than the Addi Express but is a nice alternative if you don’t want to fork out the big bucks. The Prym is slightly smaller, only having 44 needles. This machine is not as sturdy and doesn’t come with clamps. But for the price, it is not a deal-breaker. It will work best with thinner worsted weight yarns
While working on the Prym, the yarn will occasionally get tucked in the machine or the needles would split the yarn due to the needle shape. You can easily fix these dropped stitches with a crochet hook.
Pros
- Cheaper Price
- Smooth cranking
Cons
- No leg Clamps (build your on with Youtube tutorial)
- Occasionally drops stitches (actually not to0 bad)
- Fewer hooks
Singer Toy Knitting Machine $21
The Singer Knitting machine is one of my favorite cheap devices. You can purchase this at any Big craft store with a 40% coupon or at a great price on Amazon. This circular knitter is marketed as a child’s toy but does the same job as the higher end machines. The design is almost identical to the Addi Express Professional. This little machine drops very few stitches.
Please keep in mind, this will not hold up for years. I beat mine up in 6 months. If you want to step into the circular knitting world but don’t want to pay the price. Then this is the perfect item.
Pros
- Price (Use your coupon with this 40-50% off coupon)
- Great Alternative to Addi Express Pro
- Few dropped stitches
Cons
- Not as durable / cheaper construction
- No clamps
The build of this machine is similar to the Addi Express King and looks like the Singer knitting machine. The difference is that this one has 40 needles. Its medium size makes it perfect for making child size and baby hats.
Pros
- Great Alternative to the Addi King
- Child size option for hats
- Smooth feel
- Suction cups at the base for stability
- Few dropped stitches
Cons
- Cheaper construction
- fewer needles
Knit quick by Michael’s loops and threads $69
40 needles Great for child size hats
This machine has four legs (some have 3) which makes it level on a table. But unfortunately, it still moves around on the table. When you knitter starts to wiggle due to cranking, it will cause the machine to drop or tuck stitches. You can always create your own yo
Pro
- Price (Use your coupon with this 40-50% off coupon)
- Very few dropped stitches another great find for the price
- Smooth feel
Cons
- Dropped/ tucked stitches
- Grinding Gears
- No clamps
Innovation Knitter
One Item I don’t recommend is the Innovation knitter. Don’t even bother purchasing this machine. This machine grins gears and drops stitches. I haven’t heard many positive reviews for many people. So save your money and invest in some other alternatives
Pros
- None
Cons
- Dropped & tucked stitches
- Grinding Gears
- No clamps
- Cheaply made
Conclusion
If you looking for a machine that is durable and drops very few stitches then I recommend any Addi Knitting machine. You will be spending more money, but it is worth it. I’ve had my Addi Express for years and haven’t had any problems other than replacing needles. You can find replacements on Amazon or on the Addi website. Their customer service is great and they respond back pretty quickly.
When the price is a factor, I recommend the Singer “toy” Knitting Machine & the 40 needles Pink Knitting machine. Most importantly, if you are looking to get your toes wet, then these options are perfect. Warning these machines are not as sturdy. Therefore, be prepared to replace them in a few months.