Have you heard of a circular knitting machine? I hadn’t, until a random You Tube video popped up whilst I was searching for some Google help with a knitting project. They looked intriguing and so I dived into the rabbit hole, and this is what I found…
So what is a circular knitting machine?
A circular knitting machine is a type of loom. Rather than holding needles to make your project, you cast on to the needles on the machine and wind a handle to produce the knitting.
Using a knitting machine is just like other fibre crafts that make use of a tool – such as weaving or spinning. The tool is there to simplify the process and make it easier. It’s suitable for beginners and more experienced knitters alike. Anyone can get used to machine knitting, and very quickly you will discover how much fun it is to try out all the things a knitting machine can make!
There are lots of different circular knitting machines from brands such as Addi, Prym and Sentro. Here at Wool Warehouse we stock the Addi versions here.
What yarn can I use?
Multiple different yarn weights can be used in circular knitting machines, from fine mohair and fashion yarns (without large slubs) to aran and chunky, but it does depend on which size machine you use. You will find each machine has recommended weights. If the stitches get tangled or the crank jams, then the yarn is not suitable. If your wool is especially fluffy you may also find it catches on the needles as you turn the handle. If in doubt, try a small amount of your chosen yarn before starting your project.
Getting Started
Just like regular knitting, the first thing you need to do is cast on. It’s pretty straightforward – honest! Place the end of your yarn into the centre of the machine. Just leave a small length, enough not to pull back out again easily.
Then you simply place the yarn around the hooks in an alternate motion. Once you get the hang of it you can do this pretty quickly. On my Addi Express King size machine, you begin at the black needle and work your way round, alternating in front of and behind each needle until you reach the start again.
You can then place your yarn on the floor and ensure that the yarn has been locked into the tension clip. I then hold the yarn in my left hand and begin to turn the handle with my right hand (switch it around if you are left-handed 😊)
Start slowly at first to ensure the yarn does not jump off the needles. Once you have been round a few turns you can gradually begin to speed up.
You then continue to wind the handle until your project reaches its desired length. Most machines come with a row counter which clicks onto the next number once you turn your work back through to the start. This makes it easier if you are following a specific pattern. If it does not, you might find it useful to use a separate row counter, pressing it every time you complete a round.
When you have worked sufficient rounds, you will need to ensure that you leave a length of yarn which will be used to cast off. Make sure you overestimate rather than underestimate this.
Then thread this end of yarn through a large eyed needle and thread the needle through each stitch, taking it off the machine needles as you go. To finish, pull tight and tie a knot. I also like to sew a few stitches at the end, to ensure my work does not come undone.
Another way to cast off is to take the stitches off the machine and place them onto a knitting needle. Using a circular needle to do this is much easier than straight needles. You can then cast off in a regular way. This means you have a straight end rather than a cinched in end.
So, I can just make hats?
You can use a circular knitting machine to create both circular and flat knitted pieces. The circular shape of the machine lends itself to circular projects such as hats, socks, bags or scarves. However, most machines also allow you to work backwards and forwards rather than round and round. So far, I have made only circular projects, which is why I purchased the machine, but there are lots of videos out there to inspire and help you with a project.
So how long does it take to make a hat?
It really depends on how fast you can turn the handle! Some people have even attached a drill to their circular knitting machine to make the process even quicker – I prefer to wind the handle and challenge myself to see how quickly a hat can appear! It’s certainly easy to make a number of simple projects in one evening. I made six hats in one evening for a group of friends all going on a winter trip together.
(When you make a hat, you usually make a long tube which you fold back on itself to form a double thickness of knitting.)
Additional tools
To cast off you will need a large eyed needle. If the needle has a small bend at the end, it can make it easier to poke it into the stitches when casting off.
Spare needles are useful to have. Occasionally the needles break if you catch the yarn or force the handle. It’s much better to have some spares, especially if you are crafting in the evening and the weekend and are not able to pop out and buy replacements!
Hints and tips for using your circular knitting machine
My machine is making a clicking sound
Usually the machine makes a clicking sound as you work the first row. Once the yarn and needles are lined up correctly this should then not be an issue. It’s best to start the first few rounds slowly to make sure everything is threaded correctly.
My tension is all wrong
The key to having consistent tension is to make sure that you are feeding the yarn through the machine evenly. This can be helped by making sure the yarn you are using is not wound too tightly and flows freely into the machine. Use your hand to loosely hold the yarn as it feeds into the clamp.
It is also important to watch the completed knitting, making sure it is evenly placed in the centre of the work. As it beomes longer, it may be necessary to roll up your work so that it doesn’t push the stitches off the needles when it reaches the surface you are working on.
My machine is tricky to use and moves around
Ensure the knitting machine is securely attached to a suitable surface. The clamps that are included with the machine are there to be used – trying to knit without them will make it a very wobbly process! It may be that they work a bit loose as you knit, just check them as you go and retighten as necessary.
My work keeps jumping off the needles
When starting a new project begin to wind slowly at first to ensure the stitches stay on the needles. Do this for a few rounds until the work is a couple of centimetres long.
Can I use more than one colour?
Of course! Just like regular knitting you can switch to another yarn and add interest to your projects. To do this, simply stop once you get to the beginning of your round. Cut the current yarn leaving about 15cm and place this between needle one and two, into the centre of your machine. Pick up your new yarn and leave a tail of 15cm in the centre of the machine, begin knitting at needle two. It might be useful to loosely knot these ends together (you can undo them and fasten them off neatly after you have cast off) or hold the ends together with a clip or peg.
Knitting Straight
To knit straight on a machine there is usually a switch to change from working in the round. You will then work on a piece winding backwards and forwards, allowing you to create flat pieces of knitting – you can even make these into a garment. When knitting a straight piece on the machine it may help to keep the edges neat if you use weights. This will help to keep the stitches securely on the needles and will ensure a neater edge.
For any further help and guidance please contact our Customer Service team who will be very happy to help.
01926 882818 or email sales@woolwarehouse.co.uk