Youtube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Tiktok
Search
Close this search box.

Knitting Machine Guide 2024 – Best Knitting Machines

knit fabric with the text "the best knitting machines"
Jump to Best Machines

Use this guide to find the right knitting machine for you. Learn about all the different types of knitting machines from electric to hand crank to machines to make sweaters and hats.

Table of Contents

Note: Some links in this post may contain affiliate links, which means at no cost to you, I may earn a commission.

What is a Knitting Machine?

In short, as the name implies, a knitting machine is a machine that knits something. Instead of using knitting needles to knit an item, you use either an electric or hand crank knitting machine to do the knitting for you.

There are different types of knitting machines that serve various purposes. The most common one is the circular knitting machine, which is easy to use and perfect for making items like beanies and socks. On the other hand, flat knitting machines are great for creating flat items such as scarves or blankets, and they can also produce intricate designs. So, whether you’re into circular knitting or prefer flat knitting, there’s a machine out there for you!

Pink and white hand crank Sentro knitting machine with row counter on a white table but the label reads "santro"

Get the latest DIY tutorials, reviews, and crafting updates

You'll never be spammed and can unsubscribe at any time

What Can You Make with a Knitting Machine?

If you can knit it, you can make it with a knitting machine. You can make little items or large ones – the only thing you’re limited by is the size or type of machine. For example, when I got mine (Amazon link), I knew I wanted to make adult-sized beanies (like in this tutorial and image below). If I wanted to make socks or a kid’s hat, it would be much more challenging.

rolling the brim of the knit beanie so the green from the inside is facing out on top of the purple

When it comes to knitting machine projects, the possibilities are endless! You can create hats, scarves, shawls, socks, headbands, purses, cowls, stuffed animals, cords, and even large items like sweaters. Basically, anything that’s either flat or a tube.

Jump to Best Machines
knit fabric with the title "how to select a knitting machine"

How to Choose a Knitting Machine

There are several factors to consider when shopping for a knitting machine. Answering each of these will help you decide on the right one for you.

1. What do you want to make with a knitting machine?

Chances are you’re looking for a knitting machine because you have a project in mind. For myself, the answer was beanies and I also wanted to be knit blanks to be able to dye yarn.

Perhaps you also want to knit hats or maybe you want to make sweaters? Maybe socks are your thing? Thinking about what you think you’ll make most often can help you narrow down the options. It’s also completely fine if you’re not sure what you want to make, but you’re looking for a knitting machine that can “do it all.”

2. Do you want to make big or small items?

Similarly to thinking about what you want to make, consider how big your projects will be. You may know you want to make beanies, but are these going to be for adults or for kids? Do you want to make large blankets or will making a scarf be big enough?

3. Do you want to knit intricate patterns and designs?

Deciding whether to get a flat machine or a circular machine is crucial, as it determines how easy it will be to make intricate patterns. If your goal is to make detailed designs, a flat machine is the way to go. While you can still achieve the same results with a circular machine, it requires more effort, similar to hand knitting. So, if you’re looking for efficiency and precision, a flat machine is your best bet.

4. Do you want an electric knitting machine or a hand crank knitting machine?

In some cases you may be able to choose between an electric or hand crank knitting machine. If you have a strong preference for one or the other, you should keep that in mind. There’s also a good chance your answers to the other questions may decide this one for you.

5. Lastly, how much are you willing to spend?

Of course budget is something to consider when deciding which to choose as there is a very wide range of prices.

The more expensive machines are going to made of metal and more durable material, but they are also going to be hundreds of dollars, if not over a thousand. The cheaper machines that are under $50 are pretty much 100% plastic and are more prone to breaking. I’m speaking from experience on this one, but it’s nothing a little super glue couldn’t fix!

Get the latest DIY tutorials, reviews, and crafting updates

You'll never be spammed and can unsubscribe at any time

Jump to Best Machines

Circular Knitting Machines vs Flat Knitting Machines

The main difference between circular knitting machines and flat knitting machines is circular machines can knit in a circle (and a flat panel), but most flat machines can’t knit in a circle. That’s not to say you can’t make circular items with a flat knitting machine – you absolutely can! You’ll just need to sew a seam and the seam may show. Or you’ll need to get a flat machine that can use something called a ribber that will allow you to knit a circle.

You can also make items of different sizes on a flat machine (you get to choose the number of stitches you use). With a circular machine, however, you’re limited by the number of needles on the machine when knitting a tube.

Knitting a Beanie on a Circular Knitting Machine vs a Flat Knitting Machine

These videos are great examples of how to use each type of machine. They both showcase the creation of a knit hat, making it easy to compare their functionality and choose the one that suits you best. So, go ahead and check them out!

Using a Circular Knitting Machine to Knit a Beanie

Subscribe to Channel

Using a Flat Panel Knitting Machine to Knit a Beanie

different colors and patterns of knit fabric with the text "the best knitting machines"

The Best Knitting Machine in Each Category

Here are the best knitting machines in each category. I’ve grouped them by the type of items they make. You can also click on the names of the category to jump to the details and reviews of each one.

Best Circular Knitting Machine – Sentro 48 Needle (Amazon)

Best Flat Knitting Machine – Silver Reed LK150 (Amazon)

Best i-Cord Knitting Machine – Prym Comfort Twist Knitting Mill (Amazon)

Bust Punch Card Knitting Machine – Silver Reed SK280 (eBay)

Best Electric Knitting Machine – Brother Knitting Machine – Electroknit KH910 (eBay)

SENTRO/SANTRO 48 Needles Knitting Machine with Row Counter and Plain/Tube Weave Conversion Key, Efficiently DIY Scarf Hat Sock
SENTRO/SANTRO 48 Needles Knitting Machine with Row Counter and Plain/Tube Weave Conversion Key, Efficiently DIY Scarf Hat Sock
Knitting Machine LK150 6.5mm Mid Gauge 150 Stitches Craft Plastic Domestic Knitting Machine Parts Accessories
Knitting Machine LK150 6.5mm Mid Gauge 150 Stitches Craft Plastic Domestic Knitting Machine Parts Accessories
Prym Comfort Twist Knitting Mill, Knit I-Cord Tubes
Prym Comfort Twist Knitting Mill, Knit I-Cord Tubes

Get the latest DIY tutorials, reviews, and crafting updates

You'll never be spammed and can unsubscribe at any time

circular knitting machine with knit fabric on it with the title "the best circular knitting machines"

Circular Knitting Machines

Circular knitting machines offer the flexibility to knit either a flat item or a tube. Knitting a tube eliminates the need for a seam and the hassle of sewing it.

However, keep in mind that the number of needles on the machine limits your project size. If you need larger items, you can still knit flat panels and sew them together. But if you’re aiming for a seamless finish, the number of needles determines how big of a tube you can make.

I’ve ordered the machines from largest to smallest.

Large Knitting Machines

– Sentro Knitting Machine 48 Needle
– Addi Express King Size Knitting Machine
– Prym Maxi 44 Needle

Medium Knitting Machines

– Loops and Threads Knitting Machine
– Sentro Knitting Machine 40 Needle

Small Knitting Machines

– Addi Express Knitting Machine
– Sentro Knitting Machine 22 Needle
– Prym Midi 20 Needle

Sentro Knitting Machine - 48 Needle

Buy on Amazon

This is the largest of the Sentro Machines and the one I have and use most often. This machine has a total of 48 needles, which is the largest of even any of the plastic circular machines. I personally have this machine so you can see my guide to use Sentro Knitting Machine and make a reversible beanie.

This is a standard hand crank knitting machine with 48 needles and a row counter.

Pink and white hand crank Sentro knitting machine with row counter on a white table but the label reads "santro"

Buy on Amazon

GREAT FOR MAKING

Large adult hats and beanies, wide scarves, purses and bags, headbands, stuffed animals, and pillows.

PROS

  • Large – This is the largest of the plastic machines so you can knit large adult beanies or wider flat items.
  • Counter – It comes with a row counter, which makes it very easy to keep track of the number of rows you’ve knit.
  • Extras – It will also often come with extras, including some starting yarn for practice and knitting and crochet needles.
  • Lightweight – It’s a very light machine so you can easily move it.
  • Flat or Tube Knitting – There’s a setting on the machine so you can change to knit a tube or a flat panel.

CONS

  • Not as Durable – Just as with the other plastic machines, it’s simply not as durable as the metal machines. It can also easily slide around because it’s so light.
Buy on Amazon

Jamit Electric Knitting Machine - 48 Needle

Buy on Amazon

This is a newer machine, released at the end of 2023 that combines the ease of use of the Sentro machines with some electric power. It also has 48 needles and a crank, but the unique feature to this one is after the first couple rows, you can switch it to “on” and it will do the cranking for you.

Buy on Amazon

GREAT FOR MAKING

Large adult hats and beanies, wide scarves, purses and bags, headbands, stuffed animals, and pillows.

PROS

  • Large – This is the largest of the plastic machines so you can knit large adult beanies or wider flat items.
  • Electric – You can switch it to the electric mode so you don’t have to do the cranking yourself.
  • Flat or Tube Knitting – There’s a setting on the machine so you can change to knit a tube or a flat panel.

CONS

  • Not as Durable – Just as with the other plastic machines, it’s simply not as durable as the metal machines.
  • No Counter – It doesn’t have a row counter so you’ll need to keep track on your own.
Buy on Amazon

Addi Express King Size Knitting Machine

Buy on Amazon

The Addi Express King Size Knitting Machine is the largest of the Addi Knitting Machines.

This machine is a standard hand crank knitting machine with 46 needles and a row counter.

Buy on Amazon

GREAT FOR MAKING

Large adult hats and beanies, wide scarves, purses and bags, headbands, stuffed animals, and pillows.

PROS

  • Large – This is the second largest of the plastic machines so you can knit large adult beanies or wider flat items.
  • Counter – It comes with a row counter, which makes it very easy to keep track of the number of rows you’ve knit.
  • Table Clamp – It comes with a table clamp so you don’t have to hold it.
  • Flat or Tube Knitting – There’s a setting on the machine so you can change to knit a tube or a flat panel.

CONS

  • Not as Durable – Just as with the other plastic machines, it’s simply not as durable as the metal machines.
  • Price – In general, Addi Knitting Machines are more expensive than other plastic hand crank circular knitting machines.
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Lion Brand

Get the latest DIY tutorials, reviews, and crafting updates

You'll never be spammed and can unsubscribe at any time

Prym Maxi Knitting Mill - 44 Needles

Buy on Amazon

This is the largest machine from Prym with 44 needles. Therefore if you’re looking for something just slightly smaller than the Addi or Sentro, this one could be a good option.

Buy on Amazon

GREAT FOR MAKING

Medium adult hats and beanies, wide scarves, purses and bags, headbands, stuffed animals, and pillows.

PROS

  • Handle – It has a top handle making it easy to move around.
  • Lightweight – It’s a very light machine so you can easily move it.
  • Flat or Tube Knitting – There’s a setting on the machine so you can change to knit a tube or a flat panel.

CONS

  • Overcomplicated Tensioner – The yarn tensioner sticks out very far and is unnecessarily complicated. It’s not a deal breaker, but it does takes some getting used to.
  • No Counter – It doesn’t have a row counter so you’ll need to keep track on your own.
  • No Weight Clips – Comparing it to the Loops and Threads Knitting Machines from Michael’s, this one doesn’t come with weight clips
  • Not as Durable – Just as with the other plastic machines, it’s simply not as durable as the metal machines. It can also easily slide around because it’s so light.
Buy on Amazon

Loops and Threads Knitting Machine

Buy on Michael’s

This is officially called the Knit Quick Knitting Machine and it’s made by Loops and Threads. I’ve only ever seen this one at Michael’s since Loops and Threads is an exclusive brand to Michaels. Please make sure to use at least a 40% off Michael’s coupon when buying it!

The Loops and Threads Knitting Machine is a standard hand crank knitting machine. It has 40 needles and doesn’t come with a counter. (It’s basically identical to the 40 Needle Sentro Knitting Machine)

Michael's knitting machine - the white Knit Quick Knitting Machine by Loops & Threads

Buy on Michael’s

GREAT FOR MAKING

Large kids’ and small adult hats and beanies, wide scarves, purses and bags, headbands, stuffed animals, and pillows.

PROS

  • Affordable – As long as you use a Michael’s coupon, this is one of the most affordable knitting machines at this size.
  • Weight Clips – It comes with its own “weight clips,” which can help knit the first few rows.
  • Lightweight – It’s a very light machine so you can easily move it.
  • Flat or Tube Knitting – There’s a setting on the machine so you can change to knit a tube or a flat panel.
  • Easy to Find – Since this is Michael’s exclusive brand, you can always find the Knit Quick Knitting Machine online (and often in store).

CONS

  • No Counter – It doesn’t have a row counter so you’ll need to keep track on your own.
  • Not as Large – Since this machine has only 40 needles instead of 48, it’s smaller than some of the other circular machines.
  • No Yarn – This machine is sold on its own without yarn
  • Not as Durable – Just as with the other plastic machines, it’s simply not as durable as the metal machines. It can also easily slide around because it’s so light.
Buy on Michael's

Sentro Knitting Machine - 40 Needle

Buy on Amazon

This is the mid-sized Sentro Machine. It’s basically identical to the Loops and Threads Knitting Machine in that it has 40 needles and doesn’t have a row counter. The difference is with the add-ons. This one will typically come with yarn and knitting/crochet needles, but won’t come with weight clips.

This is a standard hand crank knitting machine with 40 needles and no row counter.

Buy on Amazon

GREAT FOR MAKING

Large kids’ and small adult hats and beanies, wide scarves, purses and bags, headbands, stuffed animals, and pillows.

PROS

  • Extras – It will also often come with extras, including some starting yarn for practice and knitting and crochet needles.
  • Lightweight – It’s a very light machine so you can easily move it.
  • Flat or Tube Knitting – There’s a setting on the machine so you can change to knit a tube or a flat panel.

CONS

  • No Counter – It doesn’t have a row counter so you’ll need to keep track on your own.
  • No Weight Clips – Comparing it to the Loops and Threads Knitting Machines from Michael’s, this one doesn’t come with weight clips
  • Not as Large – Since this machine has only 40 needles instead of 48, it’s smaller than some of the other circular machines.
  • Not as Durable – Just as with the other plastic machines, it’s simply not as durable as the metal machines. It can also easily slide around because it’s so light.
Buy on Amazon

Addi Express Knitting Machine

Buy on Amazon

This is the smallest circular Addi Knitting Machines (aside from the Addi Egg, but that one isn’t exactly a circular machine.

This is a standard hand crank knitting machine with 22 needles and a row counter.

Buy on Amazon

GREAT FOR MAKING

Small kids’ and baby hats, doll clothes, headbands, narrow scarves, small stuffed animals, baby slippers, socks, mittens, and other small items.

PROS

  • Counter – It comes with a row counter, which makes it very easy to keep track of the number of rows you’ve knit.
  • Table Clamp – It comes with a table clamp so you don’t have to hold it.
  • Lightweight – It’s a very light machine so you can easily move it.
  • Flat or Tube Knitting – There’s a setting on the machine so you can change to knit a tube or a flat panel.

CONS

  • Limited to Small Projects – Since this machine has only 22 needles, you can only make smaller projects.
  • Not as Durable – Just as with the other plastic machines, it’s simply not as durable as the metal machines. It can also easily slide around because it’s so light.
  • Price – This is the most expensive circular machine at its size, but it’s the only one with a built in row counter.
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Lion Brand

Get the latest DIY tutorials, reviews, and crafting updates

You'll never be spammed and can unsubscribe at any time

Sentro Knitting Machine - 22 Needle

Buy on Amazon

This is the smallest of the Sentro Machines. With only 22 needles, this little machine is nice and portable and great for making little items.

This is a standard hand crank knitting machine with 22 needles and no row counter.

Buy on Amazon

GREAT FOR MAKING

Small kids’ and baby hats, doll clothes, headbands, narrow scarves, small stuffed animals, baby slippers, socks, mittens, and other small items.

PROS

  • Extras – It will also often come with extras, including some starting yarn for practice and knitting and crochet needles.
  • Portable – It’s a small and light machine so you can easily move it or even take it on the go with you. This machine could definitely be considered portable.
  • Flat or Tube Knitting – There’s a setting on the machine so you can change to knit a tube or a flat panel.

CONS

  • No Counter – It doesn’t have a row counter so you’ll need to keep track on your own.
  • Limited to Small Projects – Since this machine has only 22 needles, you can only make smaller projects.
  • Not as Durable – Just as with the other plastic machines, it’s simply not as durable as the metal machines. It can also easily slide around because it’s so light.
Buy on Amazon

Prym Midi Knitting Mill - 20 Needles

Buy on Amazon

This is the smallest circular knitting machine and the medium size machine from Prym with 20 needles.

Buy on Amazon

GREAT FOR MAKING

Small kids’ and baby hats, doll clothes, headbands, narrow scarves, small stuffed animals, baby slippers, socks, mittens, and other small items.

PROS

  • Portable – It has a top handle and cover making it easy to take it on the go.
  • Flat or Tube Knitting – There’s a setting on the machine so you can change to knit a tube or a flat panel.
  • Design – In my opinion, it’s one of the “cuter” looking machines.

CONS

  • Overcomplicated Tensioner – The yarn tensioner sticks out very far and is unnecessarily complicated. It’s not a deal breaker, but it does takes some getting used to.
  • No Counter – It doesn’t have a row counter so you’ll need to keep track on your own.
  • Not as Durable – Just as with the other plastic machines, it’s simply not as durable as the metal machines. It can also easily slide around because it’s so light.
  • Limited to Small Projects – Since this machine has only 20 needles, you can only make smaller projects.
Buy on Amazon
yellow knit fabric with the title "the best flat knitting machines"

Flat Knitting Machines

Flat knitting machines are pretty awesome – they knit panels that can be sewn together to make all sorts of things, like hats and sweaters. You can choose how many stitches you want to use and create a flat panel. Then, just sew the panels together to make a tube and voila! You’ve got yourself a hat or a sweater.

You can also easily make knit patterns and depending on the machine, you’ll do this manually, with the help of devices such as the Needle Beetle (which you can get on Etsy), or with punch cards or mylar sheets that an electronic machine will read automatically.

Get the latest DIY tutorials, reviews, and crafting updates

You'll never be spammed and can unsubscribe at any time

Silver Reed LK150 Knitting Machine

Buy on Lion Brand

The Silver Reed LK150 Knitting Machine is a great mid-range flat machine that you can easily find (though often it won’t be branded as Silver Reed). I found it cheapest on Lion Brand, but you can also find it on Amazon. As the name implies, it has 150 needles.

To make designs, you’ll need to manually adjust the needles, but then you can use a needle beetle (which you can get on Etsy) to easily repeat the pattern.

 

Buy on Lion Brand

GREAT FOR MAKING

Blankets, scarves, and any flat items as well as i-cord. It can also make any circular item with a seam such as sweaters, dresses, socks, and hats.

PROS

  • Knits Different Sizes – As with all flat machines, it can knit any size item since you choose the number of stitches.
  • Easily Make Designs – It can easily knit intricate designs and patterns (especially with the help of a Needle Beetle, which you can find on Etsy.
  • Durable – Because it uses metal needles and other metal parts, it’s a very durable machine.
  • Knits i-Cord – It can also knit i-cord so you don’t need to get a separate i-cord knitter.
  • Counter – It comes with a row counter, which makes it very easy to keep track of the number of rows you’ve knit.

CONS

  • Complex – Compared to the circular machine, the flat machine is more complicated simply because it can do more.
  • No Circular Knitting – This will only knit flat panels so you need to sew the seams. There is no ribber attachment for this machine.
Buy on Lion Brand
Buy on Amazon

Bond America Fashion Knitter

Buy on eBay

The Bond America Fashion Knitter is a great beginner flat machine. It’s smaller with only 50 needles, but it’s about 1/10th of the price of other flat machines. It’s no longer made so it is harder to find, though I’ve had good luck when searching on eBay.

I would recommend this machine if you want to try using a flat knitting machine before investing in a larger one or if you want a smaller gauge knit. Otherwise I would recommend a circular machine instead.

small flatbed knitting machine in its box labelled bond america fashion knitter

Buy on eBay

GREAT FOR MAKING

Scarves, pillows, and blankets, hats, and any small circular items with a seam.

PROS

  • Affordable – Compared to other flat machines, this is incredibly affordable.
  • Knits Different Sizes – As with all flat machines, it can knit different sizes since you choose the number of stitches.
  • Make Designs – It can knit intricate designs and patterns, but it’s more manual than with one of the other flat machines.
  • Durable – Because it uses metal needles and other metal parts, it’s more durable than a plastic circular machine.
  • Knits i-Cord – It can also knit i-cord so you don’t need to get a separate i-cord knitter.

CONS

  • No Circular Knitting – This will only knit flat panels so you need to sew the seams. There is no ribber attachment for this machine.
  • Small – Since it only has 50 needles, you’re more limited in what you can make with it.
  • Manual Designs – Since you can’t get a needle beetle for this machine, you will need to move the needles yourself to knit intricate designs.
  • No Counter – It doesn’t have a row counter so you’ll need to keep track on your own.
Buy on eBay

Bond Incredible Sweater Knitting Machine

Buy on eBay

The Bond Incredible Sweater Knitting Machine is a larger version of the Fashion Knitter. It has twice the number needles with 100 needles so you can make larger projects. It can also be challenging to find and you will likely only find it used on Amazon or eBay.

Buy on Amazon

GREAT FOR MAKING

Blankets, scarves, and any flat items as well as i-cord. It can also make any circular item with a seam.

PROS

  • Affordable – Compared to other flat machines, this is incredibly affordable.
  • Knits Different Sizes – As with all flat machines, it can knit different sizes since you choose the number of stitches.
  • Make Designs – It can knit intricate designs and patterns, but it’s more manual than with one of the other flat machines.
  • Durable – Because it uses metal needles and other metal parts, it’s more durable than a plastic circular machine.
  • Knits i-Cord – It can also knit i-cord so you don’t need to get a separate i-cord knitter.

CONS

  • No Circular Knitting – This will only knit flat panels so you need to sew the seams. There is no ribber attachment for this machine.
  • Smaller – Since it only has 100 needles, you’re more limited in what you can make with it. Compared to the Fashion Knitter however, it’s double the size.
  • Manual Designs – Since you can’t get a needle beetle for this machine, you will need to move the needles yourself to knit intricate designs.
  • No Counter – It doesn’t have a row counter so you’ll need to keep track on your own.
Buy on eBay
Buy on Amazon

Get the latest DIY tutorials, reviews, and crafting updates

You'll never be spammed and can unsubscribe at any time

Silver Reed SK280 Knitting Machine

Buy on eBay

The Silver Reed SK280 is a punch card machine, which means you’ll use punch cards to create patterns and designs. This way you don’t have to manually adjust the needles. It’s a large machine with 200 needles and has all kinds of attachments, including a ribber so you can do circular knitting.

Just as with most of the electronic and punch card machines, they’re no longer made so you’ll want to look on eBay or even Etsy.

Buy on eBay

GREAT FOR MAKING

Everything. Because it can use a ribber, you can knit a circle even though it’s a flat machine.

PROS

  • Circular Knitting – With a ribber attachment, it can knit a tube so you can make circular items without a seam.
  • Knits Different Sizes – As with all flat machines, it can knit any size item since you choose the number of stitches.
  • Easily Make Designs – It can easily knit intricate designs and patterns using punch cards.
  • Durable – Because it uses mostly metal parts, it’s a very durable machine.
  • Knits i-Cord – It can also knit i-cord so you don’t need to get a separate i-cord knitter.
  • Counter – It has a row counter built in, which makes it very easy to keep track of the number of rows you’ve knit.

CONS

  • Expensive – This is going to be one of the most expensive knitting machines out there. Because it’s also out of print any parts are going to be difficult to find and expensive.
  • Limited with Punch Cards – Unlike an electronic machine, a punch card machine is limited by the size of the punch card. You can create your own if you want to adjust the size, but you can still only make a design that is 24 stitches across.
Buy on eBay
Buy on Etsy

Brother Knitting Machine - Electroknit KH910

Buy on eBay

The Brother Knitting Machine Electroknit KH910 is a fantastic electric knitting machine. It’s quite large, with 200 needles and a variety of attachments. One of the great features is the ribber, which allows for circular knitting. Plus, it comes with mylar pattern sheets that can be programmed into the machine, so it automatically knits the pattern for you. You can even adjust the size and width of any pattern. It’s a versatile and convenient machine for all your knitting needs!

Brother no longer makes machines so you’ll have to get any of their machines on eBay or Etsy. The KH910 is their first electric machine so any in the 900 series will be great, but the KH910 seems to be the most readily available.

open knitting machine showing the brother electroknit kh910

Buy on Etsy

GREAT FOR MAKING

Everything. Because it can use a ribber, you can knit a circle even though it’s a flat machine.

PROS

  • Electronic – Any patterns or designs are all electronic and programmable.
  • Circular Knitting – With a ribber attachment, it can knit a tube so you can make circular items without a seam.
  • Knits Different Sizes – As with all flat machines, it can knit any size item since you choose the number of stitches.
  • Easily Make Designs – It can easily knit intricate designs and patterns (and it’s all programmable so you don’t need to move the needles yourself)
  • Durable – Because it uses mostly metal parts, it’s a very durable machine.
  • Knits i-Cord – It can also knit i-cord so you don’t need to get a separate i-cord knitter.
  • Counter – It has a row counter built in, which makes it very easy to keep track of the number of rows you’ve knit.

CONS

  • Expensive – This is going to be one of the most expensive knitting machines out there. Because it’s also out of print any parts are going to be difficult to find and expensive.
Buy on Etsy
Buy on eBay
different colors of yarn with the text "the best i-cord knitting machines"

i Cord Knitting Machines

All of these are little machines whose sole purpose is to make i cord. In case you’re unfamiliar with i-cord, it’s simply a singular tube of knitting. Normally when knitting a tube, you have a hole in the middle, but when making i-cord, it’s so small that there isn’t a hole.

Get the latest DIY tutorials, reviews, and crafting updates

You'll never be spammed and can unsubscribe at any time

Tulip i-cord Knitting Machine

Buy on Amazon

The i-cord Knitter from Tulip is a fantastic cord making machine that won’t break the bank. It’s got 4 needles and creates a small gauge i-cord.

Buy on Amazon

GREAT FOR MAKING

Cord, straps, and knit lettering.

PROS

  • Small – This is the smallest i-cord making machine.
  • Comes with Weight – It comes with its own weight to help pull the cord down to start it.

CONS

  • Small Handle – The handle is quite small, which can be frustrating to get a decent grip on it.
  • No Table Clamp – It doesn’t come with a table clamp, unlike some of the other i-cord makers.
Buy on Amazon

Prym Comfort Twist Knitting Mill

Buy on Amazon

The Prym Comfort Twist Knitting Mill is a lower priced i-cord knitter. It has 4 needles and makes a small gauge i-cord.

Buy on Amazon

GREAT FOR MAKING

Cord, straps, and knit lettering.

PROS

  • Table Clamp – It comes with a table clamp so you don’t have to hold it.
  • Larger Handle – The handle is larger and easier to grip than the Tulip i-cord knitting machine.
  • Comes with Weight – It comes with its own weight to help pull the cord down to start it.

CONS

  • Larger – This machine is larger than the Tulip i-cord knitter.
Buy on Amazon

Addi Egg Knitting Machine

Buy on Amazon

The Addi Egg Knitting Machine is a larger i-cord knitting machine. It has 6 needles and makes a larger gauge i-cord. Therefore if you’re looking for a machine to make thicker i-cord, this is the one you want to get.

Buy on Amazon

GREAT FOR MAKING

Thicker cord, straps, and knit lettering.

PROS

  • Table Legs – It comes with legs to sit easily on the table
  • Larger Handle – The handle is larger and easier to grip than the Tulip i-cord knitting machine.
  • Comes with Weight – It comes with its own weight to help pull the cord down to start it.

CONS

  • Larger – This machine is larger than the Tulip i-cord knitter.
  • Wider Gauge – Because of the width of the needles, this knits a wider gauge cord.
  • Thicker Knit – Because it has 6 needles instead of 4, it makes a thicker cord.
Buy on Amazon
Buy on The Woolery

Get the latest DIY tutorials, reviews, and crafting updates

You'll never be spammed and can unsubscribe at any time

More Craft Supply and Gift Guides

Picture of Daniela Kretchmer

Daniela Kretchmer

Daniela is a lifelong crafter who loves to share her passion for crafting. Through classes or learning on her own, she likes to say she'll do pretty much any craft aside from scrapbooking. Her current personal obsessions include garden crafts, felting, and spinning yarn.

More Craft Projects and Ideas

9 thoughts on “Knitting Machine Guide 2024 – Best Knitting Machines”

  1. Marsha

    I waited 4 months for my Sentro and after 3 days the hand crank broke.
    I got it from a 3rd party on Amazon.
    I can’t get my money back. I have to mail it back to China and it will cost more than it is worth. I thought it would be nice to use up yarn and give hats and scarf’s away. Lesson learned.

    Reply
    1. Daniela

      Oh jeez that’s too bad! But it’s likely fixable.
      I accidentally dropped mine and broke the tensioner off, but super glue did the trick. I’d recommend doing the same.
      That’s the down side to the cheaper plastic machines like the Sentro, but I still love mine (and love that they can be easily fixed).

      Reply
  3. Ann

    You forgot to mention the yarn size each machine uses. The BOND (8mm) and LK150 (6.5mm) use larger yarn than the metal bed machines at 4.5mm. Think Red Heart worsted vs sock yarn.

    So the 100 needles on the BOND, 150 on the LK150 and the 200 on the more expensive machines all knit appropriately the same width fabric, but they are very different looks and weight. All have their uses. (Take it from someone that has 13+ machines from 1950s Speed-O-Knit through BOND to Brother kh970 with all the extras!)

    Reply
  4. Kendra

    This is great info! Do you know if the machines small enough to make socks, do they work with the sock weight yarn? I can’t find that info anywhere. Thanks!!

    Reply
    1. Daniela

      The 22 needle machines work for socks, but the gauge is large. Therefore it’s best to use at least worsted weight yarn with them to ensure a tighter knit. Then the flat machines have a smaller gauge and therefore tighter knit that can use the sock weight yarn.

      Reply
    2. Sandy

      Sorry I just seen your post so my response is late. I have a Bond and upgraded the carriage to Ultimate. Decided I have to get rid of wool so have started using it again. I have found tutorials on making socks. I use two strands of sock wool and that gives a sturdy, warm sock. Take your time and adjust the weights is the trick. Very satisfied with the results and hubby loves them.
      I have made a lot of sweaters and baby outfits with my machine. Hope this helps.

      Reply
  5. Tizita

    Thanks for the valuable information you gave us. I am from Ethiopia and how can I get a 48 knitting machine?

    Reply

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get AB crafty updates!

Youtube Instagram Pinterest Facebook Tiktok Rss
AB Crafty Octopus White 300
Copyright © 2024 AB Crafty. All rights Reserved.