Feeling confused about the best knitting machine to get for easier, faster knitting experience?
If yes, you’re in good hands.
As you might already know, knitting machines come in various types and vary in terms of complexity and what they can accomplish. Not to forget some of the good-looking models on the market have poor designs and might end up frustrating you.
Long story short, you should be extra careful what knitting machine you choose.
In the following guide, we’ll look at some of the most popular knitting machines you can get on the market today. And offer you some tips on finding the perfect knitting machine for your needs.
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Editor's Rating
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addi Express King Size Knitting Machine
Check Priceaddi-Express Professional Knitting Machine
Check PriceCaron 20293 Embellish-Knit! Machine
Check PriceLiberty Imports Girls Crafts Smart Weaver Knitting Machine
Check PriceCaron The Ultimate Sweater Machine
Check PriceWhy You Should Need One?
A knitting machine is simply an ergonomic device that helps you knit beautiful clothes and fashion accessories. You can make just anything with these machines, from patchwork to sweaters, blankets, mittens, scarves, leggings, hats, socks, and so much more.
And as you can easily guess, using this machine will give you a much faster knitting experience than the traditional hand knitting.
Let’s look at some reasons why you need that knitting machine:
- Increased knitting speed: one of the biggest benefits of using a knitting machine is that it increases the rate at which you work on your projects, unlike the hand knitting method. If you plan to start a knitting business, you’ll need to complete your clients’ projects much faster, and a knitting machine might be just what you need.
- Increased knitting efficiency: when hand knitting, it’s possible to make errors such as slipped stitches, crooked cables, etc. But using a machine can significantly improve your knitting efficiency and accuracy. Remember, the machine comes with programmed patterns, which leaves quite little room for human error.
- Reduces the cost of labor: if you’re in knitting business, having a good quality knitting machine will help automate your work and keep human involvement to a minimum. This is advantageous in that it enables you to reduce the cost of labor while making the production faster than ever before.
- Ability to work on intricate designs: “Have a complex design? Bring it on” …dares a knitting machine. You’ll be impressed with how these machines can easily work out simple as well as intricate designs in a matter of minutes. This is something impossible for humans.
- A long-term investment: don’t forget that a knitting machine is something you buy once and use again and again, and enjoy years of fun, more efficient knitting. Moreover, they require pretty little maintenance and will serve you for years and years.
A great knitting machine will not only help you produce your projects in large qualities, over a short period of time but will also do so without compromising the quality of the end product.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter, you’ll find a machine that suits your unique needs and expectations.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the top knitting machine reviews below...
Best Knitting Machine Reviews:
1. addi Express King Size Knitting Machine
The German-based Addi is no doubt one of the best knitting machine brand currently available at the market. In our 1st spot, we have their KING SIZE knitting machine, which enjoys a great deal of popularity among knitters all over the globe. This machine comes as a new release, an upgraded version of its predecessor, and sports a couple of enhancements to make your knitting easier.
As its name suggests, this King-size was designed to enable you to knit even larger items. In just a few minutes you’ll be knitting those trendy scarves or wooly hats. And in a matter of a few hours, you’ll have finished knitting smart stolas and cool looking jumpers.
The well-made machine comes armed with a total of 46 needles, which is twice the number you get with the original Addi machine. And this is what enables the machine to knit larger pieces. It also boasts of an electric row counter which dramatically increases the precision of your projects.
Though this machine comes packed with up to clampers plus up to 4 mount legs, we highly recommend you to mount on an incredibly secure position. This will help prevent it from wobbling and vibrating when cracking it—ensuring you don’t end with crooked knits.
Keep in mind that this machine is easier to use than the other machine brands…but there’s definitely a (short) learning curve to it, just like any other new item. The many video tutorials on YouTube will come in handy.
Previous owners of this Addi King Size machine have branded it as the best knitting machine for sweaters and jumpers. Though the process can take a few hours, they’re satisfied with the quality of sweaters the machine enables them to create. Other items you can make with this addi include long trendy scarves, wide scarves, jumpers, afghans, child and adult hats, boleros, hats, and more.
When you order this addi, you’ll receive a complete machine knitting kit that includes a total of 46 needles, a needle holder, 5 replacement needles, decrease needle, 4 base feet, digital row counter (with memory) and 2 screw hooks for secure mounting on the table or workspace.
Highlighted Features:
- 46 needles for knitting larger items
- Ideal for yarn count 4-8
- Circular knitting: approx. 10- 15 inches diameter
- Flat knitting: up to 18 inches wide
- Ca knit sweaters, jumpers, scarves, hats, etc.
- Digital row counter for more precise work
- Lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects
2. addi-Express Professional Knitting Machine
Next up, we have another high-quality addi knitting machine, the professional model. This is the original, smaller machine from the brand, and a predecessor of the king size we have just discussed above. This machine also allows you to make a variety of knits in a matter of minutes.
Because it came before the King size, this unit features a lower number of needless (22 needles, to be precise). This means that it’ll not knit larger items like its successor. Nevertheless, it lets you create average-sized circular pieces (measuring 4-6 inches in diameter) and plain knitted items (measuring 6-8 inches wide).
When it comes to operating this machine, you’ll find it quite easy. But just like the king-size, you’ll need to undergo a short learning curve and practice with it to help you get the hang of it. The included instructions are pretty easy to digest and will help you know how to operate this machine.
Some of the items you can enjoy making with this unit include multi-tube scarves, baby and preemie clothes, small flat panels, socks, mittens, and more. Remember, it also presents you with a counter to help you remain as accurate as possible in your work.
Knitters who have used this machine express that it works quite well and produces quality knits. Those who have used both the professional and king size agree that both machines work the same way. And with some bit of practice, you’ll get to operate this machine like a pro. With proper care, this little machine will serve you for a long time.
Highlighted Features:
- Features up to 22 needles
- Circular knitting properties: 4-6 inches
- Plain knitted items: 6-8 inches
- Lets you use nearly all types of yarns
- 100% designed & manufactured in Germany
- Lifetime manufacturer guarantee
3. Caron 20293 Embellish-Knit! Machine
If you’re looking for an easier, faster way of adding decoration features to your knit garments and make them look more attractive, try Caron 20293 Embellish-Knit. The machine comes specially designed to help you create knitted embellishments (fancy cords and closures) that add a personal touch to your knitted and crocheted items.
What really propels this little unit to explosive popularity is the speed at which it knits. Depending on the yarn you’re using, it’ll take you minutes to create a nice looking i-cord. The manufacturer has even run a test and found it can make a cord as long as 18 feet in a record time of 10 minutes.
That’s how quick and efficient it gets! So if you’ve got a knitting project that requires you to use a lot of i-cord, you can bet on this machine to help you do the job.
One thing that can make things go wrong, however, is the weight of yarn you use. To ensure you have smooth cord making experience, let the weight hang free once it gets going, and the input yarn becomes loose. If it tightens up, cranking might become hard and can lead to breakage. Practice little patience. Just don’t force anything!
Using this machine is also easy once you figure out how it works. The included instructions might not be helpful, so we recommend you to watch the YouTube tutorials to help accelerate your learning curve.
You don’t have to take long hours to create an i-cord for your knitting project. Just grab this Caron, set it up correctly, sit back, and watch it churn out miles of beautifully knit i-cord in minutes. Remember, it’s pretty compact and lightweight, so you can take with you to any place you want.
Highlighted Features:
- Designed for embellishing your knit/crochet projects
- Makes fancy cords, closures in minutes
- Can knit 18ft cord in 10 minutes only
- Illustrated color instructions included
- Portable machine; measures 5-1/2 by 4 inches
- Kit includes: tapestry needles, weight clip, 5 project patterns, practice ball yarn
4. Liberty Imports Girls Crafts Smart Weaver Knitting Machine
So your young angel is trying to knit, just like mummy? If that’s the case, it won’t hurt to buy them a knitting machine designed with them in mind. This Liberty knitting machine will act as more of an educational toy that sparks imagination and creativity in your young girl. And it costs you approx. 2-3 yarns.
Recommended for ages 6 and up, this kid’s knitting machine comes in sexy pink color, which will look attractive to your young one and compel them to use the machine more.
The machine is pretty easy to use for your kid(s) and comes with a set of instructions to guide them through. However, you might want to offer some adult guidance to your kids to ensure they don’t get stuck and give up on the machine.
We love that this machine works pretty fast. And once your little angel figures things out, using the machine will become pretty easy…she’ll have fun creating round or flat stitches in seconds with the simple hand crank mechanism.
When she churns out her first scarf out of this machine, she’ll get sooo excited that she’ll want to use the machine to make more and more cool fashion accessories like hats, socks, leg warmers, and so on.
Note that this smart little machine is designed using quality ABS plastic to make it durable and long-lasting. Not to forget it passes the ASTM and CPSC standards for safety, so you can have peace of mind as your child(ren) play with it.
The package comes with EVERYTHING your little girl needs to get started making her first knit. These include the knitting machine, up to skeins of yarn, safe sewing needle, crochet hook, and instruction manual—all at the same low price.
Wouldn’t you sacrifice juts 2-3 yarns to make your little girl happy? Get her this incredibly affordable, wonderful little machine and watch them imagination and creativity to the next level. The machine is quite easy to use and creates knits at fast speeds. Your kid will enjoy making a number of items, in both flat and round designs.
Highlighted Features:
- Perfect knitting machine for kids (age: 6+ yrs.)
- Incredibly easy to operate
- Also suitable for beginner knitters
- Creates flat and round knits
- Great for making cool fashion accessories like hats, scarves, etc.
- Durable ABS plastic constrictions
- Meets ASTM & CPSC safety standards
5. Caron The Ultimate Sweater Machine
If you’re looking for the perfect knitting machine for beginners, this is it. The Caron comes with a simplified, easy to learn design and doesn’t require you to have any prior experience to start using it. This makes it the ideal sewing machine for novices as well as experts.
This Caron is also an incredible sweater machine that comes fully dedicated to helping you create full-size sweaters, afghans, coats, skirts, cushions, and even baby and kidswear. It allows you to all the popular types of yarns available, including sport worsted, Aran, cotton, double-knit chunky, and mohair.
You’ll be mind-blown by how fast this machine enables you to create your garments compared to hand knitting. It can knit as many as 12000 stitches per minute, allowing you to quickly (but detailed) make patterns and sweaters. You can complete an adult’s sweater or sweater in two evenings with this machine…and you’ll only need one evening to finish your baby’s sweater.
It’s also worth noting that this knitting machine is 100% compatible with the hand knitting patterns as well as the hand knitting books. You can also use this machine to make cables picture knits, lace, tuck stitch, fair isle, and many other fancy stitches you can think of.
Because this machine weighs 10lbs only, it’s pretty lightweight and you can take it with you to any place. Plus, it comes with a colorful carry box to make it even easier to pack and carry.
Overall, this is the perfect knitting beginners out there. It requires you to have ZERO experience to start using this. If you still doubt your ability to operate this machine, you’ll find the DVD instructional included in the package. It’ll offer you a visual guide on how to use this ultimate sweater machine—making learning easier and accelerating your learning curve.
Highlighted Features:
- 100% made in the USA
- Beginner-friendly; no prior experience needed
- Comes with a total of 100 needles
- Ideal for making full-size sweaters
- Allows you to use all the popular hand knit yarns
- Comes in a colorful convenient carry box
- Limited manufacturer warranty
6. MIAOKE Knitting Machine
Miaoke is an inexpensive hand-cranking device that can be used by kids as well as adults. It helps you knit with a diameter of up to 37cm, making it one of the best circular knitting machine units you can find on the market today.
The machine operates quietly and smoothly. The fact that both children and adults can use it means it’s super-easy to use for absolute beginners to use. It comes with a pretty straightforward design, and a set of instructions to get your young knitter started quickly.
Because the wallet-friendly machine relies on hand cranking mechanism, it requires no batteries to operate. but this doesn’t mean it’s slow in any way…it’ll let you knit round or flat in a matter of seconds. With this machine, you’ll be able to knit your own designs such as gloves, hats, scarves, pullovers, patchwork, vests, gauntlets for legs and arms, and so much more.
The simple fact that this machine features a total of 48 needles gives you the ability to incredibly wider, professional-looking knitted pieces with only a few turns of the hand.
When you purchase this kids/adults knitting machine, you’ll receive these items in the complete package: The Miaoke knitting machine, crochet hook, 4 yarn balls, wool, and yarn needle, and a set of instructions. See, the kit comes complete with EVERYTHING you need to get started!
All things considered, this is the perfect machine for absolute beginners (kids as well as adults) who want to learn how to use a knitting machine. It comes complete with all the necessary items. And will let you knit a variety of fashion items and accessories. Keep in mind it features a low price and will make the perfect gift your little girl or loved one this Christmas.
Highlighted Features:
- Ideal for kids and adults
- Lets you weave with a diameter of 37cm
- Lets you make scarves, gloves, hats, clothes, etc.
- Quiet hand crank knitting machine
7. PowerTRC Smart Weaver Knitting Kit Machine for Kids
If you’re still looking for the perfect knitting machine for your little girl, here’s another cool knitting machine you can’t go wrong with. Your child(ren) will enjoy using this helpful loom to create brand new hats, scarves, sweaters, pillows, etc., and in so doing, your child will become cheerful and improve their hands-on as well as brain thinking ability.
Suitable for kids aged 6 years and up, the machine will let your little girl knit flat or round. It comes packed with up to 2 skeins of yarn (colors: purple and blue), child-safe drainage needle, a crochet hook, and instructional booklet—all of which will help your kid get started working on their first project ASAP!
Like the other kid-friendly machine we discussed earlier on, this smart weaver also features a simplified design to make it as easy to use as possible for your kid. It even incorporates a white needle to help easily show your kid where to start or stop.
The hand-cranked machine works smoothly and feels effortless to turn for your kids, making it even more fun to use. It comes with up to 20 needles (plus the white one), so it’ll let your kid knit their own scarf, hat, leg warmer, and so on.
And the best part? This machine comes with quality ABS material construction to make it strong enough to survive an accidental drop and last for long. If you’re not happy with this machine, the manufacturer offers you a 100% money-back guarantee, which makes it a risk-free investment.
Highlighted Features:
- Made with kids (aged 6+ years) in mind
- Quality ABS material construction
- Improves your child’s hand-on skills, brain thinking ability
- Features up to 20 needles
- Can make hats, scarves, pillows, and more
- 100% money-back guarantee
8. NKOK Singer Knitting Machine
We’re approaching the final product on our list of top knitting machines reviews. Officially licensed by SINGER, this knitting machine is manually operated and was designed with absolute beginners (kids as well as adults) in mind.
By simply lopping and turning the crank mechanism, you and your child will have fun creating cool fashion accessories with this machine like scarves, socks, and leg warmers. Inside the box, you’ll get everything you’ll need to get started, including the knitting machine itself, plastic needle, 2 skeins of yarn, a knitting hook, and a tension arm. What’s more, it comes with a set of instructions to help you easily work on various projects.
Just like any other beginner-friendly machine we have discussed before, this model will let you design round as well as flat knit. It comes with a total of 22 needles, which will allow you to come up with average-sized knitted items.
The machine has an overall compact physical size (measures 8 x 10 x 4 inch), so it’ll be easy to take with you to any place and let you fill in the hours with some knitting.
Don’t forget this machine comes at an incredibly affordable…it’s even tens of dollars cheaper than our previously discussed home knitting machines for beginners. If you wish to get this machine for your young knitter, make sure they’re at least 6 years old to prevent the choking hazard on the machine’s small items.
Highlighted Features:
- Perfect for beginner knitters
- Recommended for ages 8plus years
- Kit includes: knitting machine, tension arm, needle
- Projects instructions included
- Hand crank operated; no batteries needed
- Officially licensed by Singer brand
9. NSI Knitting Machine
Yet another low-cost toy knitting machine for kids! If you have that little knitter in your life, whether it’s your daughter, granddaughter, niece, etc., get them this machine as a Christmas gift and let them explore their imagination and creativity the best way.
Like the previously discussed kids’ knitting machine, this machine can be used by young knitters aged 6 years and above. It comes complete with the knitting machine, a safe sewing needle, and up to 2 skeins of yarns.
With this machine, your child can enjoy making a list of cool knitted items, including scarves, mittens, hats, leg warmers, and more.
The machine comes with a kid-friendly design. It uses hand cranking mechanism. And the fact that it uses no batteries makes it a safer option for your little one. With the included detailed instructions, your daughter will have an easy time running this machine…of course, you should jump in to show them the way whenever they get stuck operating the machine.
Parents who have bought this knitting machine for their kids before confess that it works pretty well, and their young knitters have a blast with it. It’s pretty easy to use and comes with everything needed to start using it. Not to forget it leans on the low price, so it won’t burn a hole in your pockets.
Highlighted Features:
- Made for ages 6plus years
- Kit includes: safe needle, 2 skeins of yarn
- Makes hats, scarves, leg warmers, and more
- Easy to use; detailed instructions included
- Meets ATSM safety standards
10. Prym MIDI 624168 Knitting Mill Machine
Our knitting machine reviews comes to a close with this Prym knitting mill machine. Also hanging on the lower side of the price ladder, this machine will solve all your flat and tubular knitting needs. It boasts of semi-automatic design and enables you to create knit tubes with up to 13-inches diameter and flat panels as wide as 17 inches.
The Prym grants you unbelievably high knitting speeds for all your knitting projects. It’s capable of handling up to 0.22 lbs. (equivalent to a run length of 459 yards) in as little as 15 minutes.
Add to the fact that it comes with a user-friendly design, and you’ll make your knits in no time!
This knitting machine works with most types of yarns used for hand knitting (size: 2 to 6). It produces a total of 44 stitches when knitting in round and up to 40 stitches when knitting back and forth. Keep in mind, though, that the weight of yarn you use will affect the tension. This means you’ll need to start out slowly when using this machine to avoid tension issues or cases of dropped stitches.
Some of the items you can knit with this machine include bags, bag handles, cushions, mats, scarves, mittens, and more.
Weighing as light as 2.2lbs, there’s no denying that this machine is also a wonderfully portable device that will make the perfect companion for all knitters who are always on the go. You’ll notice it comes with an ergonomic lid, which allows for easy package and transportation so that you can work on your project from any place.
Highlighted Features:
- Semi-automatic knitting mill
- Knits 0.22lbs of wool in 15 minutes
- Made in Germany for quality control
- Dimensions: H8,3" x W8,3" x D10,2"
- Knits panels with a width of 4.7 inches
- Knits tubes with a diameter of 2.35 inches
Knitting Machine Buying Guide
With so many knitting machines on the market, finding the right one for you can feel like an impossible task. But if you use the key features outlined below to compare different models, you’ll have an easier time choosing the perfect machine.
Type of knitting machine
One thing you’ll note about the knitting machines is that they are classified into various types, depending on the mode of operation and the gauge.
Let’s talk about the mode of operation first…
You’ll come across manual and electronic knitting machines. The manual or punch card models involve the use of punch card of varying designs to notify the carriage of which knitting needles to do what. For instance, which needles to grab the second color when knitting fair isle.
Then we have electronic or computerized machines that make use of electric pulses to notify the carriage about which needle to do what. Needless to mention, these machines are incredibly fast to use and can give you more precise results than the manual models.
Choosing the type of machine based on gauge…
You’ll come across various gauges of knitting machines designed to suit the needs of different knitters as outlined below:
- Bulky or chunky knitting machine (with needles placed 8-9mm apart) is ideal for making a chunky scarf.
- List Element
- Mid-gauge machine (6-7mm) is incredibly versatile and makes the perfect choice for hand knitters.
- Standard gauge knitting machine (4.5-5mm) is the ideal choice for knitting commercial-grade fibers, and
- Fine gauge knitting machine (3.6mm space between needles) is your go-to device if you plan to create knitted garments from the finest yarns available.
Which of these types of machine fits your unique knitting needs?
Knitting capabilities
Another important thing to keep in mind is the knitting capabilities of the machine you plan to buy. Again, your choice here will be influenced by what you intend to use your machine for.
That being said, knitting machines with a higher number of functions enable you to create a wider variety of knitted items.
If you plan to create items like scarves, hats, socks, leg warmers, and other tubular –like clothing items, then you should look for a round/circular knitting machine.
And if you’re looking for the best knitting machine for blankets, scarves, garment parts, patchwork, sweaters, etc. and other flat items., then a plain or flat knitting machine will be your best bet.
GOOD NEWS…most of the popular knitting machines combine both flat and round knitting capabilities, making them more versatile and ideal for knitters who knit both tubular like and flat items.
Number of needles
This one is closely related to the knitting capabilities of a given machine…
You should choose the number of needles in a knitting machine, depending on the clothing items you want to create.
Models that feature up to 40 needles are great for making scarves, hats, and other adult clothing items.
For babies and kids’ scarves, socks, etc., a knitting machine with 22 needles is the best option.
Quick Tip: Look for a knitting machine that enables you to easily adjust the distance between its needles. This will make it easy for you to make the necessary adjustments to allow you to work on clothing items with varying designs, sizes, and even densities.
Ease of use
How easy to use a knitting machine is will also affect your final choice.
Ideally, you’d want to consider the age and level of experience of the intended users of the new knitting machine to help you make a perfect choice.
For young knitters (kids) as well as absolute beginners, you should consider looking for a model tailored to their skill level…one that doesn’t require them to have any prior experience to be able to operate it.
For beginners, you’d also want to look for a cheap model for learning purposes. Once you’ve acquired the necessary experience, you can move on to a more professional, higher-end model.
The professional-grade sewing machines are only meant for advanced knitters who have a great deal of experience on these machines and know-how to operate them.
Remember, though, that every new machine has some learning curve to get acquainted with it. So, ensure your new machine comes with a detailed user manual for quick reference. Models with online video tutorials are also great.
Other considerations:
- Row counter: a knitting machine with a row counter will help you accurately follow the pattern you’re working on. And this translates to quality results.
- A load of accessories: manufacturers included a pack of bonus accessories like a tapestry needle, crochet hook, replacement pins, weight clip, product patterns, a few skeins of yarn, etc. These are things you’ll need to run the machine, so getting a package with a long list of accessories will help you save some bucks.
- Portability: if you want a knitting machine that you can take with you, look for a lightweight, compact model. Models which come with free carry bag are even more portable.
- Warranty: a warranty policy will help safeguard your investment and give your peace of mind when using it.
Frequently asked questions:
1. What is the best knitting machine to buy?
There’s no single knitting machine that we can recommend to our readers. This is because these machines are designed differently to meet the varying needs of knitters.
What you need to do to get the right machine for you is to ensure it’s easy to use for you (depending on your skill level). It should also allow you to make the items you plan to knit. A machine that comes with a row counter will make your work more precise. A load of accessories and a warranty on top of it all won’t hurt too.
2. what is a mid-gauge knitting machine?
A mid-gauge knitting machine is one that has needles spacing of 6.4mm and can handle just all types of hand yarns, from the sport weight to worsted yarns, including nubby yarns, mohair, novelty yarns, ribbons, and DK weight.
Mid-gauge machines make the perfect choice for hand knitters.
3. Is a knitting machine easy to use?
Most hand knitters believe that using a knitting machine is hard, and they prefer sticking to their old ways of doing things.
But the truth is, a knitting machine is pretty easy to use, and once you get your hang of it, it can make your knitting life much easier, faster, and more efficient.
If you have never used a knitting machine before, however, we suggest that you start by using a beginner-friendly model to help you learn how these machines work.
Otherwise, if you go with a complex model, you’ll end up hating this helpful invention for life.
4. Who invented the knitting machine?
William Lee is the father of modern-day knitting machines.
In 1859, he created the first stocking frame knitting machine, which was used for the production of stockings.
This was the first MAJOR mechanization of the textile industry. It paved the way for the modern-day knitting machines, and its principles of operation of this early machine remain in use today.
You can read more about William Lee and the first knitting machine inventions here.
Final Verdict
A knitting machine makes knitting faster and more efficient than hand knitting. It can help you knit a complete, nice looking sweater in a matter of two evenings, or a starve in hours.
But getting the right machine for the job is where the real issue is. These machines come in varying levels of complexities designs, knitting capabilities…and this means you have to take time to compare different models to help you get the perfect machine that allows you to knit all the items you have in mind.
This guide will take you through the key considerations to help you make quick comparisons and narrow down your options for easy selection.
Or you can cut the chase and grab one of the top-quality knitting machines on our list and get down to experience the fun of using a knitting machine.