Knitting Machines are all the rage right now

If you’re a yarn crafter, you know that these circular knitting machines are very popular right now. I believe it all started when Kaytedid86 on Tik Tok shared her Tik Tok beanie. Everyone wanted one and those things almost doubled in price over a matter of two weeks. They went from like $60 up to over $100. If you were lucky enough to get one ordered, it took about 8-12 weeks for delivery. Some people are still waiting for them. So, naturally, I had to have one.

To be fair, I’ve been eyeing them for a few years now but it was her video that pushed me over the edge and I got one. I had my hubby get one back in October before all chaos erupted and it arrived in the beginning of December. It was supposed to be a Christmas gift but I just had to open it early. LOL

There are several brands out there that you can choose from but a few of them that you find are the same one but sold from different companies. You have the Addi Express, Loops and Thread (from Michaels) and then the Sentro. Some of the other brands are just the Sentro sold by other companies. You can tell because it’s the exact same machine but a different logo on it. I chose to go with the Sentro. I didn’t know if I would like it or not and the Addi is such an investment.

The first thing I did when I opened mine was make several hats with it. It was awesome. The thought that I could make a hat within an hour was amazing. These are the hats my daughter and I made the first few days I had it.

And then I learned how to make two toned hats and made a bunch with brims.

And then I learned how to make head wraps. These are amazing. They’re big, double lined and extremely warm. And the best thing is that they’re not tight at all so they don’t smash your hair or irritate your ears.

Now, this machine definitely has a learning curve. It’s very finicky about the type of yarn and speed you crank it at. Every machine is different so what works for one person will probably not work for the next. For instance, my machine works better when I crank it backwards as you can see below. And it hates the thicker worsted weight yarn.

The best advice I can give you is to try it but be patient with it. Play with it and find out what works for your machine. Don’t be rough with it because it is plastic, after all. If you do break it, don’t worry. There are a ton of people out there who are making the parts with their 3D printer.

So, is this machine worth it? Yes, I think it is. I’ve had so much fun with my Sentro and my daughter has used it several times as well. I love my machine but I think I will be saving up to buy the Addi King Express next. I don’t see people having as many problems with the Addi as they are with the Sentro and other brands. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Sentro. There’s nothing wrong with it after you learn the ins and outs of it but I need something a little sturdier for the amount of use I’m giving mine.