The 6 best knitting machines according to experts

For some people knitting is a hobby and a useful pastime, and for others it is a profitable business that feeds the family. Machines were once only used in knitting factories. The production of clothing from yarn was put on stream, and the amateur craftswomen were left to be content with the usual devices: needles and hooks. Today, needleworkers have come to the aid of knitting machines, which create fabrics of various weaves with textured or openwork patterns and which, unlikely, would be obtained when making by hand.The first device appeared in the XV century in Italy. In our country they were especially popular in the 80s of XX century. The modern market offers a wide range of models, from which you can choose the best option that meets the needs of customers.

How to choose a knitting machine

But first of all, it is necessary to understand what kinds exist, and what criteria you should pay attention to when buying. All devices for domestic use are differentiated according to the following parameters:

1. Type of control.They can be manual with mechanical control, punched card with drawing a pattern by means of special stuffed holes in templates and computer, in which patterns can be programmed through a PC.
2. Number of needlepoints.Machines are divided into single-felt and double-felt. The first ones have a single needle, a single-face web is created with standard bundles. The second type has two needlepoints. Thanks to the additional attachment, you get a double-sided fabric with openwork, zigzag, flipper and other types of weave.
3. Class.It determines the thickness of the consumed thread and the space between the needles. There are several classes. The most popular: 3 – it uses only thick yarn (100-200 m/100 g), the distance between the needles 6.5-9 mm; 5 – uses medium needles with a gap of 4.5-5 mm and medium yarn (per 100 g – 300-500 m); 7 – here the distance between the needles 2.8-3.6 mm and the consumption of fine yarn is 500-600 m per 100 g.woolen clothes.

Expertology experts have ranked the best knitting machines, which, in their opinion, can become indispensable helpers to create dresses, sweaters, socks, hats and other woolen things.

Rating of the best knitting machines

The best manual knitting machines

Manual machines are characterized by ease of operation, compact size and low cost, which influenced their high demand. They do not require adjustment before work, everything is very simple and clear, even a child can understand the principle of its operation.

KAKADU

Rating: 4.9

KAKADU is the simplest device that the modern market offers. Recommended for use by children over 8 years of age, this is an educational toy, with the help of which you can easily learn to knit dresses, hats and scarves, not only for dolls, but also full-size knitted things for adults.

With compact size, the machine requires little space for installation. Kit includes everything you need for hand knitting and circular knitting: the device itself, yarn, needle and crochet. Bright colors of the body will delight a young needlewoman in her work.

According to customer reviews, the machine is a safe device with no sharp or stabbing objects, the risk of injury is minimal, so parents do not worry about children while working with this device.

Advantages

• simple design;
• circular knitting;
• suitable for children;
• bright body;
• safety at work;
• The possibility of multicolored knitting;
• low price.

Disadvantages

• not found.

Addi-Express Kingsize

Rating: 4.8

Second in our ranking is the Addi-Express Kingsize, a versatile knitting machine from the German manufacturer designed for knitting with a single fabric and in a circle. It doesn’t require any special skills: you just need to insert 3-5 mm of thread and twist the crank. In a short time you can create even the most complex things, combining yarn of different thickness and quality.

The device provides a row counter, which is an LCD display that runs on a AAA battery. Includes unit, instructional CD, extra needles, hook set, buttonhole stopper, adjustable feet and fasteners.

According to user reviews, to work on such a machine is possible immediately for beginners, and for children its principle of operation will not cause questions. High speed of knitting and easy controls were the deciding factors for choosing this device.

Advantages

• easy to use;
• high speed;
• row counter;
• use of yarn of different thickness.

Disadvantages

• knits only the front seam.
• high price.

Ivushka

Rating: 4.7

Ivushka – a popular hand device made in Russia, which was used even by our grandmothers. Made of enamelled metal, it is reliable and durable. The machine is designed for knitting in a circle, single fabric, two-color yarns of different thickness, as well as flossy type of weave.

Hooks arranged in two rows of 33 in each. Includes attachments for large items and circular knitting, panels with 8 and 15 hooks, pullers for loops, thread holders. An additional bonus for needlewomen will be an instructional album, which shows in detail the stages of creating various patterns and products.

Simple principle of operation helps to quickly understand it and begin to create complex wool products in a short time. Compact size makes it easy to carry, and light weight allows you to take it on the road.

Advantages

• simple principle of operation;
• Different types of knitting, including.ch. compact;
• compactness;
• metal body;
• reasonable price.

Disadvantages

• were not detected.

The best punch card knitting machines

The main advantage of punch card machines is the fast and high-quality knitting of any selected pattern, which is first applied to a special template in the form of punched holes. The information is then processed and transferred to the needles, which create a precisely defined pattern. Our rating includes two models of a well-known Japanese brand with a punch card application.

Silver Reed SK 280

Rating: 4.9

Universal monofontour device of the 5th grade is designed for practically all types of yarn and for creating any kind of interlacing: openwork, circular, Jacquard, terry, fingering and many others. Machine has 200 needles, positioned at 4.5 mm intervals.

Includes unit, fonts, pattern punch cards, carriages, shoulder, auxiliary plates, thread guide, row counter, spare needles, weights, hooks, rulers and dekkers. By connecting additional fonts SRP60N to the machine you can create even more complicated things with high-quality weaving.

According to the reviews, knitting even large multi-colored things does not take much time, the same pattern can be created by different types, a detailed instruction will allow you to understand the principle of work without any difficulties.

Advantages

• high speed;
• different types of weaving;
• Possibility to connect additional carriages and fonts;
• easy to use.

Disadvantages

• not found.

Silver Reed LK 150

Rating: 4.8

Unlike the SK 280, this model is more compact and lightweight. Machine class 4 with a distance between the needles of 6.5 mm uses a medium to thick yarn (200-300 m/100 g) for standard types of knitting. The maximum width of the fabric is 950 mm. Provides a special switch with divisions from 1 to 13, with which you can adjust its thickness.

The unit has a plastic needle box with retractable edges and a manual needle picker. Includes row counter, dekker, spare needles, weights.

According to experts, this model is optimal for domestic use, even a novice needlewoman can learn to create the most complicated things. Affordable price with such a set of features – another argument in favor of buying the LK 150.

Advantages

• The use of thick yarn;
• compact size;
• noiseless operation;
• the thickness of the fabric can be adjusted;
• easy to use;
• handy switch;
• attractive price.

Disadvantages

• not found.

The best electronic knitting machines

Electronic knitting machines for household use are multifunctional devices, capable of competing with industrial machines. The most original patterns and the most complex knitting can be programmed with a special program through a PC and get a high quality thing with an exclusive pattern. The rating includes another model of the Japanese brand, but already with electronic control.

Silver Reed SK 840/SRP 60N

Rating: 4.9

SK 840/SRP 60N: A dream for every knitter. Despite the high price, it’s really worth it, because with this machine any fantasy can come true. The device belongs to the double-felt type of class 5. 500 needles in two rows of 250, spaced 4.5 mm apart. They can be used to create any kind of weave: jacquard, zigzag, platting, weaving, circular, weaving, terry and others.

Includes fonts with carriages, knitting accessories, optional terry carriage.

You need to buy Knit Styler software to work, which controls the process. An audible alarm sounds if changes occur, such as the number of loops in a row.

Advantages

• All types of knitting;
• electronic control;
• any pattern sketches;
• high speed.

Disadvantages

• software must be purchased separately.

We hope we’ve helped you to make the right choice, and soon your closet will have exclusive things you can’t buy in the store, and any of your design fantasies will come true.