For those of you who love knitting in all its forms, welcome to the exciting world of knitting machines!
These clever machines come in a few different styles, from simple ones that even kids can use to high-end industrial machines which can knit fabrics in minutes.
With such a huge range available, there’s also a wide variety of price tags too. Professional knitting machines can cost hundreds of pounds… and potentially even higher!
To help you find your perfect machine, we’re taking a look into the best knitting machines that are available to buy online. Read on to discover more, or use these handy links to jump to the section you're after.
- Types of knitting machine
- Knitting machine top picks
- Best knitting machines to buy online
- Knitting machine FAQ's
- Where to buy knitting machines
Types of knitting machines
Knitting machines come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but most fall into one of two categories - circular machines and flat machines.
Circular knitting machines
Circular knitting machines are generally less expensive and are targeted towards domestic hobbyist crafters. They have the potential to create flat fabric as well as being particularly suited to knitting in the round.
Flat knitting machines
Flat knitting machines usually have higher price tags and are more often used by expert crafters/professional designers or small scale garment manufacturers.
Flat knitting machines can only create flat fabrics, which can of course be joined to make circular shapes. They can create a larger range of fabrics and stitch effects making them much more suitable for creating garments on.
Best knitting machine top picks:
Best knitting maker | Electric i-Cord Knitting Machine i1 Pro Max
Available from Caydo (£78.00)
Best circular knitting machine | Addi Express King Size Knitting Machine
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Best flatbed knitting machine | Silver Viscount Reed LK150 Knitting Machine
Available from Etsy (£377)
Best knitting mill | Prym Knitting Mill
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The best knitting machines to buy online
1. Caydo Electric i-Cord Knitting Machine i1 Pro Max
Best electric i-cord knitting machine
First on our list is the Electric i-Cord Knitting Machine i1 Pro Max from Caydo. Caydo's mission is to empower crafters and DIY enthusiasts to tap into their creativity by providing a selection of cutting edge tools and machinery that make the crafting process stress-free and extra enjoyable.
Caydo's i-cord maker kit includes their innovative electric i-cord machine, which automatically creates i-cords, saving you time and preventing hand fatigue. The powerful motor creates perfect i-cords quickly and and its large capacity for yarn enables you to make long i-cords with ease. It also comes with two weights to ensure excellent tension control while knitting.
The Caydo electric i-cord knitting machine attaches to your work table and is simple to set up. For those wanting more guidance, the machine also comes with a helpful user manual and a QR code that takes you to a video tutorial, which you can follow along with.
This super convenient machine is suitable for everyone from newbie crafters to seasoned pros, and can be used for a range of i-cord projects, including placemats, coasters, handbag handles, and other pieces of decor for you home.
It's also an extremely stylish piece of kit, coming in three colours (purple, blue and pink), so it's great for brightening up your craft room, or would make a wonderful gift for a knitter or crochet-lover in your life.
The kit also includes 16 cotton yarn skeins in a variety of colours, two aluminum wires for shaping your cords, a crochet hook, four replacement needles for the machine, two counterweight blocks, a pair of pliers, 30 plastic sealing accessories, and a USB-C cable.
With lots of rave reviews online, you can trust this machine to really deliver. Find out what all the well-deserved hype is about by buying yours today, and enjoy whipping up i-cords in no time.
Pros: Powerful motor ensures efficient knitting performance, provides high-quality results, easy to use.
Cons: Some users might find setting up the machine tricky at first.
Buy the Electric i-Cord Knitting Machine i1 Pro Max (£78.00) from Caydo
Caydo Electric Yarn Ball Winder M1 Pro
If you're as impressed with Caydo's electric i-cord knitting machine as we are, we're sure you'll also love their electric yarn ball winder! Though it's not technically a knitting machine, it's a must-have piece of equipment for any crafter working with yarn, and definitely deserves a shoutout in our round-up.
This handy device quickly winds up yarn balls and skeins into yarn cakes, preventing your yarns from getting tangled when not in use and making them easy to store. Its automatic design also removes the hassle of using a hand-operated winder to manually ball up yarn. So you can sit back, relax, and let Caydo's electric winder do all the work for you – your wrists will thank you, and you'll also have more time for the fun part... crafting!
This electric yarn winder has several useful features, such as a dual-spring design that ensures stable tension to achieve tight and compact yarn balls every time. The winding speed is also adjustable and can be set to suit your needs and different types of yarn.
As with Caydo's electric i-cord knitting machine, this device is super easy to set up. Plus, it can accommodate over twice the yarn capacity of most other yarn winders, making it a fantastic time-efficient tool.
Get all your yarns in order with Caydo's electric yarn ball winder, and enjoy crafting in a calm and clutter-free space – tidy space, tidy mind!
Pros: Hands-free operation, adjustable winding speed, 10oz capacity.
Cons: Limited portability as it requires a power source.
Buy the Electric Yarn Ball Winder M1 Pro (£52.00) from Caydo
2. Sentro 48 needle circular knitting machine
Best knitting machine for beginners
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There are many of this type of circular knitting machine available online, however this one by Sentro is by far the most popular entry level knitting machine.
There’s plenty of positive reviews and Youtube tutorials available for this device too. There’s videos covering everything from how to set up your machine to making a range of projects.
This hand-cranked machine has the ability to produce both tube and flat pieces of fabric, meaning that if you can knit it by hand, you can knit it with this machine too!
There are smaller versions of this machine available, however we’ve picked this 48 needle one as it’s big enough to create adult hats. Tubes created on smaller machines are unlikely to be large enough.
If you’re looking to try machine knitting for the first time without breaking the bank, you can’t go wrong with this Sentro machine.
Pros: Affordable, knits both tube and flat fabrics.
Cons: Varying prices, many similar non-brand products, and although most reviews are positive there has been some feedback of problems with build quality.
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3. Addi Express King Size Knitting Machine
Best circular knitting machine
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If the previous circular knitting machine caught your attention, but you’re more prepared to invest in a well-known and reputable brand, then the Addi Express King Size knitting machine is the one for you.
Again it can create both circular and flat pieces of knitted fabric, and can handle a wide range of yarn from fine mohair to chunky yarns (although they need to be able to flow smoothly through the machine).
The build quality is the real selling point, being the most highly reviewed of the domestic circular knitting machines. There’s also a smaller Addi express model available too if you want to try smaller knits.
Pros: Excellent build quality, trusted brand.
Cons: More expensive, some reports that the handle takes a bit of getting used to.
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4. Addi Express Knitting Machine
Best knitting machine for socks
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With 22 needles at play and a diameter of 10-15cm, the Addi Express regular size knitting machine is a great choice for those looking for a cheaper option.
It's compact, but maintains all the build quality of the King Size Addi machine in a smaller package. You're able to create round or circular knitting, with an even, consistent texture.
Pros: Cheaper price point while still being on a large scale.
Cons: Won't be able to handle as large projects as the king size version as quickly.
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5. Silver Viscount Reed LK150 Knitting Machine
Best knitting machine for sweaters
- Buy the Silver Viscount Reed LK150 Knitting Machine from Etsy
We’re onto the first of our flat knitting machines – the Silver Viscount Reed LK150 Knitting Machine. This flat knitting machine comes with a 150 needle bed and is most suitable for using with DK or thicker yarns. In our opinion it’s the perfect entry point for new machine knitters.
Flat knitting machines use a knitting carriage which is slid along the length of the needle bed. This triggers the individual needles in the needle bed to catch the yarn, which in turn creates one row of stitches with each pass.
The machine is lightweight and comes with handy clamps, although you will need a wide and sturdy table to position it on.
Pros: Great introduction to machine knitting, lower end of flat knitting machine prices.
Cons: Limited colourwork capability.
- Buy the Silver Viscount Reed LK150 Knitting Machine from Etsy
6. Silver SK280 Knitting Machine
Best knitting machine for blankets
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If you’re wanting to get really serious with your machine knitting, then raid the piggy bank and invest in the Silver SK280 Knitting Machine.
This 200 needle machine is perfect for using with 4ply and smaller yarns. There’s even the option to incorporate further parts and accessories if you really get stuck in!
Perhaps the main selling point of the SK280 knitting machine is that it comes with a punch card facility included. This gives you the capability of creating lace or Fair Isle colourwork patterns with ease, as the machine will select and change needles or colours for you!
Pros: Integrated punch card facility.
Cons: High price tag.
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7. Prym Knitting Mill
Best knitting mill
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If you're looking more in a similar vein to the French knitting doll at the start of this list, consider a knitting mill.
This ergonomic knitting mill comes with a handy clamp to keep it in place, as well as a detachable weight for maintaining tension on the knitted cable.
Pros: Clamp and weight are thoughtful additions.
Cons: Only knits tubes, some reviews suggests its fiddly to get the hang of.
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8. French Knitting Machine
Best knitting machine for budget
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For almost half the price, opt for this knitting machine that operates with a weighted clip. Although this machine doesn't offer a clamp, if budget is your main concern, it could be the best knitting machine for you!
Pros: Cheaper, clip instead of weight.
Cons: No clamp.
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9. Tulip I-Cord Knitting Machine
Best I cord knitting machine
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Here's another option by reputable brand, Tulip. With a sleek and stylish neutral colour palette, it comes with an easy-to-use weight and crochet hook.
Pros: Stylish, reputable brand, comes with crochet hook.
Cons: No clamp, more expensive.
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10. French knitting tool
Best knitting machine for kids
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And last but certainly not least, are these useful and very cute Knitting Dollies. Knitting Dollies or French knitting/spool knitting tools are a device that dates back over 400 years, and are still popular with young and old today.
They’re essentially a device with multiple nails or pegs at the top, where the yarn is wrapped around the pegs twice. Then using a needle or hook (or even fingers), the lower loops are lifted over the upper loops to create stitches. This produces a tube of woven knit-style fabric
Calling them a machine is a bit of a stretch but they’re still a great way of learning how a traditional weaving technique can be used to easily create quick knits. You’re limited to making relatively small tubes on a knitting dolly, but these can be used to create bracelets, necklaces and other small accessories.
Pros: So easy, even kids can do it.
Cons: Limited potential.
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Best Knitting Machine FAQs
What is a knitting machine, and how does it differ from hand knitting?
A knitting machine is a mechanical or computerised device that automates the process of creating knitted fabric.
Unlike hand knitting, which relies on manual needle manipulation, knitting machines have needles that move automatically to produce knitted garments efficiently.
What types of knitting machines are available?
There are various types of knitting machines, broadly classified into three categories:
- Flatbed Machines: Suitable for creating flat panels like scarves and blankets.
- Circular Machines: Ideal for producing tubular items such as socks and hats.
- Combination Machines: Versatile machines that can perform both flat and circular knitting.
Flat bed machines tend to be electronic, while circular machines are manual.
Are knitting machines suitable for beginners?
Yes, there are beginner-friendly knitting machines equipped with user-friendly features. Look for machines with clear instructions, simple controls, and online resources or communities for support and guidance.
What yarns can be used with knitting machines?
Knitting machines accommodate a variety of yarn weights, but the specific recommendations vary by machine.
Always check the manufacturer's guidelines for the recommended yarn weight and fibre content.
Can I use my hand-knit patterns with a knitting machine?
While you can adapt hand-knit patterns for machines, there are differences in tension and stitch formation. It's often advisable to start with patterns specifically designed for knitting machines for best results.
Are there knitting machines suitable for creating intricate designs or lace patterns?
Yes, some advanced knitting machines come with features like punch cards or electronic pattern programming, allowing you to create intricate lace patterns and designs.
What is the price range for knitting machines?
Prices vary depending on the type and features of the machine. Entry-level machines for hobbyists can be relatively affordable, while industrial-grade machines can be significantly more expensive. Set a budget based on your needs and commitment level.
Is there such a thing as a crochet machine?
While both of the main knitting machines do technically use hooks instead of needles (more akin to latch hooks), there is currently no such thing as a crochet machine on the market for the general public.
This is largely due to the flexible nature of crochet and the fact that a single hook is inserted and reinserted into specific stitches. This is difficult to replicate through technology.
There are some large industrial machines that can create fabrics that look very similar to crochet fabrics, but these are often actually made from knitted lace fabrics.
Many crochet shapes such as granny squares can only be made by hand, so if you do come across these being mass-produced then it is likely using cheap labour, or has an appropriately higher price tag.
However, with technology evolving all the time and the advancement of AI, it’s only a matter of time until we see the development of a crochet machine!
Where to buy knitting machines
Knitting machines went through a popular period in the 1980’s, but unfortunately they’re not as readily available as they once were. Many of the big brand names are no longer producing new machines. This is largely due to them being a relatively niche product, and a growing divide between hobbyist craft products and more industrial professional machines for mass production.
While brand new flat knitting machines aren’t as readily available as they used to be, you can get a bargain by shopping second-hand. Check out sites such as ebay, Etsy or other online marketplaces. The top flat knitting machine brands to keep an eye out for are Brother, Silver, Singer and Knitmaster.
Knitting machines do come with a pretty significant price tag, so it may be worth trying one out before splashing your cash.
You can sometimes find local studios, universities or individuals that will allow you to hire a knitting machine, or ask around at your local knitting group – you’d be surprised how many people have one collecting dust in the attic.
Machines for making
If you’re all about combining technology and craft, why not check out our pick of the best embroidery machines for beginners.
Choosing if a knitting machine is right for you
Knitting machines can be lots of fun and many artists and designers love the ability to create knitted fabrics quickly.
However, they can be expensive and relatively tricky to learn, so it’s worth considering whether the investment of time and money is worth it for you.
If you’re more of a hobbyist crafter, you might enjoy trying other crafts that allow you to create interesting fabrics quickly.
Learn to weave on a loom
When it comes to creating fabric textiles, weaving is one of the oldest methods around. It’s loads of fun and very satisfying when you get the hang of it.
You don’t need loads of expensive equipment to start, just check out our beginners guide to weaving and get making with Gathered!
