6 best knitting machines according to experts

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

For someone, knitting is a hobby and a useful pastime, but for someone it is a profitable business that feeds a family. Once upon a time, machines were only used in knitwear factories. The production of clothes from yarn was put on stream, and the amateur craftswomen had to be content with the usual devices: knitting needles and hooks. Today, knitting machines have come to the aid of needlewomen, which create canvases of various weaves with texture or openwork patterns and which, unlikely, would have turned out by hand. The first device appeared in the 15th century in Italy. In our country, they gained particular popularity in the 80s of the 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, you need to figure out what types exist, and what criteria should be paid attention to when buying. All devices for home use differ in the following parameters:

1. Control type. They are manual with mechanical control, punched cards with drawing using special punched holes in templates and computer ones, in which the patterns can be programmed via a PC.

2. Number of needle beds. Cars are divided into single-circuit and double-circuit. The first ones have one needle bar, a single-face fabric with standard bundles is created. The second type has two needle beds. Thanks to the additional attachment, a double-sided fabric with openwork, zigzag, elastic and other types of weaves is obtained.

3. Class. It determines the thickness of the thread consumed and the spacing between the needles. There are several classes. The most popular: 3 – only thick yarn (100-200 m / 100 g) is used in it, the distance between the needles is 6.5-9 mm; 5 – medium needles are used with an interval of 4.5-5 mm and medium threads (per 100 g – 300-500 m); 7 – here the distance between the needles is 2.8-3.6 mm and the consumption of fine yarn is 500-600 m per 100 g of woolen items.

Experts have compiled a rating of the best knitting machines, which, in their opinion, can become indispensable helpers in creating dresses, sweaters, socks, hats and other woolen things.

Rating of the best knitting machines

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best hand knitting machines	1	KAKADU	RUB 1,990
	2	Addi-Express Kingsize	RUB 15 390
	3	Ivushka	RUB 2,650
Best punched card knitting machines	1	Silver Reed SK 280	RUB 46 400
	2	Silver Reed LK 150	RUB 22,700
Best Electronic Knitting Machines	1	Silver Reed SK 840 / SRP 60N	RUB 31,200

Best hand knitting machines

Manual machines are distinguished by ease of operation, compact size and low cost, which influenced their increased demand. They do not require adjustment before work, everything is extremely easy and clear, in principle, even a child can figure out its actions.

KAKADU

Rating: 4.9

KAKADU is the simplest device on the market today. It is recommended for use by children over 8 years old and is an educational toy with which it is easy to learn how to knit dresses, hats and scarves not only for dolls, but also full-size knitwear for adults.

With its compact dimensions, the machine does not require a special place for installation. The kit includes everything you need for hand and circular knitting: the device itself, yarn, knitting needle and hook. Bright colors of the case will delight the young needlewoman while working.

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

Advantages

• simple construction;

• circular knitting;

• suitable for children;

• bright body;

• work safety;

• the possibility of multi-colored knitting;

• low price.

disadvantages

• not detected.

Addi-Express Kingsize

Rating: 4.8

The second included in our rating is Addi-Express Kingsize – a universal device from a German manufacturer, designed for knitting with a single cloth and in a circle. It does not require any special skills: just insert a 3-5 mm thread and twist the handle. In a short time, you can create even the most complex things by combining yarns of different thicknesses and qualities.

The device has a row counter, which is an LCD display powered by an AAA battery. The kit includes a device, CD with detailed instructions, additional needles, hook set, buttonhole stopper, adjustable feet and hardware.

According to user reviews, beginners can work on such a machine right away, and its principle of operation will not raise questions among children. High speed of knitwear creation and ease of operation were decisive when choosing this device.

Advantages

• ease of use;

• high speed;

• row counter;

• use of yarn of different thickness.

disadvantages

• knits only the front surface.
• high price.

Ivushka

Rating: 4.7

Ivushka is a popular Russian-made hand-held device, which was also used by our grandmothers. Made of metal coated with enamel, it is reliable and durable. The machine is designed for knitting in a circle, a single fabric, two-color yarns of various thicknesses, as well as an elastic type of weaving.

The hooks are arranged in two rows of 33 pieces each. The set includes attachments for large items and circular knitting, panels with 8 and 15 hooks, loop pullers, thread holders. An additional bonus for needlewomen will be an instruction book, which shows in detail the stages of creating various patterns and products.

The simple principle of operation helps you quickly understand it and start creating complex woolen products in a short time. Its compact size makes it easy to carry the machine, and its low weight makes it possible to take it on the road.

Advantages

• simple working principle;

• various types of knitting, incl. elastic;

• compactness;

• metal case;

• affordable price.

disadvantages

• not detected.

Best punched card knitting machines

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

Silver Reed SK 280

Rating: 4.9

The universal single-loop device of the 5th class is intended for almost all types of yarn and the creation of all types of weaves: openwork, circular, jacquard, terry, elastic and many others. The machine has 200 needles set at 4.5mm spacing.

The set includes a device, a font, punched cards with pictures, carriages, a shoulder, auxiliary plates, a yarn guide, a row counter, spare needles, weights, hooks, rulers and decoders. By connecting an additional SRP60N font to the machine, you can create even more complex things with high-quality weaving.

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

Advantages

• high speed;

• various types of weaving;

• the ability to connect additional carriages and fountains;

• ease of use.

disadvantages

• not detected.

Silver Reed LK 150

Rating: 4.8

Unlike the SK 280, this model is more compact and lightweight. Class 4 machine with 6.5mm needle spacing uses medium and thick yarns (200-300m / 100g) for standard knits. The maximum blade width is 950 mm. There is a special switch with divisions from 1 to 13, with which you can adjust its thickness.

The device has a plastic needle bar with retractable edges and manual needle selection. The kit includes a row counter, decker, spare needles, weights.

According to experts, this model is optimal for domestic use; a novice needlewoman can also learn to create the most complex things. The affordable price with this set of functions is another argument in favor of buying the LK 150.

Advantages

• using thick yarn;

• compact size;

• silent work;

• web thickness adjustment;

• easy to use;

• convenient switch;

• affordable price.

disadvantages

• not detected.

Best Electronic Knitting Machines

Home electronic knitting machines are multifunctional devices that can compete with industrial machines. The most original patterns and the most complex knitting can be programmed using a special program via a PC and get a high quality item with an exclusive pattern. The rating includes another model of the Japanese brand, but with electronic control.

Silver Reed SK 840 / SRP 60N

Rating: 4.9

Model SK 840 / SRP 60N is the dream of any needlewoman. Despite the high price, it really is worth it, because it is with such a machine that any fantasies can come true. The device belongs to a class 5 double-circuit type. 500 needles are arranged in 250 pieces in two rows, the distance between them is 4.5 mm. With the help of them, you can create any kind of weave: jacquard, zigzag, plating, elastic, circular, weaving, terry and others.

The package includes fonts with carriages, knitting accessories, an additional terry carriage.

To work, you need to purchase the Knit Styler software, which controls the process. If changes occur, such as the number of stitches in a row, a beep sounds.

Advantages

• all types of knitting;

• electronic control;

• any sketches of patterns;

• high speed.

disadvantages

• software sold separately.

We hope we helped you make the right choice, and soon you will have exclusive items in your wardrobe that you cannot buy in the store, and any of your design fantasies will come true.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.