Knitting machines allow you to create knitted items such as clothes, blankets and toys much more quickly than is possible when knitting by hand. They are ideally suited to people who knit and sell their products for a living, to those who love the craft but are short of time and to those who suffer from arthritis or mobility issues and find it hard to hold knitting needles.
Types of knitting machines available
There are various different types of knitting machines on the market and it is important to choose the one that is best suited to your intended purpose. Typically, the main two types are circular (weft) and flatbed (warp). As suggested by their names, circular knitting machines produce seamless tubes of knitted fabric, while flatbed machines create long swathes.
Circular knitting machines are usually used to make clothes, such as hats, jumpers and tops, while flatbed machines are used to make square or rectangular products such as blankets and scarves.
Are knitting machines suitable for all levels?
Knitting machines can be used by anybody who wishes to knit, whether they are a total beginner or an experienced professional. They can even be used to make items from knitting kits such as scarves, jumpers and blankets.
However, when adapting projects from knitting kits, make a swatch first to check the tension and whether any modifications to stitch numbers or row lengths are necessary to accommodate the setup of the machine as opposed to the gauge of the knitting needles provided in the kit. Specialist suppliers of knitting kits, such as https://www.woolcouturecompany.com/collections/knitting-kits, are always happy to advise their customers as to which kits are compatible with knitting machines and which should be completed by hand for the best results.
In short, it is important to select a knitting machine that will perform the job you wish it to do, that is on budget and of good enough quality to maintain your interest in the craft. Cheap machines can be hard to use, so if you can, try before you buy.