Add Speed and Spice to Your Knitting with a Knitting Machine

Choosing a knitting machine

There are many knitting machines for sale on the market so it pays to do your homework before you venture out to make your purchase. Machines are like knitting needles, they come in different sizes. There are four different types of machines based on gauge. The distance between the needles defines the gauge -- the greater distance between the needles -- the thicker the yarn it handles.

Fine Gauge Machines

This machine handles the very thinnest yarns. With this machine, knit very fine, lightweight fabrics.

Standard Gauge Machines

Interested in knitting great quantities of items? Then this is the machine for you. This machine is a workhorse and handles any commercial grade fibers.

Medium Gauge Machines

Medium gauge machines are the best choice for hand knitters. These machines handle all types of yarn including: sport weight, worsted, DK, ribbons, novelty, mohair, and nubby yarns.

Bulky Machines

These machines are used to knit with the bulkiest of yarns. Unless you specialize in knitting projects with a bulky yarn or have a knitting charity that you donate to on a regular basis that requests bulky items, this is probably not a good choice for the average knitter.

Knitting machines come in all price categories. To be affordable for most home knitters, search for used knitting machines, and start with a good-quality plastic model in a medium gauge size. This is a machine that fits most knitters' needs and you can produce most any item you need to for gifts or charity items.

Knitting machines can be fun! They help speed up your knitting, help you out with tricky knitting techniques, and let you try new things. If you're looking to add a little spice and speed to your knitting, give a knitting machine a try.