What is a knitting machine?

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If you are a fan of knitting, you might be interested to know more about knitting machines and whether they have a place in your craft room.
Who uses knitting machines?

Knitting machines have been used commercially for years to make fast-fashion and mass-produced clothes on the high street. Independent makers also use knitting machines to make cushions, scarves, clothing and blankets efficiently, using their own patterns.

You can also buy hobbyist knitting machines that make your projects quicker, easier and more fun, allowing you to make knitted products far more quickly than if you did so by hand. Machine knitting is not cheating, and it gives you far more choice.

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Knitting machines are particularly good for people with limited mobility or who struggle to use their fingers to hand-knit. They are also useful for those looking for quicker outputs. Some people want to invest in both ends of the spectrum, using knitting kits from companies such as woolcouturecompany.com for their hand knitting projects and knitting machines for bigger projects or kitchen table businesses. For the ultimate advice on how to start a crafting business visit craftcover.

What type of knitting machine should you use? Let’s look at two types:

Circular knitting machines

Hobbyist knitters tend to use circular knitting machines, which were originally designed for children but are now also available for adults. They usually have 48 needles, are lightweight, and are made from plastic. They have two settings, so you can knit panels together or knit in the round to make socks or hats.

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Flatbed knitting machines

You can also buy flatbed knitting machines. These are like mini versions of industrial machines, rectangular, and light in weight. They are usually more expensive than the circular versions and tend to be popular with knitting professionals because they can produce larger items.