Best Knitting Machines for DIY Knit Projects in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 16, 2024
Have you ever imagined that knitting up a stylish clothing would be an easy job one day? Create beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces in no time with one of these wonderful knitting machines from our review! ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Type
Capabilities
Needles
Yarn type and thickness
Size
Weight
Warranty
 
PROS

An ergonomic yarn guide and a tightener will give you full control over the knitting process. And a row counter will help you accurately follow the knitting pattern.

CONS

The suction cups could be of better quality.

OUR VERDICT

If you don't have time or patience to knit, try this Jamit knitting machine. It will help you easily create handmade scarves, pants, hats, leg warmers, and other clothing in less than an hour. Featuring a well-thought-out design, the unit comes with a set of accessories and four skeins of yarn.

detailed parameters
Type

Manual

Capabilities

- Circular knitting (Ø 24 cm)
- Flat knitting (width ~ 32 cm)
- Multicolour knitting

Needles

48

Yarn type and thickness

All kinds of yarns (recommended yarn thickness 1.5 - 4.5 mm)

Size

23 x 35 x 35 cm

Weight

1.98 kg

Warranty

100% satisfaction guarantee

PROS

For comfortable and safe handling, the unit can be secured to the table. An included weight will ensure the optimum cord tension during knitting.

CONS

The instructions could be more clear.

OUR VERDICT

The Prym Comfort Twist is a unique tool specially designed for knitting colourful cords with minimum time and effort. All you need to do is thread it and turn the handle, which can be done in both directions (provided that you do not change the direction during the same project).

detailed parameters
Type

Manual

Capabilities

- Tubes knitting
- Multicolour knitting

Needles

3

Yarn type and thickness

Wool and yarn (recommended yarn thickness 2 - 4.5 mm)

Size

20 x 14 x 7 cm

Weight

0.35 kg

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

With two operating modes, this semi-automatic machine offers 44-stitch circular and 40-stitch flat knitting. It will help you complete your project within the shortest time possible.

CONS

It may not work for some chunky yarns. 

OUR VERDICT

Knitting hats, scarves, socks, and other accessories has never been so easy. The Prym 624170 has a convenient thread guide that will ensure accurate and precise performance. A straightforward operation makes the item an excellent choice for beginners.

detailed parameters
Type

Semi-automatic

Capabilities

- Circular knitting (Ø 33 cm)
- Flat knitting (width 43 cm)
- Multicolour knitting

Needles

44 

Yarn type and thickness

All kinds of yarns 

Size

~ 25 x 30 x 30 cm

Weight

1.78 kg

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

Featuring a thoughtful user-friendly design and being made of high-quality durable and non-toxic plastic, the unit is absolutely safe in use.

CONS

It has no suction cups and may be not that stable.

OUR VERDICT

Suitable for 8+ year-old kids and adults alike, the Ablita knitting machine may become a wonderful present for young knitters and their parents. It makes creating beautiful monochrome and colourful knitted items a breeze even for beginners.

detailed parameters
Type

Manual

Capabilities

- Circular knitting (Ø ~ 30 cm)
- Flat knitting (width ~ 40 cm)
- Multicolour knitting

Needles

22 (40, 48 available)

Yarn type and thickness

All kinds of yarns (recommended yarn thickness up to 4 mm)

Size

22 x 35 x 36 cm

Weight

~ 1.5 kg

Warranty

100% satisfaction guarantee

PROS

Along with the knitting machine, you will get a whole set of accessories allowing you to start using it straight away. It even includes a crochet needle for knitting the woven pieces together.

CONS

The crank is a little bit stiff to turn.

OUR VERDICT

Allowing you to create many and more knitted items, the FYGAIN circular knitting machine is simple in use. You will be able to precisely adjust the thread tension (loose, moderate, tight, or the tightest) depending on the yarn weight to ensure even knitting.

detailed parameters
Type

Manual

Capabilities

- Circular knitting (Ø 25 cm)
- Flat knitting (width 45 cm)
- Multicolour knitting

Needles

40

Yarn type and thickness

Recommended yarn thickness 1.5 mm - 3 mm

Size

23 x 35 x 25 cm

Weight

1.45 kg

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

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Jamit 48 Needles

For Larger Projects

It may be not so easy to introduce your kids to knitting just because it takes so long for their first masterpiece to get ready. With the Jamit knitting machine, however, it might take less than an hour. For example, you can make a hat in 15 minutes or so instead of hours and hours of hand knitting. When the user, be it a child or an adult, gets more experience, they can easily handle larger projects, sewing machine-woven pieces together to create one-of-a-kind sweaters, throw blankets, and many other clothing and accessories.

For fast sewing results, this circular knitting machine features 48 needles and can be used for both flat and ring weaving. The first method allows you to make fabric up to 32 cm in width; the width can be reduced depending on your project. For circular or ring weaving, the unit's 48 needles will allow you to make cylindrical fabric approximately 24 cm in diameter, which is great for making hats, scarves, and other similar items.

What is important, this functional knitting machine is easy to put together - you will just need to use a screwdriver (included in the box).

Review of Jamit 48 Needles Knitting Machine

For Circular and Flat Knitting

Using the item is also a breeze, though younger kids may need your supervision when starting a project. First of all, you will need to align the white crochet with the yarn guide. Then, leaving about 30 cm of yarn in the middle of the machine, thread the yarn while turning the handle clockwise all the way around the circle. After this, you should thread the yarn through the guide and the tensioner, and then continue turning the handle to get the desired number of rows. By the way, this model has a row counter that will make accomplishing your project a lot easier.

As for circular and flat knitting, there is a mode switch on the unit's side to let you choose between them. You need to select the P gear for flat weaving (please note that in this mode reverse rotation is required) and the T gear for ring weaving (by rotating the handle clockwise, you will make a cylindrical fabric). In both modes, it is not recommended to turn the handle too fast to prevent losing stitches.

All in all, the Jamit 48 is an awesome choice for beginners. This circular knitting machine will help you and your children to create one-of-a-kind pieces of clothing and stylish accessories within the shortest time possible.

Jamit 48 Needles Knitting Machine in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £54.98
Stock In stock
ASIN B07Z258VJ7

 

Prym Comfort Twist

Knit Cords for Your Projects

I-cords can not only be used for embellishing your knit clothes or for making ties but also for a variety of DIY projects, from braided trivets and rugs to macrame plant hangers and bags. To have a sufficient supply of cords of various colours and lengths, try this comfy knitting mill by Prym. Designed for quick and easy cord knitting, it will allow you to make knitted hoses for all your handmade projects.

To make i-cords, you only need to turn the crank in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Just keep in mind that you will need to maintain the chosen direction until the task is finished. The knitting mill's bottom unscrews so the item is easy to attach to your craft table for safer and more comfortable use.

Overall, this model is easy to use and maintain. Threading and picking up any dropped stitches is a breeze thanks to the wide opening on the unit's top. Also, the item can be dismantled in case you need to remove and replace the hooks. By the way, all parts are made of high-quality materials, so the machine will surely serve you for long years to come.

Review of Prym Comfort Twist Knitting Mill

Compact and Convenient

In the box, you will also get a weight that you can fix on the cord to provide the desired tension for more comfortable knitting. As the cord becomes longer, you can move the accessory upwards as necessary. Moreover, when not in use, the weight can be attached to the main unit for convenient transportation. Compact in size, the knitting mill takes very little space for storage, which is an obvious benefit for those who're limited in space.

The operation is pretty intuitive, yet you will get detailed instructions on using the tool in the box. It's also quite informative and specify such important things as the yarn and wool needle size (2 - 4.5 mm). To avoid damaging the tool, you should also steer away from using thick or fibrous wool for knitting cords. No yarn is included, so you will need to buy some beforehand to use the cord maker right from the box.

Summing up, the Prym Comfort Twist is one of the best knitting machines for making cords that you can use for enhancing and decorating your clothing and accessories. Ergonomically designed and durable, it will help you make i-cords for a variety of handmade projects in no time at all.

Prym Comfort Twist Knitting Mill in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £32.49
Stock In stock
ASIN B07MJQG24J

 

Prym 624170

Premium Quality at an Affordable Price

The 624170 model is the largest semi-automatic knitting mill in Prym's lineup. Though there are some units with a few more needles on the whole market, this machine costs less and offers excellent quality for the price. Made of high-quality plastic, the item is very durable.

Offering two operating modes for both circular and flat knitting, the Prym machine is not only good for making hats and scarves. Actually, it allows you to knit flat pieces that you can hand knit together afterwards. Therefore, it can be used for making all kinds of clothing and accessories. Overall, the unit has 44 needles which will help to make 44 stitches when you use it for tube knitting and 40 stitches if you choose flat knitting. That will allow you to knit tubes with up to 33 cm diameter in the first mode and panels with up to 43 cm width in the second one.

Moving on, a comfy thread guide and a tensioning device will help you adjust thread tension depending on the yarn thickness and get an even stitch structure each time. Thanks to this feature, you can use most hand-knitting yarns, just do not forget to thread smooth and thin yarns through all of the tension guide's notches and thicker or rough yarns through fewer notches. In any case, a small knitting test will help you find out which tension works better for your project.

Review of Prym 624170 Maxi Knittingmill

Ergonomic Design

Besides the main unit, you will find a handle, three legs, a thread tensioner, and an instruction manual in the package. Putting the unit together could not be easier - simply snap the parts in place, and you're good to go. Threading the machine is also a piece of cake if you carefully follow the provided instructions. A mode switch on the item's side, in its turn, will let you easily choose the desired mode - an up position (-) is for flat knitting and a down position (0) is for circular knitting.

Dissimilar to most of its competitors, this machine has a handle that you can hold during knitting for more stability when turning the crank. The manufacturer recommends rolling your yarn into a ball before you start knitting - this will ensure easier feeding. Thanks to the comprehensive user manual, you will get this and many other useful tips along with easy-to-follow step-by-step knitting instructions. Besides, there are also helpful videos on YouTube helping you to get the hang of using this machine.

In a nutshell, the Prym Maxi Knitting mill is a functional and durable semi-automatic knitting tool that will help you produce tubular and flat knitted fabrics for small and big projects alike.

Prym 624170 Maxi Knittingmill in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £47.64
Stock In stock
ASIN B000VKFJ32

 

Ablita 22 Needles

For Kids and Adults Alike

If you are looking for a functional toy that will grab your kids' attention and inspire them for creating cute accessories and even pieces of clothing, opt for this wonderful knitting machine by Ablita. With this unit at hand, most adults will also find themselves absorbed in knitting and thinking up new projects. That is why this portable knitting machine will become a great present for anyone interested in handcrafts and even for those who are not yet so.

This model is equipped with 22 needles, which makes it a perfect choice for beginners. With that, it can easily be used for knitting gloves, socks, hats, scarves, leg warmers, and other items. The unit has a portable size and you can easily carry it around to enjoy your favourite hobby wherever you go. The manufacturer offers larger (40 and 48 pins) knitting machines as well, so it will be easy to pick the item for your needs.

Another great feature of this model is its exceptional durability. It is made from high-quality plastic that emits no smell and is safe to use. That's why the item is suitable for kids of 8 years old and up. For sure, you will have a great time together, creating lovely little things with your kids. Meanwhile, you will help your little ones develop their creativity, hand-eye coordination, concentration, and self-confidence.

Review of Ablita 22 Needles Knitting Machine

For Smaller Knitted Projects

Compact as it is, the Ablita 22-needle model has all the handy features you expect from larger knitting machines. Namely, it has a tensioner adjuster for controlling the thread tension and a switch for changing the knitting mode - you can choose between circular and flat knitting. In other words, you can make baby hats, socks, kids scarves, and other smaller pieces of clothing out of flat pieces that can be sewn or knitted together to create larger things. On the flip side of the coin, the unit has no suction cups, only rubberised feet, so you will need to hold it with your left hand while turning the crank.

On the upside, threading the machine and knitting is just as simple as with any other tool of a kind. You start with a white peg and, turning the handle, thread the yarn going forward and backwards the pegs all the way around. Then, you continue turning the crank producing one row after another.

To wrap it up, this compact circular knitting machine is a perfect choice for creating smaller knitted items. It can also become a great toy that will help your kids create unique accessories, clothing, and DIY toys.

Ablita 22 Needles Knitting Machine in the use
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B08MFB3BN6

 

FYGAIN 40 Needles

All Included

If you are looking for a knitting machine that you can start using right out-of-the-box, try this 40-needle model by FYGAIN. The unit comes with a whole set of accessories including three bundles of yarn of random colours that you can use for your first projects. And if you are an avid knitter and already have a large stock of yarn, note that the recommended yarn thickness is 1.5 - 3 mm. The machine has a handy thread tightness adjuster that will help you achieve the right thread tension (loose, moderate, tight, or the tightest) depending on the yarn weight.

Just like most of its competitors, this manual knitting machine can only be used for knitting tubular or flat pieces of fabric that you need to combine for larger projects. Luckily, this set comes with a couple of hand needles and a crochet needle for stitching and knitting the woven pieces together. This way, you can create unique sweaters, hats, scarves, skirts, bags, cushion cases, and more. Besides, the crochet needle can also be used for picking dropped stitches. A win-win choice on all levels.

Review of FYGAIN 40 Needles Knitting Machine

Easy to Assemble and Use

Assembling the unit is pretty simple. You need to attach the legs to the main unit and secure them with the provided screws (a screwdriver comes with the purchase). Then, you should attach the included suction cups to the unit's feet, and a thread tensioner right behind the yarn guide. Though this 40-needle knitting machine has no row counter which may be somewhat inconvenient, it has all the basic parts and even some additional accessories.

Moving on, we would like to emphasise that high-quality materials and sturdy construction will ensure a long service life of the machine. However, it is important to follow the provided instructions and handle the machine carefully. Using the switch on the housing, you can pick the desired knitting mode - a circular or a flat one. As usual, you will need to turn the crank clockwise in the first mode and clockwise-counterclockwise in the second one. Some users admit that the crank is a little bit stiff to turn, yet if you select the right yarn and turn the handle slowly and steadily, you will be able to get even rows without any dropped stitches.

To wrap it up, this comprehensive knitting set includes everything you need to try machine knitting and create your first DIY projects. For sure, it'll help you sew new clothes times faster than with hand knitting.

FYGAIN 40 Needles Knitting Machine in the use
Last updated price £49.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B08KW46TVL

 

What Is a Knitting Machine?

Knitting craft has been known from ancient times and it is still very popular nowadays. Yet, today creating exclusive handmade garments takes significantly less time and effort if you have a good knitting machine at hand, an ergonomic device designed for knitting beautiful clothing and accessories. This wonderful invention allows you to produce garments of any colour, size, and style such as sweaters, scarves, mittens, hats, and socks much faster than you'd do knitting in a conventional way. For the true enthusiast, we have picked the five best knitting machines on the market to help you choose the device that suits your needs the most.

If you love the idea of making one-of-a-kind pieces of clothing, you are welcome to read our sewing machines review as well. Some other device for creating beautiful garments can be found in our other review on the embroidery machines.

What Features to Compare

Type

The first thing you should consider while choosing a knitting machine is its type and capabilities. The more functions your device will have, the easier it will be to create knitted clothing. There are several classifications of knitting machines. They can be manual, punch card (help to create the desired drawing), and electronic. Manual knitting machines are most commonly used for creating garments and accessories at home; they can be used by aspiring knitters and children. Though less efficient than professional devices of a kind, they will speed up the knitting process dramatically. However, if you have in mind knitting something bigger than hats and scarves, you may need to knit several woven pieces together.

High-capacity machines allow knitting garments in minimum time. Electronic knitting machines have special software to adjust knitting and garment shapes. There are also different types according to a knitting machine's gauge. If you are going to make a chunky scarf, consider buying a chunky machine (needles are 8-9 mm apart from each other). The most versatile and highly recommended for hand knitters is a mid-gauge (6-7 mm) knitting machine. A standard-gauge (4.5-5 mm) device is perfect for knitting commercial-grade fibres. Fine gauge knitting machines (3.6 mm between thin needles) allow creating clothing of finest yarns.

Needles Number

The next thing to keep in mind is your chosen machine's needles number. Some sophisticated knitting machines have hundreds of needles with an adjustable distance between them for knitting clothes of various design, size, and density. Circular knitting machines or knitting mills usually have 2-4 dozens of needles as they are mostly used for making hats, scarves, leg warmers, and socks. Most models allow both circular and flat knitting. Some knitting mills only use 3 needles and they are used for making i-cords.

Size and Weight

Also, consider the model's dimensions. Portable knitting machines are used at home to create unique clothing for you and your family. Most manual units are easy to carry around. Large professional knitting machines are usually purchased for commercial use.

Extras

Do not forget about the included accessories and other extras provided by the manufacturer. Most models are equipped with a row counter that will help you accurately follow the knitting pattern. Along with the instruction, some knitting machines come with replacement pins. Sometimes there are other items included, such as a tapestry needle, a weight clip, a practice ball of yarn, and product patterns.

Sources:

1. Tips on Buying a Second-Hand Knitting Machine, eBay.

2. The history of knitting in America, LoveKnitting. July 1, 2016.

3. How to Choose Knitting Yarn, wikiHow.

4. History of knitting, Wikipedia. July 2, 2016.

5. Knitting, Britannica.

6. 25 Creative Projects Using I-Cord, FeltMagnet. August 2, 2016.

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Publish Date: 2017-11-02 15:07:18