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I got my first circular knitting machine probably in 2021, and it was a game-changer! Now I want to share with you some of my favorite things to have on-hand when I am creating items or writing patterns with my CKM!
I have been crocheting for years, but when I got my first circular knitting machine all I did was crank out item after item! It's fun, quick, easy, and opens up so many possibilities! I enjoy creating items to give away, but with a busy life it's been difficult to do. The CKM is a faster way to make simple items to donate or gift, and that has been a real blessing!
I've been doing this for several years now (even though it only feels like one), so I have items that I prefer using when I sit down to make something. From hats, to stuffed animals, I need these things!
Below, I'll list things I love from the machines I use to the needles with which I sew. Even my yarn preference, because as much as these machines make crafter life easier, they can also be pretty finicky. So worth it, though!
Without further rambling, here is my list of Circular Knitting Machine Must-Haves!
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First up, my machines.
The first one I ever bought was a Sentroesque 48-pin machine. Since then, I have exchanged and expanded. My favorite things to make are stuffed animals, and you'll see below that I think all of these machines are great for making those! I have learned a lot by watching others on YouTube and Facebook create items on their machines. Tutorials are absolutely your best friend when it comes to new hobbies!
They can get pretty expensive, but Amazon is always running sales on them. So keep an eye on it and grab them when they're on sale! I will list every machine I currently use right here:
This is the largest Addi brand machine, and I love it. It's all plastic just as all these machines are, but if you take care of it then it will last a long time! This machine is great for hats, scarves, the big parts of stuffed animals, blankets, etc.
The 22-pin Addi machine is great for premature baby hats, scarves, small stuffed animals and the arms and legs of the larger stuffed animals, bows, blankets, etc. I probably use this one the most of all my machines.
This 32-pin machine is awesome! I love making headbands/earwarmers with it and stuffed animals. It's also great for scarves/drop-stitch scarves!
The 40-pin machine is great for kid's hats and baby hats, scarves, stuffed animals, etc!
I held off on this one for a while, but when I started making lanyards I decided to get one. After research and looking at opinions, I went with the Prym and I do not regret it! It works great as long as you have the right kind of yarn, which I will list below. A weight 3 yarn is best. I like using this machine when I make my Fiddle animals, and it's great for creating icord-covered wire names!
Next, tools for your machines
Things I've learned help my cranking go smoothly.
The 32-pin and 40-pin don't come with a row-counter. (the icord machine, either, but this one won't work for it). I have found this counter to be easy to install, and easy to work. This is the one I use. I have seen others recommend different ones, but I can't personally speak on those. They work about the same. I like that I can use double-sided tape with this one and not have to worry if/when I need to take it off for whatever reason.
When you have a knitting machine, no matter what brand or kind, the fibers from the yarn will inevitably get everywhere, including inside the machine. I love this air duster, because it's rechargeable and has a long thin attachment perfect for getting into the crevices of my machines!
Finally, accessories!
You have to have good tools if you want to get any work done at all.
I have used many, many scissors over the years. Ilike the ones with springs, hate the ones that need covers or pouches to stay closed. I feel like they need to be accessible and ready to go! These have got to be my favorites. They have held up so well over the years. They're a little pricey, but absolutely worth it!
For my needles, I like to have two different kinds on hand. The typical tapestry needles, and some embroidery needles. The bent tapestry needles are perfect for casting the yarn off of the machine and sewing pieces together. I love to sew the faces onto my little stuffies, and the embroidery needles make it so much easier to do!
Up until I bought new markers, I used bobby pins. I had a few issues with those, like they were too long or they would come out of the stitch easily. I've used plastic stitch markers, but never really fell in love with them. I still have a few and might grab one to use occasionally, but I much prefer these metal ones! They slide through the yarn easier, are thinner, they're smaller. There are lots in a pack so things can be color-coded if you need that.
The crochet hook I use most to close my machine-knit tubes is the 4mm. And I love me some ergonomic hooks!
I originally bought these for my son and I after we had been homeschooling for a while, but they quickly became my favorite pencils. I have to have one in my crochet bag, because who knows when you're gonna need to write down pattern steps, or row counts, etc. This pack has been one of the best purchases I've made creator-wise and homeschool-wise.
For the same reason that you should have a pencil by your side, you need a notebook. One that's JUST for crochet. I love the small, spiralbound, lined notebooks. They're simple to carry, easy to store, cute. So useful!
Those are a few of the things that I cannot do without. When I sit down to work, I make absolutely certain that I have all of these things within reach, because I just know I'm going to need them all before I'm finished with whatever project I'm working on.
I hope this list helps you out! Whether you're just a beginner or have done this for 50 years, it's always good to hear what items work for some, because they may work for you, too!
God bless and thank y'all so much for the support!!
Below are some Circular Knitting Machine patterns I have for sale!
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