Which knitting machine is the best

Knitting machines come in various types, each designed for specific kinds of knitting projects and yarn weights. The main types include plastic bed, metal bed, fine gauge, 4-ply and chunky gauge models. Yes, we have our favourites, but the best one is the one that is most suited to its user. We can try to explain more about each type and offer advice we have gained for many years of using these speedy knitters.

Plastic Bed Knitting Machines

Material: Made primarily from plastic.
Needle pitch: Usually on plastic bed models, needle gauge is between 6.5mm to 9mm between needles.
Yarn Weight: Best suited for mid-weight to bulky yarns.
Durability: Less durable compared to metal bed machines; more prone to wear and tear.
Cost: Generally more affordable, making them a good choice for beginners.
Complexity: Often simpler in design and operation, suitable for basic knitting tasks.
Weight: Lightweight for lifting to and from a table or bench.

Most suited for:
Ideal for hobbyists and beginners who are experimenting with knitting.
Suitable for creating garments and accessories with thicker yarns.
Quite similar to hand knitting, there is lots of manual patterning needed.

Metal Bed Knitting Machines

Material: Constructed with metal components, making them robust and durable.
Yarn Weight: Versatile, can handle a wide range of yarn weights from fine to bulky chunky yarns.
Durability: Highly durable and long-lasting.
Cost: More expensive than plastic bed machines due to including more automatic patterning functions and their sturdy construction that will last many years.
Complexity: Can be more complex, offering advanced features for punch card knitting patterns, or even design software is available with electronic versions.
Weight: These metal bed machine are manageable by one person, but they weigh in at about 12 Kg, hence pretty heavy.

Most suited for:
Suitable for bigginers, serious knitters and professionals.
Ideal for a variety of projects, including detailed patterns and different yarn weights.
Adventurous users, because they are more automatic in relation to adding patterning to knitted garments.

Expand you knowledge and compare differences bewteen many of the older, no longer produced models.

Optional Gauge Types:

Fine Gauge Knitting Machines

Fine gauge refers to the distance between needles, with fine gauge machines having closely spaced needles usually at 3.6 mm apart. They are only available as metal bed models.

With needle so close together makes them best suited for fine yarns and creating lightweight, delicate fabrics, using industrial yarns and 3-ply. They produce fine, detailed, and smooth stitches and are ideal for creating high-quality, fine-gauge garments like lace, socks, and delicate sweaters.

Standard Gauge knitting Machines

Like the fine gauge models, these standard gauge models are all based on a metal bed. The needle spacing is 4.5 mm, hence thicker yarns can be used, as well as 3-ply, 4-ply or lightweight double knit can be used on these 4.5 mm gauge machines. Create designer one piece figure-hugging dresses, ribbed knitwear, cardigans, jumpers, jackets, knitted pants, baby blankets and much more.

Patterning options can be a punch card system offering a 24 stitch repeat motifs or pattern duplication. Punch card knitting machine are the most popular choice and are very reliable and versatile. Plenty of additional accessories can be attached to enhance their capabilities. For example, a second needle bed called a Ribber, or lace carriage to product proper lace knitted garments.

Computerised models like the SK840 are also standard gauge but have computerised patterning. Like one of these bad boys to your PC and using the software you can knit anything! Very professional custom garments can be manufactured.

Chunky Knitting Machines

Chunky machines have widely spaced needles which are in the range of 6.0 mm up to 9.0 mm. Remember the wider the needle pitch the thicker yarns you can use it with. They are designed for heavy, bulky fancy yarns. These chunky models are mostly have a plastic bed. However recently Silver Reed introduced a 9.0 mm gauge chunky metal bed model (SK155) with a 12-stitch pattern repeat punch card system. It produces large, bold stitches that are ideal for chunky texture yarns. 

One can manufacture garments faster with bulky yarns as fewer stitches are needed. Perfect for creating chunky sweaters, blankets, and other items that benefit from a thick, warm texture.

To sum up our thoughts on which is the best knitting machine

• Choosing the right knitting machine depends on the type of projects you plan to undertake and the yarns you prefer to use. Each type offers unique advantages tailored to different knitting needs.
• Plastic bed models are keenly affordable, less durable, offer mid-weight to bulky yarns, and are very beginner friendly. They dont offer much scope for advancement in patterning as your skills grow. A great tool for learning with.
• Metal beds knitters are durable, highly-versatile, well made and will last many years. Perfect for fine to bulky yarns, suitable for beginner to advanced users, or even professionals.
• Fine Gauge: Close needle spacing, fine yarns, ideal for manufacturing detailed and delicate garments of knitting fabrics.
• Standard Gauge: Most popular and offers the most options for different yarn types. Pattern options from the most complex designs with the help of software. Simple punch card pattern with lace options. 
• Chunky: Wide needle spacing, bulky yarns, bold and thick stitches for quick and warm projects. Ready to create some one-of-a-kind chunky knits using most of the crazy chunky yarn that is available today.