The Best Knitting Machines for 2026: Hands-On Tests and Expert Reviews
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Daniela Kretchmer
- Updated: May 1, 2026
- Craft Supplies, Knitting, Yarn
Use this guide to find the right knitting machine for you. Learn about all the different types of knitting machines from electric to hand crank to machines to make sweaters and hats.
Table of Contents
Note: Some links in this post may contain affiliate links, which means at no cost to you, I may earn a commission.
The Sentro Secret: What You Need to Know Before Buying
If you have spent any time searching for knitting machines online, you’ve likely seen the name “Sentro” everywhere. But here’s the truth that most reviewers don’t tell you: these machines are often white-labeled products. In my own studio, I have a machine that was marketed as a “Sentro,” but the branding on the plastic actually says “Santro.” It isn’t uncommon for multiple sellers to claim they’re the “original” or “official” brand, which can be incredibly confusing for a buyer.
Just like with the button makers or hydroponic systems I’ve reviewed, these machines are manufactured in bulk and sold under various names. Because of this, it doesn’t really matter which specific brand name is on the box. My advice is to find the cheapest option that offers the size you want and includes the most accessories. It’s all about getting the best value for your money rather than paying extra for a specific logo that might not even be authentic.
Quick Comparison: My Top 3 Knitting Machine Picks
If you’re in a hurry and want to skip the deep dives, here are the top three knitting machines I recommend based on my testing in my Nashville studio.
| Category | My Top Pick | Why I Love It |
|---|---|---|
|
Overall Best Value |
It’s the most affordable way to start making hats and scarves. Since these are white-labeled, you should just look for the cheapest version that comes with a row counter and good accessory kit. |
|
|
Best Quality Circular Machine |
It’s incredibly durable and the metal parts make it feel high-end. It’s the most reliable circular knitting machine. If you have the budget and want a smooth, reliable experience with fewer dropped stitches, this is the one to get. |
|
|
Best for Professional Results |
This is the real professional option if you want to make shaped garments like sweaters and cardigans. It takes more practice than a circular machine, but it offers far more control over your finished pieces. |
What Exactly is a Knitting Machine?
In short, as the name implies, a knitting machine is a tool that automates the knitting process. Instead of using traditional knitting needles to work by hand, you use either an electric motor or a hand-crank machine to do the heavy lifting for you. It’s essentially like having a fast-forward button for your yarn, allowing you to finish a project in a fraction of the time it would take with needles.
There are various types of knitting machines that serve different purposes. The most common one is the circular knitting machine, which is very easy to manage and perfect for making tubes for things like beanies and socks. On the other hand, flat knitting machines are great for creating flat items such as scarves or blankets, and they can produce very intricate designs. Whether you’re into quick circular projects or you prefer the detail of flat knitting, there is a machine out there for you.
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What Can You Make with a Knitting Machine?
If you can knit it, you can make it with a knitting machine. You can make little items or large ones, as the only thing you are limited by is the size or type of machine. For example, when I got mine (this one), I knew I wanted to make adult-sized beanies. This meant I wanted to get the larger 48 needle machine. Because the number of needles is fixed, it just isn’t possible to make socks or a kid’s hat on my 48 needle machine.
When it comes to knitting machine projects, the possibilities are endless! You can create hats, scarves, shawls, socks, headbands, purses, cowls, stuffed animals, cords, and even large items like sweaters. Basically, anything that’s either flat or a tube can be made if you have the right size machine.
Circular Knitting Machines vs Flat Knitting Machines
The choice between circular and flat bed machines usually comes down to whether you want a seamless tube or the freedom to adjust your stitch count. The main difference is that circular knitting machines can knit in a circle (and a flat panel), but most flat machines cannot knit in a circle. That isn’t to say you cannot make circular items with a flat machine, because you absolutely can! You will just need to sew a seam, and it’s possible that the seam may show. Alternatively, you would need to get a flat machine that can use an attachment called a “ribber” to knit a tube.
One of the biggest advantages of a flat bed machine is the versatility. You get to choose the exact number of needles to use, which allows you to make items of different sizes easily. With a circular machine, however, you are limited by the fixed number of needles on the cylinder when knitting a tube. If you want a hat that is smaller than the machine diameter, it simply won’t work without switching to a different machine entirely.
Knitting a Beanie on a Circular Knitting Machine vs a Flat Knitting Machine
These videos are great examples of how to use each type of machine in a real studio setting. The first two show how to make a hat and a headband, respectively. Each video shows a different way to start a circular project. Then the third video also shows how to knit a hat, making it easy to compare their functionality and choose the one that suits you best. So, go ahead and check them out!
Using a Circular Knitting Machine to Knit a Beanie
Using a Circular Knitting Machine to Knit a Headband
Using a Flat Panel Knitting Machine to Knit a Beanie
How to Choose a Knitting Machine
There are several factors to consider when shopping for a knitting machine. Answering each of these will help you decide on the right one for you.
1. What do you want to make with a knitting machine?
Chances are you’re looking for a knitting machine because you have a project in mind. For myself, the answer was beanies and I also wanted to be knit blanks to be able to dye yarn.
Perhaps you also want to knit hats or maybe you want to make sweaters? Maybe socks are your thing? Thinking about what you think you’ll make most often can help you narrow down the options. It’s also completely fine if you’re not sure what you want to make, but you’re looking for a knitting machine that can “do it all.”
2. Do you want to make big or small items?
Similarly to thinking about what you want to make, consider how big your projects will be. You may know you want to make beanies, but are these going to be for adults or for kids? Do you want to make large blankets or will making a scarf be big enough? This is where the fixed needle count of circular machines becomes very important, as you cannot just adjust the circumference of your project to fit a different size later.
3. Do you want to knit intricate patterns and designs?
Deciding whether to get a flat machine or a circular machine is crucial, as it determines how easy it will be to make intricate patterns. If your goal is to make detailed designs, a flat machine is the way to go. While you can still achieve the same results with a circular machine, it requires more effort, similar to hand knitting. So, if you’re looking for efficiency and precision, a flat machine is your best bet.
4. Do you want an electric knitting machine or a hand crank knitting machine?
In some cases you may be able to choose between an electric or hand crank knitting machine. If you have a strong preference for one or the other, you should keep that in mind. There’s also a good chance your answers to the other questions may decide this one for you.
5. Lastly, how much are you willing to spend?
Of course budget is something to consider when deciding which to choose, as there is a very wide range of prices. The more expensive machines are going to be made of metal and more durable material, but they are also going to be hundreds of dollars, if not over a thousand. The cheaper machines that are under $50 are pretty much 100% plastic and are more prone to breaking. This includes many of the white-labeled brands like the Sentro or Santro models. I’m speaking from experience on this one, but it’s nothing a little super glue couldn’t fix!
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Circular Knitting Machines
Circular knitting machines offer the flexibility to knit either a flat item or a tube. Knitting a tube is a favorite technique in my Nashville studio because it eliminates the need for a seam and the hassle of sewing pieces together.
However, you should keep in mind that the number of needles on the machine strictly limits your project size. Because the needle count is fixed, the diameter of the tube cannot be changed. If you need larger items, you can still knit flat panels and sew them together, but if you are aiming for a seamless finish, the number of needles determines exactly how big of a tube you can make.
I have ordered the machines below from the largest needle count to the smallest to help you find the right fit for your specific project.
Large Knitting Machines
Medium Knitting Machines
Small Knitting Machines
Best Overall Value: Sentro Knitting Machine - 48 Needle
This is the largest of the Sentro machines and the one I have and use most often in my Nashville studio. As I mentioned earlier, many of these are white-labeled products. While mine was marketed as a “Sentro,” the branding on the plastic actually says “Santro.” Regardless of the specific label, this machine has a total of 48 needles, which is the largest capacity available for plastic circular machines. Since I personally own this machine, you can check out my guide on how to use it to make a reversible beanie. It is a standard hand-crank machine that includes a row counter to help you track your progress.
GREAT FOR MAKING
Large adult hats and beanies, wide scarves, purses and bags, headbands, stuffed animals, and pillows.
PROS
- Large – This is the largest of the plastic machines so you can knit large adult beanies or wider flat items.
- Counter – It comes with a row counter, which makes it very easy to keep track of the number of rows you’ve knit.
- Extras – It will also often come with extras, including some starting yarn for practice and knitting and crochet needles.
- Lightweight – It’s a very light machine so you can easily move it.
- Flat or Tube Knitting – There’s a setting on the machine so you can change to knit a tube or a flat panel.
CONS
- Not as Durable – Just as with the other plastic machines, it’s simply not as durable as the metal machines. It can also easily slide around because it’s so light.
Best Quality Circular Machine: Addi Express King Size Knitting Machine
The Addi Express King Size is the largest of the Addi knitting machines. I have spent time using this model at my local makerspace here in Nashville, and the difference in build quality compared to plastic clones is immediately clear. This machine is a premium hand-crank option that features 46 needles and a digital row counter. While it has two fewer needles than the Sentro 48, it is the machine I recommend for those who want a smoother, more reliable tool that can withstand heavy use.
GREAT FOR MAKING
Large adult hats and beanies, wide scarves, purses and bags, headbands, stuffed animals, and pillows.
PROS
- Large – This is the second largest of the plastic machines so you can knit large adult beanies or wider flat items.
- Counter – It comes with a row counter, which makes it very easy to keep track of the number of rows you’ve knit.
- Table Clamp – It comes with a table clamp so you don’t have to hold the machine down while you work.
- Flat or Tube Knitting – There’s a setting on the machine so you can change to knit a tube or a flat panel.
CONS
- Not as Durable – Just as with the other plastic machines, it’s simply not as durable as the metal machines.
- Price – In general, Addi knitting machines are more expensive than other plastic hand crank circular knitting machines.
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Expert Tip: Should You Go Electric?
If you want the speed of an electric machine without the high price tag or the search for a sold-out model, you can actually upgrade your manual Sentro or Addi. In my Nashville studio, I have found that adding a motor or a drill attachment is often a better investment than searching for a standalone electric machine. It gives you the best of both worlds because you can use the hand crank for delicate cast-ons and then switch to power for the long, repetitive middle sections of a project.
You can find custom-made motors that bolt onto the side of your machine, or you can use a simple drill adapter. If you choose a drill adapter, just be very careful not to go too fast. It’s very easy to drop stitches or stress the plastic gears if you aren’t paying close attention to the yarn tension.
