I have had one for about 18 months. I love it! I’ve cranked out a load of hats for charity (homeless, preemies, Turkey earthquake victims etc). Would have done so much by hand. When knitting with DK weight, you get a closer knit fabric by putting the yarn through smallest then middle tension holes. It also depends on the yarn. Making a swatch is essential. I’ve made a flat panel cardigan. Weights and water help to avoid tucked and dropped stitches. Spray the yarn skein or cake with water before it goes into the machine. This reduces static which is the main cause of dropped & tucked stitches.
I was thinking of doing the same! The people at work are working with a local shelter and I want to crochet some scarves but I was like if I could mass produce hats to use up some of my excess yarn but also give something nice for the homeless
I bought a sentro for my 88 yr old grandmother. She was frustrated at not being able to craft anymore. I have to do the first row and get it set up, but she can crank out a hat or scarf, and then I take it off. We call it occupational therapy.
When finishing a beanie hat, hand knitted, flat bed knitted or circular, run the thread/yarn end through the open stitches using alternate stitches on the first pass, then circle around picking up the missed stitches and pull to close. The top of the hat will have less bulk and a neater finish using this method. This also applies to fingers on knitted gloves Taught by a Japanese tutor from Brother many moons ago.
I like to move my end to waste yaarn, bind off in k1, p1, sew in the end and then I pulls a strand through those bound off stitches and the finish is beautiful and sturdy
That’s exactly why I bought one. I bought it to see if I had any interest that I bought at LK 150 and that was the start of my addiction. I know have about 10 knitting machines from fine thread to bulky.
It seems like you were unhappy with it before you even opened the box. People have lots of positive reviews but I don’t think it’s meant for a hand knitter. It’s great for donation hats and it’s good for kids.
I have this machine and love it. It’s a fun activity to do with my daughter and she feels soo accomplished when she finishes a project. She wants to make all her friends matching hats now.
I know I’m blessed that I do not depend on selling knitted items to pay my bills. For decades I have wanted a “metal flatbed” knitting machine, but have never been able to afford one. Sooo … I crocheted & sewed & quilted more than I knitted. About 10 yrs ago I bought a Embellish Knitting Machine for doing I-cords & I loved it! Then I bought a Bond Ultimate Sweater Machine, and used it so much that I bought a second one and 2 extension kits. Putting them together into one knitter allowed me to knit anything from tiny preemie caps and booties to single panels wide enough for a double bed. (I couldn’t have done that with a home metal flatbed knitting machine! ) Last Christmas I got a Sentro 48-needle “toy”. But I love it, too! It takes up very little space, it’s lightweight and quickly makes tubular knitted items for family and friends and charities. Of course I do miss not having all the bells and whistles of the fancy metal electronic knitters, but for now I’ll just continue to do cables & lace stitches & slip-knitting & purling & intarsia by converting and manipulating the stitches! 👍🏻
I debated between getting a Sentro vs a flatbed when first getting into machine knitting. I ended up getting an LK150 and I'm so glad I did. While the learning curve is less forgiving with a flatbed, the versatility more than makes up for it. I also think the rate of dropped stitches I get on my LK150 is much lower than on the Sentro (based on the videos I've seen), which makes the whole process of machine knitting more enjoyable. No one likes dropped stitches! I like that you clarified the Sentro is definitely not the same as a CSM. And yes, I think the low cost barrier of entry and just general lack of awareness that flatbed machines exist are why the Sentro is so popular. The Sentro also looks less intimidating to a newbie compared to a flatbed, even though I'd say a flatbed is more user-friendly once you read the manual!
Really useful, thanks! I have just ordered one, specifically to knit stump socks for Ukranian amputees after seeing an appeal on social media. I have a feeling after watching your video that I'll be using a lot of waste yarn so I can hand rib (for the tops) and decrease (for the stump end) to make them half decent. I'm so glad I found your video, pretty sure it has saved me a lot of grief and disappointment. Best wishes from Wales, UK.
I started with a sentro and I use it for beanies when I get asked by friends. I purchased a flatbed machine this year and have produced more wearables than I had on the circular machine
I have three different sizes of this machine - and I LOVE them. I have always wanted a knitting machine but the "real" ones are not in my financial or space budget. I do understand your confusion about the knock-off appearance of the box. I was completely flummoxed when I got one. I have made SOOO many hats and fingerless gloves for friends/family and also charity. There are loads of other things I want to try, but these have been my focus.
I've also never bothered to put the legs on any of my machines. I used to just hold them down while knitting (my space constraints make things awkward), but I now clamp them to a work bench - which also provides a space for the knitting to go through when making longer items.
@@JanetJayeCrochet Sadly, no ... but if you solve the problem, please let me know! I have the same problem. One thought we'd had before my condition worsened and it became impossible was to use something like a bath board across the arms of my chair and put a hole in it for the knitting to go down. Clamps could still work in that situation.
@@susiejames4289 - I've used my 22. It's fine for many people, but on my larger arms, it's a bit of a stretch. I'm seriously considering a 32 needle machine, if I can find one at a sane price, and if I can solve some technical issues around knitting with my disability.
They knit, and they're a machine, but (imo) these aren't in the same category as a flatbed knitting machine at all, and shouldn't be compared any more than machine knitting & traditional/needle knitting should be. What it IS, is a hand-cranked, circular knitting loom! I love loom knitting. I often can't hold knitting needles, and my hands get easily fatigued, so looms have been an easy (& very inexpensive) way to still be able to knit -- while also being a great dexterity exercise! I prefer manual looms over these automated ones for a few reasons, but they absolutely have their place & are a better option for many. Likewise, I'm planning on getting a flatbed machine in the future (thanks to you!), but not as an upgrade from or replacement for my manual looms! The results they produce are so different, that it's just a completely different method/craft (at least to me).
I have 4 circular knitting machines, 3 Addi's and the Sentro. They've been put to very good use making hats and tube socks for charity. (They get handed out at soup kitchens, never sold at charity shops) I prefer using the Addi but the Sentro, having more needles, makes slightly larger hats for men. On the Addi I've made a few cardigans for myself that are reasonably fast to make. Using a 4 weight yarn makes for tighter stitches, therefore a warmer garment. One just has to go a little slower so as not to overwork the machine. :) I'm wearing one of these cardigans atm. :) I recently experimented with short rows on the smaller Addi and was happy with the resulting bed socks. But it only made me yearn for a proper sock machine. Did you know there are kits for 3D printing your own sock machine!!!
If you're on a budget get the Sentro, if cash is no issue, get the Addi. Or consider buying the Sentro first, and if you find you're enjoying the experience, buy the Addi later.
hi friend, please tell me about these kits for 3D printing a sock machine! i have never knit on any knitting machine, but i’d be interested to learn to use a sock machine and it would be very rad to make my own!
I had seen these and wondered if I wanted one. Turns out I don't. I think I will save up for a sock knitting machine instead! Hats are easy enough to hand knit.
I love my Sentro for hats. I have so many other projects that I would rather be working on than making hat after hat for my family and friends by hand. There isn’t a huge difference in quality and especially for the little ones who go through hats so quickly, I am able to replace their hats easily whenever their favorite color changes.
had mine a year or so. I make hats, clothes purses, you name it . Flatbeds are nice but hella pricey. My main hobby is fiber spinning and crochet. This works great for my needs and I don't use any attachments.
I can’t describe it properly but I like your kinda more grumpy but still clear attitude so much. I started following you and are curious about the videos you will offer in the future. Stay the way you are. It’s very unique.
My dad had one in the 80’s about 1/2 that size. He made socks, mits, leg warmers and toques. He could whip up a pair of socks in an hour. It was all metal and had different weights to help with a tighter knit or looser. And that’s all I can remember.
Hey girl. My Sentro Knitting Machine lasted 8 months. Like you said, it's made of plastic. I wore it out after making roughly 40 beanie hats. I donated 32 of them. It's simply cheaper to go to a store and purchase a beanie than buy yarn and make one, that's why I chose to donate rather than sell. I bought another but will do far less beanies and I'm going to explore new projects to work on with it.❤
I had a smaller version of that in the 70’s it was a lot of fun. I found your video due to searching how to knit. My daughter-in-law knits, she does a great job. They live in Nashville I live in Central Texas. So a little far for her to teach me. Blessings and Peace ✝️❤️
Thanks for video! I first bought knitting needles as a newbie and was working on a scarf and it was taking forever. Then I bought a Ultimate Knitting Machine and made a scarf in a few hours but for frustrated with the carriage jams and dropped stitches.Then I bought a vintage Brother machine directly from Japan and it’s wonderful! I still have a lot to learn. Thank you since was thinking of getting a Sentro but now I won’t after seeing your demo and I’ve spent enough. ☺️
This machine reminds me of the pink child’s sewing machine I brought for my daughter a few years ago. She would have enjoyed this to I think. I know some people love these machines and anything that helps with your creativity is good but to me it would be a novelty that lasted a few beanies before it landed in the stash dungeon to collect dust.
I was thinking how I loved your sweater through the whole video, and then when you said you made it, i was so impressed! Its a very nice sweater, very pretty ivory white. Love it.
3 years of Mandarin?! Props! I've had a Sentro for a couple of years. With it I've made some fun projects - mostly scarves. It can be finicky and quirky but overall I'm glad I have it.
You would have been able to not have any dropped stitches if you had watched a TH-cam video. There is so much more made than hats on this. You should have looked on TH-cam more. I think using this machine may help people get interested in the flatbed machines. It’s been helpful for those getting arthritis like me. I love the cranking. The noise the machine makes is very soothing to me. The 32 peg makes great newborn hats for hospitals with sport weight yarn and loose tension. 75 rows.
My grandma makes hats and gives them to the hospital too. She doesn't even have to drive down there- her son (my dad) works there so he just takes them for her! 😂
I know this is old but I didn't see any comments about this or any follow attempts at this. Also note this is from an Addi owner. 1. when doing a folded brim you pick up every stitch. not every other stitch. that is what caused the holes in the beginning. 2. when casting off you can do multiple stitches (moreso after you get a few stitches off). You crank and then I find it easier to get the stitches on the needle how you tried at first but from the inside of the machine pointing out. They drop off the same way but onto the needle. Flat panels are also possible but require more seaming to create things like cardigans, the pillow on the box etc. That being said I CANNOT wait to save enough for my lk150 and have been binging your other videos.
I had the much more expensive Addi one. What I learnt was that it can knit in the round easily with Aran weight yarn if you don’t tinker with it. Knitting flat panels is difficult because without the pulling in you lose stitches easily. I used knitting machine weights to overcome this but still difficult. Also the row counter broke pretty quickly. Sold to a lady as a toy for kids.
A very expensive toy! Addi's are really over priced. I brought one and at first it worked fine, but it was dropping stitches and the gears started grinding and skipping within 2 weeks. I'd made 10 hats and two scarves. I sent it back.
The popularity of these machines is definitely related to the uptick of fibre crafts like crochet and knitting on social media by influencers & companies. They're readily available and quicker than hand knitting, plus being cheap and easy to use (all relatively tho 🤣). Plus, most KM and CSM are vintage/second hand made use much finer yarns than the average craft store & personal yarn stash will contain. So it's easier & even quicker to pump out social media content, knitting patterns, and tutorials etc. There are only so many ways to make a beanie tho, especially with the limited stitch patterns and shaping of these machines! Finding anything flatbed & CSM related often means wading through an ocean of Sentro/Addi/local branding machine.
@Kit Wren I recently got one of those for my Addi King and have been cranking out hats in minutes. I did post a quick video of it in action on my channel. Charity is what I got mine for 3 or 4 yrs ago. I made about 150 hats back then, and now I have close to 30 hats that I made this past week with the new attachment. I can crank one out in about 7 min., so I should have lots to give away by next winter. 😊 Other items I make are done by hand.
@TealCheetah you should never use a drill...you need to use an electric screwdriver. No, it's not semantics...drills have far too much torque and you'll definitely ruin the machine. I have a small B&D screwdriver that works perfect for it (but I recently upgraded to a motor, so it's hands free, except casting on and off)
Thanks for doing this. I'm learning flatbed at the moment so seeing how this circular machine compares is really really useful. I think I'll stick to flatbed. But you never know.
I have an Addi King, which I think the Sentro is based on. I believe it is German made. I also have flatbeds. I rapidly decided that the flatbeds with ribber are more satisfactory. My shoulder quickly got sore with the constant cranking of this type machine. I find trying to do anything other than a stocking cap is more trouble than it is worth. The little tension thingy, does give you way of influencing, stitch size and overall hat size. The Addi at least has a switch that allows you to make flat panels, if desired. The suction cup mounting could be nice. Mine has a clamp to capture the foot of a leg and clamp it to a table for security. I think the legs on the Addy are more sturdy. Also, they just screw in without a separate screw. Mine continues to sit in its box. Every couple of years I take it out and see if it makes sense, but so far, the flatbeds win every time.
I bought one of these four years ago when I had my right hand in plaster after surgery and we were in Covid lockdown. I was desperate to keep crafting to use up my stash of yarn. I watched every circular knitting machine video I could and churned out scarves, hats and blankets. It was fun at the time but I’ve now passed it on to someone else.
My sister and I started on the very expensive addi King and pro machines 15 years ago. I have a bond flatbed now, but I still use my circular machines often! I made a panel cardigan using tube knitting over Christmas which is so warm due to being double thick. There is a learning curve on circular machines, given how stretched out your hat was I'd say you needed a thicker yarn given your yarn tensioner was a no go. Plus with the turned brim style, the stitches look better if you use a waste yarn cast on, then catching the first row of your working yarn when turning the brim. There are other cast on methods which look better too, even the e cast on. Learning to rib on the circular machine was fun and generally looks nicer than the stockinette brim too. Circular knitting was definitely my gateway into knitting (I crocheted only before) and it led me to my flatbed and hand knitting. In my opinion its worth investing in a good circular machine to get better quality products at the end, as you would with a flatbed.
I own a flatbed knitting machine from my grandma and know my way around it. It gets the job done but I never enjoyed using it. I recently got a Sentro and I LOVE it. Sure, the options are much more limited. Sure, you have to join a lot of panels. Sure, it's a plastic thingy and I don't know if I could even replace things should they break. But. But I enjoy yanking that handle! For me, the Sentro is its own craft and I enjoy the process immensely. In terms of the end result, it isn't even in the same league as a flatbed machine - but I just don't enjoy the process. And isn't it about enjoying what you do in the end?
I have the addi version of this machine, and I love it for cranking out tube scarves so much faster than handknitting them, and they're double thick that way. I use the fringe to close the tubes and secure the cast on and bind off. I recently acquired an LK150 so I'll be checking out your flatbed videos next!
There are tons of things to do on the round knitting machines. Charity work for sure but also just getting people to try fiber arts. It’s great for kids and adults who want to tiptoe into some kind of yarn craft and the more you use one the better you and the machine will get. At the price point they are basically disposable so if it gives out in a year (mine have lasted for 5+) you can get another one. Also on a side note and maybe someone else has mentioned it but the reason you had the big holes is because you only recast 1/2 the stitches. Even tho you used every other peg in the cast in row you still should have 48 (40,22,etc…) stitches in the row. One was just behind the needles and one was in front of them. Good luck playing around with it. It might just surprise you.
Thank you for taking the time for the review and showing all the negatives of it. Usually all that comes out is how much people love it. I have to say that I have seen a lot of creativity with these but I am reluctant to get one because I believe it is a toy. I have a circular sock machine but am frustrated with its nability to make hats and when using a drop stitch method they are just too flimsy without being doubled. I live on the cdn prairies and we get severe winters and even with thicker and warmer yarn your review makes me think it will just never do. Please when you do a review like this it would be great to get a few things like what yarn fiber you use, the yarn weight and thickness and then the tube measurement around so both hte circumference and diameter of the tube would be helpful. . It was good to get your way of determining tube length but these other measurements are critical in helping to dermine what it can do . Thanks .
I've never had one but I think they are popular on Instagram and such because they are relatively easy to use and cheapish. Though I do think most people would be better off getting an lk150.
I think this would fit my knitting pretty well. I mostly knit summery garments so that looks like the right gauge for me but also could use thicker yarns for winter. I've only been knitting for less than a year and I'm not very fast, so this could help me a lot with my flat patterns before I add the more complicated details by hand.
I have a flatbed Brother bulky and standard machines with ribbers as well as an Addi King, Addi Professional, a 48 pin Sentro, and a 40 pin Sentro... I know it sounds like I spent a fortune, but I buy all my flatbed machines used then refurbish and sell them. The circular knitting machines I bought on Ebay or on sale. I use the Addis for making charity mittens, the large Sentro for charity hats, and the 40-pin for charity ear warmers. The draw for me is twofold: 1) They're so portable! It's very difficult to make room for my flatbeds anywhere but in my office where I have them set up semi-permanently. I can watch tv in the living room while I crank out hats (waste yarn - hat - waste yarn - hat - repeat) for the winter donation. 2) They're motorized. I use motors I purchased on Etsy, can almost set it and forget it. I would warn others if using the "drill attachment" to NOT use a drill but to use an electric screwdriver. A power drill will melt your gears and ruin your machine very quickly, and I speak from experience. The motor from Etsy, however, moves at a nice clip and hasn't melted anything (yet). With the price of yarn and the labor involved I really can't see this becoming a side hustle and certainly not a small business that would pay the bills. You might make some yarn money, though. Great video!
I watched this and a thought popped into my head, that machine would be good for making blankets. Long tubes, sew the ends together, sew several pieces together, and the cast on stuff at the top whip stitch it, then to finish out the project, trim it on the top so you know what's the top and what's the bottom. Seems to me the double layer although kinda loose, might be warm. Might need to tie some bows on it to keep the pieces together, or something....it's just a wild thought I had pop into my mind while I was watching. I have no idea if that would work or not.
When I was a child I had a small knitter that made round cord. You had to start it by winding the yarn just right around the hooks , then you twisted the hollow stem. If you were lucky, the hooks moved over each other and knitted cord emerged from the bottom. It was terribly fussy though and often didn’t make much before there was a problem. Your machine is a similar concept on a larger scale.
In the lucrative TH-cam future, I would love to see you get the Dean & Bean’s sock machine. I remember having a toy like this in the 70’s when I was a kid.
The dean and bean machine looks awesome but it's really expensive for a plastic machine imho. When I realized I could knit socks on a flatbed with a ribber attachment I decide to stock marketplace and kijiji for one. I purchased a standard singer knitting machine for 20$ but got my money back because it wasn't working. I cleaned it with the help of TH-cam and it works great. I then kept looking for a ribber for it - I paid 140$ for it and had to buy a few parts for 20$ - I only have 160 invested in it. The sock machine is well over 1000$ after but all the cams
I have the Addi, & the reason people make hats doubled is for the warmth. I've also cranked out Balaclavas for my grandsons, neckwarmers for myself, & convertible hat/cowls for my spouse That means there are lot of opportunities for handmade gifts
This was fun watching someone else also make fun of them. I have the Addi large and medium knitters which are slightly better quality. They're cute, and they have their place like anything else, and I only use my own handspun when I do use them to make hats, but I'm also coming at them as a handknitter. I have long been curious about real knitting machines, so now that I've found your channel, I'm looking forward to watching and learning more!
Stumbled on your video and enjoyed it. I have a sentro and there's a learning curve lol. I crotchet and sew, but I volunteer with the homeless, and cranking out those double knit hats quickly makes it easy to make a bunch of beanies to give away. Watching you, I did learn how to add a brim, so thank you. Also, how you loop your working yard through the tension bar helps greatly with stitch size. Oh, and 5 rows is basically an inch. Happy knitting
I remember wanting one of these when I was a little kid. Well something very similar, but my mom didn't get me one because they are plastic and she knew it would be crappy. I also already knew how to hand knit and she just bought me yarn to do that instead. Which was an effective distraction.
Thank you for this video. I recently Purchased an Addi Professional 22 needle machine. I also purchased a tension key. It was a loose knit too. I have not tried the tension key yet. Hope it tightens up the knitting. The key has 3 different tension slots.
I use PRYM, which is 44 needles, and has a handle on top (no suction cups), so it may be easier for some, if you don't have good smooth surface. It's PERFECT for cranking out long scarves, floppy hats, arm/leg warmers (you need to pick the yarn carefully), slip-on house shoes (made of two-layer knit square, sewn together in a shoe shape). It is also good to using up some yarns that are not that easy to manage manually. I bought a log of VERY FUZZY yarn which was annoying to knit or crochet manually, and I don't think it would have done well in a flatbed machine, but I got a pseudo-boa scarf out of it, when cranked through the knitting mill :)
I really like my Sentro machine made a lot of cute hats, I just purchased the Addi as well. I really think there’s nothing wrong with the circular machines I love it. 😊 the beanies are sturdy and warm❤
I really wanted a circular knitting machine! I’m so glad I found your videos purely by coincidence. I have been crocheting for years and really would love to teach myself to knit. I think this machine would completely make the knitting experience less enjoyable. I was a fan of the circular knitting machine, until I wasn’t! 🫤
I have both circular machines and flat panel machines. Both are useful in their own way. I wouldn't get the Sentro personally as the Addi drops much less stitches (none if you tension it right) and has a wider range of yarns it will take. I've made whole blankets with the Addi
I bought one a few years ago and make hats for the grandkids with it. If you attach every stitch on the foldup rim, you don’t get the holes. Use waste yarn at beginning and end makes less wonky edges. And I suppose if you doubleup the hole length it would be a much warmer hat (have not tried it). When I got mine, took me a day to figure it out, not much youtube videos on these then and I can’t knit to start with, so was fun to see somebody who knows their stuff go through some of my issues. Tfs.
Thank you so much for this video, I bought the Addi Express a few years back and quickly sent it back feeling like the stupidest person on the planet for the longest time....I lost so many stitches that it was much quicker to knit by hand than with the machine....I was gifted 2 proper vintage knittax machines and would like to use them but I have to save a bit of money to get them looked at first ^^'
These are a toy version of the circular knit frame machines used in industry to produce everything from shirts to socks. They are very real, in that they can produce a product, but not durability. There are higher end versions available for home use that can handle finer yarns. These are good for a beginner that wants to just make a few items and sell them or give them away, but problematic if you want to make a sustainable business model off them.
You're supposed to finish off the cast on and off edge after. It's not meant to be used as is, even though tons of people are doing it on tik tok. Tik tok isn't the best place to look for information. You can put the loops onto circular needles and finish off with ribbed edges or something else. I like to crochet the edges. You can do a lot with this machine including sweaters and lace patterns.
watched this for entertainment while knitting wool mittens (for felting) on dpns....I do have mid- and large gauge flat knittingmachines but seldom use them. Also have CSM's and likewise, seldom use them. There is a reason handknitting survives. It's portable. It's not fussy. It can be done nearly anywhere. I get good results. Now back to my mittens, and enormous yarn stash. P.S. the other option for using up stash might be weaving...as in, knit-weaving, and then, felting!
I used to have knitting machines. The flat bed large ones, a standard and fine one, and knitted so much. Now I am retired I can't afford to buy a 'real' knitting machine so I bought an Addi which is a stronger version of the Sentro. I like it but don't like thicker yarns. I have nothing thicker than fingering which is too fine for this machine. I have some handspun which turned out thicker than I wanted but have heard these machines don't like a lot of yarns especially fancy ones. I will try it one day. I don't use the machine much as I find it is too restricted as to what I can make. There is a limit to how many scarves and bobble hats I want!
I have one and I cannot figure how to put it together since my granddaughter took it out of the box and lost the instructions. So I am glad to see how to put it together and use it . I would use double the yarn if you want it thicker. I also have a larger knitting machine but have not used it in a long time. Maybe you can do a tutorial o. Your larger machine so we can see how it is used, thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. I just found your channel so I subscribed to your channel.
I really want one of these to play around with, but I've seen a lot of mixed reviews on them. Since they're pretty popular on TikTok currently, I'm hoping I'll be able to find one in a thrift store or rummage sale. I'm in no rush to get one, so the hunt will be fun. (managed to find a yarn winder for €2 in a thrift store this way)
@@473mishke Oh, that is such a good find! I'm a little jealous. I hope you have fun playing around with it! (And feel free to let me know if you can get it to work. I'm curious now!)
I love the shade, the frustration, and the faces. It really sums up my experience with this thing, too. (Bought a $45 one to make sock dyeing blanks for custom self-striping yarn)
Thanks for the video.. I think machines like those were originally targeted to kids, many years ago. Good advice about starting a business based on one.. :)
I have a similar machine. It works great with caron simply soft yarn. Or a 3 yarn from my experince. If it seems to be stick I ng or getting caught make sure the switch is fully on t as p will stop it at ceartain points
Love your unstated Igor reference! Appreciate your perspective. Have been interested in all things fiber arts all my life, loving handwork, drooling over knitting machines, especially those that make tubes... which led me here. Was hoping it could do larger than hat sized tubes.. something like a women's x-small ribbed tank.. so seems it doesn't make tubes quite large enough. Glad I found your channel though! If you know of an inexpensive knitting machine that makes tubes large enough for an XS ribbed tank I'd love it. Gonna' check out your video on choosing a machine next. Fun!
@22:25 ~ I recommend a power nap! When you lay down for a nap just hold a large metal spoon or similar object in one hand and hang it over the edge of your bed or couch so that when you have just fallen asleep you will drop it on the floor and wake yourself up. That little time of rest will reset your afternoon. I learned about this from Salvador Dali.
Just got mine this past week. Been practicing with it so far. The potential with it kind of scares me. I can actually see getting addicted to it. No skein of yarn will be safe.😆
You would do well to do more research into the world of circular knitting machines. Your content in this video came across as very one-sided, condescending, showed lack of appreciation for the crafter, and, well, snobby. I’ve been a hand knitter for 47 years. I’ve lost count on how many circular knitting machine hats I’ve donated. I wouldn’t have been able to donate even a 10th of that many hats knitted by hand. I’ve given out so many hats that sometimes I think I recognize one of my hats, walking down the street, keeping that person’s ears warm ❤ Hand knitted items, if done properly, should be reserved for one’s self, very close friends, and family. There are many very creative people that make quite elaborate items using the circular knitting machines. Some of them have even had books published. It’s a form of art and has a learning curve just like everything else. I hope you take what I’ve said as constructive criticism, because that’s how I meant it.
Honestly to me it seems like she came in with the attitude of its automatically going to be worse than her flatbed and just because she knows how to use the flatbeds she's automatically going to be able to use this perfectly when that's not true it's a different machine You're going to have to research it to know how to properly use it just like I'm sure she had to research to be able to use her flatbed ones
I had a mini version of this as a kid back in the 2000’s and it was a nightmare. My mom just bought me those circle knitting looms. I ended up crocheting in the end lol. Also side note from somebody who crochets things for a small business. The margins are really bad.
Well done! It was funny watching you *not* use the directions, *not* watch videos, then cuss at the mistakes. I have dreamed about a flatbed knitting machine, never had room for it (or the money). These circular knitting machines I believe are meant for crafters, not a business model. The hand cranking and the clicking noises get tedious after a while. Just found your channel, new subscribers
Between watching you and reading the comments from people who love their circular knitting machines, I think I will hold off on one more hobby for the moment. 😏I think I need to practice my sewing a bit more and when my fabric stash runs low, then I will think about trying a knitting machine. Like everything, there is a learning curve and I am still in the middle of my sewing learning curve. 😆
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I have had one for about 18 months. I love it! I’ve cranked out a load of hats for charity (homeless, preemies, Turkey earthquake victims etc). Would have done so much by hand. When knitting with DK weight, you get a closer knit fabric by putting the yarn through smallest then middle tension holes. It also depends on the yarn. Making a swatch is essential. I’ve made a flat panel cardigan. Weights and water help to avoid tucked and dropped stitches. Spray the yarn skein or cake with water before it goes into the machine. This reduces static which is the main cause of dropped & tucked stitches.
Wow, this is good stuff to to know. TY for sharing 😊
100% agree about the weights. Sheepishly Sharing is who taught me this detail. She has some great videos on using the Sentro
You are so kind. As a turkey earthquake victim i feel so thankfull.
Are you able to do sox on this, Tina?
I was thinking of doing the same! The people at work are working with a local shelter and I want to crochet some scarves but I was like if I could mass produce hats to use up some of my excess yarn but also give something nice for the homeless
I bought a sentro for my 88 yr old grandmother. She was frustrated at not being able to craft anymore. I have to do the first row and get it set up, but she can crank out a hat or scarf, and then I take it off. We call it occupational therapy.
That is so sweet of you to take the time to share with your grandmother like that!❤ It's definitely occupational therapy!
Wholesome
@@LiliAquinasits love.
It's so nice to hear someone else talking to their stitches as if they have a will of their own, which of course, they do!
When finishing a beanie hat, hand knitted, flat bed knitted or circular, run the thread/yarn end through the open stitches using alternate stitches on the first pass, then circle around picking up the missed stitches and pull to close.
The top of the hat will have less bulk and a neater finish using this method. This also applies to fingers on knitted gloves
Taught by a Japanese tutor from Brother many moons ago.
Hey, thanks! 💜
Great suggestion, thank you!
Can I see a video on that ?
I like to move my end to waste yaarn, bind off in k1, p1, sew in the end and then I pulls a strand through those bound off stitches and the finish is beautiful and sturdy
I started with a sentro and moved up to an LK150. It's a low budget way to figure out if you like machine knitting.
That’s exactly why I bought one. I bought it to see if I had any interest that I bought at LK 150 and that was the start of my addiction. I know have about 10 knitting machines from fine thread to bulky.
Lohnt es sich eine LK 150 zu kaufen? Ich stricke so viel von Hand und brauche eine Erleichterung😊
It seems like you were unhappy with it before you even opened the box. People have lots of positive reviews but I don’t think it’s meant for a hand knitter. It’s great for donation hats and it’s good for kids.
I agree. She didn’t start off with a positive attitude.
I'm a hand knitter and also have a similar machine and really like it. Knitted a few things with it that I wear or use all the time.
I was fully a hand knitter before getting my knitting machine, and I LOOOVEEE IT! I have the addi express kingsize ✨
Maybe super chunky yarn would be better and give a tighter tension
I have this machine and love it. It’s a fun activity to do with my daughter and she feels soo accomplished when she finishes a project. She wants to make all her friends matching hats now.
I have a friend who is a very old dude. He uses his Sentro to make hats and scarves to sell for extra money. He enjoys it a lot.
I know I’m blessed that I do not depend on selling knitted items to pay my bills. For decades I have wanted a “metal flatbed” knitting machine, but have never been able to afford one. Sooo … I crocheted & sewed & quilted more than I knitted. About 10 yrs ago I bought a Embellish Knitting Machine for doing I-cords & I loved it! Then I bought a Bond Ultimate Sweater Machine, and used it so much that I bought a second one and 2 extension kits. Putting them together into one knitter allowed me to knit anything from tiny preemie caps and booties to single panels wide enough for a double bed. (I couldn’t have done that with a home metal flatbed knitting machine! ) Last Christmas I got a Sentro 48-needle “toy”. But I love it, too! It takes up very little space, it’s lightweight and quickly makes tubular knitted items for family and friends and charities. Of course I do miss not having all the bells and whistles of the fancy metal electronic knitters, but for now I’ll just continue to do cables & lace stitches & slip-knitting & purling & intarsia by converting and manipulating the stitches! 👍🏻
That's amazing! I have one of those Brother's in it's box, gathering dust - I need to take it out to play!
Please consider making a video of how you do the manipulation of stitches on the Sento (cables, etc.)
If you start with waste yarn in the same way as you finish with waste yarn, you avoid the floppy starting edge :)
I debated between getting a Sentro vs a flatbed when first getting into machine knitting. I ended up getting an LK150 and I'm so glad I did. While the learning curve is less forgiving with a flatbed, the versatility more than makes up for it. I also think the rate of dropped stitches I get on my LK150 is much lower than on the Sentro (based on the videos I've seen), which makes the whole process of machine knitting more enjoyable. No one likes dropped stitches!
I like that you clarified the Sentro is definitely not the same as a CSM.
And yes, I think the low cost barrier of entry and just general lack of awareness that flatbed machines exist are why the Sentro is so popular. The Sentro also looks less intimidating to a newbie compared to a flatbed, even though I'd say a flatbed is more user-friendly once you read the manual!
Really useful, thanks! I have just ordered one, specifically to knit stump socks for Ukranian amputees after seeing an appeal on social media. I have a feeling after watching your video that I'll be using a lot of waste yarn so I can hand rib (for the tops) and decrease (for the stump end) to make them half decent. I'm so glad I found your video, pretty sure it has saved me a lot of grief and disappointment. Best wishes from Wales, UK.
I started with a sentro and I use it for beanies when I get asked by friends.
I purchased a flatbed machine this year and have produced more wearables than I had on the circular machine
I have three different sizes of this machine - and I LOVE them. I have always wanted a knitting machine but the "real" ones are not in my financial or space budget.
I do understand your confusion about the knock-off appearance of the box. I was completely flummoxed when I got one.
I have made SOOO many hats and fingerless gloves for friends/family and also charity. There are loads of other things I want to try, but these have been my focus.
I've also never bothered to put the legs on any of my machines. I used to just hold them down while knitting (my space constraints make things awkward), but I now clamp them to a work bench - which also provides a space for the knitting to go through when making longer items.
I have to sit in my recliner a lot and wondered if I could use the machine without the legs. Keep it on my lap. Any advice?
@@JanetJayeCrochet Sadly, no ... but if you solve the problem, please let me know! I have the same problem.
One thought we'd had before my condition worsened and it became impossible was to use something like a bath board across the arms of my chair and put a hole in it for the knitting to go down. Clamps could still work in that situation.
what size sentro do you use for fingerless gloves?
@@susiejames4289 - I've used my 22. It's fine for many people, but on my larger arms, it's a bit of a stretch. I'm seriously considering a 32 needle machine, if I can find one at a sane price, and if I can solve some technical issues around knitting with my disability.
They knit, and they're a machine, but (imo) these aren't in the same category as a flatbed knitting machine at all, and shouldn't be compared any more than machine knitting & traditional/needle knitting should be. What it IS, is a hand-cranked, circular knitting loom!
I love loom knitting. I often can't hold knitting needles, and my hands get easily fatigued, so looms have been an easy (& very inexpensive) way to still be able to knit -- while also being a great dexterity exercise! I prefer manual looms over these automated ones for a few reasons, but they absolutely have their place & are a better option for many.
Likewise, I'm planning on getting a flatbed machine in the future (thanks to you!), but not as an upgrade from or replacement for my manual looms! The results they produce are so different, that it's just a completely different method/craft (at least to me).
I have 4 circular knitting machines, 3 Addi's and the Sentro.
They've been put to very good use making hats and tube socks for charity. (They get handed out at soup kitchens, never sold at charity shops)
I prefer using the Addi but the Sentro, having more needles, makes slightly larger hats for men.
On the Addi I've made a few cardigans for myself that are reasonably fast to make. Using a 4 weight yarn makes for tighter stitches, therefore a warmer garment. One just has to go a little slower so as not to overwork the machine. :) I'm wearing one of these cardigans atm. :)
I recently experimented with short rows on the smaller Addi and was happy with the resulting bed socks. But it only made me yearn for a proper sock machine. Did you know there are kits for 3D printing your own sock machine!!!
They're so addictive, I have 3 addi machines and 2 sentro's 😅
Now the only thing I need in my life is a flatbed.
should a beginner start with an Addi?
If you're on a budget get the Sentro, if cash is no issue, get the Addi.
Or consider buying the Sentro first, and if you find you're enjoying the experience, buy the Addi later.
hi friend, please tell me about these kits for 3D printing a sock machine! i have never knit on any knitting machine, but i’d be interested to learn to use a sock machine and it would be very rad to make my own!
Wow what a kind person
I had seen these and wondered if I wanted one. Turns out I don't. I think I will save up for a sock knitting machine instead! Hats are easy enough to hand knit.
I love my Sentro for hats. I have so many other projects that I would rather be working on than making hat after hat for my family and friends by hand. There isn’t a huge difference in quality and especially for the little ones who go through hats so quickly, I am able to replace their hats easily whenever their favorite color changes.
had mine a year or so. I make hats, clothes purses, you name it . Flatbeds are nice but hella pricey. My main hobby is fiber spinning and crochet. This works great for my needs and I don't use any attachments.
I can’t describe it properly but I like your kinda more grumpy but still clear attitude so much. I started following you and are curious about the videos you will offer in the future. Stay the way you are. It’s very unique.
My dad had one in the 80’s about 1/2 that size. He made socks, mits, leg warmers and toques. He could whip up a pair of socks in an hour. It was all metal and had different weights to help with a tighter knit or looser. And that’s all I can remember.
Hey girl. My Sentro Knitting Machine lasted 8 months. Like you said, it's made of plastic. I wore it out after making roughly 40 beanie hats. I donated 32 of them. It's simply cheaper to go to a store and purchase a beanie than buy yarn and make one, that's why I chose to donate rather than sell. I bought another but will do far less beanies and I'm going to explore new projects to work on with it.❤
I had a smaller version of that in the 70’s it was a lot of fun. I found your video due to searching how to knit. My daughter-in-law knits, she does a great job. They live in Nashville I live in Central Texas. So a little far for her to teach me. Blessings and Peace ✝️❤️
I double the length of the hat and then invert it to make it double insulated.
Thanks for video! I first bought knitting needles as a newbie and was working on a scarf and it was taking forever. Then I bought a Ultimate Knitting Machine and made a scarf in a few hours but for frustrated with the carriage jams and dropped stitches.Then I bought a vintage Brother machine directly from Japan and it’s wonderful! I still have a lot to learn. Thank you since was thinking of getting a Sentro but now I won’t after seeing your demo and I’ve spent enough. ☺️
I love my brother machines and they can do so much!
This machine reminds me of the pink child’s sewing machine I brought for my daughter a few years ago. She would have enjoyed this to I think. I know some people love these machines and anything that helps with your creativity is good but to me it would be a novelty that lasted a few beanies before it landed in the stash dungeon to collect dust.
I was thinking how I loved your sweater through the whole video, and then when you said you made it, i was so impressed! Its a very nice sweater, very pretty ivory white. Love it.
3 years of Mandarin?! Props!
I've had a Sentro for a couple of years. With it I've made some fun projects - mostly scarves. It can be finicky and quirky but overall I'm glad I have it.
You would have been able to not have any dropped stitches if you had watched a TH-cam video. There is so much more made than hats on this. You should have looked on TH-cam more. I think using this machine may help people get interested in the flatbed machines. It’s been helpful for those getting arthritis like me. I love the cranking. The noise the machine makes is very soothing to me. The 32 peg makes great newborn hats for hospitals with sport weight yarn and loose tension. 75 rows.
My grandma makes hats and gives them to the hospital too. She doesn't even have to drive down there- her son (my dad) works there so he just takes them for her! 😂
I know this is old but I didn't see any comments about this or any follow attempts at this. Also note this is from an Addi owner.
1. when doing a folded brim you pick up every stitch. not every other stitch. that is what caused the holes in the beginning.
2. when casting off you can do multiple stitches (moreso after you get a few stitches off). You crank and then I find it easier to get the stitches on the needle how you tried at first but from the inside of the machine pointing out. They drop off the same way but onto the needle.
Flat panels are also possible but require more seaming to create things like cardigans, the pillow on the box etc.
That being said I CANNOT wait to save enough for my lk150 and have been binging your other videos.
I had the much more expensive Addi one. What I learnt was that it can knit in the round easily with Aran weight yarn if you don’t tinker with it. Knitting flat panels is difficult because without the pulling in you lose stitches easily. I used knitting machine weights to overcome this but still difficult. Also the row counter broke pretty quickly. Sold to a lady as a toy for kids.
A very expensive toy! Addi's are really over priced. I brought one and at first it worked fine, but it was dropping stitches and the gears started grinding and skipping within 2 weeks. I'd made 10 hats and two scarves. I sent it back.
The popularity of these machines is definitely related to the uptick of fibre crafts like crochet and knitting on social media by influencers & companies.
They're readily available and quicker than hand knitting, plus being cheap and easy to use (all relatively tho 🤣).
Plus, most KM and CSM are vintage/second hand made use much finer yarns than the average craft store & personal yarn stash will contain.
So it's easier & even quicker to pump out social media content, knitting patterns, and tutorials etc.
There are only so many ways to make a beanie tho, especially with the limited stitch patterns and shaping of these machines!
Finding anything flatbed & CSM related often means wading through an ocean of Sentro/Addi/local branding machine.
The lockdown in 2020 boomed crocheting and knitting interests!
It also has a part that can be purchased separately and attached where the handle goes. It allows you to use an electric drill to crank out beanies.
That sounds like it would break the plastic gears!
You have to use a low voltage (4 volts) drill that runs at a slower speed to protect the gears.
@Kit Wren I recently got one of those for my Addi King and have been cranking out hats in minutes. I did post a quick video of it in action on my channel. Charity is what I got mine for 3 or 4 yrs ago. I made about 150 hats back then, and now I have close to 30 hats that I made this past week with the new attachment. I can crank one out in about 7 min., so I should have lots to give away by next winter. 😊 Other items I make are done by hand.
@@annwithaplan9766 👌
@TealCheetah you should never use a drill...you need to use an electric screwdriver. No, it's not semantics...drills have far too much torque and you'll definitely ruin the machine. I have a small B&D screwdriver that works perfect for it (but I recently upgraded to a motor, so it's hands free, except casting on and off)
I tried a few different brands and I will say that the Addi is worth the money. So much smoother.
I love your hating energy, its very real. (I mean this so positively, as a fellow hater, it’s good to see others out in the field)
I'm being sincere when I say this. I love everything about this comment. The dry wit, the structure, the flow. Wonderful!
Not a real hater if you love her energy 😂 (Sorry, i had to be a hater)
Thanks for doing this. I'm learning flatbed at the moment so seeing how this circular machine compares is really really useful. I think I'll stick to flatbed. But you never know.
I have an Addi King, which I think the Sentro is based on. I believe it is German made. I also have flatbeds. I rapidly decided that the flatbeds with ribber are more satisfactory. My shoulder quickly got sore with the constant cranking of this type machine. I find trying to do anything other than a stocking cap is more trouble than it is worth. The little tension thingy, does give you way of influencing, stitch size and overall hat size. The Addi at least has a switch that allows you to make flat panels, if desired. The suction cup mounting could be nice. Mine has a clamp to capture the foot of a leg and clamp it to a table for security. I think the legs on the Addy are more sturdy. Also, they just screw in without a separate screw. Mine continues to sit in its box. Every couple of years I take it out and see if it makes sense, but so far, the flatbeds win every time.
I bought one of these four years ago when I had my right hand in plaster after surgery and we were in Covid lockdown. I was desperate to keep crafting to use up my stash of yarn. I watched every circular knitting machine video I could and churned out scarves, hats and blankets. It was fun at the time but I’ve now passed it on to someone else.
My sister and I started on the very expensive addi King and pro machines 15 years ago. I have a bond flatbed now, but I still use my circular machines often! I made a panel cardigan using tube knitting over Christmas which is so warm due to being double thick.
There is a learning curve on circular machines, given how stretched out your hat was I'd say you needed a thicker yarn given your yarn tensioner was a no go. Plus with the turned brim style, the stitches look better if you use a waste yarn cast on, then catching the first row of your working yarn when turning the brim. There are other cast on methods which look better too, even the e cast on. Learning to rib on the circular machine was fun and generally looks nicer than the stockinette brim too.
Circular knitting was definitely my gateway into knitting (I crocheted only before) and it led me to my flatbed and hand knitting. In my opinion its worth investing in a good circular machine to get better quality products at the end, as you would with a flatbed.
I own a flatbed knitting machine from my grandma and know my way around it. It gets the job done but I never enjoyed using it. I recently got a Sentro and I LOVE it. Sure, the options are much more limited. Sure, you have to join a lot of panels. Sure, it's a plastic thingy and I don't know if I could even replace things should they break. But. But I enjoy yanking that handle! For me, the Sentro is its own craft and I enjoy the process immensely. In terms of the end result, it isn't even in the same league as a flatbed machine - but I just don't enjoy the process. And isn't it about enjoying what you do in the end?
I have the addi version of this machine, and I love it for cranking out tube scarves so much faster than handknitting them, and they're double thick that way. I use the fringe to close the tubes and secure the cast on and bind off. I recently acquired an LK150 so I'll be checking out your flatbed videos next!
There are tons of things to do on the round knitting machines. Charity work for sure but also just getting people to try fiber arts. It’s great for kids and adults who want to tiptoe into some kind of yarn craft and the more you use one the better you and the machine will get. At the price point they are basically disposable so if it gives out in a year (mine have lasted for 5+) you can get another one. Also on a side note and maybe someone else has mentioned it but the reason you had the big holes is because you only recast 1/2 the stitches. Even tho you used every other peg in the cast in row you still should have 48 (40,22,etc…) stitches in the row. One was just behind the needles and one was in front of them. Good luck playing around with it. It might just surprise you.
Thank you for taking the time for the review and showing all the negatives of it. Usually all that comes out is how much people love it. I have to say that I have seen a lot of creativity with these but I am reluctant to get one because I believe it is a toy. I have a circular sock machine but am frustrated with its nability to make hats and when using a drop stitch method they are just too flimsy without being doubled. I live on the cdn prairies and we get severe winters and even with thicker and warmer yarn your review makes me think it will just never do. Please when you do a review like this it would be great to get a few things like what yarn fiber you use, the yarn weight and thickness and then the tube measurement around so both hte circumference and diameter of the tube would be helpful. . It was good to get your way of determining tube length but these other measurements are critical in helping to dermine what it can do . Thanks .
I use weights on the edges of the knitting (like for a flat bed machine). Bag clips or file clips work really well.
I've never had one but I think they are popular on Instagram and such because they are relatively easy to use and cheapish. Though I do think most people would be better off getting an lk150.
I think this would fit my knitting pretty well. I mostly knit summery garments so that looks like the right gauge for me but also could use thicker yarns for winter. I've only been knitting for less than a year and I'm not very fast, so this could help me a lot with my flat patterns before I add the more complicated details by hand.
Did you cast on using the white hook??? I wonder because every video i watched everyone casted on with the white hook.
I have a flatbed Brother bulky and standard machines with ribbers as well as an Addi King, Addi Professional, a 48 pin Sentro, and a 40 pin Sentro... I know it sounds like I spent a fortune, but I buy all my flatbed machines used then refurbish and sell them. The circular knitting machines I bought on Ebay or on sale. I use the Addis for making charity mittens, the large Sentro for charity hats, and the 40-pin for charity ear warmers. The draw for me is twofold: 1) They're so portable! It's very difficult to make room for my flatbeds anywhere but in my office where I have them set up semi-permanently. I can watch tv in the living room while I crank out hats (waste yarn - hat - waste yarn - hat - repeat) for the winter donation. 2) They're motorized. I use motors I purchased on Etsy, can almost set it and forget it. I would warn others if using the "drill attachment" to NOT use a drill but to use an electric screwdriver. A power drill will melt your gears and ruin your machine very quickly, and I speak from experience. The motor from Etsy, however, moves at a nice clip and hasn't melted anything (yet). With the price of yarn and the labor involved I really can't see this becoming a side hustle and certainly not a small business that would pay the bills. You might make some yarn money, though. Great video!
I watched this and a thought popped into my head, that machine would be good for making blankets. Long tubes, sew the ends together, sew several pieces together, and the cast on stuff at the top whip stitch it, then to finish out the project, trim it on the top so you know what's the top and what's the bottom. Seems to me the double layer although kinda loose, might be warm. Might need to tie some bows on it to keep the pieces together, or something....it's just a wild thought I had pop into my mind while I was watching. I have no idea if that would work or not.
When I was a child I had a small knitter that made round cord. You had to start it by winding the yarn just right around the hooks , then you twisted the hollow stem. If you were lucky, the hooks moved over each other and knitted cord emerged from the bottom. It was terribly fussy though and often didn’t make much before there was a problem. Your machine is a similar concept on a larger scale.
Knitting Nancy?
@@nowirehangers2815 Similar, but a mechanical version. You didn’t need to lift the yarn over by hand.
Thankyou, I have had nothing but trouble with this machine. Your tips helped a lot.
In the lucrative TH-cam future, I would love to see you get the Dean & Bean’s sock machine.
I remember having a toy like this in the 70’s when I was a kid.
Oohh, I've seen those. Maybe some day!
The dean and bean machine looks awesome but it's really expensive for a plastic machine imho. When I realized I could knit socks on a flatbed with a ribber attachment I decide to stock marketplace and kijiji for one. I purchased a standard singer knitting machine for 20$ but got my money back because it wasn't working. I cleaned it with the help of TH-cam and it works great. I then kept looking for a ribber for it - I paid 140$ for it and had to buy a few parts for 20$ - I only have 160 invested in it. The sock machine is well over 1000$ after but all the cams
I have the Addi, & the reason people make hats doubled is for the warmth.
I've also cranked out Balaclavas for my grandsons, neckwarmers for myself, & convertible hat/cowls for my spouse
That means there are lot of opportunities for handmade gifts
I have one and I love it. I just bought an Addi to add to my collection. My sentro works very smooth. Hobbi Lobby yarn I love this yarn works great.
This was fun watching someone else also make fun of them. I have the Addi large and medium knitters which are slightly better quality. They're cute, and they have their place like anything else, and I only use my own handspun when I do use them to make hats, but I'm also coming at them as a handknitter. I have long been curious about real knitting machines, so now that I've found your channel, I'm looking forward to watching and learning more!
I had one and no matter how i worked it, it kept getting holes in it. I sent that back in a heart beat!
Koala knits has amazing things to make with these. Blankets, stuff animals, sweaters..name it.
Stumbled on your video and enjoyed it. I have a sentro and there's a learning curve lol. I crotchet and sew, but I volunteer with the homeless, and cranking out those double knit hats quickly makes it easy to make a bunch of beanies to give away. Watching you, I did learn how to add a brim, so thank you. Also, how you loop your working yard through the tension bar helps greatly with stitch size. Oh, and 5 rows is basically an inch. Happy knitting
I remember wanting one of these when I was a little kid. Well something very similar, but my mom didn't get me one because they are plastic and she knew it would be crappy. I also already knew how to hand knit and she just bought me yarn to do that instead. Which was an effective distraction.
I was wondering about buying one, but having seen your video I’m sticking to my flatbeds!
Thank you for this video. I recently
Purchased an Addi Professional 22 needle machine. I also purchased a tension key. It was a loose knit too. I have not tried the tension key yet. Hope it tightens up the knitting. The key has 3 different tension slots.
I use PRYM, which is 44 needles, and has a handle on top (no suction cups), so it may be easier for some, if you don't have good smooth surface. It's PERFECT for cranking out long scarves, floppy hats, arm/leg warmers (you need to pick the yarn carefully), slip-on house shoes (made of two-layer knit square, sewn together in a shoe shape). It is also good to using up some yarns that are not that easy to manage manually. I bought a log of VERY FUZZY yarn which was annoying to knit or crochet manually, and I don't think it would have done well in a flatbed machine, but I got a pseudo-boa scarf out of it, when cranked through the knitting mill :)
I really like my Sentro machine made a lot of cute hats, I just purchased the Addi as well. I really think there’s nothing wrong with the circular machines I love it. 😊 the beanies are sturdy and warm❤
I really wanted a circular knitting machine! I’m so glad I found your videos purely by coincidence. I have been crocheting for years and really would love to teach myself to knit. I think this machine would completely make the knitting experience less enjoyable. I was a fan of the circular knitting machine, until I wasn’t! 🫤
I have both circular machines and flat panel machines. Both are useful in their own way. I wouldn't get the Sentro personally as the Addi drops much less stitches (none if you tension it right) and has a wider range of yarns it will take. I've made whole blankets with the Addi
I bought one a few years ago and make hats for the grandkids with it. If you attach every stitch on the foldup rim, you don’t get the holes. Use waste yarn at beginning and end makes less wonky edges. And I suppose if you doubleup the hole length it would be a much warmer hat (have not tried it). When I got mine, took me a day to figure it out, not much youtube videos on these then and I can’t knit to start with, so was fun to see somebody who knows their stuff go through some of my issues. Tfs.
I don’t knit. Never cared to but I stumbled upon your video and was quite entertained! Love your comments, and reactions too. You rock!
Thank you so much for this video, I bought the Addi Express a few years back and quickly sent it back feeling like the stupidest person on the planet for the longest time....I lost so many stitches that it was much quicker to knit by hand than with the machine....I was gifted 2 proper vintage knittax machines and would like to use them but I have to save a bit of money to get them looked at first ^^'
You kill me. 😂 I adore you. Hand knitter here and just purchased this little guy for the tubular knitting feature. Thanks for another great video.
These are a toy version of the circular knit frame machines used in industry to produce everything from shirts to socks. They are very real, in that they can produce a product, but not durability. There are higher end versions available for home use that can handle finer yarns. These are good for a beginner that wants to just make a few items and sell them or give them away, but problematic if you want to make a sustainable business model off them.
Thanks for doing this - really appreciate a review by a fellow flat bed machine knitter :)
I'm a flatbed knitter as well, I think I have 6(ish). Thanks for the video and convincing me I don't need this in my life.
Bought Addi definitely great 200 plus hat for schools kids that needed them. 3 years did it plus others and still cranking.
I think with the sentro it’s appeal is entirely that you have no previous experience with knitting machines.
You're supposed to finish off the cast on and off edge after. It's not meant to be used as is, even though tons of people are doing it on tik tok. Tik tok isn't the best place to look for information.
You can put the loops onto circular needles and finish off with ribbed edges or something else. I like to crochet the edges.
You can do a lot with this machine including sweaters and lace patterns.
watched this for entertainment while knitting wool mittens (for felting) on dpns....I do have mid- and large gauge flat knittingmachines but seldom use them. Also have CSM's and likewise, seldom use them. There is a reason handknitting survives. It's portable. It's not fussy. It can be done nearly anywhere. I get good results. Now back to my mittens, and enormous yarn stash. P.S. the other option for using up stash might be weaving...as in, knit-weaving, and then, felting!
I used to have knitting machines. The flat bed large ones, a standard and fine one, and knitted so much. Now I am retired I can't afford to buy a 'real' knitting machine so I bought an Addi which is a stronger version of the Sentro. I like it but don't like thicker yarns. I have nothing thicker than fingering which is too fine for this machine. I have some handspun which turned out thicker than I wanted but have heard these machines don't like a lot of yarns especially fancy ones. I will try it one day. I don't use the machine much as I find it is too restricted as to what I can make. There is a limit to how many scarves and bobble hats I want!
I remember my mom had one, and I had fun playing with it in the 80's. It was a small one.
I have one and I cannot figure how to put it together since my granddaughter took it out of the box and lost the instructions. So I am glad to see how to put it together and use it . I would use double the yarn if you want it thicker. I also have a larger knitting machine but have not used it in a long time. Maybe you can do a tutorial o. Your larger machine so we can see how it is used, thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. I just found your channel so I subscribed to your channel.
I really want one of these to play around with, but I've seen a lot of mixed reviews on them. Since they're pretty popular on TikTok currently, I'm hoping I'll be able to find one in a thrift store or rummage sale. I'm in no rush to get one, so the hunt will be fun. (managed to find a yarn winder for €2 in a thrift store this way)
@@473mishke Oh, that is such a good find! I'm a little jealous. I hope you have fun playing around with it! (And feel free to let me know if you can get it to work. I'm curious now!)
I love the shade, the frustration, and the faces. It really sums up my experience with this thing, too. (Bought a $45 one to make sock dyeing blanks for custom self-striping yarn)
I had something like that when i was little! I don't remember finishing a piece on it, i probably didn't know how but for a kids toy it was fine
Thanks for the video.. I think machines like those were originally targeted to kids, many years ago. Good advice about starting a business based on one.. :)
I have a similar machine. It works great with caron simply soft yarn. Or a 3 yarn from my experince. If it seems to be stick I ng or getting caught make sure the switch is fully on t as p will stop it at ceartain points
Thank you for doing this machine, I thought I was missing out. I was, on a lot of aggravation. Again thanks. Now I can just buy more yarn
😊❤
Love your unstated Igor reference! Appreciate your perspective. Have been interested in all things fiber arts all my life, loving handwork, drooling over knitting machines, especially those that make tubes... which led me here. Was hoping it could do larger than hat sized tubes.. something like a women's x-small ribbed tank.. so seems it doesn't make tubes quite large enough. Glad I found your channel though! If you know of an inexpensive knitting machine that makes tubes large enough for an XS ribbed tank I'd love it. Gonna' check out your video on choosing a machine next. Fun!
If I were to guess, I'd say the weird lines on the box are meant to look like stitching.
@22:25 ~
I recommend a power nap! When you lay down for a nap just hold a large metal spoon or similar object in one hand and hang it over the edge of your bed or couch so that when you have just fallen asleep you will drop it on the floor and wake yourself up. That little time of rest will reset your afternoon. I learned about this from Salvador Dali.
the cast on edge is meant to be temporary, if you read an Addi manual
I honestly think it's price price and ease of use as well as space.
Just got mine this past week. Been practicing with it so far. The potential with it kind of scares me. I can actually see getting addicted to it. No skein of yarn will be safe.😆
Wise decision to reinvest. Good luck on you channel. I'm always looking for something new for inspiration. Thanks for the honesty.
You would do well to do more research into the world of circular knitting machines. Your content in this video came across as very one-sided, condescending, showed lack of appreciation for the crafter, and, well, snobby.
I’ve been a hand knitter for 47 years.
I’ve lost count on how many circular knitting machine hats I’ve donated. I wouldn’t have been able to donate even a 10th of that many hats knitted by hand. I’ve given out so many hats that sometimes I think I recognize one of my hats, walking down the street, keeping that person’s ears warm ❤
Hand knitted items, if done properly, should be reserved for one’s self, very close friends, and family.
There are many very creative people that make quite elaborate items using the circular knitting machines. Some of them have even had books published. It’s a form of art and has a learning curve just like everything else.
I hope you take what I’ve said as constructive criticism, because that’s how I meant it.
Honestly to me it seems like she came in with the attitude of its automatically going to be worse than her flatbed and just because she knows how to use the flatbeds she's automatically going to be able to use this perfectly when that's not true it's a different machine You're going to have to research it to know how to properly use it just like I'm sure she had to research to be able to use her flatbed ones
My mum bought one about a year ago. She also had a spare one which I wanted off her but she gave it to my sisters mother in law
I had a mini version of this as a kid back in the 2000’s and it was a nightmare. My mom just bought me those circle knitting looms. I ended up crocheting in the end lol.
Also side note from somebody who crochets things for a small business. The margins are really bad.
I have a Sentro. It's good for hats but I prefer the versatility of my Empisal Knitmaster
Well done! It was funny watching you *not* use the directions, *not* watch videos, then cuss at the mistakes. I have dreamed about a flatbed knitting machine, never had room for it (or the money). These circular knitting machines I believe are meant for crafters, not a business model. The hand cranking and the clicking noises get tedious after a while.
Just found your channel, new subscribers
Made two hats with the sentry and returned it. Spend the money and get an addi or better quality machine. Well worth it.
The Addi is just as bad, all plastic. Mine lasted 2 weeks, so sent it back.
Between watching you and reading the comments from people who love their circular knitting machines, I think I will hold off on one more hobby for the moment. 😏I think I need to practice my sewing a bit more and when my fabric stash runs low, then I will think about trying a knitting machine. Like everything, there is a learning curve and I am still in the middle of my sewing learning curve. 😆
I bought one for making sock blanks, and hats for people who I won't hand knit for. It's also cheap enough to let tue kids play with.
Good afternoon Erin I cannot wait to see how you are giraffe is looking Bingos going to have a beautiful giraffe!❤