If you have been knitting for a while, you would have no doubt heard about the amazing Addi Knitting Machine.
What Is A Knitting Machine?
A knitting machine is a device that is used to create knitted fabrics and clothes in a semi or fully-automated fashion. Using a knitting machine of any kind is far faster than knitting by hand, and owning a machine is ideal for people who do knitting for profit, knit for charity, or simply knit a lot.
The Addi Knitting Machine is a cheaper version of a full-blown knitting machine, and in this review, I am going to tell you a bit about the Addi Knitting Machine and how it works.
I used to own an Ultimate Sweater Knitting Machine before I got too busy with my teaching work, and I was addicted to making and selling cute baby outfits. I also owned an Empisal, but just found the smaller machine a lot simpler to operate.
After having a go on my friend’s Addi, and seeing how easy it was to use I acquired my own. The price is also great, especially if you can’t afford a more expensive knitting machine.
The Addi is by far the best loom knitting machine in its class, but there are also cheaper options in other loom machines like the Sentro Knitting Machine.
Try The Amazing Addi Knitting Machine For Yourself
The Addi Knitting Machine is a mechanical knitting, or shall I say winding rather than knitting, machine at its best.
Because you just need to wind the wool onto the machine, you do not need to know how to knit by hand. The Addi is based on loom knitting, so I guess you could call it a ‘loom knitting machine.’ The machine is easy to run and turn, is quiet, and does not get stuck as often as other loom machines in its class.
Having an Addi Knitting Machine lets you have a knitting machine without the high price tag, and it is a lot smaller than a conventional machine, which makes storing it simple.
Even people who only have one arm or arthritis in their hands can also enjoy knitting again using one of the Addi Express knitting machine models.
Please note that this article contains affiliate links, which means that the owner of this website will get commissions on qualifying purchases.
What Can You Make On An Addi Knitting Machine?
The smaller Addi Knitting Machine has 22 needles and allows you to make things like scarves and beanies for babies, as well as socks or leg warmers. You can also knit up panels and join them together to make a bigger project like a bathroom mat or a blanket.
The Addi Express King Size Knitting Machine, which has 46 needles will allow you to knit bigger items of clothing, as well as beanies and scarves. So to me, it is better value to spend a little more and get the larger machine if you can’t afford both.
Knit in minutes on the Addi Express; just crank and watch your creations grow before your eyes – it’s simply amazing! This is great if you want to knit for profit.
“Knitting is super easy and comfortable with the Addi Express. Quickly knit flat or round – just turn the handle! Even beginners will be able to knit scarves, patchwork, pullovers, and vests, as well as gauntlets for the arms and legs.”
Addi Express King Size Knitting Machine and the Addi Express Knitting Machine
Did you know that these knitting machines can be ordered online?
To find out more about the machines, and which Addi Knitting Machine will be better for you, simply click on the blue links.
Addi has also recently bought out new and improved versions of their existing machines which I have included below.
Addi-Express Professional Knitting Machine
This version was released in August 2018!
The Addi-Express Professional Knitting Machine features 22 needles.
Circular knitted items – From 10 to 15 cm (4″ to 6″).
Plain knitted items – From 15 to 20 cm (6″ to 8″) wide.
You can use nearly all kinds of yarns, but the recommended yarn thickness is 3.5 – 8.
This knitting machine is designed and manufactured in Germany to exacting standards and using the finest materials available.
“I’m so pleased with my new AddiExpress Turbo. It is quiet and efficient and most importantly easy to learn and use!”
“I tried the Sentro 22 before I bought this one because of the price. I love how well this machine works. I still think it’s a bit expensive for the size but the quality of the machine is awesome.”
Addi Express Kingsize Knitting Machine
It is perfect for hats, scarves, leg warmers, skirts, toys, home decor, and cardigans. It can also be used to knit flat panels.
Once again it is designed and built in Germany to exacting standards and using the finest materials available. There is a lifetime guarantee from any manufacturer defects.
“I looked at the knitting machine in the box for a while before I attempted to use it. I love to crochet and never wanted to learn how to knit. Since I only knew how to crochet, I felt a disadvantage in trying to use the machine and procrastinated.
I had to play with the machine for a while to get used to it. I put the yarn on and then had to take it off because of either dropped stitches (not the machine’s fault) or not knowing how to take off the yarn when finished.
Learning to take the yarn off the machine without the project unraveling was a challenge but thanks to YouTube, I figured it out. :))
I now love the machine”. It makes beautiful scarves. I made a scarf for my daughter and she said the scarf looked store-bought. I used Lion Brand Scarfie yarn.
The machine is very well made and worth the price. I look forward to branching out beyond scarves to knit. I am hoping that in the future the manufacturer will make a plain straight knitting machine to go with this round one. That would be nice for bigger projects.”
MEGA PRO Set – Two Addi Knitting Machines with Pattern Books and Accessories
Included in this set are the two Addi Knitting Machines that I mentioned above at a discounted price.
The machines are both brand new and include a new improved row counter.
The set consists of:
- Addi Knitting Machine – 22 needles
- Addi Knitting Machine – 46 needles
- 2 Packs of replacement needles
- Stopper
- Pattern Books – Winding Instead of Knitting, Addi Express, and Turbo-Knitting 2, which you would normally have to buy separately.
Features of the Addi Knitting Machine – This Summary Includes All Of The Above Models
With the king-sized Addi Knitting Machine, you can enjoy making even larger knitted items and thus more possibilities.
The Addi-Express is mounted on the table and remains securely in position while cranking.
With the 46 sturdy pins on the Kingsized model, you will be knitting trendy scarves and wooly hats within a matter of minutes and you will be knitting smart socks and jumpers within a few hours. This is great for anybody who wants to knit for profit or even just knit for family and friends.
All of the pins have a number and there is an electronic row counter which enables work to be carried out with precision.
The Addi Knitting Machine does circular knitting best, but can also make flat panels.
There are many books and accessories available to complement your new Addi Knitting Machine.
Please Note: Every Addi product purchased from an Authorized Addi Dealer comes with a Lifetime guarantee from any manufacturer’s defect.
Check out the video above to see how you can make a hoodie in 30 minutes or less on the Addi Knitting Machine.
Q & A
Question:
Can you make flat panels with the Addi Express King Size Machine?
Answer:
Yes. There is a button near the turn handle. Up is to knit a flat panel.
Then you simply knit from white needle to white needle, turning the handle one way. Stop, then turn the handle the opposite way. Go back and forth slowly. You can put your stoppers just before the needles if you want a narrower panel. Continue back and forth until your panel is the required length.
Question:
Can you make different hat sizes with one machine?
Check out the video above to see how you can knit a flat panel on the Addi Express Kingsize Knitting Machine
Question:
Is it possible to increase and decrease on these machines?
Answer:
My experience is limited but, no increasing or decreasing in circular knitting mode unless perhaps you somehow drop stitches but from what I’ve done, not a good idea. The number of stitches is constant in the circular mode with this machine. If you are knitting a flat panel, it is not a problem to increase and decrease from the ends of the rows.
Answer:
Unfortunately, this is one of the cons of the machine. The row counter isn’t that accurate. I don’t quite trust it and always do a count myself just to double-check. Hopefully, this is a problem that the manufacturers will correct in the future.
Customer Reviews:
(As found on Amazon)
“I have both the Addi Express and the Addi King Knitting machine. I must say I love both items. It is a quiet machine and rarely drops stitches; if it does it’s usually an operator error.”
“This machine is a great tool for making stockinette tubes quickly and easily!
I had mixed feelings about whether or not to purchase the Addi Knitting Machine, based on negative reviews I had been reading.”
“I have to say that I am extremely impressed, and it has been worth every dollar spent. They even throw in extra needles in case any break, although I can’t even think how you would break one, they’re that sturdy.”
“You can tell it’s not a bargain basement “Made in China thing.”
“These Addi knitting machines are super. They are sturdy and well made with internal parts designed in Germany…NOT CHINA. You get what you pay for.”
“Have bought several for gifts as well. Pattern books are available for these but you have to look around online for them. You can knit pretty much anything you could imagine on these. They are the best machines in their price range and you will really enjoy knitting on them especially if you have carpal tunnel as I do.”
“I purchased both Addi Express Machines (regular and king size)….both are awesome. I love the speediness of creating knitted flat panels. Just join the panels for super fast fashions, blankies, shawls, pillows, etc. Making hats and scarves, etc. (when knitting in the round) is a lot of fun too.”
To see more reviews on the Addi Knitting Machine, you can visit amazon below.
For a cheaper option or a kids’ version of a knitting machine, you can try the Singer Knitting Machine.
Other loom knitting machines you may want to check out include the D&D Professional Knitting Machine or even the Prym Knitting Mill.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions on qualifying purchases at no additional cost to the purchaser.
I really enjoyed the informative nature of this page, and truth be told, this makes me consider taking up “cliff notes knitting” on the side so I can sell the products and make some extra money.
The addi Knitting Machine seems like a great buy. I am a beginner knitter and this looks like even I will be able to work it.
Thanks for stopping by Becca. The beauty of this machine is that even somebody who doesn’t know how to knit by hand will be able to learn how to use the machine, as it is way easier.
All the wonderful items you can make on this machine make it well worth its weight in gold.
Hi Michel.
I am thinking of adding my own products to sell on my website and knitted baby clothes is one of them. I have been considering a knitting machine and one of the features I like about the Addi range is the lifetime guarantee.
I have a question. Would this product be suitable for a beginner, with enthusiasm, like me?
Best regards – Martyn
Definitely. Using the Addi is easier than knitting by hand.
Hi, I was wondering can I knit a single king size blanket using Addi Knitting Machine King Size?
Hi Donna,
Yes, you can, but you would have to knit long straight panels and then sew them together lengthwise afterwards. You could also knit circular panes and sew together for a double thick blanket.
Hi,
I think this is a really informative post and gives people a good overview of what their options are by comparing the different types of machines available to suit their needs and expectations. I also like your video on how to make a hoodie in 30 mins or less 🙂
I had no idea you knit by machine. I have been looking for a present for my Mum for Christmas, as she has recently got back into knitting and knitted my sister a jumper. I think she would love this, as she does question her ability, so this would give her the confidence to do a few more things.
And she has 5 grandchildren, so a lot of work to do!
Then this would be the ideal gift for her.
Well, Michel, I was all set to support you will constructive criticism.
But I think your site is great.
Content is focused, grammar and spelling great, images great, pleasing appearance and personal connection great.
I hope my website will be as good.
Thank you for your helpful feedback.
Hi Michel,
Love your article about knitting, technology has totally changed the mankind of our work
Now I didn’t even realize that there is such a simple knitting machine,
We can actually design quite a lot of stuff using this machine
but does it work with a battery or it is manually wound by us?
Keep up the good work in your article!
Cheers
Rick
This machine is manual not battery operated. Thanks for the comment Rick.
This Addi Knitting Machine sounds very cool, especially when looking at the rate – four out of five start. The videos kinda explains the whole product and it seems so easy to make clothes and stuff with it.
I should buy this for my grandmother – she always liked to knit.
The customers reviews are very positive, well the product seems to be great!
By the way great post!
Thanks for the input Alexey.
I never knew knitting could be so much fun until I read this article. The great thing I noticed is the idea of review before you buy.
It really did what it said and I must say good work,as I am sure the writer really knew what they were doing.
This article also gave me idea for a nice knitting gift in this up coming holidays and I am sure more articles like this are coming and will talk more on some of the products reviewed here.
Thanks.
Thanks for stopping by to comment Richard, and yes knitting can be a lot of fun, even more so on the addi, as knitting on the addi is easier and quicker than knitting by hand.
Hi Michel,
I’d never heard of the addi knitting machine before reading this, but it looks like quite an amazing little device!
After watching the videos on how it’s used, I think it’d be a great tool for those wanting to make their own knitted products to sell. It certainly looks like it would take much less time to finish something compared to hand knitting.
I’ve never tried knitting, but I have crocheted in the past and that takes a lot of time by hand…at least for me it did! And, I’m pretty sure knitting by hand would take a long time too and probably not too easy on the hands either. I remember mine would get a bit cramped up if I kept at it for too long.
So, I’m thinking this machine would be quite handy to use even for non-knitters like myself. It actually looks like fun to try, especially since it’d be much faster than by hand.
I like that you’d actually be able to finish something such as the hat shown in the video in 30 minutes or so. That is quite amazing!
I was wondering though, can you use any type of yarn, or do you need to stick to a certain type for it to work? I’ve noticed some yarns are thicker and some are thin, plus some are really soft, sort of fluffy…would those work in this too?
Thanks for sharing your review! I learned quite a bit about the Addi Knitting machine…it certainly looks like a wonderful machine to use!
Keep up the awesome job and best wishes!
Thanks for stopping by Sherry.
This machine is easy to use and quick to learn.
They say you can use any type of yarn, but I find that the thicker yarns work the best with the addi Knitting Machine. The more expensive knitting machines take the thinner yarns. With the addi, the thinner yarns come out looking almost like lace.
But then again the thinner the yarn the longer it will take to knit.
The Addi knitting machine looks pretty cool. I’ve always wanting to take up this sort of hobby but I never felt like I was good at it. So interesting though. My sister-in-law LOVES to knit and she would just love this knitting machine. I’m going to send her your way. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thanks for stopping by Jen. Hope your sister gets some joy as well from visiting this site.
I knit for charity and mostly do hats and scarves and I thank Addi for making this machine everyday. I make sometimes 10 hats in a day and I could never knit that fast. The children that I help are getting nice warm hats and I can help many more children. Today I started hats for our homeless men to give out in the fall.
Its strong and really solid ,Thank you Addi.
Thanks for stopping by Brenda, and it is great meeting people who work so hard for worthy causes. I salute you.
Making 10 hats a day is awesome, and you must know your Addi knitting machine like the back of your hand in order to achieve this.
Keep up the wonderful work that you do.
I have just ordered a addi 22st knitting machine and look forward to using it I did have a brother knitting machine but with having a slipped disc it was to painful to use I never thought I would be able to use a knitting machine again until I went into amazon and found your machine I will be making baby garments for age uk to sell and I cant wait till tomorrow to start using the machine thanks for all the info really helps
Hi, Thanks for your comment and please let me know how it goes with your new Addi Knitting Machine, and if it affects your back at all. I am sure other readers would also love to know.
I am interested in using the addi for blankets and socks. Can I use the king size for socks or is it too big?
Thank you!!
Hi Diane,
I think the smaller one would be better for socks, although also a bit tricky. I think I have seen a sock knitting machine on the market that you get especially for socks, although it isn’t an Addi. I will try and do some more research on this in a future article.
You can, however, use the larger King Size Addi to knit panels to make blankets.
Wow that knitting machine is awesome. I love how you had a couple of different videos to show it in use. I was mesmerised by it. It was a really interesting read. And really kept me interested the who way through. Maybe you could put some more visual photos up of different finished products that have been made using the machine.
Excellent idea Vanessa. Will look into doing just that.
an Addi Knitting machine is certainly something you won’t find at Walmart.
You have such unique equipment I can only wish you the best.
When you are promoting something this new and exotic you are sure to meet some wonderful people that really need or could help themselves if they had what you had.
The site that you have presented is very inviting as well.
Thank you for all that you have accomplished
Keep up the good work!
I know and sadly, I can’t even find it in local craft and knitting stores. As far as I can tell the only way to own an Add Knitting Machine is to order it online.
Thanks for stopping by.
Hey Michel, your post was awesome. Personally, I used to think about taking up knitting and trying to turn a profit with all of the various things that you can create with it.
Ultimately, your post got me thinking about trying to possibly look into that again, do you knit and if so, how long have you been doing it?
Anyway, your post is awesome and should be shared with the world. Keep on rocking.
Thanks for stopping by R.J. I have been knitting on an off since I was five, so I am very comfortable with it now, and still enjoy it. I always have some or other knitting project on the go.
i wannt o know where you can purchase the addi looms
Try Amazon. They have an amazing selection of everything related to knitting. Go to addi loom
There’s a question in the article, can you knit different sized hats? Only if you knit Flat and add a seam, is the answer. The professional produces a tube the size of a sock or mitten, or a hat to fit a premie baby!
The king size makes a tube for a hat that would fit up to a 22” head, but without shaping at the top, you just gather it up.
Those are the limitations.
Thanks for that Belinda. You are quite right.
Hi Michel,
This is a very informative piece on something I am interested in but know very little about. It is very clear and concise, and I found it very useful.
I think this actual knitting machine is much simpler than I am needing, but I can see how it would be the perfect machine for many people.
Keep up the good work!
Sharon
Thanks for stopping by Sharon.
The Addi Knitting Machine is perfect for beginners, and it is quick and easy to learn. A lot of advanced knitters are looking for something a little more challenging like the The Silver Reed Knitting Machine, but in most cases, the Addi satisfies a lot of knitters cravings.
I think I just found my wifes Christmas present!
She recently took up knitting and can not get enough of it. When she first started it looked so confusing and was time consuming, but now that she is getting the hang of it, it comes along decently fast now. I can only imagine how much this could sped up production and take the stress off of her hands a little.
Thank you for all the great information on the Addi Knitting Machine, it has definitely been an eye opener as to what I can get my wife as a gift for almost any occasion!
Once again thanks for the great info and I look forward to reading more!
Timm
Thanks for stopping by Timm and hope your wife enjoys her Addi Knitting Machine as much as she enjoys hand knitting.
Wow how technology has changed since the days of my grandmother when she would hand knit everything with just a pair of knitting needles. I think you did a great job talking about the relevant points on this machine and I understand why so many enjoy using it. My only concern using it would be how easy is it to correct a mistake or if the threads get caught up in the machine. How durable is it then? Thanks, Kenny
Thanks for stopping by Kenny.
Mistakes are easily fixed proved you spot them in time. You simply unravel a row or two. It’s pretty quick.
You know, I have always admired people who could knit. I tried once, when I was much younger. How hard would it be to learn to knit, using one of those machines? Something to think about. Does it come with really complete instructions? Can someone learn on it if they have never knitted? I certainly think you will find some interested folks; I know a lot of people who like to knit. Good luck to you!
The invention of knitting machines means that you don’t have to even know how to knit by hand anymore. They come with complete instructions and you can get going straight away. It’s a lot easier in fact than hand knitting is.
The Addi Knitting Machine looks great!
I´ve always wanted to learn about knitting and I didn´t know machines like this that make knitting so easy even existed. I remember my grandmother was great at knitting, she even tried to teach me a litle bit but, I think that I forgot how to do it.
Do you think that even a complete newbie like me could work easily with this machine?
By the way, I really like your site, the theme is pretty nice.
Thank You Veronica.
The joy of the Addi Knitting machine is that it is based on loom knitting so it is easier to use than it would be learning how to hand knit.
Loom knitting Is simply a matter of winding the wool and then pulling the bottom stitch over the top stitch, but with the Addi you turn the handle and this happens automatically.
Hi Michael,
This machine looks really interesting. I’ve never seen this one before. My great-grandmother used a Singer machine and then her daughter, my grandma, had it and now it is my mom’s. She does great stuff with it. I like how it works, as they say – ’old but gold’.
This knitting machine you showed really saves time and I think it can be very useful. It looks safe and easy to use, which is definitely a bonus.
Maybe someone could start making hats or scarfs and sell them online or in some store.
Even though I don’t knit or use this, I’m glad I ran into this article, I will think of people who might find this useful and share it with them.
Regards,
Strahinja
Thanks for stopping by Strahinja. Yes I agree with you that the Addi Knitting Machine will be extremely useful for someone who wants to knit scarves and hats to sell.
I’ve heard of the Addi knitting machine, but I’ve learned quite a bit from your article. I didn’t realize they had a large size machine. I only knew about the smaller one. Most interesting is that you can knit flat panels. That is very interesting to me, since it would allow making all kinds of knitted items. And, thank you so much for including the videos. Getting to see the machine in operation really helped me decide that I need to get one.
Go for the bigger one if you can, as you can do so much more on it.
Thanks for the comment Nancy.
I Michel,
Your review was very thorough. I like the way you talked about this Addi Knitting Machine. In fact your review on this machine has made me want to get one for my sister was also likes knitting like yourself. My family is full of creativity. My mother is a seamstress and my father is a tailor.
My sister, who follows me loves to knit a lot with her hands. She started it at a very early stage in her life. She used to do knitting work as craft for her school projects. And even sometimes make some nice art work with her hands as gift for her teachers.
I really admire the way she is deeply attached to her creativity work. She just love to create with her hands and can do some many things with her knitting. So, I decided to surprise her with a gift of finding a knitting machine for her, just to surprise her.
I know she will be very happy to see it especially since will enhance her creativity. So, I’m glad I came across your article in my research on the internet.
Once again thanks a lot for your thorough review.
Stephen.
Thank you Stephen and I am sure your sister is the ideal candidate to get a knitting machine as a gift.
All the best.
I really enjoyed the video of how to make a hat in 30 minutes or less using the Addi knitting machine.
Each of the knitting machine reviews in this article are very thorough and well written. After reading your post it has opened my eyes to the possibilities of not only knitting for profit, but also creating great gifts for friends and family.
I have bookmarked your site and going to share your information with many others and decide on which machine is right for me.
Thank you.
Let me know what machine you decide on and why. It would be interesting to read about your experience.
So which of the two models would you suggest if the focus is primarily on child and adult hats?
Thank you
The original addi Express is great for knitting hats. It is a smaller version of the Kingsized machine and is a lot cheaper, especially if your primary focus is hats.
Can the addi do both knit and purl stitches?
Yes, the machine does stocking stitch. I have included some helpful video’s here so that you can get an idea of what the machine can do.
Where can I buy ADDI knitting machine if I live in Indonesia?
Maybe if Amazon won’t deliver try Alibaba.com.
If I just wanted to knit child and adult hats which machine would be my best purchase?
Hi Linda,
I would go for the smaller Addi Knitting Machine for this purpose. That is the quickest option. If you don’t need to produce them quickly, then a good loom set would also work.
Hi. Thank you for a thorough and informative article. As a very slow hand knitter I love the idea of a knitting machine. I have a few questions before I invest and hope you can help:
1. How wide will a flat panel be on the addi king size say with DK yarn?
2. Can you shape a flat panel ie increase or decrease k2tog or M1?
3. Can you transfer the panels to a knitting needle to continue the work if the pattern calls for lace work or cabling?
4. Can you do garter stitch as well as stocking stitch?
5. Can you do rib?
I look forward very much to your response and thank you again for such an informative website.
Thank you
Hi, here are the answers to your questions.
1. The Addi 22 needle machine makes a tube about 6 inches wide using slightly thicker yarn than DK. A hat made on the kingsize with double yarn is about 21 inches around, so minus about two inches for a flat panel. If you use a thinner yarn you can stretch it more.
2. Yes you can increase and decrease, and there are many tutorials on the internet that show you just how to do this.
3. Yes you can transfer the panels to knitting needles for more intricate patterns, just make sure the sizes are right.
4. Stocking stitch is the easiest and fastest, but there are patterns and variations that you can use to do a garter stitch. I find it is not much faster than knitting by hand if you get to fancy with the patterns.
6. You can do ribbing too.
All in all an excellent investment as you can make just about anything on this machine.
If someone already had the king size Addi would there be any benefit in also having the regular size? Can you do anything easier/better/different with the regular size than the king size?
The king-size just offers you the opportunity to knit bigger items. The regular size is more for scarves, beanies and smaller items.
Hi,
I’m currently trying to decide on which Addi to buy.. I was convinced that the way to go was with the Addi king sized extended machine.. but reading the above posts I’m not sure on which machine to purchase. I’d like to purchase one that I could use for adult as well as kid size hats, possibly ear warmers also… and scarves. Just when I think I have a decision.. I read something that makes me unsure.. I’d love any input as to an end to my dilemma..
Thanks in advance
I had the smaller one, and I was sorry I didn’t get the larger one, but the smaller one can still do adult hats. It all depends on what types of projects you want to do, as the smaller one is better for things like beanies and scarves, while it is quicker to make things like blankets and afghans on the larger one.
I really enjoyed reading your blog, which was very informative. Gloves are also made on the Addi Express, in case readers were wondering.
Thanks for that Kirsten. I must admit I haven’t tried proper gloves yet, only the fingerless mittens.
My addi broke (with plastic raddling inside). I only had it a week and the inside broke so bad that it no longer made rounds without dropping stitches and jamming!! I feel it was made of cheap plastic, and was disappointed.
That doesn’t sound right, I would definitely send it back for a refund or a replacement. Addi does have a guarantee on all their products.
Any other good machines but not from USA? I don’t buy from there on principal.
Hi Eddy,
Well the Addi Knitting Machine is actually German, so I am sure you could by it from them directly in Germany, however it makes sense to order from your nearest dealer to save on shipping costs.
The Silver Reed is also great, and made in China.