Knitting Machine vs Hand Knitting: What a Crank Machine Can and Cannot Do
For hats, simple tubes and quick stockinette panels, a circular knitting machine like the addi Express Kingsize, about $157, is far faster. For ribbing, cables, lace, shaping and sweaters, hand knitting wins: a complete set like the ChiaoGoo Twist Red Lace interchangeable needles, about $217, knits almost anything.
addi Express Kingsize Knitting Machine, 46 needles $157.12 Check price on Amazon The verdict
A crank knitting machine is a speed tool for simple shapes, and hand knitting is the complete craft, so most knitters who buy a machine keep knitting by hand too. These are different tools rather than rivals: the machine turns out stockinette tubes and panels in minutes, while needles do every stitch pattern and shape.
The useful truth that costs a sale: circular crank machines like the addi and Sentro knit only stockinette. They cannot knit ribbing, cables, lace, increases or decreases. If you imagine machine-knitting sweaters, you are thinking of a flatbed machine such as the Silver Reed LK150, which is a far bigger learning commitment.
Knitting machine vs Hand knitting: side by side
| Feature | Knitting machine | Hand knitting |
|---|---|---|
| Representative product | addi Express Kingsize | ChiaoGoo Twist Red Lace Complete |
| Price | About $157 | About $217 |
| What it makes | Stockinette tubes and flat panels | Any stitch pattern and shape |
| Size | 46 needles; listed 13.8 in circular mode, 17.7 in flat mode | Tips US 2 to 15 (2.75 to 10 mm), 5 in |
| Ribbing, cables, lace | No | Yes |
| Shaping (increases, decreases) | No | Yes |
| Speed on a plain hat tube | Minutes of cranking | Hours of knitting |
| Included | Threading tool, 4 feet, 2 clamps, 5 spare needles, 2 stoppers | Cables 14, 22 and 30 in, Small and Large |
| Portability | Clamps to a table | Knit anywhere |
Is machine knitting faster than hand knitting?
Much faster, for the things a crank machine can make. Turning a handle on the addi Express Kingsize or SENTRO 48-Needle knits a full round with each turn, so a plain hat tube takes minutes instead of an evening. That speed is why these machines are popular for charity hats, scarves, leg warmers and blanket panels that get seamed together.
The time savings shrink once you finish the piece. Tubes need gathering or seaming, panels need joining, and any ribbed brim or shaped crown still happens by hand. Owners frequently report dropped stitches, especially with the wrong yarn or without tension on the fabric as it comes off the needles, so budget practice time. Use the yarn yardage calculator to plan big projects either way.
| Project | Circular crank machine | Flatbed knitting machine | Hand knitting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain beanie tube | Yes, very fast | Yes | Yes, slower |
| Ribbed brim | No | With a ribber attachment | Yes |
| Scarf in stockinette | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Blanket | Panels to seam together | Panels to seam together | Yes, in one piece or blocks |
| Socks with heel shaping | Not properly | Yes, with skill | Yes |
| Cables and lace | No | Some, with skill | Yes |
| Fitted sweater | No | Yes, steep learning curve | Yes |
Is a knitting machine worth it?
A crank machine is worth it if you make many simple items: hats for a charity drive, pom-pom beanies for gifts, stockinette panels for chunky blankets, or you want quick wins while hand knitting feels slow. It is also helpful for knitters whose hands tire during long sessions, since cranking uses different motions than holding needles.
It is not worth it if you love the process of knitting, want textured stitches, or knit garments. Then the money is better spent on good needles. The ChiaoGoo Twist Red Lace Complete set covers US 2 to 15 with three cable lengths in two sizes, enough for socks to blankets. For sore hands, the Prym Ergonomics Circular Set and needles for arthritis are worth a look. Compare machines in best knitting machines and our knitting machine guide.
Loom vs knitting machine vs needles: which is easiest?
A crank machine is the fastest way to a finished tube. A knitting loom like the AKB 38" Blanket Loom is slower but can make more stitch patterns by hand, and it is gentle to learn. Needles have the steepest start and the highest ceiling. Many beginners start with a loom or machine for quick confidence, then pick up needles. Gauge still matters for any method; measure it with the knitting gauge calculator.
Choose Knitting machine if
- You want to make many plain hats, scarves or blanket panels quickly.
- You enjoy quick, satisfying projects and are fine with stockinette.
- Your hands tire from holding needles for long sessions.
- You knit for charity drives or craft fairs.
Choose Hand knitting if
- You want ribbing, cables, lace, colorwork or shaping.
- You want to knit sweaters, socks and fitted garments.
- You enjoy knitting as a relaxing, portable craft.
- You want one set of needles that covers nearly every pattern.
Our picks for each approach
SENTRO 48-Needle Knitting Machine with Row Counter
$50.32A low-cost 48-needle crank machine with flat and circular modes and a row counter.
Check price addi Express Kingsize Knitting Machine, 46 needles
$157.12A 46-needle machine from German maker addi, with spare needles, clamps and feet included.
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addi I Want It All Knitting Machine Pro Set (Kingsize and Express Pro)
$410.00Both the 46-needle Kingsize and 22-needle Express Pro, plus pattern books.
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Knit Picks Sunstruck Wood Interchangeable Needle Set, US 4 to 11
$77.47A budget interchangeable set to learn hand knitting without a big spend.
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ChiaoGoo Twist Red Lace Interchangeable Set, Complete, 5 inch tips
$216.80Stainless steel tips US 2 to 15 with swivel cables in three lengths.
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HiyaHiya Sharp Interchangeable Needle Set, Expanded, 5 inch tips
$249.95A premium sharp-tip interchangeable set for lace and fine detail.
Check pricePrices change often, so confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
This comparison is drawn from published specifications, owner manuals and the consensus of verified owner reviews, not side-by-side testing.
Frequently asked questions
Can a knitting machine do ribbing?
Circular crank machines like the addi Express Kingsize and Sentro 48 cannot knit ribbing; they knit only stockinette. Some knitters fake a brim by folding the tube or adding a hand-knit ribbed band. Flatbed machines can knit ribbing with a ribber attachment. For true ribbing without extra equipment, hand knitting is the simplest route.
What yarn works best in a crank knitting machine?
Smooth, medium-weight yarn usually works best, because fuzzy, splitty or very thick yarn catches on the needles and causes dropped stitches. Check the manufacturer's recommended yarn weights for your model before buying yarn. Hanging light weights or holding gentle tension on the fabric as it exits the machine also helps. Our yarn weight chart explains the standard weight categories.
Is hand knitting or a knitting machine better for arthritis?
It varies by person. Cranking a machine uses a larger arm motion and less finger grip, which some knitters with arthritis find easier. Others find clamping and cranking tiring. For hand knitting, lighter needles with ergonomic shapes, such as Prym Ergonomics, and shorter sessions help. Talk to your doctor or an occupational therapist about repetitive motions.
Can you make a blanket with a circular knitting machine?
Yes, by knitting panels or long tubes and joining them. On a 46-needle machine in flat mode, you knit strips and seam them together, or flatten tubes for a double-thick blanket. It is much faster than hand knitting a blanket, though seaming takes time. Our blanket yarn calculator estimates how much yarn you need for the finished size.
What is the difference between the addi and Sentro knitting machines?
Both are circular crank machines. The addi Express Kingsize comes from German maker addi, costs about $157 and includes spare needles, clamps and feet. The Sentro 48 costs about $50 and adds a row counter. Owners generally describe the addi as sturdier, and the Sentro as a low-cost way to try machine knitting. Our side-by-side comparison of the two covers the details.
How we research: we compare manufacturer specifications, owner manuals, published standards and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We do not test products in person, and this is researched guidance, not professional advice. Follow your machine manual and pattern, and take care with rotary cutters, hot irons and needles. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.