Double Ribbed Hat | Addi Express | Melissa Sutcliffe Pattern!

Double Thick Ribbed Addi Hat

Melissa Sutcliffe came  up with a unique method for ribbing a double-layered hat and asked me to do a video tutorial for her. I LOVE the practically of the extra warmth plus a snug ribbing so I was happy to do it! I would definitely consider this hat to be at the Intermediate Level because ribbing on the machine can be a bit tricky, however… I demonstrate how to do it in this video and will always encourage you to try! (If you mess up, it’s only yarn and can be used again!)

Download the written pattern here: Melissa’s Hat Pattern

Here’s a refresher on casting on and off and how to change colors.

melissa's hats

Melissa’s hats with crochet bind off.

If you want to replicate the neatly finished edge of Melissa’s hats, here’s a tutorial for a crochet version of a 3-needle bind off.

gathered closure small

Simple gathered bind off.

Review: Prym Maxi & Generic Knitting Machines

I love circular machine knitting and because the Addi Express machines are so expensive, I’m always on the lookout for possible substitutions! In this video, I compare the Prym Maxi with a Generic, no-name machine (which pleasantly surprised me, btw!)

Be sure to check out links to all products discussed in this video.*

And I have a whole page on this blog dedicated to learning more about circular knitting machines! You can also find links to reviews of other machines here.

* Denotes affiliate link.

Beginner Tips for Circular Knitting Machines

Beginner Tips for Circular Knitting Machines!

Myth: Circular knitting machines require no skill.
Truth: There’s a learning curve. Master it, then creativity abounds!

Beginner Tips for Circular Knitting Machines

When I read poor reviews of circular knitting machines that I know work well, I feel so sad for the people who spent their money expecting a perfect out-of-the-box experience! Just like any craft, circular machine knitting has a certain skill set to be learned.

In this video tutorial, I share demonstrate some basic tips and tricks to help beginners find fast success!

Tip #1: Affix machine to work surface.
Tip #2: Start with light weight yarn.
Tip #3: Read and Research.
Tip #4: Try out different yarn.
Tip #5: Add weights.
Tip #6: Go slow; watch, catch, fix mistakes.
Tip #7: Patience. Give it 10-15 rows.
Tip #8: Beware of knots.

Silly Holiday Scarves

How about some simple, novelty scarves for the holidays?! These are so fast and easy and sure to bring a smile! Skip the elf shoe and change the colors for an “anytime” scarf!

IMG_5270

For the scarf, I used some inexpensive acrylic in Christmas colors. While this was done on my Addi Express Professional (circular knitting machine), you can certainly do a simple tube scarf with your knitting needles, crochet hook or knitting looms! Gauge is not really an issue but my scarves measure about 3″ in width and 36″ in length.

You can use store-bought mittens or gloves (as I did for those red gloves) but patterns for the mitten shape and elf shoes can be found with a simple Google search but if you’d like to use mine, download the pattern here. (Of course, you could always find a simple pattern for knitting or crocheting your own, too!)

Instructions can be found here:

Convertible balaclava beanie

Balaclava: Addi Express Tutorial

A requested tutorial for a balaclava done on a circular knitting machine!

Convertible balaclava beanie

Wear it 2 ways!

(This is not for a rank beginner!) Skills needed:

~ Basic Circular Knitting Machine Skills (casting on/off, color changes)
~ Hand knitting OR Crochet skills

Essentially, it’s a long tube (like a reversible hat). One end is closed like a hat, the other end is finished with a stretch bind off. Waste yarn is inserted in the middle of the tube to allow for the face opening. Simple concept!

Addi Express: Dog Scarf!

Feeling Christmas-y so I wanted to dress up Bentley. However, a shepherd-mix has too much fur for a sweater so I decided on this!

Looking for more Holiday Addi Express projects? How about a Snowman Scarf Tutorial, Santa Scarf Tutorial or Nutcracker Scarf Tutorial?

Addi Snowman ScarfAddi Santa ScarfAddi Nutcracker Scarf

Knitting Machine Tube Size Comparison!

Curious about the sizes from different circular knitting machines? Here are 4 samples and their measurements!

Knit Quick Knitting Machine First Impression

Michael’s (a large craft store chain here in the USA) has come out with it’s own circular knitting machine. I bought it and ran it through it’s paces. Here’s my initial impression:

UPDATE: This machine seems to be inconsistent in production quality. Many people report broken gears soon after purchase while others do not. Mine lasted a good while but I eventually wore it out, too.

Motorized Addi Express!

It’s no secret that I love my Addi Express knitting machines but I’ve always wished they could be motorized. I finally accomplished it with the help of an old sewing machine motor! One of my main goals was to accomplish this with as little alteration to the Addi as possible and since I know very little about electrical and mechanical engineering, it had to be EASY! Here’s how I worked it out:

Reversible Fair Isle Beanie for Addi Express

Opening Slide

As requested by Laura Brown, here’s an Addi Express King Size tutorial for a great hat! The Addi Fair Isle technique was taught to me in this video by The Answer Lady Knits.

  • This pattern is recommended for Intermediate to Advanced Addi users!
  • If you’re already familiar with fair isle on the Addi then the “pattern” below will be all you need.
  • If you’ve never done fair isle on the Addi, please watch the video before you post a question!

Pattern Pic

This hat was done with Vanna’s Choice colors Purple, Pink and Mustard.
130 rows total