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.

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.

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

NEW Singer Knitting Machine

Guess what?! Singer appears to have used the Addi Professional as a model and revamped their children’s knitting machine. The first one (that has been out for years) was less than adequate. Click here for the link to that review.  But on a happier note, the new machine has promise for those who want to try their hand at circular machine knitting before they invest in a quality machine. HOWEVER, be aware that the old one is still on the market so be sure NOT to waste your money on that one! See what I’m talking about here:

Addi Express Fingerless Mitts

I get requests for fingerless mitts all the time and I didn’t have a clue how to do it! I’ve finally come up with something to give you but be aware that there are TWO versions: Beginner and Intermediate/Advanced.  I strongly suggest watching the videos as sometimes it’s difficult to accurately describe specific actions in words!

BEGINNER VERSION
1. Download the written pattern here: Addi fingerless mitts Beginner

2. Watch the video here:

INTERMEDIATE-ADVANCED VERSION
1. Download the written pattern here: Addi fingerless mitts Advanced

2. Watch the video here:

Have you joined the Facebook group Addi King, Loomers and Knits?