Okay, so, I got this Addi Express Knitting Machine King Size thing a while back, and let me tell you, it’s been quite the ride. I’ve always been into making my own stuff, and knitting seemed like a cool next step. I saw some folks online using these machines, and I thought, “Why not?”
First off, getting started wasn’t too bad. There were instructions that came with it, and I found some more guides online. They made it look so simple. The first thing was figuring out how to get the yarn on there, which they call “casting on.” Sounds fancy, but it’s just getting the yarn onto the machine. And it’s important to note that not just any yarn will do. I tried some leftover yarn I had, and let’s just say it didn’t go well. Some yarns are simply too thick for this machine.
Once I got the right yarn, it was a matter of cranking the handle. The machine has these little hooks that grab the yarn and knit it together. There are two settings: one for making a flat panel, and one for making a tube. I started with a tube, thinking it would be easier. It took a few tries, and I had to redo it a couple of times because I’d drop stitches or something would get jammed.
The Good Stuff
- When it works, it’s pretty neat. You can crank out a scarf or a hat in a fraction of the time it would take to knit by hand.
- It’s also kind of therapeutic, just turning the handle and watching the yarn turn into something.
- It seems to be well built. Nothing has broken yet!
The Not-So-Good Stuff
- It’s definitely got a learning curve. You can’t just pick it up and expect to be a pro right away.
- It’s picky about yarn. I had to go out and buy specific yarn that would work well with the machine.
- Sometimes it just doesn’t cooperate. I’ve had rows where it just skips stitches for no reason.
All in all, though, it’s been a fun experiment. I’ve made a few scarves and hats, and even tried my hand at a blanket (it’s still a work in progress). I wouldn’t say it’s replaced hand-knitting for me, but it’s a nice tool to have when I want to make something quickly or just want to zone out and turn a handle for a while. It’s sturdy, which I appreciate because I’m not exactly gentle with my tools. So, yeah, if you’re thinking about getting one, just be prepared for a bit of a learning curve and some frustration along the way. But, once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty satisfying to see what you can make!
