Alright, so I finally got around to properly using my Addi knitting machine to whip up a scarf. It’s been sitting there, you know, looking at me, and I figured, “Why not? Let’s see if this thing is as quick as they say for a simple project like a scarf.”
Getting Started with the Addi
First thing, I had to dig out the machine. It was tucked away in the craft closet, as these things often are. I gave it a quick dust-off. I remembered the instructions being a bit, well, let’s say “minimalist,” but I’d watched a few videos ages ago, so I had a rough idea. I clamped it to my table, making sure it was good and steady. You really don’t want this thing wobbling around when you start cranking.
Then came the yarn. I wasn’t about to use my best hand-dyed merino for a first proper go. Nope. I found some decent acrylic blend, a nice chunky weight, because I read somewhere that the Addi Express King Size (that’s the big one I have) likes thicker yarn. Thin stuff can be a bit problematic, or so I’ve heard. I wasn’t aiming for anything super fancy pattern-wise, just a straightforward, cozy scarf.
Casting On and the Knitting Process
Okay, casting on. This is where you gotta pay attention. The first time I tried this machine, ages ago, I messed this up spectacularly. Dropped stitches everywhere. It was a disaster. This time, I went slow. I threaded the yarn through the guide, then carefully alternated the needles, making sure each one caught the yarn properly for that first row. It’s a bit fiddly, not gonna lie, but once you get the hang of it, it’s okay.
Once I had that first row securely on, it was time for the fun part: cranking! And let me tell you, it’s pretty satisfying to turn that handle and see the knitted tube just grow before your eyes. Click, clack, whirr – it’s got its own rhythm. I kept a steady, gentle pace. You can’t go too fast, especially at the beginning, or if your yarn tension isn’t quite right. I made sure the yarn was feeding smoothly from the ball, no snags.
For the “pattern,” I just went for a simple tube. The Addi machines naturally knit in a tube, so for a scarf, you have a couple of options: either make a really long tube and then flatten it, or seam it, or use it as a double-thick cowl. I decided I’d make a long tube and then figure out the finishing later. I didn’t bother with any fancy stripes or anything for this first proper attempt, just solid color.
- I aimed for a decent length, so I just kept cranking. I didn’t count rows religiously, but I eyeballed it until it looked like a good scarf length. Maybe around 150-180 rounds? Something like that.
- Tension is key. The machine sort of handles it, but you need to make sure your yarn isn’t too tight or too loose going in.
Casting Off and Finishing Touches
Casting off is another moment where you need to be a bit careful. You basically knit the last row with waste yarn, or you can use the darning needle method to take the live stitches off. I used a darning needle, carefully picking up each stitch as I cut the main yarn, leaving a long tail. It takes a bit of patience, but it gives a clean edge.
Once it was off the machine, I had this long, knitted tube. I laid it flat. I decided I wanted a flat scarf, not an infinity scarf or cowl this time. So, I had to deal with the tube. You can cut it open, but that can lead to unraveling if you’re not careful. What I usually do is either kitchener stitch the ends closed if I want a double-thick scarf, or I carefully mattress stitch one edge of the tube closed to make it a flat, single-layer (but still double-sided fabric, if that makes sense) scarf. For this one, I just stretched it a bit, and then I gathered the ends and added some chunky tassels I made from the same yarn. Simple, but effective.
My Thoughts on the Addi Scarf
So, what’s the verdict? For a quick, basic scarf, the Addi is pretty neat. It’s definitely faster than hand knitting a simple stockinette scarf. It’s not going to replace intricate hand knitting, no way. The fabric it produces is plain stockinette in a tube. But for speed and simplicity on basic items, it’s a fun tool.
It wasn’t without its little quirks. You have to be mindful during casting on and off, and yarn choice matters. But overall, I got a wearable scarf in an evening, which is pretty cool. I’m already thinking about making some simple hats next. Practice makes perfect with these machines, I reckon.
