Best Knitting Machine for Hats: Addi Express King Size Knitting Machine

Hats are probably the #1 most popular knitted item—and a knitting machine makes creating one fast and easy. Once you get the hang of it, a good knitting machine can make a hat in just 30 minutes.

After asking knitting enthuisasts among our parent readers for their advice on the best knitting machine, one brand name came up time and time again: Addi. This company makes excellent knitting machines that are beloved by crafters, we learned.

For the best knitting machine for hats, we’ll recommend Addi’s Express King. Here’s why:

What We Liked

• Easy to set up.

• Great for hats and scarves—30 minutes once you practice a bit!

• Counter works well.

• 46 needles and electronic row counter.

• Two clamps work well.

• Affordable.

What Needs Work

• Not so good for socks.

• Directions could be better (hint: our readers found online videos more helpful).

• Doesn’t work well with thinner yarn.

• A bit daunting for beginners. If that is you, see our next recommendation.

Best Beginners Knitting Machine: Addi Express Knitting Machine

Our readers suggested beginners should try out a smaller machine to get the hang of it—and after looking at 4 different brands and asking our readers for advice, we pick Addi’s Express Knitting Machine as the best bet for beginners.

What We Liked

• Simple to use.

• Fast!

• Can knit circular tube as well as a plain knitted panel.

What Needs Work

• Only can make small hats. 

Best Knitting Machine For Kids: Knit’s Cool Knitting Studio

We loved this knitting machine as a great gift for kids—it comes with enough yarn to make an infinity scarf, headband and (yes) a phone case. We found it easy to use, especially when you watch a couple of online tutorials.

What We Liked

• Affordable.

• Includes yarn, charms and 3 knitting posts.

• Easy to use once you see online tutorials.

• Nice storage area for parts.

• Kids loved it!

What Needs Work

• May need more yarn to finish the projects.

• Instructions could be better. Again, online tutorial videos are going to be helpful!

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do hands-on testing—we buy the products with our own money and evaluate with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!