Beginner Machine Knitters

Yarn for Knitting Machines

February 1, 2022
5 comments

Do you need yarn on cones for machine knitting?

NO! All you need is to have the yarn wound in a way that will easily feed into the machine.

Use a center-pull ball from a yarn manufacturer
Rewind skeins or hanks with a ball winder

What weight for your machine?

For success with your knitting machine, you need to make sure you are using a yarn that is the appropriate weight for your machine.

If you are just getting started, use a medium weight yarn that fits in the hooks of the needles. With experience, you can experiment with different weights.

Machines come in different gauges. Gauge (Needle Pitch) refers to the distance between the needles and the size of the hooks of the needles.

Yarn for ribber — *Pitch: the distance between the needles (in mm)*

Visit the Classroom: Yarn for Knitting Machines

What is needle pitch?

The gauge (pitch) of a knitting machine is determined by the distance between the needles.

If you are a hand knitter, think of the different machine gauges as different hand knitting needle sizes.

NOTE:
Although the machine pitch determines the yarn you can use, the actual stitch sizes (knitting gauge) is controlled with the tension dials on the machine.

In hand knitting terms, think of this as choosing a needle size within a RANGE of needles.

The pitch of your knitting machine determines the range. The tension dials determine the needle size.

Common Terms:

Fine Gauge	3.6mm
Standard Gauge	4.5mm
Mid-Gauge	6mm 6.5mm 7mm
Bulky/Chunky-Gauge	9mm

Yarn by Machine Pitch

Symbol	Style	Yards per Pound	Stitches per 4"	Wraps Per Inch (WPI)	Machine
	Lace	4000 - 10,000 ypp	33-40 sts	30-40+	Standard (stranded)
	Super fine	3000-4000 ypp	27-32 sts	14-30	Standard (stranded)
	Fine	2000-3000	23-26	12-18	Standard / Double Bed
	Light	1000-2000	21-24	11-15	Mid-Gauge/Standard
	Medium	800-1000	16-20	9-12	Mid-Gauge/Bulky
	Bulky	500-800	12-15	6-9	Bulky
	Super Bulky	100-500	6-11	5-6	May not be appropriate.

Yarn for your ribber?

If you are knitting ribbing 1x1, 2x2 etc. you can use the same weights of yarn as appropriate for your single bed machine.

EXCEPT When knitting full needle rib (or variations), keep in mind:

There are 2 needlebeds in work
The space between the needles is cut in half
You need a much thinner yarn

A thinner yarn is needed for Full Needle Rib

If the yarn is too thick the carriage will be hard to push and the knitting will be stiff

Visit the Classroom: Yarn for Knitting Machines

Machine Knitters don't need to use "special" yarn.

If you are just getting started:

Chose a smooth, light color yarn the correct weight for your machine
Stay away from fuzzy, novelty yarns until you get more confidence with your machine
Stick with one yarn. Why add another variable to your learning curve? Choose something you like and make lots of test knits and projects, focusing on the techniques not adjusting to different yarns. Once you gain knowledge and confidence you can play with different fibers, styles and yarn weights.
Choose the yarn you LOVE - and is appropriate for your project. Does your planned project need a washable yarn or can you splurge on a luxury fiber?

Don't get caught in the hobby store rut. There are many, many online sources for yarn. You are devoting a large amount of time in knitting a sweater. Isn't your time worth a few extra dollars to knit something nicer than plain 'ol hobby store yarn?

5 Comments

- Taraeta N
- June 28, 2023
I'm trying to work out the nm that coverts for a standard gauge machine. Unfortunately I rarely find items labelled with the symbols above.
- FLORENCE L
- February 5, 2022
Great article. I have made many items from hand knitting patterns using the suggested yarn on my knitting machines with just a few minor adjustments. Swatching is vital of course.
- Venita H
- February 1, 2022
Also consider rewinding a manufacturer's center pull yarn. Many, many, many times I have experienced a center pull that is tangle and the tangle happens in the middle of a knit. It save lots of pain and suffering to rewind.
- Nancy M
- February 1, 2022
Great article. Just be sure you do not stretch your yarn by holding tightly as you wind it. This can cause the yarn to knit fine then when it relaxes it will change your gauge. You might have several different "tensions" stretched into that ball. And your garment might turn out as hoped. Been there, done that!!
- Joy G
- February 1, 2022
And don't forget to do Sue's favourite words: Swatch swatch swatch ... Lol