What is a Machine Knit-Able?

At Knit It Now, we feature what we call Machine Knit-Ables—hand knitting patterns we highlight to inspire your machine knitting. These aren’t Knit It Now original patterns, and they aren’t written specifically for machine knitters. But with the right tools and mindset, you can absolutely make them your own.

Why Share Hand Knitting Patterns with Machine Knitters?

Let’s be honest—there aren’t many designers writing new patterns specifically for machine knitting these days. Most of what’s out there is vintage or hard to follow. That’s why we showcase fresh, current hand-knit designs: to give you new ideas and help you get more out of your machine.

How to Use a Machine Knit-Able

1. Start with the original hand-knit pattern (we link to it).
2. Use our Perfect Fit Dynamic Patterns to customize the shape and sizing for your machine.
3. Adjust for your gauge, your yarn, and your personal style.
4. We make suggestions for converting to machine knitting

Where Is the Pattern?

Look for the button "Everything you need to get knitting".

Or look for the button "Yarn and Original Pattern"

Newer Machine Knit-Ables now use this button.

Unless noted, these are hand knitting patterns. Purchasing the pattern can be helpful for original measurements and stitch patterns, but there won’t be machine knitting instructions included. That’s where our weekly Knit-Able suggestions come in—to help you translate those ideas to your machine.

Why Machine Knit-Ables Matter

If you’ve ever felt limited by machine knitting patterns, you’re not alone. Machine Knit-Ables open up your options. Instead of waiting around for new machine-specific designs, you can use fresh, modern styles from the hand knitting world and adapt them to your machine.

Quick Tips for Success

• Check what your machine can do. Some hand-knit textures may need adjusting.
• Swatch first! Make sure your gauge, yarn, and fabric feel work before diving into the project.
• Simplify where needed. Machine knitting doesn’t always follow hand-knit instructions exactly. That’s okay.

Common Misunderstandings About Machine Knit-Ables

Looking for More In-Depth Help?

If you want more than just a single course, check out our full Hand Knit to Machine Knit Classroom. It’s packed with lessons, tools, and tips to guide you through every step of adapting hand-knit patterns for your machine—whether you’re working on sweaters, accessories, or blankets.

Visit the Classroom

Hand Knit to Machine Knit Classroom

Get Started Today

Browse our full collection of Machine Knit-Ables. Pick one that catches your eye, and start experimenting. Using our tools, tutorials, and patterns, you’ll have everything you need to bring those hand-knit designs to life on your machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Machine Knit-Able?

A Machine Knit-Able is a hand-knit pattern we share as inspiration for machine knitters. It’s not a machine knitting pattern, but you can adapt it using Knit It Now tools and suggestions.

Why aren’t there more machine knitting patterns available?

Few designers focus on machine knitting these days. Hand knitting patterns dominate the market, so we help you bridge the gap by showing how to adapt them for your machine.

Do I need special skills to use a Machine Knit-Able?

No. If you can knit a basic sweater or accessory on your machine, you can work with a Machine Knit-Able. It’s about making adjustments—not starting from scratch.

Do I have to buy the original hand-knit pattern?

Purchasing the pattern is recommended if you want access to original measurements and stitch details, but it’s not required to use our Machine Knit-Able suggestions.

Where do I find help adapting patterns?

We offer courses, tutorials, and tools to help you adapt hand knitting patterns. You’ll find links and recommendations alongside each Machine Knit-Able we feature.

Have you tried using a hand knitting pattern on your machine? I’d love to hear how it went or if you have questions about getting started. Share your thoughts in the comments below!