Machine Knitting for Beginners
Machine knitting allows knitters to produce garments, fabrics, and accessories faster than hand knitting. At Blue Thistle Fibers, we help beginners learn machine knitting through equipment sales, workshops, and hands-on instruction at our fiber mill in Gauley Bridge, West Virginia.
What Is Machine Knitting?
Flat Bed Knitting machines (like the LK150) create knitted fabric using rows of needles arranged on a needle bed. To make the stitches, the knitter moves a carriage across the needles while yarn feeds through the machine. Each pass of the carriage forms a new row of stitches.
Machine knitting still requires skill and creativity, but it allows knitters to produce garments and textiles much more quickly than traditional hand knitting. Many knitters enjoy combining both techniques — using machines to create fabric and hand knitting to finish or decorate pieces. Knitting machines are typically categorized by gauge, which refers to the spacing between needles.
Mid-Gauge Machines
Mid-gauge machines are often the easiest machines for beginners to learn. They work well with many common knitting yarns and allow knitters to produce garments quickly.
The Silver Reed LK150 is one of the most popular beginner knitting machines in the world.
Standard Gauge Machines
Standard gauge machines create finer fabrics and garments. Machines such as the Silver Reed SK280 are commonly used with lighter yarns and can be paired with ribber attachments for advanced knitting techniques.
Electronic Machines
Electronic knitting machines such as the Silver Reed SK840 allow knitters to produce complex patterns using computerized pattern control. These machines are often used by advanced knitters and designers.
The Best Knitting Machine For Beginners
The Silver Reed LK150
For most knitters starting out, we recommend the Silver Reed LK150 mid-gauge knitting machine.
The LK150 is ideal for beginners because it:
• uses many standard knitting yarns
• is simple to learn
• requires minimal setup
• produces beautiful knitted fabric quickly
Blue Thistle Fibers is an authorized Silver Reed dealer, and we can help you select the machine that best fits your knitting goals.
What Yarn Works in Knitting Machines?
The yarn used in machine knitting depends on the type of machine.
Mid-gauge machines like the LK150 work well with our DK & Worsted Naturally Dyed Yarns - preferably on a cone. We offer yarns by default as skeins, but you can let us know if you would like us to wind them onto a cone for you (no extra charge for the cone winding!)
100% Merino Worsted Weight Yarn | Autumn Berry
$28.00Autumn at the LakeMerino Blend DK Weight Yarn | Pumpkin Spice
$28.00Autumn at the Lake100% Merino Worsted Weight Yarn | Lake Indigo
$28.00Autumn at the Lake100% Merino Worsted Weight Yarn | October Dusk Violet
$28.00Autumn at the Lake100% Merino Worsted Weight Yarn | Lake Mist Slate
$28.00Autumn at the Lake100% Merino Worsted Weight Yarn | Goldenrod Yellow
$28.00Autumn at the Lake100% Merino DK Weight Yarn | Red Oak
$28.00100% Merino DK Weight Cone Yarn | Red Oak
$28.00
Learn Machine Knitting in West Virginia
Learning to use a knitting machine is much easier with hands-on instruction.
Blue Thistle Fibers offers machine knitting workshops and small group classes at our fiber mill in Gauley Bridge, West Virginia.
Our workshops include:
• beginner machine knitting classes
• Silver Reed LK150 instruction
• Casting on and off, increasing & decreasing stitches, and faux ribbing.
• troubleshooting and machine setup
Buy a Knitting Machine
Blue Thistle Fibers is an authorized Silver Reed knitting machine dealer and offers machines for beginners as well as advanced knitters.
Machines can be shipped directly from our U.S. distributor, and we are happy to help customers choose the right machine.
Explore available machines:
A Working Appalachian Fiber Mill
Blue Thistle Fibers is located in Gauley Bridge, West Virginia, near the New River Gorge National Park.
Visitors can explore our fiber mill, learn about natural dyeing, and participate in fiber arts workshops throughout the year.