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Full-length view of a knitting machine's needlebed showing the fixed number of needles available, illustrating the width limitations machine knitters face when creating larger pieces

Not Enough Needles

Whether you are knitting a blanket or a sweater, you probably have discovered the fact that our knitting machines have a limited number of needles to work with. This means we can only knit pieces that are a limited size.

Unlike hand knitting, we can't use a longer cable needle and add more stitches. We have to get creative to knit larger pieces on the machine.

Let's explore some options for the "not enough needles" dilemma.

needles tip tuck

It's a fact: We can only knit as wide as our needlebed

Whether you are knitting a blanket or a sweater, you probably have discovered the fact that our knitting machines have a limited number of needles to work with. This means we can only knit pieces that are a limited size.

Unlike hand knitting, we can't use a longer cable needle and add more stitches. We have to get creative to knit larger pieces on the machine.

Options for machine knitters:

1Use a stitch pattern that uses fewer stitches per inch
  • Tuck, lace and stitch patterns with needles out of work can knit wider than plain stockinette and may give you more width needed.

2Knit in panels

3Use a ribber and "U" (tubular) knitting (stockinette or hand-manipulation only)

How wide can you knit?

How many needles do you have available?
100 Needles
110 Needles
150 Needles
200 Needles
272 Needles

Bulky Machine (9mm Needle Pitch )
110 needles

Mid-Gauge Machine (6.5mm)
150 needles

Standard Machine (4.5mm)
200 needles

Visit the Classroom: Not Enough Needles

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What do you do to knit wider pieces? Please Comment below
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1 COMMENT
Joanne S
 Mar 17, 2022
I have yet to unwrap my Knitting Machines and discorver the course you offer. Thank you. I want to shine.

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