Test swatch all new yarns even if you have used that brand before. Yarn brands are not totally consistent. Red heart from several years ago works great in my machine, but I got a couple of new skeins and they are stiffer, thicker and rougher than the older ones. My machine hates it!
I use a lot of wooden clothespins. 1. I put one on the end of my yarn when I start casting on to help pull the yarn down. 2. After I have 6-7 rounds knitted I put 8 clothespins evenly spaced around the inside on my knitted tube. It helps pull the stitches downward also. 3. When changing colors I use one clothespin to hold the 2 ends of yarns together and down until I get enough rounds to tie them together loosely. 4. When casting off with a needle I put a clothespin on the yarn coming out of the last knitted stitch. After I have gotten about a third of the stitches off I can adjust it to include the knitted tube also. I think it helps to prevent the last knitted stitch from dropping off before you can put your needle through it.
Mission accomplished, M'am! You state at the beginning, when you started with these machines, there were not very many instructional videos. 2 yrs later, there seen to be a fair amount of videos BUT I'm finding your videos to be the most helpful. I'm new to this knitting machine gig. I appreciate the information, your clarity, your energy, your fun! Thank you!
Great tips. I’ve had the 48 needle Sentro for a while. A tip to help prevent ‘tucked’ stitches is to get a small spray bottle and fill with plain water. Spray at regular intervals one of the following. Either the outside of the yarn ball, or all round the inside of the knitting just below the needles or inside the yarn ball if you’re using centre pull ball. The water reduces static which I understand is a major cause of tucked stitches. Also using centre pull is beneficial. Either find the centre strand of the ball (sometimes a major pain to do!) or better still, get a wool winder and wind centre pull balls from your yarn skein/ball.
@@thecraftygrrl I paid $65 for my yarn winder, I knit and crochet, and I also have 2 of the sentro loom's I will NOT knit unless it's center pull, why? my OCD goes nuts if I'm knitting and the yarn skein starts jumping around my living room, with the center pull, it's alot smoother and faster in my opinion, you won't regret it, my yarn winder is all metal, the handle, gears, the entire thing, it's got some weight to it too, also the yarn cakes after winding them are easier to save and stack up and make it look nice....also, thanks for the color change tip, the off set color changes made me knit with only 1 color again due to my ocd because it was not even....gotta love ocd eh? (NOT)
@@IAMdevilwomen I totally bought a yarn winder and have found it relaxing and now I can't live without it. I've even found it helps with my skeins that are already center pull that get knotted. I did only by a cheaper one just in case but so far, it works great. I also found that the cakes stack up and store much better and they are just so stinking cute! I'm adding this as another top tip in my next top tips video. Thank you.
@@crystald3655, YES, TRUE! When I read that someone is SPRAYING WATER into their machine, or even on the yarns that go thru it, I was appalled; there are better alternatives to this practice; Addis makes an effective yarn conditioner, or you could make a very simple grounding device: ua-cam.com/video/r5nygwFs0Gk/v-deo.html
I had one in my wishlist on amazon for months before I got mine. It came in today, and I have made already two hats. It was so easy to learn thanks to all these videos online.
I've watched a bunch of knitting machine videos. I live for fast you go, the only time ever I've actually slowed the speed down instead of speeding it up👍
Great tips!! I. just bought a knitting machine to use while being housebound due to having seizures. I am a sewer but I have not been able to due much of that since being diagnosed with epilepsy. Thanks for sharing some very useful tips and I would love to see one on creating designs. I generally sew purses but would love to knit some and then line with fabric. I used to hand knit but my hands tremor to much and I have RA so knitting by hand is pretty painful. Thanks again and blessings to you.
really great video, i bought a small table that goes next to a recliner and secured my machine to by drilling deck screws through the suction cups into this table and then i can sit in my office chair and make hats, you can also use a generic wooden barstool turned upside down and set the machine down in it and then zip tie the legs to the wooden legs
I have three sizes of the Sentro Knitting machines and I love all of them. The big one has very good section cups, if you do it right. They will stay on for a real long time very tightly. If you first wash your tabletop, which needs to be smooth, then you dry it well. Slightly dampen each of the section cups, after you wash them off. Put the suction cups right on your table top. Push the machine down and hold it for a half a minute..... Then let it sit for an hour or two or whatever. I usually do mine the night before and then I just keep using that machine until I'm done making that size of hats or whatever I'm doing. If you need to get it off, You just need to stick one fingernail under the edge of a suction cup and pull that up to begin taking it off. That's not easy to do because they stick that well! I'm using mine on a wooden t v tray that folds up. It worked so well for me that I had a hole cut the size that I needed to go through so that my material will be coming out and going down to the floor if needed! It's totally lovely, especially for scarves, to have that! I've had several different brands of knitting machines that I've been using for lots of years, so many years that I couldn't even say. To me, so called "waste yarn" is a waste of time. I haven't needed it once and I'm wondering why I don't need it but so many other people do. Maybe it's because some people have never tried knitting something without it....... Not the first, second, third, or fourth item on that machine, but once they figure out what they're doing at least. I just see no reason for it. Maybe by not using waste yarn as I learned to do the knitting on the machines, I learned to be more careful, so the edges turned out straight? Actually, I don't remember anybody using waste yarn way back when I first started using my Addi machines..... I do know that the Sentro Machines are much more picky about the tension! I could not knit well at all on them until I took my hand off the yarn. But first you have to make sure it's coming from the skein easily.... But not too easily. LOL! I do have An idea that I would like to share with the world, because it really works out nicely, But I haven't got a way to do that. Would you like to do that for me if I share it with you? If "Yes," Tell me how I can get you the idea. God bless you BIG!
One of the videos I watched said that the suction cups on the feet don’t stick well to wood. She had a glass top desk that it was stuck to. I ordered a small piece of plexiglass from Lowe’s to put on my wood table. I don’t get it until Halloween, but I think it just needs to be super smooth.
I purchased from a hardware store a 12” x 12” granite sample. It’s heavy and my machine does not move! Plus I have the ability to move the machine to wherever I like to use it…. Craft room, living room, outside on the deck or whatever! Thank you for these tips! Especially the colour change to make it symmetrical rather than stepped! Again many thanks!😊
Thanks for these tips. I did some hats for the shoe boxs at Christmas and were appreciated. I SET UP on waste yarn, knit one row with crochet cotton of contrast colour. Then knit my hat to size. Ķnit one row with cotton yarn then waste yarn at least 8/10 rows. Note## I continued doing hats in this fashion until I had a funnell , maybe 8 or more hats to sew up and finish off. I also left a generous length of yarn after the end of each hat or project and used it on the double to finish the hat on the double, I know it was much stronger finish. Hope this hint helps. From an oap Crafter. ❤
From what I'm understanding, this is a huge help for those that make many tubes (or even panels) at a time to save time. I almost always use waste yarn and a ravel cord (single row of contrasting yarn) when I cast on but never even thought I could do this at the end and just keep going to batch knit things. I HAVE to share this info asap! :) Thank you so much for sharing!!!!!
I love your idea about keeping a log. I have decided to do so and have an old binder for long ago that I will use for that. I also have been something on UA-cam that I hope will help others. When I go into comments I screenshot peoples sugestions and put it in Snapseed, save it to file, create a file folder on my phone. That way I can find the comment later.
I am new to this craft but your top 10 tips are already making a positive difference. I have one extra tip - for those who might end up unravelling and reusing yarn - get a yarn winder. You can also rewind new yarns into a form that you can unravel from the inner part of the reel, and your ball of yarn won’t be playing hide and seek all over your floor. 🙂
Yes! I actually did a follow up video on 10 more tips and that was one of them! I can't live without my yarn winder. Also, my blocking tools and steamer. I think I need to do a video on helpful tools to use with your km.
Thank you for sharing these tips. You are the First instructor that used “waste yarn”!!!! On regular size singer knitting machine I learned how to use waste yarn in my projects. Since I’ve had my Sentro, I’ve been watching lots and lots of instruction videos in order to learn how to use it! But YOU are the 1st… Thank you.🎉🎉🎉 looking forward to watching more videos on the Sentro. I meant “ravel cord” not waste yarn
I admire your perseverance. I have an Addi King. It probably would be okay if I didn't have experience with a metal flat bed with ribber. The Addi and Sentro are so limited. I moth balled it long before trying to do as much as you accomplished in this video. Another drawback is the constant cranking. It is the repetitive motion that gets to me. A flat bed has repetitive motion but more variety. I found that having weights on it all around helped with the tucking/dropping stitches. If I were to get serious with it, I want a table with a hole in it to let the knitting fall down. I have the same kind of the same problem on a flat bed when the weights hit the floor. Your round neck sweater is quite cute. Thanks for your experimentation.
I just started using a small 22 pin and found your video so helpful Thankyou so much unfortunately most videos on Utube go so fast that I can not understand them but you took the time to show us newbies Thanks again!
You can slow down any you tube video by clicking on the gear icon in the most far right upper corner. You can then choose the speed of the video by percentage. Then change it back to “normal” when you’re done. Best of luck. 😊
#1 Sharpie mark, done! Re:moving around on the table. I had an old mirror in a plastic frame, cleaned it well, cleaned the suction cups, stuck it on the mirror surface and used a hand operated wood clamp to secure it to the edge of the table. That thing does not move. If your table needs protecting try the nonslip cabinet liner as a cushion. The counter is finicky but can be serviced easily. Turn your knitter upside down. Use the tiny screwdriver to remove the small plastic panel under the box and be very careful not to jostle it, all it is is a simple plastic gear mechanism. Dab some mineral oil onto the metal pin and gears to get rid of the friction between plastic pieces. Use an office clip on the end of your cast on yarn to help hold it below the pins in the beginning.
27:55 great video I am a newbie with the sentro also my latest thing-a/ma-bob toy. I like to dabble with a lot of things. But this little machine is fascinating 😂😂
Thanks for the color-changing tip! Also I thought the white pin was the first pin so thanks for setting me straight. My tip #1: I screwed the feet of my 3 machines to wooden TV trays (there's a slot for the screw on the larger machines). There is a crossbar at the bottom on one side that I use as a footrest and this keeps the TV tray from moving as I crank. For my 22-needle machine, I bought one with the same colors as a Sentro without the logo that has big feet but no screw slot so I had to drill holes for the screws. It has a yarn feeder like the Addis but no tensioner. Tip #2: I have a 1/2-gallon jar that I put my yarn balls or cakes into. Tip #3: A ball winder is a time-saver! I just got the el cheapo (it was $17 on Amazon and came with pompom makers as a bonus). It works great! No more long pauses while I detangle yarn from skeins. Tip #4: I bought digital counters for my 40-needle Sentro and the 22-needle and they were very easy & quick to install. They're about $15 on Amazon and so far they're extremely accurate. Tip #5: Lube! I saw one UA-camr who uses Dritz sewing machine oil to add one small drop above each needle. I've been taking my machines apart to oil the needles with plastic-friendly grease but that is soooo time-consuming! Plus I worry that I'll strip those tiny screws from constantly removing them. I've ordered the Dritz so I can try it out. If that doesn't work, or if I find I still need to open the machines to do a more thorough clean-out from time to time, I plan to invest in some of those little screws so I can switch them out each time. (Make sure they're steel, not aluminum, so they come out easily with a magnetized screw driver.)
These are amazing tips! Once it warms up I'm gonna head to the thrift store to find a more permanent solution for my big machine since it's taken over my whole craft space right now. I LOVE my ball winder! I use a ton of the Pound of Love yarn from Lion Brand and trying to work with that without making smaller skeins is a nightmare. I need to get a new digital counter...I just ordered the Addi Express mini which has a counter (I'll be trying that out soon) but would love one for my Sentro 48. And lube!!! Yes, I just did a quick short on using sewing machine oil to help with sticky pins. I didn't take mine apart though just slowly cranked through and if the pin was sticky I added a drop of sewing machine oil. It works wonders! Thank you again for these amazing tips and for your support!
I have sentro and addi. As for marking, i have enamel touch up paint for enamel stoves, sinks, etc. I marked mine with the enamel paint and it works great.
For the ravel cord use nylon thread, used in flat bed knitting machines, and it pulls out so easily. I use it for my hand knitted, toe up, socks as well.
Red heart from years ago works for the 48pin machine. I tried to get some more because I ran out of the old skein and it is awful! The new skein is stiff and rough! Test all yarn, even if you have used it before. If it feels different in your hand, it will be different in your machine. I've been pushing down all of the stitches just so they don't get stuck and pop off all the time, but it really slows down my progress and at this rate I could just crochet the dumb thing. Sorry for the rant, just had a frustrating morning.
Thanks for your tips and tricks. I'm new to using the Sentro machine so I learned a lot. I purchased a piece of smooth ceramic tile and the suction cups stick beautifully!
Ty!! I just got my machine late last week and I was really struggling with the cotton yarn I have. It was stressing me out. Thia explains why! Glad it is not just me 😅. I apppreciate your experience! Ty ty! New fan here.
@@ruthwright8373 My machines are a bit different, flat bed, not circular. But use the same latch hook type of mechanism. Which machine, most of mine are 2nd hand, usually from people nearby, or coming to a class near by.
Hi Thank you for the tips! I have one too.... To prevent losing stitches... The 'claws' facing inwards.... The hook faces outwards pulling down making the stitch... the wool then passes over the 'claw' and the stitch is formed. However if the wool does not fall over the claw fully and fall under (staying up on the claw and why thicker wools are a pain) you loose a stitch... to combat this I run a left hand finger lightly over the end of the claw as the work goes around using the crank with my right to ensure the wool has fallen underneath it. I found this out on my third attempt using the machine and have never lost a stitch since.... I use the machine over my lap held by my thighs. This makes the machine secure and keeps both hands free to do this. Suction cups do not work on every surface. I have the 48 hook one. I love it. Does this tip work for you?
I set my 48 sentro in a square basket. The machine is resting just inside and the handle is able to turn freely while giving the machine the stability I need. And I can move it from room to room if needed.
I do double sided hats so I don’t get that ugliness or stretchiness at the bottom of the hat because each bottom goes inside each other and makes the top but I do like using Waste Yarn when I’m doing ear warmers
Hi i would like to learn how to do the doble stitching i just like this video i am a beginner i love how well explain everthing thank you have a bless evening
nice useful video. I was wondering how to make sure all the stitches are tight? Does it depend on the tension of the yarn, or the thickness of the yarn, or something else?
I Thank you all for your information. I'm so excited. To get my First sentro 48 pin mashine today . All information from all of you. Iv read all your comments.,
I've had so many requests for this but haven't had time to make it. Diana Levine Knits has a great video I recommend here: ua-cam.com/video/oG9gNEzZSN4/v-deo.html
I don’t know if it’s a difference on brands (Addi)but I pick up the cast off stitches to the right of the marked pin. Then continue cranking pick ups few crack pickup repeat.
My #1 tip (Cut off the ears on the baby sentro) it makes the cast on/off way easier. I did. 💖💖🙏🙏💖💖👍👍 The performance is not affected by #3, I have one. 💖💖
Excellent tutorial thanks. Just starting g but think I have missed a step as to how waste yarn just unravels when project is finished leaving the end so neat . Doesnt it just come undone too? Sorry silly question thanks
There's a type of glue called "Tack it" they also have one that is reusable. Paint the suction cups with it let it dry and you will have the added grip but it will still be movable later. Just "peal & stick"
I haven’t purchased a machine yet but I’m interested in knowing if you can cast off onto a circular needle and then finish manually using a rib stitch? Thanks so much.
You totally can. I am not a hand-knitter so I couldn't give you the steps but I cast off to a rip cord or waste yarn and finish with crochet so I know it can be done with knitting hooks.
I prefer a knitted cast off, so i use a long 2mm circular needle with a long cable to take the stitches off the machine. Slipping the stitches down the cable is simple, then use a larger needle (8mm) and the yarn tail to knit the stitches off the small needle in a traditional cast off. Or hand knit a ribbed border.
These projects are so thick and bulky. Is it possible to use really fine yarn ( sport weight or fingering weight ) to knit really fine projects like baby hats?
The stitches you added to your fingerless gloves is called duplicate stitch not double stitching. I tape my Sentro down with clear packing tape. It works well
Oh yeah totally. Duplicate stitch is the technical term, I just always find myself saying double stitch for some reason. haha I'm doing a video on that so I should probably train my brain to say it correctly. :)
I love ❤️ to crochet, no and expert but really enjoying. I just discovered this machine 🤯🤯🤯and I want one. My question is with the big one can be done only adult size hats and what projects can be done with the smaller one. Thanks 😊
You can find them on Amazon...this brand is called Sentro and they make different sizes. The bigger one is great for clothing items for adults or children, and the smaller version is great for stuffed animals, gift bags, skinny scarves, trims, etc.
I've had so many requests for this but haven't had time to make it. Diana Levine Knits has a great video I recommend here: ua-cam.com/video/oG9gNEzZSN4/v-deo.html
How do I get it to grab the yarn when starting the first row after casting on. I'm having trouble w it. I just got mine. I've made 2 beanies. But it took me a lot of tries from the stitches not being grabbed or dropped stitches. Help a newbie please from frustration
I put mine on an old kitchen cupboard door ( the shiny type) No slipping as it is completely smooth . The problem with most tables is the invisible ridging .
The Sentro is a great price point for starting out. If you are looking for scarves or stuffies a 32 mushroom house or above would be best. I love the Addi brand but the prices point is much higher.
No need to buy a bent tip needle. Simply use a lighter to very very slightly warm a half inch from the tip. Mine bent on its own. Be careful though because it will melt extremely fast. Three quick passes & it was perfect! Thank you for the great tips!
The suction cups are kinda crap- BUT! The holes they go in aren’t! I used a ratcheting screwdriver that extends sideways to screw through the holes and attach the 48 to a peice of scrap wood. Works great!
my second tip is to use the ball of wool from the other end.... find the end in the centre of the ball of wool not the outside. You do need to worry about unravelling the wool, knots or uneven tension...
So for casting off with waste yarn, the project just falls off the machine, then you just pull off the waste yarn? doesn't that leave a the project to unravel as well?
What’s your favorite tip?
ALL OF THEM!!! Thank you
How do I catch and fix dropped stitches on a circular knitting machine
4
Test swatch all new yarns even if you have used that brand before. Yarn brands are not totally consistent. Red heart from several years ago works great in my machine, but I got a couple of new skeins and they are stiffer, thicker and rougher than the older ones. My machine hates it!
@@fjolliff6308 can you please tell me how to catch dropped stitches on a circular knitting machine please
I am 76 years of age and I find that doing new things like this knitting Machine help to keep me active and also something new to create.
Glad I’m not the only one addicted to learning new crafts.. lols!
Awesome I'm getting my first Sentro today
I use a lot of wooden clothespins.
1. I put one on the end of my yarn when I start casting on to help pull the yarn down.
2. After I have 6-7 rounds knitted I put 8 clothespins evenly spaced around the inside on my knitted tube. It helps pull the stitches downward also.
3. When changing colors I use one clothespin to hold the 2 ends of yarns together and down until I get enough rounds to tie them together loosely.
4. When casting off with a needle I put a clothespin on the yarn coming out of the last knitted stitch. After I have gotten about a third of the stitches off I can adjust it to include the knitted tube also. I think it helps to prevent the last knitted stitch from dropping off before you can put your needle through it.
Great tips! Thanks for sharing. :)
Mission accomplished, M'am! You state at the beginning, when you started with these machines, there were not very many instructional videos. 2 yrs later, there seen to be a fair amount of videos BUT I'm finding your videos to be the most helpful. I'm new to this knitting machine gig. I appreciate the information, your clarity, your energy, your fun! Thank you!
Great tips. I’ve had the 48 needle Sentro for a while. A tip to help prevent ‘tucked’ stitches is to get a small spray bottle and fill with plain water. Spray at regular intervals one of the following. Either the outside of the yarn ball, or all round the inside of the knitting just below the needles or inside the yarn ball if you’re using centre pull ball. The water reduces static which I understand is a major cause of tucked stitches. Also using centre pull is beneficial. Either find the centre strand of the ball (sometimes a major pain to do!) or better still, get a wool winder and wind centre pull balls from your yarn skein/ball.
These are super great tips, thank you! I just ordered a yarn winder and can't wait to try that out.
@@thecraftygrrl I paid $65 for my yarn winder, I knit and crochet, and I also have 2 of the sentro loom's I will NOT knit unless it's center pull, why? my OCD goes nuts if I'm knitting and the yarn skein starts jumping around my living room, with the center pull, it's alot smoother and faster in my opinion, you won't regret it, my yarn winder is all metal, the handle, gears, the entire thing, it's got some weight to it too, also the yarn cakes after winding them are easier to save and stack up and make it look nice....also, thanks for the color change tip, the off set color changes made me knit with only 1 color again due to my ocd because it was not even....gotta love ocd eh? (NOT)
@@IAMdevilwomen I totally bought a yarn winder and have found it relaxing and now I can't live without it. I've even found it helps with my skeins that are already center pull that get knotted. I did only by a cheaper one just in case but so far, it works great. I also found that the cakes stack up and store much better and they are just so stinking cute! I'm adding this as another top tip in my next top tips video. Thank you.
Do not use water on your knitting machine it will drip into the machine and mess with the oil and cause wear and parts to break.
@@crystald3655, YES, TRUE! When I read that someone is SPRAYING WATER into their machine, or even on the yarns that go thru it, I was appalled; there are better alternatives to this practice; Addis makes an effective yarn conditioner, or you could make a very simple grounding device: ua-cam.com/video/r5nygwFs0Gk/v-deo.html
Nice. We started tinkering with ours last night and love it so much I ordeded both size Addis to upgrade after we made a sample tube 😂
Oh, the Addi's are a dream! I upgraded and haven't looked back. :)
@@thecraftygrrl nice!
Thanks for the tips! I seem to be drawn to these easy circular machines....rabbit hole, here I come......!!!
I had one in my wishlist on amazon for months before I got mine. It came in today, and I have made already two hats. It was so easy to learn thanks to all these videos online.
I've watched a bunch of knitting machine videos. I live for fast you go, the only time ever I've actually slowed the speed down instead of speeding it up👍
Thank you! I'm always so worried it's too fast but that's how my brain thinks. I also watch almost every video on 1.5 or 1.75 speed. haha
@@thecraftygrrl not too fast for me. I'm impatient lol
I did that too!
Great tips!! I. just bought a knitting machine to use while being housebound due to having seizures. I am a sewer but I have not been able to due much of that since being diagnosed with epilepsy. Thanks for sharing some very useful tips and I would love to see one on creating designs. I generally sew purses but would love to knit some and then line with fabric. I used to hand knit but my hands tremor to much and I have RA so knitting by hand is pretty painful. Thanks again and blessings to you.
Thank you! My granddaughter bought one to entertain us during spring break.
I put mine on a glass cutting board and the suction cups work great
That’s a great tip!
Plus when you cast of you can turn the project easier! 👍
Genius
I use a piece of marble tile for the suction cups. Holds great!
Thank you I'm going to try this ❤
really great video, i bought a small table that goes next to a recliner and secured my machine to by drilling deck screws through the suction cups into this table and then i can sit in my office chair and make hats, you can also use a generic wooden barstool turned upside down and set the machine down in it and then zip tie the legs to the wooden legs
A tip I saw was to use thread magic. It has been a game changer. I am only on my second project, but I have noticed how much it helps.
Great tip!
Thanks a lot so helpfull a tip I have is getting a bucket on the floor and putting your project yarn into the bucket.
I have three sizes of the Sentro Knitting machines and I love all of them. The big one has very good section cups, if you do it right. They will stay on for a real long time very tightly. If you first wash your tabletop, which needs to be smooth, then you dry it well. Slightly dampen each of the section cups, after you wash them off. Put the suction cups right on your table top. Push the machine down and hold it for a half a minute..... Then let it sit for an hour or two or whatever. I usually do mine the night before and then I just keep using that machine until I'm done making that size of hats or whatever I'm doing. If you need to get it off, You just need to stick one fingernail under the edge of a suction cup and pull that up to begin taking it off. That's not easy to do because they stick that well! I'm using mine on a wooden t v tray that folds up. It worked so well for me that I had a hole cut the size that I needed to go through so that my material will be coming out and going down to the floor if needed! It's totally lovely, especially for scarves, to have that! I've had several different brands of knitting machines that I've been using for lots of years, so many years that I couldn't even say. To me, so called "waste yarn" is a waste of time. I haven't needed it once and I'm wondering why I don't need it but so many other people do. Maybe it's because some people have never tried knitting something without it....... Not the first, second, third, or fourth item on that machine, but once they figure out what they're doing at least. I just see no reason for it. Maybe by not using waste yarn as I learned to do the knitting on the machines, I learned to be more careful, so the edges turned out straight? Actually, I don't remember anybody using waste yarn way back when I first started using my Addi machines..... I do know that the Sentro Machines are much more picky about the tension! I could not knit well at all on them until I took my hand off the yarn. But first you have to make sure it's coming from the skein easily.... But not too easily. LOL! I do have An idea that I would like to share with the world, because it really works out nicely, But I haven't got a way to do that. Would you like to do that for me if I share it with you? If "Yes," Tell me how I can get you the idea. God bless you BIG!
My boyfriend helped me to put a heavy duty double stick tape on a board then stuck the feet down on the tape. It works awesome!!
That sounds perfect.
One of the videos I watched said that the suction cups on the feet don’t stick well to wood. She had a glass top desk that it was stuck to. I ordered a small piece of plexiglass from Lowe’s to put on my wood table. I don’t get it until Halloween, but I think it just needs to be super smooth.
Afternoon my friend i just got a 48 pin knitting machine am watching as a beginner thanke for your tips. Appreciate.
I anchor mine down with blue tac. Put it on the bottom of the suction cups. Not messy and stays for a long time
I’d love a tutorial on double stitching!!!
yes, please! (and thank you for all the good guidance!!)
Yes!
Thank you for sharing. I’m thinking about getting a machine, therefore it is nice to hear some honest tips.
Glad it was helpful!
I purchased from a hardware store a 12” x 12” granite sample. It’s heavy and my machine does not move! Plus I have the ability to move the machine to wherever I like to use it…. Craft room, living room, outside on the deck or whatever! Thank you for these tips! Especially the colour change to make it symmetrical rather than stepped! Again many thanks!😊
Thanks for these tips. I did some hats for the shoe boxs at Christmas and were appreciated. I SET UP on waste yarn, knit one row with crochet cotton of contrast colour. Then knit my hat to size. Ķnit one row with cotton yarn then waste yarn at least 8/10 rows. Note## I continued doing hats in this fashion until I had a funnell , maybe 8 or more hats to sew up and finish off. I also left a generous length of yarn after the end of each hat or project and used it on the double to finish the hat on the double, I know it was much stronger finish. Hope this hint helps. From an oap Crafter. ❤
I should also included that I always left the 8/10 rows of waste yarn on the machine ready for continuation where it applied depending on product
From what I'm understanding, this is a huge help for those that make many tubes (or even panels) at a time to save time. I almost always use waste yarn and a ravel cord (single row of contrasting yarn) when I cast on but never even thought I could do this at the end and just keep going to batch knit things. I HAVE to share this info asap! :) Thank you so much for sharing!!!!!
I make my skeins into cakes and it just pulls super easy from the center ❤
I love your idea about keeping a log. I have decided to do so and have an old binder for long ago that I will use for that. I also have been something on UA-cam that I hope will help others. When I go into comments I screenshot peoples sugestions and put it in Snapseed, save it to file, create a file folder on my phone. That way I can find the comment later.
I am new to this craft but your top 10 tips are already making a positive difference. I have one extra tip - for those who might end up unravelling and reusing yarn - get a yarn winder. You can also rewind new yarns into a form that you can unravel from the inner part of the reel, and your ball of yarn won’t be playing hide and seek all over your floor. 🙂
Yes! I actually did a follow up video on 10 more tips and that was one of them! I can't live without my yarn winder. Also, my blocking tools and steamer. I think I need to do a video on helpful tools to use with your km.
That’s awesome. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge and the joy of learning.
THANK YOU! New sub. I just got my Sentro a few days ago and you’ve cleared up all of my confusion. You’re awesome!
Awesome! Thanks for watching!
Thank you for sharing these tips. You are the First instructor that used “waste yarn”!!!! On regular size singer knitting machine I learned how to use waste yarn in my projects. Since I’ve had my Sentro, I’ve been watching lots and lots of instruction videos in order to learn how to use it! But YOU are the 1st…
Thank you.🎉🎉🎉 looking forward to watching more videos on the Sentro.
I meant “ravel cord” not waste yarn
I admire your perseverance. I have an Addi King. It probably would be okay if I didn't have experience with a metal flat bed with ribber. The Addi and Sentro are so limited. I moth balled it long before trying to do as much as you accomplished in this video. Another drawback is the constant cranking. It is the repetitive motion that gets to me. A flat bed has repetitive motion but more variety. I found that having weights on it all around helped with the tucking/dropping stitches. If I were to get serious with it, I want a table with a hole in it to let the knitting fall down. I have the same kind of the same problem on a flat bed when the weights hit the floor. Your round neck sweater is quite cute. Thanks for your experimentation.
im disabled and fond kning so hard now i can just about carst on and off so geting sento today this vidos been amazing.
Is there a tutorial for the Ouija mug cozy? It's amazing 😍
I just started using a small 22 pin and found your video so helpful Thankyou so much unfortunately most videos on Utube go so fast that I can not understand them but you took the time to show us newbies Thanks again!
You are so welcome!
You can slow down any you tube video by clicking on the gear icon in the most far right upper corner. You can then choose the speed of the video by percentage. Then change it back to “normal” when you’re done. Best of luck. 😊
#1 Sharpie mark, done!
Re:moving around on the table. I had an old mirror in a plastic frame, cleaned it well, cleaned the suction cups, stuck it on the mirror surface and used a hand operated wood clamp to secure it to the edge of the table. That thing does not move. If your table needs protecting try the nonslip cabinet liner as a cushion.
The counter is finicky but can be serviced easily. Turn your knitter upside down. Use the tiny screwdriver to remove the small plastic panel under the box and be very careful not to jostle it, all it is is a simple plastic gear mechanism. Dab some mineral oil onto the metal pin and gears to get rid of the friction between plastic pieces.
Use an office clip on the end of your cast on yarn to help hold it below the pins in the beginning.
Such great tips! Thanks for sharing.
27:55 great video I am a newbie with the sentro also my latest thing-a/ma-bob toy. I like to dabble with a lot of things. But this little machine is fascinating 😂😂
Thanks for the color-changing tip! Also I thought the white pin was the first pin so thanks for setting me straight.
My tip #1: I screwed the feet of my 3 machines to wooden TV trays (there's a slot for the screw on the larger machines). There is a crossbar at the bottom on one side that I use as a footrest and this keeps the TV tray from moving as I crank. For my 22-needle machine, I bought one with the same colors as a Sentro without the logo that has big feet but no screw slot so I had to drill holes for the screws. It has a yarn feeder like the Addis but no tensioner.
Tip #2: I have a 1/2-gallon jar that I put my yarn balls or cakes into.
Tip #3: A ball winder is a time-saver! I just got the el cheapo (it was $17 on Amazon and came with pompom makers as a bonus). It works great! No more long pauses while I detangle yarn from skeins.
Tip #4: I bought digital counters for my 40-needle Sentro and the 22-needle and they were very easy & quick to install. They're about $15 on Amazon and so far they're extremely accurate.
Tip #5: Lube! I saw one UA-camr who uses Dritz sewing machine oil to add one small drop above each needle. I've been taking my machines apart to oil the needles with plastic-friendly grease but that is soooo time-consuming! Plus I worry that I'll strip those tiny screws from constantly removing them. I've ordered the Dritz so I can try it out. If that doesn't work, or if I find I still need to open the machines to do a more thorough clean-out from time to time, I plan to invest in some of those little screws so I can switch them out each time. (Make sure they're steel, not aluminum, so they come out easily with a magnetized screw driver.)
These are amazing tips! Once it warms up I'm gonna head to the thrift store to find a more permanent solution for my big machine since it's taken over my whole craft space right now. I LOVE my ball winder! I use a ton of the Pound of Love yarn from Lion Brand and trying to work with that without making smaller skeins is a nightmare. I need to get a new digital counter...I just ordered the Addi Express mini which has a counter (I'll be trying that out soon) but would love one for my Sentro 48. And lube!!! Yes, I just did a quick short on using sewing machine oil to help with sticky pins. I didn't take mine apart though just slowly cranked through and if the pin was sticky I added a drop of sewing machine oil. It works wonders! Thank you again for these amazing tips and for your support!
Great ideas
I would like more information on waste yarn. I don't understand how it works.
I found a peace of glass holds it in place firmly . I use a glass craft mat . Great tips n tricks thank you for sharing :)
I have sentro and addi. As for marking, i have enamel touch up paint for enamel stoves, sinks, etc. I marked mine with the enamel paint and it works great.
Thank you so much for your tips.I am waiting for my sentro machine and I’m watching videos so I know how to use it when it gets here.
For the ravel cord use nylon thread, used in flat bed knitting machines, and it pulls out so easily. I use it for my hand knitted, toe up, socks as well.
We also used dental floss - so nice and easy to pull out!
Shorting elastic works well too
Thank you so much. Im excited to use my machine that was delivered yesterday :)
Red heart from years ago works for the 48pin machine. I tried to get some more because I ran out of the old skein and it is awful! The new skein is stiff and rough!
Test all yarn, even if you have used it before. If it feels different in your hand, it will be different in your machine.
I've been pushing down all of the stitches just so they don't get stuck and pop off all the time, but it really slows down my progress and at this rate I could just crochet the dumb thing.
Sorry for the rant, just had a frustrating morning.
Thanks for your tips and tricks. I'm new to using the Sentro machine so I learned a lot. I purchased a piece of smooth ceramic tile and the suction cups stick beautifully!
I just got my first one today and I'm so excited!
Ty!! I just got my machine late last week and I was really struggling with the cotton yarn I have. It was stressing me out. Thia explains why! Glad it is not just me 😅. I apppreciate your experience! Ty ty! New fan here.
I been trying but I drop the stitches a lot it’s frustrating 😢
Your tension is too tight
Totally interested in the double stitching!
It’s called duplicate stitch. There are a ton of tutorials
If you use ravel cord, make it a smooth or slick one and it may pull out more easily. Nylon or satin cord may work.
@@ruthwright8373 My machines are a bit different, flat bed, not circular. But use the same latch hook type of mechanism. Which machine, most of mine are 2nd hand, usually from people nearby, or coming to a class near by.
Hi Thank you for the tips!
I have one too.... To prevent losing stitches... The 'claws' facing inwards.... The hook faces outwards pulling down making the stitch... the wool then passes over the 'claw' and the stitch is formed. However if the wool does not fall over the claw fully and fall under (staying up on the claw and why thicker wools are a pain) you loose a stitch... to combat this I run a left hand finger lightly over the end of the claw as the work goes around using the crank with my right to ensure the wool has fallen underneath it. I found this out on my third attempt using the machine and have never lost a stitch since.... I use the machine over my lap held by my thighs. This makes the machine secure and keeps both hands free to do this. Suction cups do not work on every surface. I have the 48 hook one. I love it. Does this tip work for you?
I’m a very tactile person so I’m constantly adjusting my yarn tension with my left hand and catching any potential drops. Great tip!
Great tips, yes please do a double stitching tutorial! i love your channel, thanks 😌💜
Thank you. Look for one this month. :)
It’s called duplicate stitch in knitting
I set my 48 sentro in a square basket. The machine is resting just inside and the handle is able to turn freely while giving the machine the stability I need. And I can move it from room to room if needed.
What a cool idea!
Newbie..trying to find a comfortable niche. Tks for sharing this project 😊
Thank you you are so thorough. I really enjoyed watching this
Thank you! That means a lot. 😊
Putting a silicone ear plug where the yarn feeds makes a huge difference. By smoothing the yarn, you will get no tucked or missed stitches.
Yes I like to know how you do a designs on your work like the hand warmer
thank you
Well my favorite gotta be the waste yarn, And do you have a video of double stitching?
I do double sided hats so I don’t get that ugliness or stretchiness at the bottom of the hat because each bottom goes inside each other and makes the top but I do like using Waste Yarn when I’m doing ear warmers
If you use a lace-weight yarn on the large machine you can make custom net stockings.
What a cool idea! I have a ton of really lightweight yarn just sitting around…I think it could make a really cool open weave top too.
#2 I use a 12 in.² smooth tile and the suction cups hold very well.
Great idea! 😊
Hi i would like to learn how to do the doble stitching i just like this video i am a beginner i love how well explain everthing thank you have a bless evening
nice useful video. I was wondering how to make sure all the stitches are tight? Does it depend on the tension of the yarn, or the thickness of the yarn, or something else?
Thank you. I was just gifted the large one and a little intimidating.
You're gonna love it and hate at the same time but you will have so much fun!
I love tip number four thanks
Thanks for the tips. My son bought me a 48pin for Christmas but I don't know how to use it. Thanks
You’re welcome 😊
Thank you! You’ve helped me immensely. I’ve had my Sentros for over a year and have just started using them! So thank you! 🙏😇♥️
Yay! I hope you make so many fun things!
I bought a magnet counter off Ebay for £7:50 UK
I Thank you all for your information. I'm so excited. To get my First sentro 48 pin mashine today . All information from all of you. Iv read all your comments.,
Have you tried chenille wool on the centroid 48 like using thicker wool soft and plushy thanks for sharing
I have and it works so well. I really love it.
Thanks for the video and I would love to see a video on how to do the double stitching please. Thanks
I've had so many requests for this but haven't had time to make it. Diana Levine Knits has a great video I recommend here: ua-cam.com/video/oG9gNEzZSN4/v-deo.html
@@thecraftygrrl thank you
I don’t know if it’s a difference on brands (Addi)but I pick up the cast off stitches to the right of the marked pin. Then continue cranking pick ups few crack pickup repeat.
My #1 tip (Cut off the ears on the baby sentro) it makes the cast on/off way easier. I did. 💖💖🙏🙏💖💖👍👍 The performance is not affected by #3, I have one. 💖💖
Excellent tutorial thanks. Just starting g but think I have missed a step as to how waste yarn just unravels when project is finished leaving the end so neat . Doesnt it just come undone too? Sorry silly question thanks
Oh yes, you have to pick up the live loops with either a darning needle and yarn or by crochet.
Fabulous video, thank you! ❣️🌹
Thank you!
There's a type of glue called "Tack it" they also have one that is reusable. Paint the suction cups with it let it dry and you will have the added grip but it will still be movable later. Just "peal & stick"
I haven’t purchased a machine yet but I’m interested in knowing if you can cast off onto a circular needle and then finish manually using a rib stitch? Thanks so much.
You totally can. I am not a hand-knitter so I couldn't give you the steps but I cast off to a rip cord or waste yarn and finish with crochet so I know it can be done with knitting hooks.
❤❤ love the tips. Great .
I prefer a knitted cast off, so i use a long 2mm circular needle with a long cable to take the stitches off the machine. Slipping the stitches down the cable is simple, then use a larger needle (8mm) and the yarn tail to knit the stitches off the small needle in a traditional cast off. Or hand knit a ribbed border.
These projects are so thick and bulky. Is it possible to use really fine yarn ( sport weight or fingering weight ) to knit really fine projects like baby hats?
The stitches you added to your fingerless gloves is called duplicate stitch not double stitching.
I tape my Sentro down with clear packing tape. It works well
Oh yeah totally. Duplicate stitch is the technical term, I just always find myself saying double stitch for some reason. haha I'm doing a video on that so I should probably train my brain to say it correctly. :)
Could you tell me how to fix dropped stitches on a circular knitting machine
Yes here a a short but I can do a long form if it’s helpful. ua-cam.com/users/shortsczchllsRr9Y?feature=share
I'm adding this to my next top 10 tips video coming out soon too.
I love ❤️ to crochet, no and expert but really enjoying. I just discovered this machine 🤯🤯🤯and I want one. My question is with the big one can be done only adult size hats and what projects can be done with the smaller one. Thanks 😊
You can find them on Amazon...this brand is called Sentro and they make different sizes. The bigger one is great for clothing items for adults or children, and the smaller version is great for stuffed animals, gift bags, skinny scarves, trims, etc.
How about leg warmers or fingerless wrist warmers from the small one. And scarves or even a lap throw if done flat
I would be really interested in a video on the double knit you've shown here.
I've had so many requests for this but haven't had time to make it. Diana Levine Knits has a great video I recommend here: ua-cam.com/video/oG9gNEzZSN4/v-deo.html
How do I get it to grab the yarn when starting the first row after casting on. I'm having trouble w it. I just got mine. I've made 2 beanies. But it took me a lot of tries from the stitches not being grabbed or dropped stitches. Help a newbie please from frustration
I found if you put some blu tac on the bottom of the suction cups stops the machine from moving
Please need help casting on with my Sentro! I've tried for two days to cast on and nothing seems to work! What am I doing wrong?
Velcro command strips is what I put on mine and put it on a lap table .
I put mine on an old kitchen cupboard door ( the shiny type) No slipping as it is completely smooth . The problem with most tables is the invisible ridging .
Such a great idea! Is it heavy to move or do you keep it in one spot?
@@thecraftygrrl It is a bit heavy ,but i am old , Not a problem when was younger .And as I have no workspace i have to move it .
I'm not a knitter, nor do I sew? But I'd love to make scarfs and other fun crafts, would this be the one to buy? The sentro?
The Sentro is a great price point for starting out. If you are looking for scarves or stuffies a 32 mushroom house or above would be best. I love the Addi brand but the prices point is much higher.
No need to buy a bent tip needle. Simply use a lighter to very very slightly warm a half inch from the tip. Mine bent on its own. Be careful though because it will melt extremely fast. Three quick passes & it was perfect! Thank you for the great tips!
Random question can you transfer a project from knitting machine to in the round needle to finish a beanie hat with reduced stitches
Absolutely!
Thanks I'm new to knitting and just ordered a sentro 48 machine
After tip 4, will you still have loops on the edge to secure. Will the project unravel after you take out the ravel cord?
You need to secure all the stitches first or the whole thing will come undone.
The suction cups are kinda crap- BUT! The holes they go in aren’t! I used a ratcheting screwdriver that extends sideways to screw through the holes and attach the 48 to a peice of scrap wood. Works great!
I love that hack! That's a great idea to stabilize it.
I can not get the yarn on the the machine correctly. When I begin to turn the work the yarn is falling down not caught in the loops what to do?
Can you help my counter is under counting do you know why
my second tip
is to use the ball of wool from the other end.... find the end in the centre of the ball of wool not the outside. You do need to worry about unravelling the wool, knots or uneven tension...
@7:02 do you have a beautiful double stitching be. I would love to do that project! . 7:02
I am working on a video on that here soon so stay tuned. :)
What should I do when I drop stitches?
You can easily fix them while your project is on your machine. ua-cam.com/users/shortsczchllsRr9Y?feature=share
As i am turning, i notice that the yarn is popping off the 2 while fork shaped parts. What causes this?
I would love ❤️ to know how to make fingerless gloves. I’m brand new at this so please show lots of details. Thank you dear 🥰
I have a video for that here Easy Knitting Machine Fingerless Gloves - Day 4- #12daysofknitmas
ua-cam.com/video/_Mko3mCgJb0/v-deo.html. 😊
So for casting off with waste yarn, the project just falls off the machine, then you just pull off the waste yarn? doesn't that leave a the project to unravel as well?
You do have to pick up the live loops before removing the waste yarn.
@@thecraftygrrl Thank you :)
can only be used circular ? if I want a blouse in four parts - front, back and sleeves - I can use this machine ? Thanks
Yes you can!
I can use cotton yarn with my Addi machine. But it doesn't like the thicker yarns. Thanks for saying those were TIPS (and not "hacks").