Machine Knitting

Traditionally, knitting is generally done with two or more needles and by hand. Fortunately, it is not be any means limited to these methods or a whole lot of people would never be able to fully enjoy the pleasure of creating their very own line of hand knitted products and maybe even being able to make some money as well as have some fun with knitting. There are also many "purists" as well who will always feel that "real" knitting should be limited to those same needles. This article will look at some of the pros and cons of machine knitting and how it has a place in the world of knitting at least for some people.

Many of the more "traditional" knitters are only in it for a hobby, as a means to relax and perhaps something to pass the time when waiting for other things to complete ... like time spent waiting at the doctor's office or in the department of motor vehicles. Not only would it be an inconvenience to try to tote around most large-scale knitting machines, it would be very difficult not to get kicked out of whatever place you were waiting at. While this may be an extreme example, it does serve to show that machine knitting is not always the best option for people who want to enjoy their passion for knitting.

That being said, there are many smaller knitting machines that work exceptionally well for just such occasions. A great many of these knitting machines are actually sold as "toys' or in the children's sections as they are generally made of plastic and are not overly complex. That does not mean they do not work and while some may question their classification as an actual mechanical device, they are very handy for performing many functions that are otherwise very tedious and time-consuming for some people when knitting by hand.

Some people simply have a difficult time handling the knitting needles for any length of time. While carpal tunnel syndrome may not be a major concern, often the repetitive tasks can inflame arthritic joints or cause swelling and discomfort to occur. The use of these knitting machines can help to alleviate many of those problems before they are ever an issue. As an added bonus, the vast majority of the small, hand held knitting machines are very inexpensive so even if they are not the best-built versions, they can generally be replaced very easily.

If you are going to be getting involved with large-scale knitting production you may be looking at some of the larger and perhaps even more expensive knitting machines. Again there are benefits and detriments but they most be weighted out based on your personal knitting needs and what you have in mind to accomplish with your knitting skills. Some of them are certainly more difficult to master than others but once mastered, will allow you to greatly increase your production of "knitted fabric" to use in just about anything you ever wanted to knit.

Whether you are interested in learning more about knitting by hand or knitting machines, the first thing that you need to do is decide exactly what it is that you wish to accomplish. If you are just learning the art of knitting, you may want to begin with the more traditional knitting needles and yarn. If you have already become a master of the art of knitting, you may be ready to take it to the next level and begin looking at some of the more advanced knitting machines. Like your knitting success, your knitting needs can only be defined by you once you know what direction you want to move in with your personal knitting skills.

Liz Raad is a small business coach and author of the exciting new E-book "Knitting For Profit" that shows step-by-step how to make money from knitting or crochet. This new E-book contains great information, practical advice, tips and ideas for anyone who wants to learn how to turn their knitting hobby into real cash -ideal for starting your own home-based business or for work-at-home mums.