10 Reasons Why Hand Knitters Need an addiExpress Kingsize Knitting Machine

Curious about why a hand knitter might want to own an addiExpress Kingsize knitting machine? Here are 10 reasons this useful tool belongs in every hand knitter's collection:

  1. When you want to see how a yarn will pattern, you can quickly run it through the machine and get a general idea. True, you cannot alter the gauge or needle size, but like we said, you will get a general idea – and if you don’t bind off, you can quickly photograph the fabric with your smartphone or camera, and then easily rip it out.  You can even rewind the yarn into a cake directly from the piece you knitted. Easy peasy!
  1. You can use the addiExpress Kingsize to knit panels that can be combined to make a sweater. Since your machine has a row counter, this is most easily done by casting on and working in waste yarn for a few rows, then working the desired amount of rows in the main yarn, and then ending again with a few rows in the waste yarn. Once the desired amount of panels are created, take a circular needle and run it through the first row of stitches of the main yarn on the cast on end and bind off. Repeat this on the bind off end. Next, line up the stitches and match your panels row by row. 
  1. You can do far more knitting for charity!  Reversible hats especially, are very easy and quick to make on the addiExpress Kingsize. No hand knitting is necessary– but you can certainly add some flair by using your hand-knitting skills to create ribbing or other embellishments.  
  1. Tubular scarves make scarf knitting easy! To give them more of a “hand-knitted” look, we recommend casting on and binding off using waste yarn, and finishing the ends of the scarf by transferring the stitches to a circular needle and either creating a ribbing in the round, or close the ends entirely by knitting two stitches together (one from each side of the fold), followed with ribbing.  You can also add fringe! 
  1. Felted slippers are a breeze...but do require a little shaping created by hand-knitting!  Check out our free felted slipper pattern!
  1. As a hand knitter you know how knit stitches are created, allowing you to manipulate stitches on the addiExpress Kingsize more easily than someone who does not hand knit. This knowledge offers the opportunity for so much more creativity, such as dropping stitches that can be picked up with another color, or from the reverse side, creating a more dimensional stitch pattern than simple Stockinette! 
  1.  It is a true stash buster ! You can hold finer yarns double (and triple) stranded on the addiExpress Kingsize, making it possible to create hats and scarves and panels by combining those lighter weight yarns to achieve the worsted gauge the machine creates. 
  1. Creating felt that coordinates with your hand-knitted piece is super easy. Simply knit your non-superwash yarn in a tube and bind it off. Toss it in your washing machine to felt, cut the tube open, and you’ll have a great piece of felt to use in conjunction with your hand-knitted pieces. Create felted collars, button bands, front panels or patches that coordinate perfectly with your knitted piece. 
  1. Twisted headbands are all the rage! They are quickly knit in stockinette stitch by hand. but imagine how quickly they are made on the addiExpress Kingsize! Adding special touches, like a cable, can be accomplished with practice, but only if you understand stitch construction, (which as a hand-knitter, you do)! 
  1. It’s super fun! Once you get started combining your addiExpress Kingsize along with hand knitting techniques, you are certain to discover how pleasurable it is to create items for yourself, your family and friends, and for charity, using the two together.  It truly is the best of both worlds! 

Meet the Author: Hannah Mann

The other day, we sat down with Hannah Mann, author of The Essential Guide to Machine Knitting to learn a bit more about the addiExpress Kingsize Knitting Machine and her incredible book.


MM: Thank you for taking time to chat with us today, Hannah! We are so excited about your book and want to know, what was the inspiration behind writing it?

HM: I became interested in making patterns with the addiExpress Kingsize once I discovered how easy it is to use, and how quickly it knits. I wasn’t finding exactly the kinds of patterns I was looking for out in the world and thought it could be beneficial to new and experienced addiExpress knitters alike to have a guidebook that included detailed instructions for finishing, embellishment, and modern patterns that were easily customizable.


MM: So, the book also includes all that extra instruction? That's fantastic! Do you think the book is suited for people new to the addiExpress, or is it for folks more experienced with the machine?

HM: Both! But especially for newbies. This essential guide brings you completely up to speed on all things addiExpress—the history, the parts, how to cast on, bind off, embellish, do special techniques, all from the very beginning. And all 30 patterns are arranged with the most beginner-friendly at the start, all the way up to more advanced projects by the end. So, by the time you make it through to the end of the book, you’ll be an addiExpress Expert!


MM: Aah! It's a bit of a course in how to become a brilliant user of the machine. We have a number of customers who ask if the machines good for kids as well?

HM: Absolutely! Anyone can learn how to use the addiExpress knitting machines! Cast on is simple, and turning the handle is all it takes to knit round after round. No matter age or ability, the learning curve for the addiExpress is accomplishable by anyone willing to learn.


MM: I know you can make hats, but what else can you make with these machines? Can you make other things like sweaters?

HM: Anything you can imagine! They can make tubes, flat panels, and you can increase and decrease just like with regular hand knitting. The online community of addiExpress knitters has also gotten ingenious with hand-manipulated alternative stitch patterns, as well.


MM: A LOT of our customers ask for information about what yarns work best in the machine. Do you have any ideas/suggestions as to what size yarn works best?

HM: Generally, worsted weight is just the right size, but fiber content can make a big difference in your stitches per inch. Natural yarns usually work the best, because of their stretchy animal fibers, while acrylics and cottons tend to have less flexibility. The needles on an addiExpress Knitting Machine are about the equivalent of a US 10.5 [6.5mm] knitting needle. Weights from Lace to Aran will work in the machine, but each yarn is unique, and it is recommended to make a swatch before committing to a project with a new yarn. 

Some of my favorite yarns available through Makers’ Mercantile® include:

HiKoo® Simpliworsted, Simpliworsted Spray, Simplinatural,  Sueño Worsted, as well as Schoppel Reggae, Zauberwolle, and Nimbus, & Luv & Lee by Zitron (Click on any of the names to learn more about that particular yarn).


MM: One last question. With all the fluff and fuzz that might build up in a machine, how do you keep it clean?

HM: Keep some canned air on hand! After a few projects, take your addiExpress outside, hold it upside-down and spray as much as you can inside the top with the canned air. This will help get out any residual fibers that get caught inside while knitting. You can also disassemble your machine to spray out the inside, just be sure to keep track of all your screws so they don’t roll away!

I have done a number of videos demonstrating how to remove/replace parts on the addiExpress as well. Even if you don't need to replace any parts, they are a good resource to learn how the machine is assembled.


MM: Wow! What an accomplishment it is to have created such a comprehensive book. Thank you for taking time to chat with us today!

HM: My pleasure!


Interested in getting The Essential Guide to Machine Knitting with the addiExpress Kingsize by Hannah Mann? Click the link below to get your copy today!


addiExpress Q & A

addiExpress experts Hannah Mann and Karin Skacel joined some of our customers for an informal, online Q & A session. We had a number of questions submitted prior to the event, and they were able to offer insight and to those who joined us.

Did you miss the event? Well, you are in luck, because we were able to record the session. Watch the recording below:

Products mentioned in this video:




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The Essential Guide to Machine Knitting with the addiExpress Kingsize

Knitters! Crocheters! Crafters of all types who love yarn!

If you haven’t heard about the addiExpress Kingsize yet, meet the knitting machine that will keep you busy in quarantine. This machine just got a brand-new pattern book released digitally as a complete companion guide; with 30 patterns, extensive instructions on how to get started, special techniques, and even troubleshooting!

The Essential Guide to Machine Knitting with the addiExpress Kingsize” is a collaboration between our friends at skacel, and Hannah Mann (the designer behind Dear Ingénue on Ravelry).  

In this book you’ll learn about the machine, addi® (the manufacturer), details on fabric characteristics, how to set up your machine, and detailed photo step-by-step instructions for all included techniques, and of course 30 unique patterns. Some examples include finishing options, embellishments, on and off machine techniques, detailed yarn information, and even how to block your finished creations! It truly is an all-in-one guidebook, suitable for any skill level or ability!

We especially love the variety of patterns, which are arranged by level of difficulty and range from hats, to sweaters, and even home décor! Each pattern lists what types of skills are needed, materials, helpful hints, and a time estimate for how long each project may take to complete. Designed to lead you from zero experience, to knitting machine professional.

Ready to make the most of machine knitting this holiday season?

Available on our website as a digital download!

PLUS, the addiExpress Kingsize machine just came back in stock, and is ON SALE!

Wondering why they call it the “Express?” Because it’s capable of knitting hats, scarves, and more in under an hour! Able to make tubes, flat panels, increase, and decrease, the type of projects possible are only limited by your imagination.

We can’t say enough good things about this new book, we’re sure it will become an essential tool for beginners and experts, alike!

Treat yourself or pick up a copy for a crafty friend or loved one!

Digital copy only, printed copies coming soon!

FiberStories: Simpliworsted

Aside from the variety of color options, Simpliworsted by HiKoo® is most loved for its brilliant fiber content that makes it machine washable. It is ideal for items for children, as well as blankets or other projects that need to be washed more regularly. The bit of nylon helps this yarn hold its shape, and the Merino and acrylic give it fantastic stitch definition. 

Make a colorful striped blanket, crochet gorgeous granny squares, or create a textural cabled masterpiece that can be sent off to a worthy recipient without any worry about how they might care for the item.

Want more inspiration? On our website you'll see Simpliworsted colors in the same area as Simpliworsted Multi, Marled, and Metallic, but Simpliworsted Spray is listed separately.


  • 55% Merino, 28% Acrylic, 17% Nylon
  • 140 yards per 100 gram hank
  • Approximately 4 stitches per inch on US 10 (6.00 mm) needles
  • Recommended size J (6.00 mm) hook
  • Aran Weight
  • Winding required
  • Machine wash, tumble dry low
  • Made in Taiwan

Pattern Inspiration

FiberStories: Lifestyle

Luxurious, 100% extrafine merino wool. What could be better?! This super soft yarn is prepared in so many color options that you are certain to find one (or three!) that strike your fancyLifestyle by Zitron is presented in pre-wound 50 gram balls. Want more yardage and some color gradients? We encourage you to consider Unisono. It is essentially the same yarn as Lifestyle, but is prepared in 100 gram hanks and has more multi-color choices. 

Want a multi-colored yarn to go with Lifestyle? You are in luck! Ambiente by Schoppel-Wolle is an idential yarn base, but it has been space dyed so that when it is knitted, a pattern that resembles Fair-Isle appears!

  • 100% Superwash Merino 
  • 170 yards per 50 gram ball
  • 6.5 sts = 1 inch on US 2 - 4 (2.75 - 3.50 mm) needles
  • Recommended crochet hook: US D (3.25 mm)
  • Fingering Weight
  • Winding not needed
  • Hand wash cold, lay flat
  • Made in Germany

Pattern Inspiration

©Dela Hausmann

© XRX, Inc.

©Atelier Zitron

FiberStories: Kenzie

HiKoo® Kenzie is made in the beautiful country of New Zealand! In fact, it's comprised of New Zealand merino, angora and alpaca (and just a touch of silk noils), making it a warm and lightweight yarn.

Unlike many yarns, Kenzie is woolen spun! This makes it a perfect yarn for colorwork projects which benefit from a yarn that blooms. Speaking of bloom, this yarn will bloom over time and wear, making it even softer! Project like sweaters, blankets, and accessories will become heirloom items.

With so many colors to choose from, there's something for everyone in our lineup. Plus, it's ready-to-knit in a convenient skein!  

  • 50% New Zealand Merino, 25% Nylon, 10% Angora, 10% Alpaca, 5% Silk Noils
  • 160 yards per 50 gram skein
  • Approximately 5 stitches per inch on US 6 - 8 (4.00 - 5.00 mm) needles
  • Recommended size H (5.00 mm) hook
  • DK Weight
  • Winding not required
  • Hand wash cold, lay flat
  • Made in New Zealand

Pattern Inspiration

© Westknits

©Donna Smith

FiberStories: Gesa & Flo

From left to right: Fauke, Flo, Gesa and Wiebke

Do you ever wonder where yarns get their names? Well, in the case of Gesa & Flo by Zitron, the answer is adorable. Gesa and Flo are the grandchildren of business owner Klemens Zitron. 

We think the name is fitting, especially since this yarn (just like all the yarns from Zitron) is certified safe for children. From the production to the dyes and materials used, it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful substances in the product. Make that baby blanket and let the little one teethe on the corner with no worry. 

Gesa & Flo comes in 25 gram balls that each contain about 98 yards. Made of 16 micron count ultra fine superwash merino, it comes in lots of wonderful colors. It's ideal for stripes, slip stitch, mosaic, intarsia, or even cables! Looking for a companion yarn with more yardage? Consider Feinheit

So, we ask you. What could be better? A certified organic, safe-for-babies, superwash, super-soft yarn with a myriad of color options that is produced by a small family company... and it's named after those sweet babies!

What will you make with Gesa & Flo? Share your projects with us on social media using the hashtags: 

#MakersMercantile     #Gesa&Flo     #AtelierZitron

  • 100% Ultrafine Merino
  • 98 yards per 25 gram ball
  • Approximately 7.25 stitches per inch on US 2-4 (2.75 - 3.50 mm) needles
  • Recommended size E (3.50 mm) hook
  • Fingering weight
  • Winding not required
  • Machine wash cold, lay flat
  • Made in Germany
  • Pattern Inspiration

    © Andrea Bierbach-Macha

    FiberStories: Trekking XXL

    The Trekking family of sock yarns from Zitron have been in the hands of knitters for over a quarter century. The name XXL refers to the size of the skein (now 100 grams vs the former 50 gram offering). The line is constantly updated with solids, heathers, varigated, and self striping colorways.

    Zitron is known as the "green yarn manufacturer" because each product in their line features all natural materials (with the exception of the nylon that is used for strength).

    We have also mentioned before about the Oeko Tex 100 class 1 rating that their yarns have earned. The rating means that the yarn is safe for not only next to skin, but also in the mouths of babies. 

  • 75% Superwash Merino Wool, 25% Nylon
  • 459 yards per 100 gram skein
  • Approximately 6.75-8 stitches per inch on US 0-2 (2.00 - 2.50 mm) needles
  • Recommended size US 4 (2.00 mm) hook
  • Fingering weight
  • Winding not required
  • Hand wash cold, lay flat
  • Made in Germany

  • Pattern Inspiration

    © Yarnmonster on Ravelry

    FiberStories: Simplicity Spray

    This yarn is a huge sigh of relief for fans of HiKoo® Simplicity who like larger projects! One 200 gram cake contains the equivalent of 4 hanks of Simplicity! That means many accessory-sized items can be made with one cake, while larger projects may only need 2-5 cakes.

    Featured as Michelle Hunter’s final KAL before her hiatus, the Audition shawl (pictured above) takes one hank of Simplicity Spray, and 2 hanks of your favorite Simplicity solid 50 gram hanks!

    Featured in a fun array of ‘spray-dyed’ colors, this mix of spray-tonal and spray-multi colors all match well together, making for fun multi-color and fade projects.

    Tell us what you’d make with this yarn!

    • 55% Merino Superwash, 28% Acrylic, 17% Nylon
    • 456 yards per 200 gram cake
    • Approximately 5 stitches per inch on US 4 - 6 (3.50 - 4.00 mm) needles
    • Recommended size G (4.00 mm) hook
    • DK to light worsted weight
    • Winding not required
    • Machine wash cold, lay flat to dry
    • Designed in Seattle, made in Taiwan

    Pattern Inspiration

    © PostStitch


    Discover the full color range of Simplicity Spray by HiKoo® HERE.