27 Modern & Free Circular Machine Knitting Patterns
Have you jumped on the machine knitting bandwagon yet? Circular machine knitting patterns have gained huge popularity in the last several years, and for good reason!
Today I’ve rounded up 27 free circular knitting machine patterns for you that go outside of your classic beanies and headbands/ear warmers. We’ve got home decor items, different types of clothing including how to knit a whole sweater, and, of course, some classic (and not so classic) beanie and ear warmer designs.
It might seem unusual to think there are different skill levels when it comes to machine knitting, but there definitely are. A lot of these designs use simple techniques and are beginner friendly, but some will use more advanced techniques for more experienced machine knitters.
Machine knitting patterns can be the perfect quick project for last minute gifts. A lot of the free patterns/tutorials listed here can be made in under an hour. That makes handmade gifts for everyone super realistic!
Materials
Your first obvious materials needed is going to be a knitting machine and yarn. There are a lot of great options now for machine knitters!
If you’re looking to buy your first knitting machine, my personal favorites that I use are a 40 pin Sentro and a 44 pin Addi Express. I want to get smaller ones also but haven’t invested in those yet.
Choosing the right yarn to use in your knitting machine is typically going to take some trial and error. Some yarns work beautifully in these machines and others, well, will fucking infuriate you. Each of the circular knitting machine patterns listed here also have recommended yarns included in the descriptions. A lot of patterns will also call for waste yarn to start or finish your project.
Some other materials you may need for knitting machine patterns are:
- A crochet hook – Sometimes you’ll drop stitches. That’s part of the deal. A crochet hook comes in handy when you need to fix those dropped stitches. A 4mm crochet hook works best for me.
- A darning needle – A darning needle is often used for ‘binding off’ the last row of knitting by weaving a stranded needle through each loop. I’ve tried the plastic ones that circular knitting machines come with (and they get the job done) but I prefer a bent tip, medium-sized metal darning needle.
- Polyester stuffing – If you’re making a project that will be stuffed, polyester stuffing (or even scrap yarn!) will be a necessity.
Are you ready to jump into the glory that machine knitting patterns hold? Scroll to find your next quick and easy project.
Looking for hand knitting patterns?
Click HERE to see all of my free hand knit patterns or HERE to see all of my knitting pattern round-ups!
Knit Pumpkin
Designer: Angie and Britt
Knitting Machine Size: 40 pin
Suggested Yarn: Lion Brand Yarn Jeans (#4 Worsted Weight)
About the Pattern: If you haven’t mastered machine knitting techniques yet, this simple pattern for a pumpkin is a great easy way to start. Finish it with a cute leather tag or even a cinnamon stick for a fun finish.
Cup Sleeve
Designer: Craftily Concocted
Knitting Machine Size: 22 pin
Suggested Yarn: Hobby Lobby’s I Love This Yarn!, Caron Simply Soft, Caron Cakes, Lion Brand Ice Cream, Lion Brand Cupcake
(#3 Lightweight/DK, #4 Worsted Weight)
About the Pattern: This cute and functional cup sleeve is another great beginner project and perfect for keeping your beverages hot or cold. Pattern is written in 3 sizes for 12-, 16-, or 24-ounce containers and the bow will help the cozy stay snug no matter the size of the cup or bottle.
Boho Towel Ring
Designer: Day’s Crochet & Knit
Knitting Machine Size: 22 pin
Suggested Yarn: #4 Worsted Weight
About the Pattern: This fun boho towel ring is a great machine project that uses little yarn and yields great results. The pattern calls for a wooden ring and bead and requires some basic crochet knowledge to complete.
Rainbow Wall Hanging
Designer: Savlabot
Knitting Machine Size: 22 pin
Suggested Yarn: Hand Made Modern (available at Target), Red Heart Super Saver, Mainstays Basic Yarn (available at Wal-Mart), Premier Just Worsted, white yarn of choice for pom poms
(#4 Worsted Weight)
About the Pattern: For this adorable rainbow wall hanging, you’ll make seven tubes in different colors, sew them around foam dowels, then sew them all together to create the rainbow arch. Make big white pom poms for the ‘clouds’ and you’ve got yourself an amazingly cute piece of decor.
Memo Board
Designer: Diana Levine Knits
Knitting Machine Size: 46 pin, 4 pin I-cord machine
Suggested Yarn: Loops and Threads Impeccable (#4 Worsted Weight)
About the Pattern: A cute and clever handmade memo board has never been easier with this tutorial. You’ll create a large panel consisting of 3 smaller panels then seam them together. After your large panel is secured to a piece of cardboard or similar, you’ll get to work on your I-cord machine to create the finishing look. I love a design that’s cute and functional!
Wristlet Purse
Designer: Diana Levine Knits
Knitting Machine Size: 40 pin
Suggested Yarn: Loops and Threads Impeccable (#4 Worsted Weight)
About the Pattern: Make yourself a cute little wristlet purse perfect for toting smaller items around. And the best part? No lining needed! The knitted tube that is the body of the wristlet creates a double sided knit fabric that small objects won’t fall through. You’ll need to have some sewing skills to add a zipper if desired.
Tote Bag
Designer: Diana Levine Knits
Knitting Machine Size: 48 pin
Suggested Yarn: Loops and Threads Impeccable (#4 Worsted Weight)
About the Pattern: For this bento inspired knit bag, you’ll first create a long tube with your machine, then seam each side closed. You’ll then fold the tube strategically to create the shape for the bag and sew it together seamlessly. You’ll finish off with a small handle also knit on the same machine for the finishing touch.
Related: Seamless Bento Bag (Free Crochet Pattern)
Wayuu Mochila Bag
Designer: Diana Cordoba Yoga
Knitting Machine Size: 48 pin
Suggested Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (#4 Worsted Weight)
About the Pattern: This fun and classic style drawstring bag is made from a tube knit on the machine, then you’ll crochet a base and handle to attach. Add a contrasting-colored drawstring for a fun finish.
Holiday Bag
Designer: Savlabot
Knitting Machine Size: 40 pin, 46/48 pin
Suggested Yarn: Lion Brand Yarn Pound of Love, Lion Brand Yarn Fisherman’s Wool (#4 Worsted Weight)
About the Pattern: If you’re looking to elevate your gift giving, this holiday bag is the perfect addition. For reference, the size shown is perfect for including a bag of cookie mix plus a couple little extras. You can also adjust the size to your desired length and create a wine bottle cozy.
Fingerless Gloves
Designer: Diana Levine Knits
Knitting Machine Size: 48 pin
Suggested Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable (#4 Worsted Weight)
About the Pattern: Make yourself or a loved one some super thick and cozy fingerless gloves with this tutorial. It starts with a simple tube that is then seamed with the mattress stitch to create the glove with an opening for the thumb. You could even make kid sized gloves with smaller machines.
Related: Free Crochet Fingerless Gloves & Mittens Patterns
Confetti Fingerless Gloves
Designer: Calumet Knits
Knitting Machine Size: XX
Suggested Yarn: Big Twist Value (#4 Worsted Weight)
About the Pattern: These fingerless gloves are very similar to the previous tutorial with a couple key differences. First thing, they’re two-toned, which is a great way to switch up a basic pattern for a fresh new take. Second thing, the armband is seamed differently to be very stretchy for a perfect fit for everyone. There are multiple different seaming methods used in this design, but with a very good tutorial and a bit of practice, you’ll have them mastered in no time.
Related: Free Crochet Fingerless Gloves & Mittens Patterns
Simple 4-Minute Bow
Designer: A Crafty Concept
Knitting Machine Size: 22 pin
Suggested Yarn: I Love This Yarn!, Loops & Threads Impeccable, Brava Bulky (#4 Worsted Weight, #5 Bulky Weight)
About the Pattern: This super quick and easy bow is made on a smaller pin knitting machine and is the perfect accessory for lots of different projects. You’ll simply create a small rectangle, then wrap your yarn and seam to create the bow. Get creative with the yarn, size, and projects with this one.
Velvet Knit Scrunchies
Designer: Craftily Concocted
Knitting Machine Size: 46 pin
Suggested Yarn: Bernat Velvet, Lion Brand Yarn Vel-Luxe (#4 Worsted Weight, #5 Bulky Weight)
About the Pattern: Velvet scrunchies are back! And they have been all the rage for the last few years. This simple tutorial is about as quick and easy as it gets. You’ll create a small tube, insert your favorite type of scrunchie, then seam around it. Easy peasy, quick and easy, and a perfect quick gift or for market prep.
Related: Free Patterns to Crochet with Fluffy Velvet Yarn
Twisted Headband
Designer: Marching North
Knitting Machine Size: 48 pin
Suggested Yarn: Lion Brand Yarn Heartland, Caron Simply Soft, Lion Brand Yarn Pound of Love, Yarn Bee Soft and Sleek (#4 Worsted Weight)
About the Pattern: I know you’ve seen the viral twisted ear warmer knitting machine patterns floating around. I’m not sure if anyone knows where the original design came from, but this tutorial will walk you through how to create the ear warmer on your Addi machine or similar and how to create the iconic twisted finish.
Related: Sweet Delight Head Wrap (Free Crochet Pattern)
Bow Headband
Designer: Diana Levin Knits
Knitting Machine Size: 22 pin
Suggested Yarn: Loops & Threads Impeccable (#4 Worsted Weight)
About the Pattern: This dramatic and chic bow headband is a great project for newer machine knitters. You’ll simply create a long tube, fold and seam, then add another machine knitted piece for the finishing touch to create the bow look. Video tutorial is for three different sizes.
Easiest Knitting Machine Beanie
Designer: Marching North
Knitting Machine Size: 48 pin
Suggested Yarn: Lion Brand Yarn Heartland (#4 Worsted Weight)
About the Pattern: For this tutorial, the name says it all. Knitting a long tube, folding it in on itself to make a doubled fabric, then cinching both sides and fastening off is the quickest and easiest way of machine knitting a beanie. I’ve made dozens of beanies in this manner and they come out perfect every time. Make different sizes with different sized machines.
Double Stranded Beanie
Designer: Savlabot
Knitting Machine Size: 48 pin
Suggested Yarn: Yarn Bee Soft & Sleek, Yarn Bee Spinesse (#4 Worsted Weight)
About the Pattern: This beanie is made in the same way as the previous one, but with a bit of colorwork. You’ll knit half the beanie in a thicker worsted weight yarn and the other half in double strands of a lighter worsted weight yarn. This creates even tension throughout and gives the option of a variegated or marled look with solid colors.
Maci Beanie
Designer: Whimsy North
Knitting Machine Size: 46 pin
Suggested Yarn: We Are Knitters The Petite Wool (#4 Aran Weight)
About the Pattern: There are a lot of knitting machine patterns out there for double brim beanies where you simply knit a longer fabric and fold after finishing. This design uses a unique technique to make a ‘true’ double brim beanie, meaning the folded brim is worked seamlessly into the body of the hat.
Addi Bear
Designer: A Crafty Concept
Knitting Machine Size: 46 pin
Suggested Yarn: Yarn Bee Soft & Sleek (#4 Worsted Weight)
About the Pattern: This super cute bear lovey is made almost completely on the machine making it a super quick project perfect for last minute gifts or markets. You’ll need some crochet skills as the ears and mouth are crocheted and sewn on. The designer recommends making a couple in worsted weight yarn before attempting a version with faux fur yarn due to not being able to see the stitches with this textured yarn.
Baby Alien
Designer: Savlabot
Knitting Machine Size: 22 pin
Suggested Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (#4 Worsted Weight)
About the Pattern: The designer couldn’t call this design what it is due to copyright restraints but we all know this loveable character. Now you can make your own adorable B.A.U.S. (Baby Alien, Unidentified Species) with this video tutorial.
Sea Animals
Designer: H’Lee Inspired for A Crafty Concept
Knitting Machine Size: 22 pin
Suggested Yarn: #4 Worsted Weight (None specified)
About the Pattern: These adorable sea animals and all their pieces are made on your 22 pin knitting machine and seamed together. Create them as mini toys for toddlers or turn them into keychains. The possibilities are endless with this one!
Balaclava
Designer: Creative Yarn by Fabi
Knitting Machine Size: 48 pin
Suggested Yarn: #4 Worsted Weight (None specified)
About the Pattern: I know you’ve seen beanies and ear warmer knitting machine patterns but what about a balaclava? This balaclava design cleverly combines circular and panel machine knitting. Follow along with the full video tutorial to make yours in only an hour or so.
Hooded Cowl
Designer: Littlejohn’s Yarn
Knitting Machine Size: 46 pin
Suggested Yarn: Bernat Denim (#4 Worsted Weight)
About the Pattern: This hooded cowl pattern combines circular and panel knitting with a little bit of crochet to create the ribbing around the hood with front post and back post double crochet stitches. This hooded cowl may look complicated to make but is surprisingly easy. Follow along with the video tutorial to see for yourself!
Keweenaw Scarf
Designer: Calumet Knits
Knitting Machine Size: 46 pin (Or any other size machine to create a wider or more narrow scarf)
Suggested Yarn: Big Twist Value (#4 Worsted Weight)
About the Pattern: A scarf is a great place to start with machine knitting patterns if you’re a beginner. For this design, there are three finishing options: ends cinched and poms added, ends seamed and fringe added, and both ends seamed together for an infinity style scarf. This design stood out to me because of the endless possibility of color changes and color changes are so much easier with machine knitting!
Button Scarf
Designer: Crochet It Creations
Knitting Machine Size: 46 pin
Suggested Yarn: Big Twist Soft (#4 Worsted Weight)
About the Pattern: Here we have a modern take on a classic scarf. Basic scarves are super easy to knit on a machine by just making a long tube and seaming. Elevate your look by adding a loop with buttons to thread the scarf through and fringe for a fun finish.
How to Knit Socks
Designer: Infiniti Crafting Company
Knitting Machine Size: 22 pin
Suggested Yarn: Patons Kroy Sock (#1 Laceweight)
About the Pattern: Did you know you can even knit socks on a circular knitting machine? The entirety of these socks is knit on the machine with the exception of the heel which is crocheted. The designer provides a video tutorial and guidance on how to resize your socks.
How to Knit a Sweater
Designer: Yay for Yarn
Knitting Machine Size: 46 pin
Suggested Yarn: #5 Bulky Weight (None specified)
About the Pattern: Next up on our machine knitting patterns we’ve a tutorial on how to knit a full sweater. This tutorial is more advanced requiring techniques such as panel knitting for the front and back panels and sleeves, how to knit ribbing on your machine, how to work increases on your machine, and the mattress stitch for seaming the pieces together. Don’t worry, if you’re ready to tackle a project like this but not sure how to do these techniques, the designer provides full tutorials to walk you through the process.
Final Thoughts on Machine Knitting Patterns
I hope you enjoyed this wonderful variety of free machine knitting patterns. I’m still amazed at how much can be done with these handy machines!
Which one was your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
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Happy machine knitting!
