When you first start working with a circular knitting machine, chances are your initial project will be a beanie. Circular knitting machines are often seen as introductory tools, providing a playful yet practical way for kids and beginners to have their first experience with knitting. Due to their simplicity and effectiveness, beanies quickly become the go-to project, serving as an ideal starting point for those new to this craft.
Creating a beanie involves straightforward techniques that can help knitters build confidence and develop foundational skills. However, as you embark on this knitting journey, you might find yourself with a few pertinent questions. For instance, what are the different sizes you can make with each type of knitting machine? Additionally, how much yarn will you need for each size to ensure your beanies turn out perfectly?
Delving into these questions not only aids in planning your projects but also enhances your understanding of the capabilities of your circular knitting machine. Whether you’re knitting for a child’s small head or an adult’s larger one, knowing the specifics can significantly streamline your process and reduce material wastage.
Understanding yarn requirements and size specifications can transform your knitting experience from a playful experiment to a rewarding creative process. So, let’s explore these aspects to equip you with the knowledge you need for crafting beautifully fitting beanies every time.
Depending on how and what you want to make with your circular knitting machine, you should buy one size or another. In this other blog post I make a review of each knitting machine and what types of projects they are good for!
If you’re making beanies for kids and babies, a 40-needle machine is your best bet since it produces a smaller tube diameter, perfect for little heads. For adult beanies, you’ll want the largest machine you can find. I’ve made beanies and balaclavas, and you can check out my balaclava video here. For some men, even a Sentro 48 might be a bit snug, but it generally fits most men and almost all women without any issues. If you’re planning to create smaller items like socks, leg warmers, or stuffed animals, consider getting a 22 or 32-needle machine.
You can learn all about knitting machines and which one you should get in my full guide.
To make a Beanie there’s no mystery, it’s just cast on the stitches and keep cranking the machine until you have the right number of rows for the desired size. After that, remove all the stitches with the tail you have left and the tapestry needle that comes with most machines, remove the needle and pull the yarn to cinch it until the bottom and the top are closed, then make a knot and put one side inside the other and make a knot with both tail ends.
Beanie size chart for a circular knitting machine
Gauge: 4′ or 10 cm = 23 rows x 14 sts
Yarn weight: 3 – Light / DK – 100 gr – 250 m
All sizes include a 3 cm brim, if you don’t want a brim just make 20 rows less
There are a lot of good reviews about this yarn for the Sentro knitting machines, I feel like the silky yarns tend to work better because they are slippery on the needles.
Mandala yarn, known for its self-striping, multicolored patterns, adds a captivating gradient effect to your beanie, making each one uniquely beautiful without the need for color changes mid-project.
The soft, medium-weight acrylic yarn is perfect for beanies, providing both warmth and comfort. As you knit, you’ll appreciate the smooth texture and consistent thickness, ensuring an even stitch and professional finish.
*Note: Some links in this post may contain affiliate links, which means at no cost to you, I may earn a commission
| Beanie Size | Machine size | Number of rows | Size in In and Cm (with rolled brim) | Length of the tube | Panel width | Yarn skiens |
| Babies | Sentro 40 | 68 | 4.5′ | 11-12 cm | 12′ – 30 cm | 5.5′ – 14 cm | 40 gr |
| 1 – 3 Yo | Sentro 40 | 76 | 5.5′ | 13 cm | 14′ – 36 cm | 5.5′ – 14 cm | 50 gr |
| 4 – 8 Yo | Sentro 48 or Addi 46 | 90 | 6 – 6.5′ | 16 -17 cm | 16′ – 41 cm | 6.5′ – 16 cm | 70 gr |
| 10 – 13 Yo | Sentro 48 or Addi 46 | 110 | 8′ | 24 cm | 18′ – 46 cm | 6.5′ – 16 cm | 80 gr |
| Adult woman | Sentro 48 | 120 | 8.5′ | 21 cm | 22′ – 58 cm | 6.5′ – 16 cm | 90 gr |
| Adult man | Sentro 48 | 140 | 9.5′ | 24 cm | 26′ – 66 cm | 6.5′ – 16 cm | 100 gr |
Don’t forget to pin it so you can come back to it!
Types of yarns to choose to make a beanie on a circular knitting machine:
There’s a wide variety of yarn that works great with circular knitting machines. In one of my videos, I go over the different yarns I’ve tested, highlighting what works and what doesn’t.
If you’re in a country where the exact yarn I mentioned isn’t available, you can use a simple calculation to find a suitable alternative. For every 100g of yarn, aim for at least 180m of length in one ball. If the yarn has less than 160m per 100g, your stitches will be too tight, and the machine might jam. On the flip side, if you have more than 300m per 100g, the yarn will be too thin, making your beanie see-through. For these finer yarns, once you’re more experienced, you can double them up for better results. This types of yarn make more stretchy beanies and might work well for bigger heads.
For your first project, stick to a basic Acrylic 8 PLY or DK yarn—it’s a perfect match for these machines. Starting with a yarn similar in thickness to the sample yarn that comes with the Sentro machine is ideal. As you gain experience and get comfortable fixing dropped stitches, you can gradually experiment with different types of yarn.
Once you’ve mastered making a few beanies, why not experiment with different yarn materials? I’ve used cotton yarn for tops, but keep in mind that cotton doesn’t stretch much, so handle it with care. Wool is another great option—it’s softer and works beautifully, but since it’s more expensive, I recommend saving it for when you’re fully confident in your skills.
I also have a video dedicated to summer yarns that I’ve tested, which work well on any circular knitting machine. I used them for summer clothes, though I wouldn’t recommend them for beanies!
In another article, I’ve compiled a list of yarns I love, complete with links to purchase them. You can check it out here!
And if you’re feeling adventurous and already comfortable with your machine, try out some of my patterns for sweaters, pants, shorts, and more!
Explore the Pattern Shop
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Hi! I’m Fabiana, a crochet and knitwear designer with a passion for creating beautiful, functional pieces. I love experimenting with textures, colors, and patterns to craft everything from cozy sweaters to crochet swimsuit. On my YouTube channel, I share tutorials, tips, and behind-the-scenes looks at my design process. Crochet and knitting are more than hobbies—they’re my way of life.
Thanks for getting to know me!
Happy knitting!
