Back in 2021, when I bought my first Sentro knitting machine, I was so excited about how fast it worked that I decided to invest in an I-cord maker. Not wanting to spend too much, I went for the cheapest option available.
Unfortunately, that decision turned out to be a big mistake. I tried every type of yarn in my stash—cotton, DK, worsted—you name it, and no matter what I used, I could only knit a few rows before the stitches got completely messed up. It was beyond frustrating! Even though the I-cord makers were inexpensive (around $20 each), it felt like a total waste of money.
That experience inspired me to create this Best I-Cord Knitting Machines review, so you don’t have to go through the same frustration I did. Let me help you find a tool that actually works!
Table of Contents
Brief history of I-cord knitting machines
What is an I-cord machine?
An I-cord knitting machine is a tool to make long French knitting tubes using only 4 or 6 needles, these knitted tubes are seamless and you can use them for a variety of projects from jewellery to home decor, I’m going to be sharing some here in the future, so make sure you subscribe to the newsletter if you’re interested in these types of tutorials.
It’s also called a tricotin or mill machine.
“This was the first I-cord machine I purchased, and despite 35 years of crochet experience, I just couldn’t get it to work. I tried every type of yarn imaginable—lighter, bulkier, and everything in between—but nothing seemed to do the trick.“
How many stitches are in an I-cord?
I-cord makers have 4 or 6 needles but you can find Looms with more needles if you want to make wider tubes. Some manual I-cord makers have only 3 needles.
Is I-Cord the same as French knitting?
For centuries, the art of French knitting, also known as spool knitting or i-cord knitting, has endured. In this traditional technique, knitters employ a handheld ‘dolly’ or spool featuring four pins around its edge. The result is a slender knitted tube commonly referred to as an i-cord. They were similar to this one !
Who invented the I-cord?
The I-cord, or idiot cord, is a simple knitting technique Elizabeth Zimmermann (inventor of the term I-Cord, as well as dozens of variations) and her daughter, Meg Swansen, have utilized I-Cord in uncounted practical, innovative, and delightful ways. It has been a traditional knitting method for many years, and its origins are not precisely documented. The term “idiot cord” is believed to have originated from its simplicity, making it an easy and accessible technique for knitters.
What is the best yarn for I-Cord knitting?
The best yarn for an I-cord machine depends on your preference, but I recommend starting with a 4-ply or DK yarn made from a smooth cotton or acrylic blend. Be sure to check the instructions of your I-cord machine to see which yarns work best with it for optimal results!
Best I-cord knitting machines review
Caydo Electric I-cord Machine
When I first tried the Caydo Electric I-Cord Maker, I was blown away! It made creating I-cords so easy and effortless, that I couldn’t believe how much time I saved.
The included manual was incredibly helpful and made it easy to get started right away. To use the machine, you’ll need to connect it to power with the included cord and hand-knit a few starter rows before switching it on.
Don’t skip the weights—they’re essential for smooth operation! Without them, the Caydo I-cord knitting machine can clog up, so be sure to attach them properly for the best results. But honestly, it’s become one of my favorite tools—I’m completely hooked!
Purchase from the Caydo store with a 20% discount!
Tulip I-cord knitting machine review
It’s a high-quality knitting tricotin mill as well, with 4 needles, it’s best for signs and clothing straps or bows to decorate your knitted garments. It doesn’t have anything to clamp or attach to a table so you need to hold it with your hands while using it, which is tricky because, at the same time, you need to control the tension of the yarn with your fingers. It works fine with DK and some Worsted yarn, but lighter yarns produce an uneven I cord.
Prym I-cord knitting machine
This is a sturdy knitting mill with a detachable weight piece at the bottom, which helps pull the knitted tube as you work. It features 4 needles, making it ideal for creating wire-based designs and projects!
The best feature of this I cord machine is that you can screw the bottom open and attach it to any table to knit, that way your hands are free to work the tension of the yarn.
It’s best for yarns from lightweight to DK as it says in the manual, but I tried using worsted yarn and it worked perfectly fine.
You can crank it fast without dropping stitches and the tricotin it makes is perfect.
Now on Sale at Walmart!
Addi Egg knitting machine
In these Best I-cord Knitting Machines reviews I couldn’t leave The Addi Egg out, different from the other I-cord makers, it has 6 needles, so it will make a wider French knitted tube.
So if what you are after is an I-cord for signs this is not the best option, the tube has to be smaller to perfectly fit the wire.
When I first bought my Addi Egg a few months ago, I found it a little hard to work the tension and hold the mill machine at the same time, even though is a well-built German Knitting mill it’s not as strong as the Prym knitting tricotin mill.
The Addi Egg makes better tubes for garment finishing and Home Decor.
How to use your Addi Egg to make an I-cord
Conclusion
Each one of them has a specific use, so you need to know what type of craft you are planning to use your French knitting tricotin mill for. If it’s for wire signs I would definitely recommend the Prym knitting Mill first and also the Caydo Electric I-cord for speed, only because it’s easier to work with because you can attach it to a table and the price is very similar to the Tulip brand.
I would recommend the Addi Egg, if like me you want to make Jumbo yarn with a DK yarn, then this is your choice of knitting mill. Here is a project I did with Addi Egg knitted yarn.
Watch the video to make Jumbo Yarn and this bag here: https://youtu.be/xTh5NxyG8to
Even though I used my Sentro knitting machine to make yarn for this project, you could easily make yarn on your Addi Egg as well!
NOTE: These images may contain affiliate links to products I enjoy using. Should you choose to use these links, this blog may earn affiliate commissions at no additional cost to you. I really appreciate your support!
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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.
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