Have you ever started a project on your circular knitting machine only to find your stitches are too loose, too tight, or even skipping altogether? You’re not alone! Tension problems can turn an exciting knitting session into a frustrating mess. But don’t worry—I’ve got your back. In this guide on Fixing Tension Problems in Your Circular Knitting Machine, we’ll go over the most common tension issues on circular knitting machines and how to fix them. By the end, you’ll have smooth, even stitches and a machine that works like a dream.
Achieving the right tension is key to creating professional-looking knitting projects. Whether you’re using a Sentro, Jamit or Addi king circular knitting machine, small tension adjustments can make a huge difference in your final result. Let’s dive into the solutions so you can get back to enjoying your knitting without the hassle.
Table of Contents
Main Reasons Why Tension and Dropped Stitches Happen in a Circular Knitting Machine
Fixing Tension Problems in Your Circular Knitting Machine is the main step to getting a smooth knitting experience on your Sentro, Jamit or Addi King knitting machine, let me introduce you to the main things that can cause the problem to happen and how to fix it!
- Yarn choice – Some yarns are too thick, thin, or fuzzy, causing tension problems and skipped stitches.
- Yarn tension – If the yarn is too tight or too loose, it affects stitch formation.
- Plastic wear on machine parts – Over time, plastic components can wear down, leading to inconsistent tension and dropped stitches.
What’s the Best Yarn for Circular Knitting Machines?
Not all yarns work well with circular knitting machines. The right yarn can prevent many tension problems before they start and it´s a basic solution for Fixing Tension Problems in Your Circular Knitting Machine
Best yarn choices for Sentro, Prym or Addi CKMs
- Worsted weight or soft acrylic and wool yarns
- Smooth-textured yarns like velvet and chenille will glide easily through the machine
- Medium-weight yarns that provide even tension
Yarns to avoid for circular knitting machines
- Fuzzy or sticky yarns that cause friction
- Super fine or extra bulky yarns that don’t fit the machine’s gauge
- Cotton yarns that don´t have any give and can brake your needles
- Yarn with tags that ask for 6 mm or bigger knitting needles
Before starting a big project, do a few test rounds to make sure your yarn works well with your machine.
Best Advice to buy the right yarn for your Sentro or Addi knitting machine
The best advice I can give is to go to a local yarn shop to feel the yarns with your hands and have a better idea of how each fiber feels on your hands.
- Look for yarns that feel soft on the touch.
- Find yarns of medium weight, and read the labels, the needle size should be between 2 mm and 5 mm knitting needles for it to work on your machine.
- Take photos with your phone, or write a list of the yarns that fit in this categories.
- Look for colors that seem softer than others, sometimes one color of the same yarn brand is super soft while others feel quite scratchy against your skin.
- If you really want to use a yarn that your machine doesn’t like, you can wash it with a softener by hand or use a silicon plug and a dry sheet while feeding the yarn through your CKM.
Fixing the Tension of a Circular knitting machine
Why Is My Circular Knitting Machine Making Tight Stitches?
Tight stitches can make it hard to crank your machine, create stiff fabric, or even cause your project to curl. Here’s why it happens and how to fix it:
- Yarn is too thick: Some yarns are just too bulky for circular knitting machines. Try using a thinner yarn that glides smoothly.
- The tension arm is pulling too tightly: Adjust the yarn tension arm to allow a little more slack.
- Cranking too fast: Slowing down your cranking speed helps keep stitches even and prevents extra tension buildup.
- The knitting machine needs cleaning: Dust, lint, or old fibers can create resistance, leading to tighter stitches.
Fix: Try adjusting the yarn guide, using a different yarn, or cleaning your machine to see if the problem improves and solves Fixing Tension Problems in Your Circular Knitting Machine.
Why Are My Stitches Too Loose in a Circular Knitting Machine?
Loose stitches make projects look messy and can even lead to dropped stitches. Here’s what might be causing it:
- Yarn is too fine: Thin yarn is too thin for the 5.5mm needle size of the circular knitting machines, leading to loose loops.
- Tension guide isn’t set properly: If the yarn is slipping through too freely, tighten the guide slightly.
- Inconsistent cranking speed: Maintaining a steady rhythm while cranking helps create even stitches.
- Incorrect yarn placement: Ensure the yarn is sitting correctly in the machine’s yarn guide piece.
Fix: Switch to a slightly thicker yarn, adjust the tension guide, and crank at a steady pace.
Why Is My Circular Knitting Machine Skipping Stitches?
Skipped stitches can ruin a project, leaving gaps in your fabric. Here’s what might be causing it:
- Yarn isn’t catching on every needle: Make sure the yarn is feeding properly into each hook.
- Broken needles: Look for needles that could have a different shape than the others, this could have been caused by manufacturing or tear from intense use.
- Lint or buildup inside the machine: A quick cleaning can help prevent skipping.
- Uneven yarn tension: If the tension is too tight or too loose, the yarn may not catch properly.
- The knitting machine is moving too fast: Cranking too quickly can cause the yarn to jump over needles instead of forming stitches.
Fix: Clean your machine, check all needles, and ensure the yarn is feeding smoothly into each needle (make cakes and pull the yarn from the middle of them).
How Do I Adjust the Tension on a Sentro or Addi Knitting Machine?
Adjusting the yarn-feeding tension is the key to fixing tension problems in Your Circular Knitting Machine problems. Here’s how to fine-tune your setup:
Check the tension guide: Make sure the yarn is feeding properly and not too loose or too tight.
Use a tensioning clip: If your machine doesn’t have an adjustable tension guide, a clip can help regulate the yarn flow. Here are some options for Addi and Sentro:
Easy to attach to an Addi knitting machine
Easy to attach to a Sentro knitting machine and you can use in all models
Easy to attach to a Sentro knitting machine and you can use it in all models.
Easy to attach to a table and you can use it in all models and brands of circular knitting machines.
Crank at an even speed: Avoid sudden stops and starts, which can affect stitch consistency.
Try different yarn paths: Some machines work better when the yarn is fed through an extra guide or loop.
Test before committing: Always knit a few rows to check tension before starting a full project.
Plastic wear on circular knitting machine parts
Over time, plastic wear on circular knitting machine parts—such as needles, the yarn guide, and gears—can lead to tension issues, skipped stitches, and uneven knitting. The constant friction and movement gradually wear down these components, making them less effective. I wrote an article on where to find parts for your circular knitting machine if you need it!
Worn-out needles may struggle to catch the yarn properly, while a damaged yarn guide can cause inconsistent tension. Gears with excessive wear may lead to uneven cranking, affecting stitch formation. Regularly inspecting these parts and replacing them when needed helps maintain smooth operation and prevents frustrating knitting problems.
Sometimes, circular knitting machines come from the factory with imperfections, such as unevenly shaped needles or poorly cut plastic on gears. These small defects can lead to tension issues, skipped stitches, or difficulty cranking. To avoid frustration, inspect your machine carefully when you first purchase it, checking for any irregularities that could affect your knitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I fix uneven stitches on my circular knitting machine?
Check your yarn tension and crank speed, and keep your machine clean for smoother stitches. Adjust the tension guide and opt for a medium-weight yarn. If the stitches are uneven throughout the project, I usually restart it. But if it’s just a small section, I gently pull the yarn to even them out, tie a secure knot, and tuck it neatly on the back!
2. Why does my knitting machine keep jamming?
Jams usually happen due to tight tension, thick yarn, or lint buildup. Clean your machine, slow down cranking, and try a thinner yarn.
3. Can I use any yarn in a circular knitting machine?
No, it’s best to use smooth, medium-weight yarns that glide easily and feel soft against the skin. Avoid fuzzy, sticky, or very fine yarns that can create tension problems.
4. How do I prevent my knitting from curling at the edges?
Curling happens more often when you work with panels. To stop that you can make a crochet or manual knitted ribbing or you can try and steam the final project by laying it flat and using a steamer.
5. How often should I clean my knitting machine?
Regular maintenance is key! I only clean my machine when needed to avoid unnecessary opening since the plastic is delicate. Blowing air with an air blower helps clear lint, and occasional greasing keeps it running smoothly. In this article, I go through every step of servicing your knitting machine!
Conclusion
Tension problems can be frustrating, but with a few simple adjustments fixing tension problems in your Circular Knitting Machine can be easily done and you can achieve perfectly even stitches on your Sentro, Jamit, Prym or Addi knitting machine. Whether you’re dealing with tight stitches, loose loops, or skipped stitches, small tweaks can make all the difference.
Experiment with different yarns, adjust the tension settings and always do a test swatch before diving into a big project. With these tips, you’ll have smooth, frustration-free knitting in no time!
Have you experienced tension problems on your knitting machine? Share your struggles and solutions in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
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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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