In this article, I’m sharing the secret to mastering panels on your circular knitting machine. The settings are pretty similar across machines, so whether you’re working with a Sentro, Addi King, Prym, Jamit, or the original Addi, this guide has you covered. Once you get the hang of it, making panels will feel super easy—and even a little addictive!
Ever wondered how to knit something flat using your circular knitting machine? You’re not alone! Many crafters stick to tubes simply because panels seem tricky — but trust me, they’re totally doable once you learn a few simple tricks. I’ve got you covered in this beginner-friendly guide where we dive into How to Knit a flat panel on your circular knitting machine, the right settings, and how to avoid those pesky mistakes.
Table of Contents
Introduction on how to knit a flat panel on your circular knitting machine
Panels open up a whole new world: sweaters, scarves, patchwork blankets — your machine is more versatile than you think. In this post, I’ll walk you through the process using the Sentro 48, but the tips apply to most models. Whether you’re using a Sentro or Addi, you’ll learn how to master flat panel knitting with ease.
Before we dive into step-by-step instructions, let’s answer some of the most common questions I get from fellow machine knitters.
How to How to Knit a flat panel on your circular knitting machine frequently asked questions
Why do my edge stitches keep dropping when I knit panels?
Dropped edge stitches are usually caused by uneven tension or incorrect turning at the end of a row. When working with flat panels, the machine knits back and forth instead of in the round. This shift in direction requires manual guidance.
Use your other hand to gently pull the yarn in place as the machine switches direction. That little extra control can save your stitches from dropping off the edge.
What setting do I use to knit a flat panel on a circular knitting machine?
When knitting a flat panel on a circular knitting machine, the instinct might be to switch to the “P” (panel) mode. But here’s a little insider tip I swear by:
👉 I always use the “T” (tube) setting instead!
Why? Because in “P” mode, the machine locks needle 1, which I like using especially when I’m increasing and decreasing stitches to shape neck and arm cuts.
Using the “T” setting keeps all needles moving freely. Then, instead of letting the machine crank in a full circle, I manually stop the carriage 2 needles before needle 1 and 2 needles after the last stitch on the other side. This way, the yarn wraps under the first and last active needle on each row, giving your panel secure edges and preventing those annoying dropped stitches.
It’s all about control and consistency — and once you try it, you’ll see how much smoother and cleaner your panels come out.
So, to recap how to Knit a flat panel on a circular knitting machine :
- Use the “T” (tube) mode
- Crank back and forth manually
- Stop 2 needles before needle 1 and 2 needles after your last active stitch, I use little pegs 3 needles after as a marker.
- Let the yarn wrap under the edge needles to avoid dropped stitches
This technique is a total game-changer for anyone struggling with panel shaping on a circular machine!
How can I avoid curled edges on my flat panel?
Curling edges are caused by the natural behavior of the stockinette stitch. While blocking helps, there are ways to avoid curling right from the start. Try casting on with a waste yarn and finishing your project with a crochet or knitted border or hemmed edge.
You can also experiment with adding garter stitch or ribbing (manually or after the panel is made) to flatten things out.
What’s the best yarn to use for flat panels?
To start making flat panels on your Sentro or Addi knitting machine, choose a yarn you are comfortable using to make tubes. Until you get the perfect edges is important to use a yarn that works for you already.
Use smooth, medium-weight yarn (like worsted or DK) that glides easily over the needles. Avoid super fuzzy or textured yarns when you’re just starting. Cotton blends work well and reduce the amount of curl.
How do I make panels all the same size?
Consistency is key. Always count your rows and use the same tension and yarn type for each panel. Using a row counter is a game-changer! You can also mark the beginning and end points on your machine to help keep the panel width uniform. Sentro 48 needles row counter won’t count the rows on panels mode, you will need a digital one, while the Addi counter will work fine if you start your panels on needle 1.
I like using this digital row counter to keep track of my rows:
What projects can I make with flat panels?
So many! Flat panels are the foundation for:
- Sweaters
- Cardigans
- Scarves
- Patchwork blankets
- Pillow covers
- Flat hats or bonnets You can even combine panels to create sleeves or shaping in your designs.
Check my pattern shop to make your garments:
How to Knit a Flat Panel Step by Step
Ready to dive in? This step-by-step guide will walk you through exactly how to knit a flat panel on your circular knitting machine — perfect for beginners! From setting your machine to the right mode to managing edge stitches and finishing your panel without curling, each step is explained in a simple, no-fuss way.
You’ll learn how to cast on with waste yarn, crank evenly with consistent tension, and bind off neatly so your panel is clean and ready for any project — whether it’s a sweater, scarf, or patchwork square. Let’s get those needles moving!
- Cast on with waste yarn and make 4 rows (helps for cleaner edges later).
- Place markers 3 needles after the last stitch you cast on and 3 needles before the first one to know where to stop cranking (I explain this on my latest panel video down at the bottom of this page)
- Leave your machine in Tube (T) mode.
- Start cranking slowly, watching your edge stitches carefully.
- Use your hand to gently pull the yarn as it turns at each end.
- Count your rows and keep consistent tension.
- Bind off using a tapestry needle or crochet hook.
- Finish with a hem or border to avoid curling.
The secret for perfect panels on your circular knitting machine is to control the tension of the yarn using your fingers instead of the tension piece of your Sentro knitting machine. Because you need to apply tension at the beginning of each row, it’s hard to do that using the tension piece. You need to tension the yarn every time you start a row, otherwise, the edges of your panel will not be even, and you will drop stitches for that reason.
Using your fingers to tension the yarn is a much better way to work panels, you won’t drop stitches and your edges will be perfect like in the image below. Also, you can use summer yarns like cotton and light acrylic yarns if you tension the yarn with your hands.
Light yarns are too thin for the tension piece that comes in your Sentro, the Addi machine doesn’t have a tension piece so you naturally have to do it by hand.
In the image, I’m using the Mandala Hombre yarn, which is a perfect yarn for summer projects and it runs like butter on both Addi and Sentro knitting machines.
I made a full course about Panels in depth that you can access here, it´s a 2 hrs course with a sweater pattern included as a final project!
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Knitting a flat panel on a circular knitting machine may feel intimidating at first, but once you understand the process, it becomes second nature. With the right settings, yarn, and a little patience, you’ll be cranking out flat panels for your next big project in no time. Whether you’re aiming for cozy sweaters, chic scarves, or creative home decor, flat panels are your gateway to custom designs.
Give it a try this weekend, and don’t forget — I’ll be posting a panel troubleshooting video early next week, answering your questions! Drop them in the comments of the YouTube video or send me a DM.
Video tutorial for the Addi knitting machine:
Video tutorial for the Sentro knitting machine (any size circular knitting machine)
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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!
