Make that Yarn Work on Your Machine! | Addi Express

[@1wildwackywoman]

Another trick I’ve learned on how to deal with uncooperative yarn is to knit 5-10 rows of a ‘good” yarn and THEN add clips. Continue on with your desired working yarn until you can pull the beginning cast on yarn tail to close the loop at the bottom. Then I place a pot lid upside down and then I set a half a bag of beans into the pot lid. That gives a nice even tension all the way around ❣️ I began my circular knitting journey from watching your videos Margaret. You’re a great teacher and I appreciate the time you took to make all of your videos. Kathy, from Washington State

[@sheepishlysharing]

Ooooo.... a pot lid! And the clips make the pot lid stay in place! You are so clever! You are 1wildBRILLIANTwoman! May I share this tip with my viewers??

[@1wildwackywoman]

@@sheepishlysharing As for the clips holding the pot lid in place - not really. What I meant was, after casting on and knitting the good yarn, ‘hang’ clips, spacing the clips every couple of inches - the more the merrier. Then knit the uncooperative yarn for 5-10 rows. Pull on the cast on tail every 5 to 10 rows to ‘close up’ the bottom hole. You cannot get the hole small enough until you’ve knitted about 30 rows. Knit until you can close up the hole to about 3 inches in diameter - enough so that your pot lid does not fall through. Then turn the pot lid upside down and cradle it inside your work. At this point you can add a lot of weight - I use a bag of beans. *While knitting the first 20 - 30 rows, knit slower and watch for ‘sticking yarn’ * If your project is going to be longer than your table top (and you don’t have a hole in your table for the work to fall through) Remove the pot lid and bag of beans. Loosen the cast on edge enough so that you can begin to roll up your work. I have found that rolling up the bottom edge keeps the hole small enough so that the pot lid does not fall through. I wish I could attach pictures as it is kind of difficult to explain this process verbally. And of course, feel free to share ❣️

[@sheepishlysharing]

I think I understand now!

[@wendycrossland1241]

Thank you so much ladies for the tips I got the bug from watching Margaret as well

[@GustaveNDAYIZEYE]

❤

[@trishak9911]

Great ideas for weights! I’m going to make a bag with a Velcro opening that I can add the glass beads they sell at the dollar store.

[@frans3474]

One suggestion I saw for weight was a glass saucepan lid which fitted in the centre hole. It looked like a 20cm diameter lid and just rested neatly on the knitting ❣️🌹

[@kathleenaustin6974]

Oh my goodness! I saw this in the nick of time. You are brilliant! I was getting tuck stitches almost every row and with your information I have started over and knitted 186 rows with not one tuck, so far. I was so thrilled that I knew I just had to take a break and let you know how happy I am you made this video and that I found it. I was struggling with "I Love This Yarn" and I wasn't loving it. Now I am and I can finish this scarf for a Christmas Present. Thank you so much. I have subscribed! And a note to share back: I also moved the yarn up to a more tighter hoop in the tension bar. Seemed to help even more.

[@sheepishlysharing]

I'm so glad, Kathleen! Yes, adding more tension is a step to try BEFORE going to all this trouble in this video! (For more of those tips see this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mX_EZoZ4oMqKq80 ) but after we've exhausted all those tips, we can move on to this extreme weight method! I'm not just an Addi channel so in the interest of saving you time, here's my Addi playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLV9cndFtR5BVQrjZ7X1f0HRTV92kscJf2 Some of those videos are pretty old but the information still holds true. When I first got this machine, there was little to no information about them so I sort of take you along with me as I discover how to use it!

[@queentutt1959]

mrs elmer tuttle here. THANK YOU! success! i had a lot of trouble with dropping stitches, but once i used your tip there is no problem. and there isn't any alarming noises. again, thank you so much. keep up the great videos. i love them.

[@tammynicewander2991]

This information was WONDERFUL!!!!! I recently purchased the Sentro and the first yarns I used worked up beautifully with no problems…Yesterday I was so excited to get started on some more hats using the yarn stash I have had for many years and NOTHING but dropped stitch after dropped stitch….I tried many of my different colored yarns and all the same results ….Many hours I spent trying out different yarns, working, pulling off, reworking on the Sentro. Then when I listened to this I knew why I was having such an issue, all those yarns were “red heart supersaver”. So with these new tips to try with the yarn I got started this morning working up some hats and sure enough those weight tips and pulling tips helped me to work up that yarn into hats without all those dropped stitches. Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom on KZbin!!!

[@sheepishlysharing]

I'm so glad you found it helpful, Tammy!

[@meganpatterson9444]

Finally!!! A way I can use some of the old yarn I have laying around in my stash!! Thank you Margaret!! As always I love watching your videos!!

[@sheepishlysharing]

You are so welcome, Megan! Experiment with the concept and figure out what works for you!

[@jillpate9732]

I purchased weights with my Addi. Works great. Love your videos. Thanks for your time.

[@sheepishlysharing]

I don't know what type of weights you purchased but if they can support 1/2 - 1 pound they sound AWESOME!

[@maryjanedavidson2804]

I can't thank you enough, I will be trying this later as I couldn't figure out what was the deal with the yard I was using...it was/is totally this! Thank you!

[@louisesmith9572]

Thank you for showing how to deal with tuff yarns. I went to the dollar store and got clips they are small enough to fit on every other stitch. then I sew them to a round piece of fabric. them made weight bags to put in the middle. I also start with a waste yarn of about 10 rows. Them put the clips with the weight on the waste yarn and start knitting with the yarn I want my project to be. and I have not any any problems with my stitches. So once again thanks for sharing .

[@joymartinez8932]

Oh my gosh 🎉 Thank you so much! I have been dying to use my Red Heart Neon Stripes on my Sentro for so long! I tried day one and almost tossed the whole machine out the window 😂 but this is giving me new hope. I have some dollar tree sea glass from another craft project and I'm going to toss it in a zip lock bag and see how that works. I'm really excited to finally use this colorful troublemaker of a yarn!

[@saranac9290]

This video was a big help! I've had my Addi King for less than a week and have been so frustrated because of the dropped and tucked stitches. I'm using Super Saver because it's what I have, and I didn't want to buy anything else until I've figured the machine out. Your comments about friction were the key! I don't have any weights, but I took some "Thread Magic" thread conditioner, popped it out of the container, pressed a channel in it with a knitting needle, and hold it in my hand and let the yarn run through the channel before it goes into the tensioner. I've got 120 rows in Super Saver--with no issues!

[@Sewsweet08Australia]

Silicon straw with food grade silicon spray.

[@lauralee254]

Oh my gosh!!!! What an amazing tip! I absolutely COULD NOT get red heart to work with my sentro, ESPECIALLY the striped. I was so disappointed because they have such beautiful colors. After trying this hack, NOT ONE dropped or tucked stitch!! 100% WORKS. I used a cereal bowl as I didn't have a beanbag on hand. Thank you thank you thank you!!!

[@xxdeadletterxx]

Thank you so much! I watched this a couple weeks ago and had some difficult yarn I was using today and holding it down worked perfectly!!!!! First time I didn't have to start a project over. Thank you!

[@sheepishlysharing]

Glad it helped, Mandy! It's so fun when we complete a project without the frustration, isn't it?!

[@stephanief7679]

GREAT ideas! Because I had totally given up on Super Saver on my machines! Now I will try the bean bag weight and pushing down in the beginning.

[@irenesupica5571]

I made 6 hats with no problem with Caron Simply Soft. Then I have tried two other yarns from my stash and am ready to return the blasted thing! I'll see if weights work, but I am not able to even do a few rows with the new yarn before it messes up. Very unpleasant experience.

[@trikel5459]

Perfect!! I’ve been working on a sweater on my machine and it’s been making me crazy!!! I’m absolutely trying this! Thanks Margaret! I love your channel!

[@sheepishlysharing]

Oooo.... a sweater! You must be an advanced user, Trikel, so I'm sure you'll have no problem figuring out the perfect amount of weight for your project! Have fun! (Oh, and thanks for the kind words!)

[@amandamodin4912]

I’ve enjoyed your videos they helped me make the decision to try machine knitting. I’m very new & was having the trouble you spoke of. I’d also been watching videos about sock machine knitting. My husband helped me make a basket, from a cool whip container with wires used as forks to suspend it from my project. I place my soft weights in the basket, which I attached after 5 rows. I also use a soft hair roller to secure my “ponytail” after that. The foam on the hair roller keeps it from sliding.

[@sheepishlysharing]

You're so clever, Amanda! I tried making a "hammock" similar to your basket but I didn't spend enough time on it and it didn't work. Your idea sounds so much better anyway! May I share your idea with my viewers?

[@amandamodin4912]

@@sheepishlysharing certainly you may, if I knew away to send a picture I would

[@sheepishlysharing]

I don't give out email but all my social media is listed in the description box!

[@amandamodin4912]

@@sheepishlysharing I’m not very proficient at social media but I’ll try.

[@hz3701]

Another idea for "bad yarn," rewind on a manual yarn winder into a yarn cake that pulls smoothly. This works great for Red Heart and other sticky yarns that drop stitches.

[@alivetogrow2451]

Thank you so much! Just learned something new today about these knitting machines. ❤

[@ymanajohnson585]

Margaret, Thank you so much for the tips on working with the difficult yarn and the circular knitting machine. Very helpful.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Glad I had something helpful to share, Ymana!

[@adrianehill8291]

I've lost manyba nights sleep trying to make super saver work! Thank you and can't wait to try your trick!

[@sheepishlysharing]

Good luck!

[@wandaadams1772]

Thanks for this video. I think it may really help me with my circular knitting. I'm really happy you have time to share with us!

[@sheepishlysharing]

Thanks for the kind words, Wanda!

[@sallystevens2947]

Hi Margaret! Oh yay! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 I know from flat bed knitting machines that using weights strategically placed is very important. So when I use my circular knitting machines of All Brands I like to use clothespins around to help pull down those initial rows but I never thought about the ponytail idea or you know clipping some cloth to the center and even just gradually pulling that down with adjusting the weight like using coins or little stones! Thank you thank you thank you because now I will continue to use my cheaper Yarns to create little craft things that I have just about given up on because they don't like my circular knitting machines!

[@sheepishlysharing]

Yes, Sally... I think people are scared of weights because it looks as though it may be distorting the project but they're really important and necessary many times. I tried making a "hammock" with some fabric but I didn't spend enough time thinking it through and the weights didn't hold. If you look through the comments, you'll see a couple of better ideas (brilliant ideas) you may like to employ! I sure do!!

[@beckyfairless3747]

I'm so happy to have this info. I have a big box of red heart super saver and that was part of the reason I bought the machine in the first place

[@sheepishlysharing]

Give it go, Becky! Hope you have the same good results!

[@Sarahsmiles2004]

So glad I found this video, i've been cursing my Red Heart yarn and other yarns like it. This has saved me so much frustration.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Glad I had something helpful to share! Have fun!

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

You always have great information and tips. Thank you. Blessings

[@sheepishlysharing]

And you always have such kind words, Betty Jo!

[@jillachen7217]

Thank you! From Baudette Minnesota

[@audenejay]

This is so helpful! Thank you. Also you have the cutest accent!

[@sheepishlysharing]

Glad it was helpful, Audene!

[@cookie761]

Hi Margaret! Something that has helped me in the 1st part of that, with the weight, is to take the cast on tail and pull it..... Even after the 1st 3 or 4 rows. It gathers together and it "makes weight," or tension.....Either way, it pulls on the work.... But it's much faster and easier to do. Once you get it pulled together, If you still need it pulling, You can throw the bean bag or whatever in there. Thanks again, Margaret! You're awesome!

[@amdg06blush]

Awesome. So helpful. Thank you Margaret.

[@Steina_The_Yarnist]

Thanks for the great advice, Margaret!😁🤗

[@sheepishlysharing]

You are so welcome, Steina!

[@VernaBradshaw]

Thank you for the tips! I haven’t tried RHSS yet but I’ve used several clips often. Thank you and it’s good to see you again.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Glad it was helpful, Verna! But remember that everybody seems to have different experiences on what yarns work best for them. Just keep this tip in the back of your mind if you run across a yarn that gives you trouble.

[@kalylavraie]

Such a good Idea to use more yarn I thought it was impossible, thanks you !!!

[@sheepishlysharing]

You’re welcome 😊 Experiment with the concept and figure out what works for you!

[@tessquarles9587]

OMGGGG, I'm going through this RIGHT NOW!! THANK YOU SOOOO VERY MUCH!!!🥰🥰🥰🥰🫶🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@emiliebritton962]

Thanks Margaret!

[@tinabrenning7233]

Fabulous idea! Thank you so much for sharing all of your great videos!

[@sheepishlysharing]

You are so welcome, Tina! Thanks for the kind words!

[@Y_Wade_Enterprises]

You are great Margaret I just bought a knitting machine won't be here till Christmas lol but you explained so well & down to earth thank you

[@sheepishlysharing]

What a lovely compliment, Yolanda! Thank you! I always want to make sure new users have seen this video to get a lot of the basics out of the way so here's the link: Addi Express FAQs, Tips, Explanations! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqKQZ2qtqNmKpbM More user info can be found here: Addi Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLV9cndFtR5BVQrjZ7X1f0HRTV92kscJf2

[@judypetett888]

Love your pointers. I don't take any chances on my Sentro machine and just use "I Love This Yarn ". I know just how it is going to act on the machine. But, if I ever decide to use another Yarn, I will try your weight tricks.

[@sheepishlysharing]

It's so weird, Judy. You never know what yarn will be troublesome for you and your machine. If you run across one that presents issues, added weight is always helpful. Sometimes all you need are some clips on the inside but sometimes you need to "really lay it on!" Ha!

[@cindylillard2938]

Thank you for sharing your great tips. Have a good day and stay safe. 💜💜

[@sheepishlysharing]

You are so welcome, Cindy!

[@DebEilts]

I am new to circular knitting and was struggling with a few yarns....this was such a helpful video!!!

[@carolynmcgee3152]

Thank you so much for this! My goal is to destash my yarn stash and there are quite a few skeins of red heart super saver yarn. It takes a little longer to knit up, but I can finally use it. If I could, I would give you a BIG hug!!

[@sheepishlysharing]

You are so welcome! Experiment with how much weight is best for you!

[@beachbird6582]

Thank you for this video...awesome hacks for difficult yarn...especially since I am new to the circular knitting machines...

[@sheepishlysharing]

Glad it was helpful, Bird!

[@katherinewojnowski2858]

Yes! Gahh, your videos are always SO HELPFUL!!!!! Thank you for this

[@sheepishlysharing]

You're so welcome, Katherine! And thanks for the kind words!

[@Julietaescasan]

I thought it was a great idea. Thank you.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Take the concept and make it your own, Julieta!

[@kukrae]

Thank you so much for this tip. First yarn I used and had no issues with was Bernat Velvet. Made a few hats a couple months ago when I got the machine. I was using binder clips as weight and it worked. Went to make a pumpkin today with the same velvet and I've restarted that darn thing 4 times before going on the hunt for tips. Only thing I had weight-wise in my office at the moment was a 1lb new jar of peanut butter. lol. Wrapped it in paper and it's now doing a beautiful job as a weight. I've reversed the pony tail (gathering it from the top) because I've anchored the machine and can't really reach well under it. Thank you again for the wonderful tips for everything Addi, Margaret!!

[@sheepishlysharing]

Yay! I love success!

[@trishajanecreates]

That was so informative and I appreciate the tutorial. Definitely going to try thank you

[@sheepishlysharing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@EJsDaughter]

Hi Margaret. Thank you so much for this. My Addi hates Red Heart Navy and Red Heart Red. I have tucked stitches within the first 10 rows. I'm going to try this finger pushdown method. Great tip!!!

[@sheepishlysharing]

Isn't that the craziest thing? Who would have thought that specific colors would give problems and yet I've experienced that same phenomenon!! So very strange...

[@grace5241]

I tried this with my yarn and it worked wonderfully thank you for the tip

[@sheepishlysharing]

I'm so glad, Grace!

[@davettepittman525]

Super! Thank you for this extremely helpful information.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Glad it was helpful, Davette!

[@annetterk]

So glad I found this video! I had no problems with the Red heart SS neon stripes that was featured in this video. I am having issues with tucked stitches with red heart SS Bubnle gum speckle 😵‍💫. I started the same hat 5X already, but I am determined to make a hat from it 😂. I'm going to try using a bit of better waste yarn to start and then the pony tail trick after it.

[@skateness]

Get some heel weights like we use with antique sock knitting machines. They are forks with bent tines and fishing weights attached to the stem. Works perfectly! You can also use canned foods as weights.

[@freeenergyscool]

This was genius and I got a good laugh at your random weights!😂😂😂thank you! You are too cute!

[@Marge719]

What a great idea, thank you!

[@sheepishlysharing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sonyahouk1503]

Thank you for the tip I will have to try this

[@sheepishlysharing]

You’re welcome, Sonya 😊

[@lindakelso1221]

Thank you so much for all your help! You're amazing!

[@jenreeves7684]

I don't have a machine but hope to one day. Thank you for the advice.

[@goldenyarn7892]

Just started using my addi that I got for Christmas. Realized that this is basically like loom knitting but faster. I’m glad I have been researching the past few years so I’m not going into this blind. I understand there are work arounds to the nuisances of these machines.

[@goldenyarn7892]

So basically this comes down to tension.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Ummm... basically. There are definitely other skills but tension/yarn combination is a big one.

[@maureenruss3062]

Thank you! This is very helpful 💜

[@TheYarnaholic]

Now that I love my addi, this trick might be used on future yarns. Thanks Molander1 😎

[@sheepishlysharing]

Good tip to keep in the back of your mind if you run into a particularly difficult yarn. (Also great for your Hundred Hats for the Homeless campaign!)

happpy to check your video, have a great night

[@sheepishlysharing]

Thank you! You too, Jojo!!

[@deniseteiper716]

Thanks for the great tips!

[@sheepishlysharing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@barbaramartinetti]

Super suggestions! Thanks!

[@DaphnesCreativeTouch]

Hi. I love your tips. Thanks for sharing.

[@sheepishlysharing]

You are so welcome, Daphne!

[@chuckamdamyd]

Thanks for the excellent tips

[@robinhowell9834]

Wonderful ideas. I like the pea gravel or aquarium gravel ideas. I was looking for something to put in draft stoppers, went with kitty litter, so now I'm thinking I should take that back to the store and get aquarium gravel???? What do you think Margaret?????

[@sheepishlysharing]

Kitty litter is great if you don’t need to wash it and as long as it’s dust free. (With my 2 cats, I’m a kitty litter expert! Ha!!)

[@beththoreson9216]

Very helpful! Thanks!

[@sheepishlysharing]

Glad I had something helpful to share, Beth!

[@kndpowell]

Thank you so much for that awesome tip. I haven’t been machine knitting that long but the hats I did make were with red heart super saver stripes and it worked fine in my machine. Haven’t tried herrschners worsted 8

[@sheepishlysharing]

You're welcome, Donna Jean! These machines are strange... what yarn works well for me may not work well for you and vice versa! Just keep that tip in the back of your mind in case you run across a yarn that your machine struggles with!

[@TalesFromtheCraftRoom]

Thanks for sharing. I’m going to try this on some redheart and Caron one pound that my addi doesn’t like

[@sheepishlysharing]

Ooo... Caron One Pound... that's another one my machines don't care for. Good luck!

[@debihunt3504]

You give such good tips thanks so much I was getting ready to throw my Addi away. I was using Red Heart supersaver.

[@jennyleigh63]

Thanks for the tip! I have pattern weights ... basically little bean bags ... I made using ground walnut shells. They should work great, and I am eager to try them out!

[@sheepishlysharing]

Oh, yes! Those would be perfect!

[@nathalieloisance7275]

Very nice tuto, thank you !

[@sheepishlysharing]

You are welcome!

[@leticiagarcia2159]

There’s a lady that use a lid from one of her pots and it work beautifully, it distribute the weight evenly.

[@heidicook2395]

Thanks for the video.

[@sheepishlysharing]

You're very welcome, Heidi!

[@lisajones918]

Thank you so much for your info on this issue. I too have been hand pushing, but the entire project. So I need to make a bean bag weight.

[@sheepishlysharing]

You're so welcome, Lisa! Worked really well for me!

[@stephanief7679]

Oh.....I really really like your sweater.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Thank you! That was a Good Will find! (I shared it in a video a few years ago but I guess I've never worn it on camera! Ha!)

[@southdakotahandmaid9205]

I have a TON of that Worsted 8 that I got a couple of years ago when they had a huge sale and I really have wanted to use it on my Addi King, but I have had to "baby sit" it so much and gave up! But I am going to try this! Thank you! ♥️

[@sheepishlysharing]

Good luck! Take the idea and make it your own!

[@glorias3838]

I got some poly pellets at Amazon to fill hackey sacks. I used a small clean plastic cup, like the one from cough medicine, to scoop them.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Good, Gloria! Poly pellets ($5.50 per lb) are SO MUCH BETTER than rice or beans but you can save a lot of money using aquarium gravel ($1 per lb)! Or, of course, sweep up some pea gravel for free! (And yes... I've done that! Can't you picture me with a bucket and Bentley on his leash?! Ha!)

[@dianeboileau2026]

Hi Margaret! I'm by no means a knitter.....prefer crochet, but this was interesting. This may be a dumb question but I know nothing about these knitting machines......can you only make toques/hats or can you make other things? Thanks for sharing all your knowledge with us!

[@sheepishlysharing]

Hi, Diane! This video answers that question and more: Addi Express FAQs, Tips, Explanations! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqKQZ2qtqNmKpbM

[@KreationsKimberlyRae]

Yipteedodaday!!! Thank you!! It worked! Redheart ombe and Caron big cakes...never worked before. Really appreciate your video! I heard holding wax paper does it, too, but i haven't tried it.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Former science teacher here and no... wax paper wouldn't make a difference for really difficult yarn. Think about how thin a coating of wax is on a piece of waxed paper. You'd have to use a LOT of it as the wax would rub off in one area before you made it halfway around one row. However, it may be helpful in reducing static. But that being said, if someone thinks it helps their experience, more power to them! There are no rules!

[@K.McDowell]

Thank you so much for the info on knitting machines, it's been so helpful. Subscribed to your channel, looking forward to checking out all your videos. Have a blessed Christmas. 💛

[@sheepishlysharing]

Glad I could help, Kelly! Some of my Addi videos are older because when I started, there was little to no info on these machines! However, the info is still valid even if the presentation is lacking! Ha! Here's the playlist if it helps: Addi Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLV9cndFtR5BVQrjZ7X1f0HRTV92kscJf2

[@lindarachels4651]

Thank you sooo much. I’m just starting with my knitting machine (it was delivered 11/8/22) Red heart yarn on my machine is giving me fits. I was ready to take the other 3 packages back for a refund. After watching this I will try your method first. I really want to work with this yarn. I have 2 other brands that work so well and smooth so I wanted to add red heart to my arsenal of go to yarns. Well thanks again😊

[@debbieward-crochet]

Fascinating.

[@judybell9937]

Margaret, what is the name of that table that you are using I. This video?! I have been looking for one that has the opening for my addi. Love your videos!!!!!

[@sheepishlysharing]

I don't remember the exact name of the table because I've had it for years. I've painted the top black for filming purposes but it's still the same table holding up just fine! Here's where I talk about it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnmpeaOoZphosMk

[@manahelh.6104]

hello this is great advice and it works! one last question though, how do you avoid clotting of the edges? because my edges come off or stay on the hook and then come out loose and mess up the whole panel

[@sheepishlysharing]

I'm so sorry but I don't understand what "clotting of the edges" means.

[@Trinkrdink]

Good information. Couple questions: what does a tucked stitch look like? And have you ever tried any of the yarn that is made of 4 loose, untwisted threads, like Hobbii Dahlia or Hobbii Sultan?

[@sheepishlysharing]

Hard to describe what a tucked stitch looks like but look at some of my reviews and I show you in the samples. Addi Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLV9cndFtR5BVQrjZ7X1f0HRTV92kscJf2 As far as yarn goes, it's really weird but what works for some won't work for others and there's no scientific explanation for that! You'll find more information on that in the playlist as well.

[@cynthiasymons]

Hi, Margaret. I made a huge discovery yesterday: I made two perfect hats, one with Red Heart Super Saver (ugly) green yarn,and one with Caron Simply Soft. In both cases, I had used the yarn and only gotten 2 or 3 rows on before it became apparent that the Addi wanted to eat the yarn (or so it seemed), so I removed them. Yesterday I received a container of Thread Magic, which I had seen someone else use on YT. With the Thread Magic, the yarns worked perfectly…I didn’t even need to watch the stitches. I did both about 130 rows, with not one failed stitch, finishing both of them well within an hour. I just held the Thread Magic in my hand and guided the yarn over it. With the Red Heart, I used my thumb to run the yarn over the Thread Magic, but it was more tension than I wanted. The hat was perfect, but for a child, for sure. It was very smooth and tightly knitted. I am convinced now, after fiddling with tension for a couple of weeks, that it is the smoothness, or possibly the static electricity in the yarn, that is leading to these issues.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Well isn't that clever?! I've heard about that stuff in the machine embroidery community but have never needed it so haven't seen any in person.

[@cynthiasymons]

@@sheepishlysharing It really seems to make a difference. I saw that someone (I forget who) actually fastened it to the side of their Addi. What made me think that it would work is that I have experienced two kinds of “bad yarn” situations-especially with Red Heart Super Saver: a) yarns that just don’t seem to work no matter what and (b) yarns that work on one hat and then are a hot mess when used again. I figured that if a yarn only works sporadically, that has to be a static sort of thing, right? And after using the Thread Magic, I think that static electricity must be the explanation, because the Thread Magic doesn’t coat the whole strand (as it would with sewing thread); I am merely passing the strand over it lightly. But it rendered yarns that I couldn’t get to work at all perfectly fine. It is very dry where I am right now…it will be interesting to see how things go when the humidity rises. In any case, I have been given a huge pile of cheap yarns and wanted to use my machine to use them up. I don’t know how long the Thread Magic lasts, but I wanted to tell you about this because it might be helpful to you in your charity work. :)

[@Jabezgirl57]

I am new to machine knitting but in weaving we sprayed the yarn with a very very weak fabric softener water mixture. 1/4 tsp in 12 once’s of water. Spritz lightly. I may try that even with cotton yarn.

[@journeytravelers5420]

Thank you , bless you

[@Sylvia-Storm]

I’ve done all of that. Pushed them down watched every stitch, stitches are quite loose no problem with turning the handle, but I still get tucked stitches, usually two or three on each row. Sent for weights now. I’m beginning to think the things possessed. Will try the central weight next if I get that far before it goes through the window.

[@knittingnana2939]

Yes! The herschnerrs worsted 8 is abominable. Even on my add I, which is usually good with everything.

[@elizabethzierke4733]

Good tip. How's your craft room? That shelf looks really neat and organized. What happened to yarn prices? Hello from Maine Betty

[@sheepishlysharing]

What happened to yarn prices? I don't know. I really haven't bought any lately but I'm guessing they're skyrocketing like everything else due to supply chain issues. We just got back from Europe and they're having the same problems. We passed an Austrian port on our cruise and containers were backed up as far as the eye could see.

[@glassslippergourmet]

Brilliant!!

[@JesusJoy77805]

You're are correct. Even had problems with Michaels Impeccable yarn. Great idea. Will try that. Thanks for the great tip. Always enjoy your channel m; so informative. May you and your family Have a Happy Thanksgiving💐🙅🏽‍♀️🙏🏼

[@sheepishlysharing]

Glad it was helpful, Terri!

[@joanmachado9063]

Great video thank you

[@jayc6159]

I’m thinking I’ll sew a circular bean bag filled with rice and maybe put some hooks for stitch markers to hang it on the stitches. Thanks for the inspiration 👍 💡

[@sheepishlysharing]

If you use rice, be sure to seal it in plastic first. I give some other alternatives at the end of this video.

[@patshipp9195]

3D Printed Circular Sock Knitting Machine, This video on you tube might give you the answer to the tension problem, very ingenious idea for weight in the center, and for those interested she also offers the 3d plans free. Hope this helps.

[@cyndihanson157]

Hi Margaret....thanks so much for the helpful tips...I am asking for a knitting machine for Christmas so I am super excited! I am excited to make hats!!

[@sheepishlysharing]

You're so welcome, Cyndi! And as you begin this new hobby, remember that everybody seems to have different experiences on what yarns work best for them. Just keep this tip in the back of your mind if you run across a yarn that gives you trouble.

[@cyndihanson157]

@@sheepishlysharing I will for sure....I hope you and your family are well!

[@davewhalen2735]

Hello Margaret, I am very interested in this particular video of yours since it deals with adding weight to one's knit goods. In my case, I use an Addi Express King Size to produce hats for the clients of several Food Banks. When the machine was new, I had much fewer problems with dropped stitches and tuck stitches. However, now it is refusing to knit about half of the yarn I have in my considerable stash. It would knit all of these yarns previously and I really have no idea as to what has changed. I probbaly have knit maybe 600 hats over a period of about three years now. Am keen to try to add weight to the yarn that is dropping down below my knitting machine. Recently I discovered a man who operates an ETSY shop which he calls "Sinker City". His name is Derek and he resides in Canada. I am presuming that the lead sinkers that he makes and sells are used by fishermen (and women) to weight down their fishing line while casting it out. Derek produces these lead sinkers in four or five shapes and in multiple weights. I plan to place an order with him to see of these weights will work for me on my Addi. Am thinking that I will purchase some of the weights in one ounce sizes and some maybe in half ounce sizes. There is a round hook at the top to use to hang them off of the initial rows of knitting. Wondering if I might use "S" hooks from a hardware store to hang them on the knit rows. Or possibly just try paper clips that I twist into shape. Thought I would pass this idea on to you, Margaret. Perhaps it is something that others may find beneficial. These sinkers are very moderately priced, although the shipping costs may be up there a tad due to them being made of lead. I plan to order about one lbs. worth - the same amount of weight in the beanbag you used in this instructive video. Big blessings, David

[@sheepishlysharing]

That's another good option for weights, David! And I bet some people already have some if they like to fish!!

[@davewhalen2735]

@@sheepishlysharing Yes, Maragaret, I am hoping these weights will help my machine stop dropping stitches. If I can't get this Addi Express king size back working again, I plan to bite the bullet and replace it with another one - exactly like I have now. Last evening I ordered one pound of these fishing line sinkers from the supplier on Etsy. As always, I am loving your posts on your "KZbin" channel. Thank you ever so much for what you do for all of your viewers.

[@davewhalen2735]

@Craig Donavant Hi Craig, David here.

[@davewhalen2735]

@Craig Donavant Hi again, Craig, I live in eastern Canada, in the province (i.e. state) of New Brunswick. Am retired but generally keep very busy.

[@jygood3718]

great hint

[@maried914]

I was just wondering if you are still using the work table that you purchased at Harbor Freight. Also where did you originally find out about this and do you have a link?

[@sheepishlysharing]

Yes, I'm still using it. (That's it in this video!) How I learned about it and the link are here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnmpeaOoZphosMk

[@denisepinet9472]

Another video I watched also suggested going backwards. Counter doesn't work that way. I'll try this thanks for the tip.

[@Barbara-iz7bp]

I polish the circular knitting machine with 100% silicone. As soon as it starts dropping stitches, I polish it again. I take an extremely thin layer, two pea sized amount of silicon on two fingers, then I rub it gently on the two sides of the needle that face me, and the top. I also polish the rounded part of the side walls between the needles, that the yarn slides down.