Tips for Perfect Panels on a circular knitting machine

If you struggle with or are just plain afraid of working with panels, you aren't alone. It took me a bit to get comfortable with the process but now that I am, I wanted to share my tips and tricks with all of you.
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00:00-05:44 Overview of knitting machine panels
05:44- 12:30 How to cast on and knit waste yarn on a knitting machine panel
12:30- 18:12 How to switch yarn colors and knit on a knitting machine panel
18:12-22:40 How to cast off with waste yarn on a knitting machine panel
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[@MomoiroMilo]

i thought the panel setting on my knitting machine was broken because my edges were dropping, this is the best explination for a newbiw ty

[@capychan]

Same! I was convinced mine was broken. A clear explanation makes all the difference!

[@juliewillard6932]

I’ve just mastered panels this week so I’m knitting strips to sew together to make a blanket for my son who lives away. It’s looking good and barely any stitches have needed fixing.

[@lamentis__]

oh my god thank you so much ! I've been struggling for MONTHS with panels and I finally managed to do it !

[@thecraftygrrl]

That's awesome! You'll never look back now. :)

[@nicolepermenter8772]

I found adding weight to each end keeps it going smoother. Thank you so much for these tips. I learned a lot!

[@thecraftygrrl]

Great tip!

[@TwylaWorld]

I do the same! It took a while for that to sink in what was going on! LOL but it works to have those clips at the end!

[@Carol-hj4km]

What kind of weight? Where do you attach it? Do you attach a weight on every row? Just cannot do panels at all!

[@nicolepermenter8772]

@@Carol-hj4km I use clothes pins at the ends. I also apply a little extra tension on the working yarn as I change directions.

[@sarahmartinez2909]

❤❤❤ wow!!! Awesome tutorial!!! I was able to do a panel today. At the beginning my ends were a little funky. Got that corrected. I am so excited on the many things my Addi machine can do. Thank you so much for such a clear explanation!! Love ya!!!❤❤❤

[@thecraftygrrl]

Glad it helped!

[@5tarAn9el]

New to Sentro and just wanted to try simple shrug. Followed other sites instructions, but the edges were frazzled and could not get transition from sleeves to body to work so did them seperately and was in a whole world of hurt for 8 hours and still did not get the desired result. Followed your instructions and now it all makes sense, and was able to make a shrug which looks professional quality in 2 hours! Best explanation on KZbin. Thank you a million times. x

[@barrymilne5991]

I was using a smaller machine and all my stitches dropped. This has been so clear and useful, thank you! Can't wait to get started on a panel when I get my larger machine!!

[@thecraftygrrl]

You are so welcome! I know how frustrated I was when I first started so glad I could help.

[@Amanda-cg7so]

Thank you so much!!!!!😢😢😢 i cant tell you how many videos i have watched and still couldn't figure this out!!!!! Im so happy i finally found a video that makes sense! ❤❤❤❤

[@Libby_izzy]

omg thank you the marking the bumps was a game changer!!!!

[@DjVixen100]

This literally was the best tutorial! Thank you so much ❤

[@strawberrysultan]

Thank you so much for this video the way you explained it made it instantly click for me!! Now my first sweater is done! 😊

[@thecraftygrrl]

You are so welcome! That's such a fabulous accomplishment!!!

[@TashmirCreations]

Great video. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@marjankoevoets5435]

Thank you sooo much.until I saw your video I had given up on flat panels. Practise makes perfect

[@SierraDeeDidIt]

This was great! Very helpful😊

[@florencedenutte2830]

Thank you so much for this, I now understand why I was struggling with making a panel ! Very well explained

[@kjogorman3472]

Watching alot of different ones can embed the method. But this video is the best at explaining those edges properly. Thanks, you have inspired me to drag my Sentro 48 out of hibernation so I can attempt a cardigan again

[@thecraftygrrl]

So glad it was helpful!

[@3r1c4_3]

I literally can't thank you enough for this video, you made everything super clear and explained it so well. You're my savior, thank you!!

[@kimberlywinebrenner6655]

I finally caught on! So excited to finally see it working. I thought I had watched well enough several times in fact. Had missed one little part at the end of a row. Since I've caught on I have a rather large how that I've started and no misses:-)

[@janetclark840]

Love the circular pan you have the machine on - great idea

[@thecraftygrrl]

And guess what? It's the removable top to a table so it's portable!

[@nancymarik2391]

Very helpful. Clear and easy to understand and see. Thank you! 💝

[@thecraftygrrl]

You are so welcome!

[@somebodyspecial1845]

You are such a great teacher!! Thank you for taking the time to teach us ❤🎉

[@thecraftygrrl]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@RoamingwithRover]

Great info!

[@brujapandorabox]

Ty!!! I will try this over weekend, I was about lose hope with my sentro lol

[@riestjames7371]

This was super helpful - thank you so much!

[@thecraftygrrl]

You're so welcome!

[@vanessacool5355]

This is the most helpful video I’ve seen about panels on the sentro thank you

[@thecraftygrrl]

Thank you so much!!!

[@bridgetpollock1298]

Definitely the best tutorial on panel knitting - thank you ❤️.

[@thecraftygrrl]

Wow, thank you!

[@allthingsvalerie]

Thank you for this demo. Best explanation I’ve found.

[@thecraftygrrl]

I'm so glad it was helpful! Panels open up so many more projects for sure!

[@angiegauthier9376]

I finally was able to make a panel with this video! Thanks! Great tutorial!!

[@thecraftygrrl]

Glad it helped!

[@Sonyamixedmedia]

That was the best tutorial I’ve seen on KZbin thanks so much.

[@northernbunny9894]

there one more where explain about chanceing colors where it not noticeable. I just don't know the name.

[@evlinkoesnadi2436]

Thankyou for your video it’s really helpful me a lot!! Hope u make more videos!! I love all your tutorials very clear and teach me a lot thank you

[@thecraftygrrl]

Thank you so much!

[@kaybeest7675]

Thank you so much for this demo on panels which was tormenting me. You showed me how to circular knit and yes finally, I have got the panel knitting sorted. 👏

[@thecraftygrrl]

You are so welcome!

[@akabga]

Thank you for emphasizing the important points! I've watched several videos, and this is the one that helped me! SUBBED!!

[@thecraftygrrl]

Awesome, thank you!

[@vivienlee610]

Super tutorial, very clear and easy to understand. Probably best video I've seen so far.

[@thecraftygrrl]

That makes me so happy! I never know if I'm clear in my tutorials so this type of response makes my day. Thank you!!!

[@capychan]

Thank you so much! I have watched over a dozen panel videos and was still not getting good results. I finally get it, I think 😂

[@thecraftygrrl]

So glad it helped even a little...the more you do it, the easier it gets for sure.

[@ingesexton811]

THANK YOU!!!! I have a loombot and I've been really struggling with panels. This is the best tutorial. I really needed that tip about extra tension, now my panels are perfect! I really appreciate you!

[@thecraftygrrl]

I'm so glad it helped! Thanks for watching!

[@karenmarcy3129]

Thank you so much for this great tutorial video! I had success on my 1st practice piece.

[@thecraftygrrl]

Yay! it feels so good the first time it goes as planned! And now you'll be a pro!

[@ChibiChibi]

Thank you SO much!! This is the best explained video I've found that shows exactly what to do! It's helped so much 🥰🥰🥰

[@thecraftygrrl]

You are so welcome!

[@ssoozee]

Thank you SO much!

[@thecraftygrrl]

You're welcome!

[@tonidinan2262]

Thank you so much for this video since doing it this way I haven’t dropped a stitch

[@thecraftygrrl]

yay! That is so awesome! Some yarn will make it more of a challenge but having this mastered will totally help when that happens and make it less frustrating.

[@Teresa-fj4tz]

I watched so many tutorials, but couldn´t understand them. Thank you for this video, now I can also make panels:)

[@thecraftygrrl]

Glad I could help!

[@SarahRose-ix6zc]

I FINALLY DID IT!! I've tried for months and couldn't master it. This was the video that finally made it click!! Thank you thank you thank you!!

[@thecraftygrrl]

Yay! That just made my day!!!😊

[@jimiwills]

I use my crochet left hand to tension the yarn. And I just let it drop a bit as I change direction to gather in the slack.

[@trishweber9695]

great video

[@thecraftygrrl]

Thanks!

[@n3onstars]

thank you! I just got a circular knitter, and I pretty much mastered the tubes, but panels were evading me! No longer ♥

[@thecraftygrrl]

Wonderful!

[@sevgifrat2350]

Thank you❤

[@thecraftygrrl]

You're welcome 😊

[@sevgifrat2350]

@@thecraftygrrl 🦋🌺

[@sabrinahewick1224]

I am new at this...I have made a few beanies on my Tube knitting....watching how well you explain this is giving me hope...but I am afraid so will have to practice the P setting a bit more...before I reach perfections 😂..Thank you so much!!

[@thecraftygrrl]

It definitely takes patience and practice but once it clicks, you will open up a whole new world of creation.

[@str1518]

Thanks for hand ❤

[@jimiwills]

Necesitatious!

[@jenniferchristi4767]

best explanation i've seen! i have been loom knitting for years & i have knitted tons of panels. i was so frustrated that i could not get the hang of this! now i have my waste yarn cast on, 1 strand of yarn (what's that called again?) & 15 rows of my first non dropped stitch panel. THANK YOU!!

[@thecraftygrrl]

Thank you so much!

[@shawnaescala]

This was the best video I’ve seen explaining this!! I was so confused on what to do. Thank you. And also where can I find the video with the finished tank? I’d to see how it came out.

[@thecraftygrrl]

Thank you! And I just searched my account and realized I have never done a tutorial on making a tank! I have my sweater, bra top, button down top, and even bags but no tank top. I'm sure my ADHD brain moved on to another project and forgot to make a video on it. I'm adding that to my list of up and coming videos.

[@shawnaescala]

@@thecraftygrrl that make sense why I couldn’t find it 😂. I’m looking forward seeing it soon! I’ll wait to see the video before I try it out. No rush of course 🥰

[@madebycoral]

Thank you for making such a great video! Just wondering, what is the purpose of the waste yarn, and how do you get it off/finish the piece?

[@thecraftygrrl]

Waste yarn is used to get a tighter loop on the ends giving it a cleaner look but has to be finished with either using yarn and a darning needle to pick up the live loops or using a crochet finish.

[@niteflytes]

Hi, great explanation. Where did you get your counter?

[@kimberlywinebrenner6655]

You have a perfect explanation on how to use this machine for panels. I'm still having trouble with it casting off on the ends though. I don't know what to do? Any ideas? I'm doing everything you say to do to the T.

[@thecraftygrrl]

So for the ends I would really make sure to tug on the working yarn so that it is tight against the bumper until you pass by the first pin in the row. They usually pop off the ends because the yarn is too loose.

[@pschiavitti6688]

Thank you!! I am going to master panels if it kills me! 😂

[@monicaesparza1250]

Great tutorial! Thank u! Your tips really helped! I struggled the first several times after watching other ones. My question is how do you handle the first and last row? Do you use yarn & needle to catch & crochet a top row? Or? I haven’t used waste yarn yet so if I did.. I’m sure the stitches would be tighter and look better with a crochet edge but would love help or advice with that part! Thank u!

[@thecraftygrrl]

Oh what a great question...I almost always use waste yarn with panels for the reason you stated...it just helps give a cleaner edge and easier to crochet finish the ends. I don't think I've actually done a video on that topic yet so I'll add that to my list of upcoming topics. I'm going to be doing lives once a week starting in December so I'll cover this then too.

[@Nic_NapsNcrafts]

Great video! I especially liked the explanation of the "rip cord" to eject waste yarn. My flat panel chagrin remains: rolling. Do you (or your followers) have a favourite way to keep the panels flat? I'm planning a striped scarf, not sure I am committed to crochet-ribbing for 6feet (2m) of fabric. Thanks in advance ~

[@Nic_NapsNcrafts]

So I've been doing some research... Dropping stitches on purpose may do the trick for the "efficient" flat panel knitter! I saw how you dropped stitches for your braided feature. I could do a braid up near the sides. But you can legit drop a stitch one or 2 stitches in from the edges to create a "faux rib" (Thx Mr Nimble Needles). If I'm very - very- into it, I could crochet those back up into purl/ribs but I'm pretty sure that I'm just going to pull.

[@thecraftygrrl]

Oh that's an interesting method. I may have to look at that. I typically just do water or steam blocking to help with rolling and it seems to do the trick. It works differently with different types of yarn though.

[@lizacrochets98]

The panel you made in this video....laying flat what does the top measure out to be ? I want to see if its big enough for my dog bed or if i have to make a few panels. Ty in advance !!! 😊

[@bebekadventure]

just started , made 2 beanies sofar and with some failures . i noticed by the 2nd beanie i always have to fix the failure , well i become very good in fixing but i wonder why i have to fix everytime i reach a circle which is annoying. or maybe its because i use Woll Yarn ( sheep woll) or maybe cuz the size 2 its too small and need bigger diameter Woll ?

[@STFOURNARIS]

I noticed if you give panels 4 needles space (first to last needles) instead of 3 the machines goes through like a breeze for when you come to the end where yarn locks under the hoop you go about two stitches pass and if you do come close to the other end the needle comes up and releases the yarn and most likely you get drops.

[@DarkFr3ak101]

I’m brand new to this and I would like to know how to fix double stitches on the needle and picking up stitches

[@josephineacampora6977]

At some time can you show us how to do a small panel load and use?

[@sharnettehewitson2213]

When I do a pane it drop’s stitches in the middle how do I prevent this

[@sabrinahewick1224]

will you be doing more projects on how to make a baby beanie on the Panel mode for beginners...I have the Sentro 48 pin...and so many other tutorial from other people keep showing it on their Addi, very few like you have the Sentro 48 tutorials, which I love!!!

[@thecraftygrrl]

Hey there, my Addi's are my go-to machines these days so I don't do too many tutorial using the Sentro's except for the mushroom house (32 pin). The Addi 46 is very similar to the Sentro 48 pin though. You mentioned using panel mode for baby beanies but I wouldn't recommend that. I never use panel setting for a beanie, unless I need to make a very large one and only want single layer. I love panels for wearables like sweaters and accessories.

[@lindabessinger1889]

My question would be can you show us how to sew/graft the two pieces together so that the seam doesn’t show? I know you use the mattress stitch but not totally comfortable with doing it on panels. Do you block the panels beforehand or just seam them together and then block, or do you block it at all?

[@yourcreativeplayground6829]

Yes this would be amazing

[@myriamelaurent5753]

Bonjour à vous .combien de différents points peut ont faire avec la sénatrice machine. Svp. àvent que j achette une.

[@Sunny_Star26]

I have been trying for days and still cant get it . Very frustrated.

[@skyeoconnor101]

Im not sure why I get so confused but I'm doing the panel knitting and my ends don't seem to stay on the hook :(( I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong

[@thecraftygrrl]

I have recently started having this issue on my Addi and seems to happen when the tension is too loose. So can’t be too to tight or too loose. It’s really a balancing act.

[@roselinejacobs-qv8wn]

Can u knit like Plein &purl also on the sentro

[@crystald3655]

Only plain, you have to manually drop and pick up purl stitches.

[@markrandall6293]

The addi express has been great for my wife as long as she only wanted to make hats all day . Nothing she does can make a pannel.

[@geralinedavis8066]

Where can you find the white mat your Sentro knitting machine is sitting on? Geraline

[@thecraftygrrl]

It's actually just non-stick shelf liner that I had left over. I found some at Dollar Tree too.

[@4614Maria]

Sono in attesa della mia Sentro 48 e vorrei subito procurarmi un contagiri visto che da ciò che ho letto non funziona... Potresti dirmi dove hai preso il tuo e se è facile installarlo, grazie!

[@donnaselley4782]

Oh my goodness. What is that you have it attached to? I need to do this

[@thecraftygrrl]

I bought these metal tables from Amazon with removable tops and the Sentro's suction really well to it and it's even portable. I found it also helps with static yarn. I have in my Knitting Machine tools list at the bottom on Amazon- www.amazon.com/shop/girlygrrlstyle/list/29YBMP1NV68GD?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfgirlygrrlstyle_VSP91N7JVGN1MJKESPKD

[@kemalfigar8189]

I kind of confused now, how can people get past through the white hook? When i change my sentro to panel mode it's always stuck when it reaches the white part

[@fatmaalbabtain5414]

Hello , Can you please make us a tutorial of panel mode but not using all needles .. Thank you

[@thecraftygrrl]

Absolutely! What specifically would be helpful?

[@niseyjones598]

How do you make the curl flat ?

[@thecraftygrrl]

I recommend steaming or wet blocking your pieces. It makes them so much easier to work with.

[@Sunny_Star26]

What did you use to mark your pegs

[@thecraftygrrl]

Just a black magic marker.

[@tipsyhayley7016]

How do you seamlessly connect 2 panels together?

[@thecraftygrrl]

I have this really quick video here that might help. Mattress stitches are the way to go. kzbin.info5RRyJwsWung

[@dakotarone3054]

How do I keep the sides from curling up

[@thecraftygrrl]

I steam block my panel pieces after I make them to get rid of the curl. You can use a small hand steamer or even just get them wet and shape them out on a towel until they dry.

[@HaeRosae]

The black yarn is making it really hard to see the end stitch on the 2nd row. I can't quite get the tail in the right spot

[@motherearth5462]

Can you give advice? When i put it on P, it locks on 21st peg and not 2 or 3 past white peg meaning it will only make short width panels.... What am i doing wrong? Thank you!!!

[@thecraftygrrl]

Hmmm, ok so if you turn it to P, it should be able to knit a panel with 19 needles/pins. There will always be 3 you cannot use in the flat panel setting. Does that help?

[@motherearth5462]

​@thecraftygrrl I appreciate your response. I'm don't understand. I'm sorry. When you set it to P, shouldn't I be able to go all the back to the white peg and then it stops so I can reverse stich back to the peg that stops doing a 45 or 46 needle panel? Where my Panel stops only let's me do a 18 knit width from start to stop. Every video I've watched, the stop is almost all the way around and stops right before the white peg. Is there maybe a special peg the machine recognizes and mine is in wrong place? I'm so confused 😕 I'm so sorry to bother you I just don't understand. Old age has rattled my brain.. wish I had a way to send you a short video showing what I mean.. Thank you for trying to help me dear..❤

[@reznafi702]

Wish you could've shown how you removed the waste yarn...I'm new at using the knitting machine...

[@crystald3655]

You can remove the tail from the loops at the cast on end and tug to unravel or unstich the last row before your project. Make sure you've picked up or otherwise secured your project stitches.

[@shilpa.s.s]

How would you remove the waste yarn after finishing I tried pulling it and that just makes it tighter

[@thecraftygrrl]

Oh for the bottom? The top waste yarn should just come right out without a problem. The bottom needs to have the first row tail pulled slowly out of all the loops and then it will unravel. I prefer using a "ravel cord" at the bottom to make it easier. (One row of contrasting yarn that you pull out to release the waste yarn).

[@shilpa.s.s]

@@thecraftygrrl did you crochet/sew it close and then remove waste yarn? cause when I unravel the waste yarn the rest of the project goes with it

[@thecraftygrrl]

@@shilpa.s.s Yes, to clarify with waste yarn...it is used to get a tighter loop on the ends giving it a cleaner look but has to be finished with either using yarn and a darning needle to pick up the live loops or using a crochet finish.

[@shilpa.s.s]

@@thecraftygrrl awesome thank you for the speedy responses!

[@shaikhshaista348]

🙏🙏👌👌👍👍🌹🌹💐💐

[@jakebenjumea6254]

I need help, I'm literally doing the exact same thing you do in the video BUT my ends keep looking awful and idk why, like, their loose and the rest of the panel looks perfectly knitted 😭😭 what should I do?

[@thecraftygrrl]

The biggest culprit of this is not pulling the tension tight enough at the ends. I kept doing that too when I first started. I would recommend going really slowly and pulling the yarn with extra tension when you get to both ends.

[@helenesmith5623]

Where is the video for the scarf? Please!

[@thecraftygrrl]

Which scarf?

[@crystald3655]

You also dont need to tie knots. Add the new strand at least three stitiches from the end of your old yarn and continue on you'll have two loops on those needles until the next row.

[@carlabrauer7303]

How do you determine how many pins you need?

[@thecraftygrrl]

This video goes into detail on how to size your projects and might be helpful. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6S3l3ZorL2ihqM

[@thecraftygrrl]

I shared a video with you but the overall way to figure out how many pins you need is to knit a gauge swatch to determine how many stitches it takes to get to an inch. A lot of makers (Including me when I'm being lazy) just assume 5 stitches = 1 inch and go from there. If your project is fitted and you need an exact fit, I'd make sure to take measurements though first.

[@alberta4949]

I have a question on how to count the Rolls when it's in panel

[@thecraftygrrl]

You need to manually count each time you go back and forth and keep track with either a manual counter or just by taking notes. On the Addi 46, if you use all of the pins for panels, it will keep track for you too.

[@alberta4949]

@@thecraftygrrl ok

[@sabrinahewick1224]

we are still waiting for the finished camisole..lol

[@Carol-hj4km]

Must have tried knitting panels at least 30 times. STILL dropping stitches - one extra falls off EVERY row. Have watched video many times. What am I missing? One of the comments mentions “weighting” - couldn’t see the advice to which it relates. Help, please. TIA.

[@thecraftygrrl]

The most important way to prevent these ends from popping off is to make sure you are tugging on the yarn tail when you get to the end pins every single time. Make sure that your tension is tight enough that there is no way it can slip off the pin.

[@niseyjones598]

I keep having a hard time with the panels and tube

[@niseyjones598]

I think I figured it out

[@ParkAvenue34]

I'm really having a very hard time making panels on my circular knitting machine. HELP!!! I didn't buy this machine to make a beanie or a scarf. I want to make garments because I loathe purl...

[@bluerose0018]

I'm desperate. it just does not work. I'm trying to do it exactly like in your video. but every time stitches just fall off. Even though I pay a lot of attention to it, a hook suddenly takes the yarn even though it shouldn't. I'm slowly thinking of just giving up. 😔

[@thecraftygrrl]

Oh no! Don't give up yet. These tools are so finicky and can be frustrating for sure. I was thinking about doing another KZbin live soon and this topic will be covered live so you can ask questions in real time if that is helpful.

[@crystald3655]

That happened to me too. It took me a long while to figure out panels. One thing that helped me was putting a binder clip on each end and really going slowly. If needed make your panels a bit narrower so the opposite end doesn't drop a stitch. It takes a lot of practice to get going smoothly.

[@crystald3655]

No, you dont HAVE to cut the waste yarn off. You can pull out the tail from the cast on edge and it should come undone with some tugs after that. Make sure you've secured your stitches first or you'll unravel the whole thing.

[@jeanniewicks7264]

What is waste yarn

[@thecraftygrrl]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYXMfWaGn7Zmqa8

[@sharron6628]

I really enjoy your videos but your hand movements all the time in that video it gets pretty annoying. You can teach without moving your hands all over. I enjoy listening and watching but the hand movement is just too much. your hands are all over