Knitting machines come in various sizes, primarily categorized by their gauge, which refers to the distance between needles. The four most common sizes are fine gauge, standard gauge, mid-gauge, and bulky gauge.
Fine Gauge: With a needle spacing of about 3.6 mm, fine gauge machines are designed for very thin yarns, such as lace and light fingering weight. They produce delicate, lightweight fabrics, making them ideal for intricate designs and garments like lace shawls and fine knits.
Standard Gauge: This machine has a needle spacing of around 4.5 mm-5mm, suitable for yarns ranging from fingering to sport weight. It’s perfect for creating lightweight garments, intricate patterns, and everyday knits with a smooth finish.
Mid-Gauge: Featuring a 6mm-7mm needle spacing, mid-gauge machines are versatile and can handle a range of yarns from sport to worsted weight. They strike a balance between fine and bulky knitting, making them a great all-purpose option for various projects.
Bulky Gauge: These machines have the widest needle spacing, typically 8mm-9mm, and are designed for chunky to super bulky yarns. They’re ideal for heavy fabrics like sweaters, blankets, and outerwear, producing thicker and warmer garments.
Choosing the right machine gauge depends on the types of projects you want to create and the yarns you prefer to work with. Each gauge offers unique possibilities, from delicate lacework to cozy, chunky knits.
Knitting Machine Gauges: A Comprehensive Comparison Chart
FINE | STANDARD | MID-GAUGE | BULKY/CHUNKY | |
Number of Needles | 250 | 200 Japanese, 180 European | 100-150 | 100-200 |
Needle Spacing | 3.6mm | 4.5mm Japanese, 5mm European | 6-7mm | 8-9mm |
Typical Gauge sts/4" | 32-48 | 24-40 | 16-24 | 12-20 |
Typical Gauge sts/inch | 8-12 | 6-10 | 4-6 | 3-5 |
Relative (metric) Hand Knitting Needle Sizes | -3.25mm | 2.25mm - 3.75mm | 3.5mm - 6mm | 4mm+ |
Relative (U.S.) Hand Knitting Needle Sizes | -3 | 1-5 | 4-10 | 7+ |
Range of Suitable Yarns | lace weight, fingering | fingering, sport | sport, DK, worsted | worsted, aran, chunky, bulky, novelties |
Extended Range Working on every other needle | sport | worsted | aran, chunky, bulky, novelties | heavier bulkies, novelties |