Alright, so I got this Sentro Knitting Machine the other day, and let me tell you, it’s been a bit of a learning curve, but a fun one! I’ve always been into crafting, but knitting with needles? Forget about it. Too slow, too complicated. So, when I saw this machine online, I thought, why not give it a whirl?
First off, unpacking it was like Christmas morning. You’ve got the main machine, which is surprisingly compact, a bunch of needles, a yarn guide, and some other bits and bobs. I spent a good half hour just getting familiar with all the parts, figuring out what goes where. The instructions were okay, but I found a couple of videos online that really helped clear things up.
Next up, I tried to get the yarn onto the machine. This was a bit tricky at first. You gotta thread the yarn through this little guide and then make sure it catches on the needles as you crank the handle. I messed up a few times, dropped the yarn, got it tangled, you name it. But, after a few tries, I finally got the hang of it. It’s all about keeping the right tension, not too tight, not too loose.
- First, I secured my machine to the table with the clamp that came with it.
- Then, I followed the instructions and placed the yarn in the guide, cranked the handle until the white needle was at 3 o’clock, left the yarn tail about 10 inches long inside the machine, and started winding.
Once I had the yarn on, I started cranking away. It’s actually pretty satisfying watching the machine work, clicking and clacking as the rows of stitches appear like magic. I started with a simple tube scarf, just to get a feel for it. I made some mistakes for sure, missed a few stitches here and there, but overall, it was turning out pretty decent. I couldn’t believe how fast it was compared to hand knitting!
My First Project
For my first real project, I decided to make a beanie. I found a pattern online that was specifically for the Sentro. Following the pattern was a bit challenging, especially when it came to increasing and decreasing stitches. There’s a certain rhythm you need to get into, and I definitely messed up a few times. I had to unravel entire sections and start over, which was frustrating, but hey, that’s part of learning, right?
Eventually, after many hours and a few near meltdowns, I finished the beanie! It wasn’t perfect, a bit wonky in places, but I was so proud of myself. I actually made something wearable with this machine! Since then, I’ve made scarves, headbands, and even a small blanket. I’m still learning, still experimenting, but it’s been such a fun journey. If you’re thinking about getting into knitting but are intimidated by the traditional way, I definitely recommend giving the Sentro Knitting Machine a try. It’s a game-changer!
