What is Addi Express
Addi Express is a circular knitting machine from the German company addi (Heinrich Selter GmbH), which has been manufacturing knitting needles since 1829. Unlike cheap plastic machines, the Addi Express features metal needles, precise craftsmanship, and significantly higher stitch quality. It is the world's best-selling quality hobby knitting machine.
Addi Express Models
Addi Express (22 needles)
The smaller model — 22 metal needles, approximately 15 cm in diameter. Suitable for children's hats, scarves, socks, and small tubes. With an additional adapter, it can also knit flat pieces (scarves).
Addi Express Kingsize (46 needles)
The larger model — 46 needles, approximately 25 cm in diameter. For adult hats, wide neck warmers, and larger tubes. The most popular model.
Addi Express Professional
An improved version with an electronic row counter, more robust construction, and finer needles. For demanding users who knit regularly.
Advantages of Addi Express
Metal needles — more precise, more durable, fewer dropped stitches. Yarn glides more smoothly and stitches are more even.
German quality — precise craftsmanship, long lifespan. An investment that will last for years.
Versatility — with an additional adapter, it can also knit flat (not just in the round). Additional stoppers allow knitting with a smaller number of needles as well.
Row counter — built-in (Professional) or add-on. No need to count manually.
What You Can Knit
Hats — in 10 minutes. Knit a tube, gather the top, and you're done.
Scarves — with the flat knitting adapter. Rows back and forth instead of in the round.
Neck warmers and cowls — a short tube, sew the ends together.
Semi-finished pieces — tubes that you further process (bags, pillows, toys).
Addi Express vs. Sentro
| Feature | Addi Express Kingsize | Sentro 48 |
|---|---|---|
| Needles | Metal (46) | Plastic (48) |
| Price | 3,000–5,000 CZK | 500–1,500 CZK |
| Flat knitting | Yes (with adapter) | No |
| Dropped stitches | Rare | More frequent |
| Lifespan | Years | Months–1 year |
| Row counter | Yes | Basic/none |
Tips
Even with the Addi Express, the same rule applies: use smooth yarn of the appropriate weight (DK–worsted for the Kingsize, fingering–DK for the smaller model). Fluffy or hairy yarn can snag even in metal needles. Before first use, read the instructions — setting the yarn tension and casting on correctly are key to success.
