Cylindrical knitting is a technique used to produce seamless tubular knits, such as braids, hats, socks, and sweaters. This method can be done manually or with the help of a knitting machine. It's widely used in the production of everyday knitwear due to its efficiency and the smooth, continuous fabric it creates.
Knitting machines for children are available at an affordable price, starting around $100, while more advanced models can cost several hundred to a few thousand dollars. The process of circular knitting is somewhat similar to 3D printing, where a three-dimensional object is built layer by layer using a single strand of yarn. However, unlike 3D printing, this technique requires careful design planning to ensure the final product meets the desired specifications. The main goal of circular knitting machines is to speed up the weaving process, allowing designers to focus more on creativity and prototyping.
During World War I, circular knitting machines played a crucial role in producing large quantities of socks for soldiers—essential items that helped prevent foot injuries. Fast forward to modern times, visual artists Mar Canet and Varvara Guljajeva spent over three months developing an open-source digital knitting machine called Circular Knitic. They explained:
"With the rapid development of digital manufacturing technology, 3D printers have become a common tool in creative studios. While many projects in Fab Labs and maker spaces focus on hard-surface objects, soft projects like textiles remain rare. In fact, the first digital manufacturing tool, the electronic knitting machine, was discontinued in 1976 and largely forgotten. Our aim is to bring textile manufacturing into the maker culture by creating Circular Knitic."
The artists shared a detailed tutorial on Instructables, a popular open-source hardware platform. Their project is quite complex, requiring skills in laser cutting, 3D printing, basic woodworking, and electronics assembly. The tutorial includes 13 steps, from start to finish, even teaching users how to set up the needles. Free 3D printable files are available, and the developers provide clear instructions on how many copies of each part to print and recommended print settings.
To build this automated knitting machine, you'll need the following components:
- 60 needles
- Nema23 stepper motor
- Big Easy stepper motor driver
- Arduino Uno
- 12V fan (40mm x 40mm)
- 12V power supply and wiring
- Carbon fiber tensioner (2mm, 55cm)
- 14 bearings (5mm x 10mm x 4mm)
- Screws, nuts, motor shafts, switches, springs
- 60 paper clips (50mm long)
- 2 Makerbeam X-bars (150mm long)
- 2 shorter Makerbeams (60mm long)
- 1 Makerbeam (40mm)
- Makerbeam screws
- 6 L-shaped Makerbeams
- 4 claws
Although the list may seem long, once all parts are gathered, the assembly process is straightforward—similar to putting together IKEA furniture with an Arduino twist.
After assembling everything, you can use the machine to create socks, hats, sweaters, or any other tubular knit. Operating the machine is simple: just input the code corresponding to the desired item, and the machine does the rest. No need to manually guide the yarn or adjust the tension—it’s all handled automatically.
If building your own isn’t your thing, you can also purchase a ready-made kit or an already-assembled version directly from their online store. Whether you're a hobbyist, artist, or maker, this project offers a unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern digital innovation.
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