Sentro Knitting Machine: How to Cast On and Cast Off
Today, I'm excited to walk you through the features of the Sentro knitting machine. I'll be starting with the basics, covering all the machine's functions.This time, I'll demonstrate how to cast on and cast off, essential steps before beginning any project on your knitting machine.
The Sentro knitting machine has 48 needles, creating a substantial knitting area. The handle, used for cranking and creating rounds, is positioned prominently. Adjacent to it, we have a row counter to keep track of your progress. Simply press the black button to reset it to zero.
On the front, you'll find a tension gauge with three settings: fine weight yarn, medium weight yarn, and chunkier yarn. We recommend sticking to DK weight yarn (8-ply) for optimal machine performance. Softer yarn tends to work better, so keep that in mind when selecting yarn for your projects.
There's a switch on the side for choosing between working in a tube or a panel.This time we'll keep it on "T" for tube knitting. The yarn guide at the top ensures smooth feeding of yarn into the machine. Additionally, the machine features suction cups on its feet for stability during use.
I recommend using the Sentro knitting machine on a flat, solid surface for better stability. A kitchen table works perfectly, providing a surface for the suction cups to grip onto. Now, let's move on to casting on — the crucial first step in any knitting project on this machine.
For casting on, it's essential to crank the handle slowly and meticulously during the initial cast-on round to avoid dropping stitches. The white peg marks the end of the round, and once you reach it, you'll know you've successfully cast on all 48 pegs.
After casting on, thread the yarn through the yarn guide and tension gauge. Pull out enough yarn from the skein, ensuring it flows freely. Now, let's crank slowly through the initial rounds, incrementing the row counter with each complete circuit.
Fast forward to about 20 rounds, and we're ready to cast off. Measure out a generous length of yarn for casting off and cut it from the skein. Thread a needle with the yarn, remove it from the tension gauge, and carefully crank through one more round to secure each stitch.
To cast off, individually thread each stitch onto the needle as you go around. This method ensures stitch security and minimizes the risk of dropped stitches. Once all stitches are threaded, carefully pull the knitting off the machine.
Depending on your project, you'll either sew the edges together for flat items or use the yarn to cinch the top for a beanie. Practice these techniques to perfect your skills, and soon you'll be ready to tackle exciting projects on your knitting machine.
I hope you found this tutorial helpful. If there's anything specific you'd like to learn or see in future videos, leave a comment below. Happy knitting!