Manual, hand, crank knitting mills and French knitters: what are they? What are the differences?
The world of yarn crafting offers a wide range of tools and techniques for creating knitted cords using wool, cotton, or microfiber.
Among the most popular tools are
manual knitting mills,
hand knitting mills,
crank knitting mills, and
French knitters.
Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they actually refer to different types of knitting mills depending on how they work.
Let’s take a closer look.
What is a French knitter?
A French knitter is a tool designed to create knitted cords, also known as i-cords.
It is widely used for handmade decorations, lettering, home décor, and accessories.
The resulting cord is flexible yet sturdy, making it ideal for shaping and creative projects.
In English, the term “French knitter” is often used as a general name for knitting mills,
especially in crafting and beginner-friendly contexts.
Depending on the model, a French knitter can be manual, hand-operated, or crank-based.
👉 Learn more about the technique and get inspired:
What is French knitting?
Manual and hand knitting mills
Manual knitting mills—also known as hand knitting mills—are the most traditional type.
They consist of a small cylindrical tool with 4 or more hooks on top, where the yarn is worked by hand in a repeating sequence to form the knitted cord.
This type of French knitter is perfect for those who enjoy slow, mindful crafting and want a fully handmade experience.
While the final result is similar to that of more advanced knitting mills, manual and hand knitting mills require more time and practice.
Crank knitting mills
Crank knitting mills are a more advanced and efficient evolution of the French knitter.
They feature a rotating handle that allows you to create knitted cords quickly and evenly, with much less effort than a fully manual tool.
This type of knitting mill is ideal for larger projects, repeated designs, or longer cords.
Some models are operated by a hand crank, while others are fully electric.
- Hand-crank knitting mill: fast, practical, and reliable, without the need for electricity or batteries.
- Electric knitting mill: perfect for high-volume projects and continuous cord production.
👉 Explore our
Prym crank knitting mill
, ideal for fast and precise decorative projects!
Which knitting mill should you choose?
Choosing the right knitting mill depends on your experience level and the type of projects you want to create:
- If you are new to French knitting and enjoy a traditional approach, a
manual or hand knitting mill
is a great starting point. - If you want a faster and more efficient workflow, a
crank knitting mill
is an excellent choice. - If you need to produce long knitted cords quickly and consistently, an
electric knitting mill
is the most efficient option.
Conclusion
Manual knitting mills, hand knitting mills, crank knitting mills, and French knitters all serve the same creative purpose,
but offer different levels of speed, control, and ease of use.
By choosing the right tool, you can fully enjoy the French knitting technique and bring your creative ideas to life.
👉 Discover all our
French knitting kits
and knitting mill accessories
in our shop!
