Essential Circular Sock Machine (CSM) Tools & Accessories
Socks! Once you have worn a hand-knit sock, you are hooked for life. Some people enjoy the slow rhythm of knitting needles, while others prefer the speed and charm of a circular sock knitting machine (CSM). If you are here, you have chosen a CSM, and whether it is brand new or pre-owned, we want to help you on your knitting adventure, with any tools and accessories you might need (or want!).
Now comes the fun part: getting ready to knit. You may already have some of the basics, but there are also a few tools and extras that can make your CSM experience smoother and far more enjoyable. We made this post filled with all the most common (and usually non-mentioned) items you may need to get going.
Also, we will link to helpful resources throughout this post, and at the bottom, you’ll find a Quick-Reference Checklist PDF you can use to keep track of what you have.
The Essentials
Every sock starts with two essentials: a CSM and yarn. You can’t knit socks without them. We will briefly touch on those here.
A Circular Sock Machine (CSM)
You can find CSMs from a variety of places in North America, ranging from about $500 CAD for 3D-printed models to $1700 USD for sturdy cast-iron machines. If you are lucky enough to find a pre-owned one, give it a test run before you commit. Replacement parts can be costly, so it is worth knowing it runs well.
Yarn
It goes without saying, no yarn, no socks. SweetGeorgia has a beautiful selection to choose from, and Tabetha Hedrick wrote a great article highlighting some of our favourite sock yarns. Which Sock Yarn Should You Choose?
Items You Need for Your Machine
Here is a list of things that make machine knitting nearly impossible to make work.
Cylinders
This part decides how many stitches will be in your tube. Cylinders range from 48 to 72 stitches, and the yarn weight you choose will influence the cylinder size you use.
Ribber (and Dial)
Needed for ribbed socks. Choose one that works with your cylinder stitch count.
Table
Your CSM needs to clamp to a sturdy surface. Setting up and taking down can feel like a pain; a portable table or workbench can make it this much easier.
Yarn Mast
Guides your yarn to the machine and keeps tension consistent. The heel spring can be used when forming heels, although you may choose to leave it engaged for the entire sock.
Must-Have CSM Tools (That Usually Come with Your Machine)
If you bought your machine new, you most likely have these items. These are needed and easy to replace if you are missing any.
Latch Hook & Pick
Perfect for moving stitches and picking up dropped stitches as you knit.
Weights
Stem weights, heel forks, and buckles all help form your stitches. Having a variety on hand gives you flexibility for different projects, big and small!
Cast-On Bonnet
A must for starting your knitting. They are reusable, and making extras is great for experimenting with yarns and techniques.
Crescent Tool
Allows you to move a range of needles up and down quickly.
Waste Yarn
Used to begin most projects (after the Cast-On Bonnet) and can be used again and again. (Not really a waste, is it?!)
Ravel Cord
A time-saver for holding live stitches or creating a lifeline when you need to rip back.
Spare Needles
You never know when you may need to replace a needle!
Helpful Extras Often Needed
Sometimes the smallest items are not mentioned in patterns, but you definitely need them.
Scissors
A small pair of snips or embroidery scissors will handle any yarn-cutting you need to do.
Tapestry Needle
For grafting toes or weaving in ends. The bent-tip needles by Clover are a staff favourite, come in a variety of sizes, and come with a case.
Measuring Tape/Ruler
Essential for measuring both your feet and your knitting gauge. A soft tape and a hard ruler will give you the best accuracy. You can also find CSM Rulers for quick and easy measuring.
Row Counter
Some machines have these built in, but if not, a manual or digital counter works just as well.
Pen and Paper
A notebook is the perfect place to keep track of row counts, swatches, yarns, and alterations you have made along the way.
Yarn Management Tools
Smooth-flowing yarn is one of the keys to successful machine knitting.
Yarn Swift
Holds skeins while you wind them into balls or cakes. A swift, also known as an umbrella swift, makes the job quicker and easier than using chairs or finding friends.
Cone Winder
This is one of the most common ways CSM knitters prepare their yarn. It transfers yarn from a swift or ball onto a cone so it feeds easily into your CSM.
Ball Winder
A ball winder is great for winding skeins into balls. Keep the tension loose to help it unwind easily.
Niddy Noddy
A niddy niddy helps you wind yarn back into a skein when needed.
Digital Scale and Calculator
Useful for tracking how much yarn you have used and estimating what is left.
Wet Blocking Tools
Once your socks come off the CSM, they need a little finishing before they are ready to wear.
Wool Wash and Basin
A no-rinse soap like Soak works well in a sink, bowl, or tub.
Spin to Remove Water
A salad spinner or your washing machine’s spin cycle removes water without stretching the fabric. Rolling socks in towels works well too.
Sock Blockers
Great for shaping socks as they dry, especially if they are gifts. You can also hang the socks over a shower rod or lay them flat.
CSM Maintenance Tools
Not taking care of our machines can cause problems when using them. A few simple checks will prevent any future mistakes and will extend its life.
Lubricating Oil
A quick check and oil before you start keeps your machine running smoothly.
Small Brush
Helps keep your machine free of dust and lint.
Cover
Protects your machine from dust when not in use.
Final Thoughts
Starting out with a CSM can feel like a big step, but with the right tools and a little preparation, you will be knitting socks confidently in no time. This year, we are launching our first CSM course in the School of SweetGeorgia! We are excited to announce that we already have our next course planned. Please check our School of SweetGeorgia Roadmap to see what we have in development!
- Circular Sock Machine: Foundations
- Ribbed socks (coming 2027)
Join Our Community
- At the School of SweetGeorgia, we’ve built a vibrant and welcoming community of fibre-loving makers, passionate instructors, and dedicated staff. Whether you’re looking for guidance on a new technique or just need a little creative encouragement, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
- Not yet a member of the School? We invite you to come and see what it is all about! Use the code: EXPLORETHESCHOOL to save 15% on an All-Access monthly membership!
- We welcome you to join us in our SweetGeorgia Community. This is where we share projects that inspire, have fibre-filled conversations, host make-alongs, and participate in a variety of virtual meetings! We discuss all things knitting, crocheting, spinning, weaving, machine knitting, and more!
- Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe to our newsletter! It’s a simple way to stay updated on what’s new at SweetGeorgia and the School of SweetGeorgia, catch up on the latest articles, watch new SweetGeorgia YouTube videos, and be a part of our community without any pressure to post. We value your presence, no matter how you choose to connect with us!
Let us know if there’s a CSM tool you love that we missed!
Checklist
Here is a quick checklist you can use to see what you have, need, and want!
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