Don’t Give Up on That Yarn! Silicone + Weights Hack for Circular Knitters

Tired of fighting challenging yarns on your circular knitting machine? Those beautiful wools, textured fibers, or grippy naturals that are the "right size" but just won't slide down the pins nicely? This video is for you!
I take you along on my real-time experiment:

The silicone earplug hack (placed on the yarn guide/tension area) that seriously reduces friction and static — it humbled me and made several "impossible" yarns run smoothly!
Adding weights EARLY (right from the start!) using cheap, accessible hacks: fishing sinker weights + mini clips, chip clips with adhesive wheel weights, and my favorite reliable method.
Testing how far the silicone alone gets you, when to add phase 1 weights (1-14 oz options), and moving to phase 2 (scrunchie + PVC cup + fabric weights).
Bonus: Drill vs. hand crank with high-friction wool, color changes, and why some yarns still need extra help.

Perfect for anyone using Sentro, Addi, or any crank-style circular knitter who wants to conquer wool hats, beanies, or other natural fiber projects without frustration. These are inexpensive, repeatable fixes that let you use more of the yarns you love!
If you've struggled with dropped stitches, tight tension, or yarns that bind — try these hacks and let me know in the comments what worked for you! Which yarn gives YOU the most trouble? 👇
Come create with me — no perfection required, just curiosity and trying stuff out! Some of these experiments might end up as cozy hats in my shop → LizHandcrafted.com
New here? Hit subscribe + bell 🔔 for more real-make videos, creative experiments, and handmade goodness (textiles, leather, wood, and whatever inspires me next).
Thanks for watching — go make something today! 💙
#CircularKnittingMachine #KnittingMachineHacks #SiliconeEarplugHack #CircularKnitter #SentroHacks #AddiExpress #MachineKnitting #WoolHat #KnittingTips #DIYCrafts #HandmadeWithLove #YarnHacks #TensionFix #CircularKnitting
Things you might find useful from this video.
Affiliate links
🛠️ Supplies I mention
• Silicone earplugs (soft moldable type) https://amzn.to/4pDsRJr
• 1 oz pyramid fishing sinkers https://amzn.to/49oEcYP
• Wire cloths clips • Chip clips (no rubber tubing)
• Chip clips (no rubber tubing). https://amzn.to/3NlM2tK
• Adhesive wheel weights (¼ oz each). https://amzn.to/3ZhkOHe

Tools & Gear Mentioned (affiliate links—thanks for supporting the channel!):

Latch hook: https://amzn.to/4aU8Quf
Loom hook: https://amzn.to/45bQBg2
Addi Knitter: https://amzn.to/3KKMd0N
Fabric weights: https://amzn.to/4oZldbV
Safety pin tool: https://amzn.to/4oZldbV
Satin scrunchies (for weights!): https://amzn.to/4afReJ2
PVC pipe caps: https://amzn.to/4afReJ2
Soft yarns for reversible hats: https://amzn.to/4afReJ2
Household cordless drill: https://amzn.to/4pQqTpO
Addi adapter for drill : https://amzn.to/45smZLw



Tech used in the making of this video
MacBook Pro 16" -- https://amzn.to/46wVjXa
DJI Mic2 — https://amzn.to/488phBR
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 — https://amzn.to/42jOgi1