addi’s innovations
Innovations have long been an integral part of the addi range – and have been since 1829. We have put together an overview of our innovations for you here.
addi is known for bringing new products to the market every year. Not only extensions of already existing products, but often so-called real innovations.
Anyone who has been successfully producing needles since 1829 knows that you have to think about tomorrow today.
Always new addi innovations
At addi, we have always used all our know-how and many years of experience to grow over the long term and thus remain on the market permanently. To make sure we are just as successful in the future as we are now, we regularly hold innovation rounds in which new ideas are developed.
Since 1950, this has led to a steady stream of new addi innovations, which we would like to give you an overview of here.
Always new addi innovations
At addi, we have always used all our know-how and many years of experience to grow over the long term and thus remain on the market permanently. To make sure we are just as successful in the future as we are now, we regularly hold innovation rounds in which new ideas are developed.
Since 1950, this has led to a steady stream of new addi innovations, which we would like to give you an overview of here.
The circular knitting needle
The first circular knitting needle – two needle tips connected by a cord – was produced at addi from the 1950s, with metal tips and a metal cord. Back then, it was still a rather rough and snaggy affair – without today's smooth joins between tip and cord, and with an uncoated metal cord.
A niche product that would only achieve its breakthrough in the decades to come. At that time, knitting was mainly done with straight needles.
In the 1960s, the improved circular needle with a transparent Perlon cord was developed – more elastic and softer while knitting, the cord is less prone to kinks and curling.
In the 1970s came the innovative addi knot technique, which makes the join between needle and cord particularly smooth. A technique that still connects circular knitting needles perfectly today.
The classic circular knitting needle with golden cord
The classic circular knitting needle addiPremium Classic has existed in its current form since the 1980s.
With its super smooth, round Basic tips, the perfect joins from needle to cord and the golden, flexible cord, it has become a true classic in the addi range.
Of course, Made in Germany.
The classic circular knitting needle with golden cord
The classic circular knitting needle addiPremium Classic has existed in its current form since the 1980s.
With its super smooth, round Basic tips, the perfect joins from needle to cord and the golden, flexible cord, it has become a true classic in the addi range.
Of course, Made in Germany.
The weave knitting needle
A whole new knitting technique
Weave knitting is a combination of knitting and weaving that made new colour and pattern combinations possible. The weave knitting technique corresponds to the normal knitting technique with two needles. It uses special needles that are hollow inside and carry an additional thread.
Two additional weaving threads were guided through this hollow space in the needles. This made it possible to work up to three different colours
or materials at the same time. Colours and yarn weights could lead to new results again and again. In principle,
any knitting pattern can be worked with the weave knitting needles.
Two additional weaving threads were guided through this hollow space in the needles. This made it possible to work up to three different colours
or materials at the same time. Colours and yarn weights could lead to new results again and again. In principle,
any knitting pattern can be worked with the weave knitting needles.
addiColour
The crochet hook classic with a textured plastic handle – with a rotating top section for an individually adjustable position in the hand.
Many knitting and crochet fans probably have this classic in their project bag. Each size has its own colour, and the design has changed only slightly over the decades.
This colourful innovation contains experience in the production of crochet hooks since 1829. Over the decades, we have optimised a few details:
- In 2000, the handle was lengthened for a more comfortable grip.
- In addition, the white handle is now made from recycled plastic.
In 2024, all addi crochet hook heads were completely reworked:
- The tip has become even pointier to make it easier to insert into the stitches
- The throat, or notch, of the crochet hook has also been made deeper so that the yarn can be pulled back through the stitch more easily.
- The new aluminium surface of the head is anodised (previously it was white-bronzed) and additionally waxed – for an even, smooth surface.
Of course, Made in Germany.
This colourful innovation contains experience in the production of crochet hooks since 1829. Over the decades, we have optimised a few details:
- In 2000, the handle was lengthened for a more comfortable grip.
- In addition, the white handle is now made from recycled plastic.
In 2024, all addi crochet hook heads were completely reworked:
- The tip has become even pointier to make it easier to insert into the stitches
- The throat, or notch, of the crochet hook has also been made deeper so that the yarn can be pulled back through the stitch more easily.
- The new aluminium surface of the head is anodised (previously it was white-bronzed) and additionally waxed – for an even, smooth surface.
Of course, Made in Germany.
addiExpress knitting machine
Cranking instead of knitting for particularly fast and large projects
addiExpress knitting machines offer a wide range of knitting possibilities: from accessories to garments, carpets and decorations. Cranking can produce straight webs or rounds, which can be additionally shaped by increases or decreases. These panels or rounds can then be combined, patterned or sewn to create unique and effective knits.
Initially still white and without a counter, the first small hand-crank machine with 22 needles appeared in 2005 and quickly became a success.
From 2010, the small “addiExpress Professional” machine was available in a black design and was joined by a big sister with 46 needles, the “addiExpress Kingsize”.
Initially fitted with a digital row counter, the black machines have been sold with a more reliable, manual row counter since 2018.
Initially still white and without a counter, the first small hand-crank machine with 22 needles appeared in 2005 and quickly became a success.
From 2010, the small “addiExpress Professional” machine was available in a black design and was joined by a big sister with 46 needles, the “addiExpress Kingsize”.
Initially fitted with a digital row counter, the black machines have been sold with a more reliable, manual row counter since 2018.
addiClick
Interchangeable needle tips without tools – with just one “click”.
addiClick knitting needle sets consist of various interchangeable needle tips and high-quality cords. Thanks to the addiClick interchangeable system, the needle tips can be changed quickly and easily without any additional tools. This allows you to switch effortlessly between different needle sizes and tips. Thanks to the addiClick plug-in system, the needle tips can be changed quickly and easily without any additional tools. This lets you switch effortlessly between different needle sizes and tips.
- The first addiClick Basic Long case appeared in 2009 – still in a cardboard box at the time.
- As early as 2010, there was also the set with bamboo tips as well as short lace tips and Tunisian crochet hooks.
The system developed in-house at addi, made of tips fitted with a spring and clicked together by hand, quickly became very popular. The range grew from fine lace tips to sets made of bamboo and olive wood and crochet hook tips for Tunisian crochet.
Tip: The system is still produced unchanged today. This means that all cords and tips are compatible with each other and can be combined freely.
Of course, Made in Germany.
- The first addiClick Basic Long case appeared in 2009 – still in a cardboard box at the time.
- As early as 2010, there was also the set with bamboo tips as well as short lace tips and Tunisian crochet hooks.
The system developed in-house at addi, made of tips fitted with a spring and clicked together by hand, quickly became very popular. The range grew from fine lace tips to sets made of bamboo and olive wood and crochet hook tips for Tunisian crochet.
Tip: The system is still produced unchanged today. This means that all cords and tips are compatible with each other and can be combined freely.
Of course, Made in Germany.
addiSwing Crochet Hooks
Love at first grip
A crochet hook with an easy-to-hold handle – for all crochet fans who prefer to hold their hook loosely. That was the task in 2010, and so the curved addiSwing crochet hook was born.
The addiSwing series allows intuitive handicraft
without tiring the hands. The ergonomically
shaped handle adapts to the natural position
of the hand and can therefore be held for a long time without much effort.
The popular, particularly handy crochet hook with a long handle appeared:
- in 2010 in the “standard version” in sizes 2.0 – 6.0 mm.
- In 2016, the addiSwing Mini followed – the thread crochet hook in fine sizes from 0.5 – 1.0 mm
- In 2017, the addiSwing Maxi with extra-long hooks completed the range.
In 2024, all addi crochet hook heads were completely reworked:
- The tip has become even pointier to make it easier to insert into the stitches
- The throat, or notch, of the crochet hook has also been made deeper so that the yarn can be pulled back through the stitch more easily.
- The new aluminium surface of the head is anodised (previously it was white-bronzed) and additionally waxed – for an even, smooth surface.
Of course, Made in Germany.
The popular, particularly handy crochet hook with a long handle appeared:
- in 2010 in the “standard version” in sizes 2.0 – 6.0 mm.
- In 2016, the addiSwing Mini followed – the thread crochet hook in fine sizes from 0.5 – 1.0 mm
- In 2017, the addiSwing Maxi with extra-long hooks completed the range.
In 2024, all addi crochet hook heads were completely reworked:
- The tip has become even pointier to make it easier to insert into the stitches
- The throat, or notch, of the crochet hook has also been made deeper so that the yarn can be pulled back through the stitch more easily.
- The new aluminium surface of the head is anodised (previously it was white-bronzed) and additionally waxed – for an even, smooth surface.
Of course, Made in Germany.
addiColibri double-pointed needles
This colorful innovation has existed in the addi double pointed knitting needle range for a little longer. Since 2014, to be precise.
It is probably the lightest set of double-pointed needles in the world. Beautiful in trend colours, each needle has one tip for Basic and one for Lace knitting.
A classic 5 needle set with some special features. Smoothest points as well as light, high-quality materials in perfect workmanship result in a long-lasting needle set on which the stitches glide perfectly.
Elaborately handcrafted, produced with a lot of experience and quality and anodized at the end for a perfect set of colors. You get all this with this needle set, of course Made in Germany.
By the way, did you know that according to our latest social media survey, 80% of knitters prefer to knit with lace-tips? In any case, this needle set is also suitable for the 20% basic lace lovers.
Of course, Made in Germany.
Elaborately handcrafted, produced with a lot of experience and quality and anodized at the end for a perfect set of colors. You get all this with this needle set, of course Made in Germany.
By the way, did you know that according to our latest social media survey, 80% of knitters prefer to knit with lace-tips? In any case, this needle set is also suitable for the 20% basic lace lovers.
Of course, Made in Germany.
addiCraSyTrio
The needle set with only three needles
2017 – this year goes down in history at addi. Because in this year, together with the multi-talented Sylvie Rasch/CraSy Sylvie, addi is revolutionizing knitting in rounds.
With the world novelty addiCraSyTrio, the 3-piece set of bendable needles, it is very easy to knit even the smallest diameters. This is made possible by the special flexibility of the middle part of the needle, which adapts to any hand. When knitting in rounds, the stitches are distributed on two needles and knitted with the third needle – so only two needle changes per round. Individual needles can also be used as cable pattern needles.
The novelty was first presented at the first addi blogger meeting in 2017 and was world-famous within a very short time.
With addiCraSyTrio not only sock knitting becomes easier and faster, but also knitting small rounds – everywhere where the circular knitting needle is too long. Gloves, cuffs, sleeves, hats or baby clothes are no problem with it.
Initially only available with short tips and in sock sizes, several variants were soon added to the range:
- 2018 addiCraSyTrio Bamboo – the short version with bamboo tips is 3 cm longer than the metal version.
- 2019 addiCraSyTrio Long and addiCraSyTrio Long Bamboo – the long version is also ideal for hats, sleeves, collars and much more
- 2020 addiCraSyTrio Novel Long – the new Novel texture with two lace tips completes the range at 30 cm length
- 2023 addiCraSyTrio Unicorn Long
Of course, Made in Germany.
With addiCraSyTrio not only sock knitting becomes easier and faster, but also knitting small rounds – everywhere where the circular knitting needle is too long. Gloves, cuffs, sleeves, hats or baby clothes are no problem with it.
Initially only available with short tips and in sock sizes, several variants were soon added to the range:
- 2018 addiCraSyTrio Bamboo – the short version with bamboo tips is 3 cm longer than the metal version.
- 2019 addiCraSyTrio Long and addiCraSyTrio Long Bamboo – the long version is also ideal for hats, sleeves, collars and much more
- 2020 addiCraSyTrio Novel Long – the new Novel texture with two lace tips completes the range at 30 cm length
- 2023 addiCraSyTrio Unicorn Long
Of course, Made in Germany.
addiNovel range
Square design for effortless holding and knitting
The ergonomic addi-Novel circular knitting needle has been on the market since 2019. The special thing about it – the square shape with rounded corners and a nubby structure and extra fine lace tips. This combination provides a special effect when knitting.
The Novel series provides a very even stitch pattern thanks to the nubs, and the special shape and structure also feels like a gentle hand massage while knitting – a pleasant knitting experience, even during sessions lasting several hours. a pleasant knitting feel, even during knitting sessions lasting several hours.
For those who want to work precisely, do not knit so tightly or have problems with their hands, these needles are perfect. The wool glides almost by itself.
And if you link two innovations, an addiCraSyTrio Novel comes out of it. The bendable set of 3 is also perfect for knitting hats and socks.
Meanwhile, addi single pointed knitting needles, crochet hooks and addiClick cases with exchangeable needle tips are also available with a Novel structure.
Tip: The addiNovel also goes well with our brand new needle gauge set, addiCalibro, which became available in 2022. One of the needle gauges is specially made for measuring square needles.
Of course, Made in Germany.
For those who want to work precisely, do not knit so tightly or have problems with their hands, these needles are perfect. The wool glides almost by itself.
And if you link two innovations, an addiCraSyTrio Novel comes out of it. The bendable set of 3 is also perfect for knitting hats and socks.
Meanwhile, addi single pointed knitting needles, crochet hooks and addiClick cases with exchangeable needle tips are also available with a Novel structure.
Tip: The addiNovel also goes well with our brand new needle gauge set, addiCalibro, which became available in 2022. One of the needle gauges is specially made for measuring square needles.
Of course, Made in Germany.
addi2go app
Digital handicraft assistant
addi has been active on all major social channels for several years with a growing number of followers, and in 2021 the next step followed with the addi app.
Here you will find not only all information about addi, but also practical tools, free patterns, a row counter and all addi news, independent of social media.
Everything in one hand – not only on the needle – but also on the smartphone. New functions have been added in 2022. For example, the app is now also available in English, a personal project folder with notepad, a conversion function, various calculators and an extended row counter have been integrated.
Since then, annual updates have followed that refresh the app, offer new functions and improve how projects are saved on the smartphone.
Everything in one hand – not only on the needle – but also on the smartphone. New functions have been added in 2022. For example, the app is now also available in English, a personal project folder with notepad, a conversion function, various calculators and an extended row counter have been integrated.
Since then, annual updates have followed that refresh the app, offer new functions and improve how projects are saved on the smartphone.
addiUnicorn circular knitting needle
As a very fresh, fabulous innovation, the addiUnicorn complements our circular knitting needle range since this year.
The magic of the unicorn can be found in two addi circular needle tips and a pink cable in the popular addi quality. The elegant, wavy structure of the unicorn feels like a gentle hand massage while knitting, and the shiny, shimmering surface gives the needle with basic tips a touch of elegance.
- Since 2023 also available as addiCraSyTrio Unicorn needle
- and as addiClick Unicorn Lace Long Needle Set with exchangeable tips.
- In 2026, the series was expanded to include the circular knitting needle addiUnicorn Lace with fine tips.
- Since 2023 also available as addiCraSyTrio Unicorn needle
- and as addiClick Unicorn Lace Long Needle Set with exchangeable tips.
- In 2026, the series was expanded to include the circular knitting needle addiUnicorn Lace with fine tips.
addiNature Walnut Wood Crochet Hook
In 2021, addi expanded not only its digital range but also its crochet hook range, using walnut wood as another natural product alongside olive wood and bamboo.
The addiNature range consists of natural woods such as olive wood and walnut as well as bamboo needles. All products in the Nature range are naturally protected with high-quality oils and waxes and offer the best quality – Made in Germany, of course.
The triangular wool crochet hooks with the popular Novel structure are smooth, bend-resistant and made of fine walnut wood. As with the Novel knitting needles, the structure feels like a gentle hand massage while crocheting.
In combination with its characteristic grain and dark color nuance, each handle is individual and unique and also particularly lightweight. Luxury for the hands – Made in Germany, of course.
The triangular wool crochet hooks with the popular Novel structure are smooth, bend-resistant and made of fine walnut wood. As with the Novel knitting needles, the structure feels like a gentle hand massage while crocheting.
In combination with its characteristic grain and dark color nuance, each handle is individual and unique and also particularly lightweight. Luxury for the hands – Made in Germany, of course.
addiYarnArm
Are you often out and about with your project? Whether on foot, on the train, bus, in the car or on a plane – thanks to the addiYarnArm, no more balls of yarn will roll down the aisle.
The design (patent pending) comes from Louise and Adrian Grieves, who presented their invention to us in 2025. The addi team was immediately enthusiastic, and together with the inventor couple we developed a production process within a year – Made in Germany, of course. Made in Germany, of course.
This practical tool made from plastic based on sunflower seed husks (GC Green) is lightweight and easy to attach to your arm. For transport, it can be quickly dismantled and stowed in the enclosed bag.
The material “GC Green”, a plastic based mainly on sunflower seed husks, cuts a fine figure both in feel and in weight.
This practical tool made from plastic based on sunflower seed husks (GC Green) is lightweight and easy to attach to your arm. For transport, it can be quickly dismantled and stowed in the enclosed bag.
The material “GC Green”, a plastic based mainly on sunflower seed husks, cuts a fine figure both in feel and in weight.
These were some of the innovations that are now part of the addi program and are indispensable.
Of course, there are a few more from the many years of the Selter company, which we will gladly tell you about another time.
