A Guide to Loom Knitting
Loom knitting uses a wood or plastic knitting loom instead of needles to knit fabric from yarn. Knitting looms come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. In loom knitting, the yarn is wrapped around the pegs of the loom in a simple weaving technique. Different wrapping techniques result in different stitches and patterns on the fabric.
The pegs on a knitting loom correspond to stitches held on the knitting needles. The gauge of a knitting loom is determined by the distance between the pegs and the size of the pegs. Most knitting looms come with a metal hook or “pick” which is used to grab and pull the yarn over the pegs.
Loom knitting requires less dexterity and causes less strain on the hands than needle knitting. This simplicity makes loom knitting ideal for children and those suffering from arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome. Loom knitting can create flat items, such as a scarf or afghan, and round items, such as a hat or sock.
If you are especially handy, you might consider making your own knitting loom. At simplest, you will need a smoothly sanded wood board, metal nails to create the pegs, a precise ruler and a pencil. You will space the pegs from ½ inch to ¾ inch apart depending on the types of projects you want to make. For specific instructions on how to make a knitting loom, see links below.
Knitting Loom Types
Rake- A rake is simply one line of pegs. You can only do flat knitting on a rake loom, and the fabric will have a right and wrong side. Gauge for rake looms is determined by the distance between pegs.
Round- Unlike a rake, a round loom has no starting or stopping point and can be worked continuously. This stitch continuity is the important distinction for this loom rather than the shape. “Round” looms can actually come in different shapes like triangle, square or oval. Circle looms are often used to make hats. Triangle looms can be used to create triangle-shaped shawls. Gauge for round looms is determined by the distance between pegs.
Afghan Looms- Simple afghan looms can be oval-shaped, while many afghan looms are curved into an S-shape or figure 8 to take up less space. They come in single and double-rake varieties, like knitting boards. Some have an adjustable peg to allow for creating round-tubes on each side of the figure. Small looms allow you to create afghan squares which are sewn together later.
Sock Looms- Sock looms come with a very fine gauge and many are adjustable, allowing you to create different size socks for the whole family.
Knitting Boards- A knitting board is two, connected parallel rakes used to create double knit fabric, or fabric that is finished on both sides. Unlike rake loom knitting with a right (knit) and wrong (purl) knit side, knitting boards create a fabric with the purl sides hidden inside, facing each other. Knitting boards are often adjustable to create different width between the two rakes. The gauge for knitting boards is determined by the distance between pegs AND the distance between the rakes.
About the Author
Caley Walsh in the Editorial Director for FaveCrafts.com, a popular online for all things crafting, from free knitting patterns and free crochet patterns to Christmas crafts to crafting with kids.
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American Knitter’s Round Knitting Loom Instructional How To Knit DVD $14.99 This instructional DVD contains beginner to advanced projects. The essential loom knitting techniques taught will instill confidence and creativity. Knitting instructor Beth Hill clearly demonstrates each step of the process. Using first person views, you will learn to knit from the perspective of the instructor. This video truly is an essential for any beginning round loom knitter…. |
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Harrisville Designs Potholder $12.68 Children Love Weaving Potholders… |
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Harrisville Designs Style A Laploom $30.18 In today’s fast-paced, high-tech, super-hyped world, learning an ancient craft may be just the calming influence kids need. With Harrisville Designs’ simple, sturdy, authentic hardwood lap loom, children and teens can learn basic techniques for weaving tapestries, wall hangings, bags, pillows, place mats, purses, and more. Equipped with slanted nylon pegs, this 12-by-16-inch loom comes with enough… |
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Creativity For Kids Quick Knit Loom $12.00 Unlike traditional knitting or crochet, this quick knit loom is so simple to use. No special skills required -simply wind the yarn around the tools provided. Flip the yarn loops and create quick and easy fashions. Includes 90 yards of yarn. A large circle loom and a two sided hand loom. Add your own designer touches with the tassel maker and decorative buttons included.Features include: •simp… |
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Loom Knitting Primer: A Beginner’s Guide to Knitting on a Loom, with over 30 Fun Projects $11.99 st. martins griffin books if you have struggled to knit with needles loom knitting is an easy craft to master children and adults can learn in a few hours. a revolutionary way of knitting that uses a circular or rectangular loom consisting of a frame with pegs. easy and fun to use you can create almost anything from knitted tubes for hats or socks to flat panels for scarves shawls and sweaters. so… |
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Knitting For Dummies $1.87 WILEY PUBLISHING-Knitting For Dummies 2nd Edition. This book features step-by-step instructions with helpful illustrations and color photos; a fresh variety of projects from beginner to advanced; the latest yarns and stylish patterns; techniques every knitter should know; felted knitting projects; tips for relaxing stiff shoulders and fingers and a detailed guide to knitting your very first sweate… |
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I Can’t Believe I’m Loom Knitting (Leisure Arts #5250) $5.88 Have you discovered the hot tool that makes knitting easier than ever before–without knitting needles? It’s a knitting loom (also known as a knitting wheel), and using 1 is as simple as wrapping yarn around the pegs and lifting the yarn loops with a pick-like tool. Clear photos and instructions make it a breeze to learn everything you need to know. The 18 projects in I Can’t Believe I’m Loom Knit… |
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Weave and Hook Knitting Board Basic I How-To DVD Instruction $8.95 Learn the knitting board method with this DVD. You’ll learn how to get your project started, cast on, bind off, shape with increase and decrease, and sew your pieces together…. |