With the recent popularity of loom knitting, many people have tried their hand at this craft. So, if you also want to set your foot in this crafty journey or master it, you have come to the right place!
Whether you want to make DIY products or start your venture, you should start with loom knitting projects. To assist you, here is a brief overview of everything you should know about knitting with looms.
Loom Knitting: The Basics
During World War I, military knitwear was created using loom knitting. Soldiers used to throw away the wooden looms after their use. Therefore, looms had to be cheap, handy, durable, and compact to take up as little space as possible when not in use.
Since the 1970s, loom knitting has become popular among crafty individuals because it is an inexpensive way to make hats and other winter clothing items.
But, sadly, knitting looms is still an underrated art.
8 Incredible Benefits Of Loom Knitting
Now, we will go over some of the awesome benefits of loom knitting and why you should consider picking it up as a hobby or even for a craft-related business venture!
It is portable and inexpensive. All you need is a loom, needle, yarn, and a scissor.
You can create beautiful projects and enhance your creativity.
It is an excellent way to teach the importance of craft to your kids.
It’s also a great way to keep Alzheimer’s patients busy if their memories are starting to slip away.
“You don’t knit because you are patient. You are patient because you knit.”
– Stephanie Pearl-McPhee
Loom knitting is a leisure activity, and you can use it to de-stress yourself.
You can make some dope DIY gifts for your loved ones.
Loom knitting can also be an awesome idea for starting your own small business. (Isn’t it an awesome idea to create your own small business page on Instagram?)
Loom knitting gives you the freedom to experiment, and your only limit is your imagination. (From scarves to stuffed animals, it’s all possible!)
Plus, with so many free tutorials and information available on the Internet, you can learn it with ease.
What Materials Do You Need For Loom Knitting?
To begin with loom knitting, you will need a few supplies:
Loom
Yarn
Loom Hook (Most looms come with a hook, but just in case!)
Scissors
Tapestry Needle (This can be used as an alternative to the loom hook.)
How to Choose the Right Loom, Yarn, and Needles?
Before you gather materials, it’s best to understand exactly what type of loom you need.
Popular Types of Looms
To learn loom knitting, you first need a loom (duh). Here are some of the popular types of loom in the market:
Standard Loom – This is the most common type of loom and the only one you’ll need to complete all projects in this book. It’s also the easiest to use.
Knitting Board Or Flat Knitting Looms – This tool requires much less set-up than a standard one does. Plus, it attaches to any table for easy use.
Circular Knitting Loom – This type of loom comes in two pieces: an adjustable outer ring (to create the base) and a smaller, stationary piece (for the top).
Steel Knitting Loom – These looms have wide metal bars that support your yarn for easy use. They come in large (recommended for advanced knitters) and small (ideal for beginners).
If you’re still unsure what type of loom is best for you, start with a standard one until you feel comfortable enough to step up to the next level. The next step is to choose your yarn, pick your pattern, and start knitting!
Types Of Yarns
Yarn is typically made out of either wool or acrylic fiber.
The wool yarn has more elasticity, making it preferable for most projects because you can wear it next to your skin. It is also ideal for machine washing and drying.
Acrylic yarn is typically less expensive but has very little elasticity. However, you can use it if you are just experimenting with new patterns.
Types Of Needles
The most common knitting needles are metal, plastic, wood, bamboo, and glass.
Metal needles are the least expensive option, followed by wood, bamboo, and glass.
You can use them all with each material mentioned above except for metal which is only compatible with acrylic yarns.
Once you’ve selected your materials, it’s time to cast on your stitches!
Tips and Tricks for Loom Knitting
Here are some pointers for loom knitting for beginners or even pros:
Start small – It’s best to start off easy, so begin with simple patterns like dishcloths or scarves and work your way up to more advanced skills.
Read patterns thoroughly – Patterns may seem straightforward at first, but you’ll eventually face terms and instructions that don’t make sense. So, it’s important to read every word before starting.
Don’t be afraid of mistakes – Even with years of experience, mistakes can still happen, especially when using new stitches. However, don’t let one mistake stop you from continuing with your project or trying out something new.
“Remember to see the problem as an opportunity to learn something new.”
Keep your materials handy – Before you begin, keep all of your materials together within arm’s length, so you do not need to get up during your work time.
Have fun! – Loom knitting is meant to be enjoyable. So, if things go south, head back to basics. But, soon enough, you’ll find yourself becoming hooked!
Basic How To: Loom Knitting Steps
While every design has its unique process to follow, here are the basic steps to follow:
Determine what stitch to use: Check the pattern before choosing your yarn and loom size
Create loops on pegs with down/away motion or pushing peg up/twist
Slip the first loop over the second loop/add a new peg if using alternate knit
Repeat until the item is the desired length
10 Unique Patterns You Can Try With Loom Knitting
Loom knitting is a versatile craft; here are a few unique items you can create. Since beginners start with simple knitted dishcloths, hats, and scarves, we’ll start with the simplest knit pattern and end with a few that are a bit more complex.
Many experienced loom knitters will tell you that once you’ve mastered the basics, there is really no limit to what kind of items can be made on a loom.
1. Simple Hats
The most popular beginner project is a loom knitting hat, and for a good reason! There’s generally not much shaping involved in hats, so they’re great for new knitters on any sized loom.
2. Headbands, Ear Warmers & Other Head Coverings
Once you’ve mastered a simple hat, there are plenty more uses for your loom knitting skills! For example, headbands with or without ties can be made on an extra small loom.
3. Washcloths & Dishcloths
There are hundreds of different washcloth patterns. Some have detailed designs that require counting stitches or knitting from a chart, but sometimes it’s nice to just make something fast and easy without worrying about complicated patterns!
4. Scarves
These are also some of the easiest patterns for beginners because they require zero shaping skills! Besides, scarves are also a great way to use up yarn scraps!
5. Baby Blankets & Afghans
This might sound scary because an afghan with hundreds of loose loops can seem like it would take forever to finish. But big looms are actually very quick once you get a hang! In fact, you can make an entire baby blanket in one day with the blanket loom!
6. Dress Up Your Pet
Well, if you’re lucky enough to have a pet that’s not afraid of wearing clothes, there are plenty of patterns out there for knitted dog sweaters or cat sweaters.
Why not make a pet-themed blanket that fits your pet perfectly?
7. Clothing & Toy Parts
Now it’s time to graduate from simple scarves and hats! First, read through your favorite patterns for sweaters or stuffed animals before knitting them just to figure out which techniques you’ll need.
8. Baby Booties
We are again going back to the basics as we move on to booties. These little socks are easy enough for beginners because they only require basic shaping skills.
9. Slippers & Flip-flops
Why would you need a loom for making slippers?! The answer is that these items are great for practicing your skills in patterns that require shaping. In addition, you can find free patterns, and they usually only take a few hours to make!
10. Scarves & Shawls
You will love knitting blanket-sized scarves for winter because they’re so long and drapey. Once you get the hang of it, this pattern should take no more than an hour or two.
These projects help you refine your techniques, so next time, it’s even faster and neater as it is said – “Practice makes perfect!”
FAQs
What Can I Make With A Loom?
You can make heaps of items using a loom. Shirts and sweaters, socks and hats, blankets and throws, you name it! There are even looms available just for making jewelry.
What Is Gauge And How Does It Relate to Loom Knitting?
Gauge is the number of stitches and rows per inch in your knitted fabric, measured over 4 inches/10 cm. You can either test your gauge with a swatch or measure it directly on the loom.
Why Use a Loom and Not Another Method?
If you’re just starting with knitting, loom tools allow you to use both hands to hold the yarn and needles. This is very helpful for beginners – particularly for those who struggle with coordination or dexterity issues.
In addition, many professional knitters choose to use looms because they love how quickly these tools work up projects!
Tips for Using Your Tools Safely
When working with any loom tool, always remember these safety rules:
Use sharp objects.
Never run your hook or needles under hot water, as this will cause them to warp and become dull.
Don’t over-tighten yarn – always stop when loops appear slightly loose around the tool.
To Wrap Up
Loom knitting is a very simple and satisfying craft to learn. It only takes a few minutes to learn the knit stitch and an hour to understand how a loom works. Once you have those things down pat, there are thousands of patterns available to keep any knitter entertained!
So, if you’re looking for something new to try – why not start with loom knitting?
It’s inexpensive, easy to learn, and can be rewarding. Plus, all it takes is a little patience and practice, and soon you’ll be knitting away like a pro in no time!
