Loom knitting is very easy to learn. It is a fun hobby for adults as well as children. It is easier for some people than using standard knitting needles. But that does not mean that your projects do not look professional.
Using a loom helps create even stitches and beautiful knitted fabric. You can use a knitting loom to make a variety of projects such as hats, scarves, shawls, blankets, and more.
What is a Knitting Loom
By using a knitting loom, you can create a fabric that is very similar to fabric created using knitting needles. Even though the fabric looks similar, the method for creating it is different.
A knitting loom is a crafting tool that is used to make knitted fabric. It is comprised of a frame and evenly spaced pegs. Looms come in different shapes and sizes. The shape and size of the loom you use are determined by the project you are working on.
What Can You Make with a Knitting Loom
There are a lot of people that think you can only make hats on a knitting loom. But that is not the case. There are a lot of projects you can work on. Some of these include:
- Hats
- Scarves
- Cowls
- Shawls
- Headbands
- Blankets
- Fingerless Gloves
- Amigurumi Dolls
- Slippers
- Home Accessories
- …and More
Why Do Some Knitters Prefer Using a Loom for Knitting?
There are numerous reasons why many knitters prefer using a knitting loom over traditional knitting needles. Some of these reasons are:
- Easy to Use
Some knitters find knitting looms easier to use than traditional knitting needles. Knitting looms have evenly spaced pegs making it simpler to create even stitches. The even stitches make a fabric that looks uniform.
- Can See Your Stitches
When using knitting needles, it can be hard to see what stitches you are working into. Knitting looms make it very easy to see your stitches. There is no guessing at which stitch is next.
- Easier to Hold
When knitting with regular knitting needles, the fabric you are creating can get in the way. It can be hard to hold and maneuver while you are trying to knit. With a knitting loom, the fabric you are creating funnels down through the loom.
- Gentler on the Hands
Many knitters have a hard time using knitting needles because of arthritis and other hand issues. Looms are easier to hold, and you do not have to have your hands constantly in uncomfortable positions.
- Great for Children
If you have a child that wants to learn how to knit, starting them on a loom is a great choice. Looms are a lot easier to learn and hold. Using traditional knitting needles can be very confusing. If a child gets frustrated, they are more likely to give up.
- It is Faster
Many knitters find that they work faster when using a knitting loom. This is because it is easier to see your stitches and keep track of your rows. When knitting on a loom, it is less likely you will have to remove stitches to correct an error.
What are the Cons of Using a Knitting Loom
Although knitting looms have a lot of positive aspects, they do have a few negatives. They are:
- Size
Knitting looms are a lot larger than knitting needles. You can easily store your needles away in a pouch or drawer. Knitting looms on the other hand are big and bulky. They can take up a lot of space. When storing a loom, you also have to be careful not to break off the pegs.
- Cost
Knitting looms are more expensive than traditional knitting needles. However, they can last for years, and you can use them to create countless projects.
- Guage
The gauge of a knitting loom is determined by the size of the pegs and the spacing between the pegs. Most knitting looms have a large gauge, so this limits the types of products you can make. If you are working on a project that uses thin yarn, knitting needles are often the best choice. However, there are knitting looms with smaller gauges, but they are harder to find.
What are the Different Types of Knitting Looms?
There are several types of knitting looms. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The project you decide to work on will determine the size and shape of the loom you need.
- Round Knitting Looms
Round looms can be used for a variety of projects. They are most commonly used for making tubular projects such as hats, slippers, and socks. However, they can also be used for flat projects such as scarves. Knitting on round looms is often the best way to learn how to use a knitting loom.
- Circular Knitting Looms
Circular loom is a term used for any loom that is enclosed. They can be round, oblong, square, etc. You can even find machines that are hand cranked or electronic.
- Knitting Board
A Knitting Board is also known as a frame, long loom, or knitting rake. It is used to create double knit fabric that is reversible. The edges of the fabric do not curl, and there is no blocking needed. Knitting boards are often used when making baby blankets and afghans.
- S Loom
The S loom is also referred to as the serenity loom. It has a figure-eight shape. S looms are ideal for large projects like blankets and afghans.
Sock looms are small looms designed for knitting socks. They are often adjustable so you can make different sized socks for children and adults. However, there are some sock looms that are only for certain sizes. You can even find his and her combo packs.
- Modular Knitting Looms
Modular looms are designed to give you flexibility. These looms come in pieces, so you can create looms in different sizes, shapes, and configurations.
Zippy looms are used to make chunky projects that work up quickly. They have giant pegs that are spaced 1.5 inches (3.81 cm) from centre to centre. Zippy looms have 4 pegs per segment. You can create narrow projects using one Zippy Loom. Or attach 2 or more together to create wider projects.
A single Zippy Loom will produce a piece of fabric that measures 3 to 4 inches (7.62 to 10.16 cm) wide. The knitting loom works best with super bulky yarn, ruffle yarn, and double strands.
- Knitting Machines
Knitting machines can make it even easier to knit. They are a great choice for people who have issues with their hands. Knitting machines sit on a tabletop, so you do not have to hold them. There are manual knitting machines that have a hand crank and electronic machines.
Knitting With Looms for Beginners
Are you interested in learning how to use a knitting loom? As I have previously stated, it is very easy. Read below to learn the basics of how to use a knitting loom.
However, just as with standard knitting on regular knitting needles, there are different types of knitting stitches. Below I will walk you through creating the knit stitch and the purl stitch.
How to use a knitting loom to make a knit stitch:
1. Make a slip knot and slide it onto one of the pegs closest to the anchor. The anchor is a small peg located on the side of the loom. If your loom does not have an anchor, you will have to remember where you placed the slip knot. You can do this by adding a stitch marker or making a mark on the loom.
2. Cast on your stitches by wrapping the working yarn around each peg going clockwise around the loom. To do this, you will pull your working yarn in towards the centre of the loom and wrap it counter-clockwise around each peg. Do not make the stitches too tight. If you do, you will have a very hard time pulling them over the tops of the pegs.
3. Once you have completed your foundation row, add one more row.
4. If you have an anchor peg, wrap your working yarn around it to keep it secure.
5. Now you can begin to make your stitches. To make the knit stitch, insert the tip of the loom hook under the bottom loop on the first peg.
6. Gently pull the loop over the top loop and the top of the peg.
7. Continue pulling over the rest of the bottom loops.
8. Once you reach the end, push the stitches that remain on the knitting loom down to make room for the next row of stitches.
9. Continue adding rows and pulling over the bottom stitches.
How to use a knitting loom to make a purl stitch:
1. Make a slip knot and slide it onto one of the pegs closest to the anchor. The anchor is a small peg located on the side of the loom. If your loom does not have an anchor, you will have to remember where you placed the slip knot. You can do this by adding a stitch marker or making a mark on the loom.
2. Cast on your stitches by wrapping the working yarn around each peg going clockwise around the loom. To do this, you will pull your working yarn in towards the centre of the loom and wrap it counter-clockwise around each peg. Do not make the stitches too tight.
3. Once you have completed your foundation row, you are ready to start making your purl stitches. Do not add another row as you did with the knit stitch. Instead, push the foundation row upward.
4. Hold the working yarn under the first stitch in front of the peg.
5. Insert the tip of the loom hook through the top of the loop. Push the tip down and under the stitch.
6. With the tip of the loom hook, grab the working yarn and pull up a loop. Do not pull the loop over the top of the peg.
7. Instead, take the old loop off the peg and place the new loop on.
8. Tug on the working yarn to tighten the loop.
9. Continue creating purl stitches around your knitting loom.
10. Once you reach the end, push the stitches that remain on the knitting loom up to make room for working yarn.
11. Continue adding rows of purl stitches.
21 Types of Knitting Looms
Below are 21 different types of knitting looms. I have included all types of circular knitting looms from loom boards to sock looms.
1. Readaeer Round Knitting Loom Kit Tool with Hook Needle and Pompom Maker
Here is a loom kit that is super easy to use for both beginners and pros. It Includes 4 round knitting looms, a loom hook, a yarn needle, and 4 different sized pom pom makers. The looms are made from lightweight and durable ABS plastic. They have smooth edges and solid pegs.
This set is great for making scarves, hats, socks, shawls, fingerless gloves, and more. The looms are super easy to use. The looms come in 5 inch (12.7 cm), 7 inch (18 cm), 9 inch (23 cm), and 11 inch (28 cm) diameters.
2. WAYION 55″ Afphgan Serenity Loom Knitting Board
Start working on your next afghan with this serenity loom knitting board. With this S loom you can knits blankets up to 55 inches (140cm) wide in one piece. It is a nice size tool for creating afghans, shawls, rugs, and throws.
The loom has removeable pegs that are 5/8 inches (1.5875 cm) apart. It is easy to hold and has 138 pegs. It measures 10 inches (25.4 cm) x 24 inches (60.96 cm).
3. DIY Knitting Loom Machines Weaving Loom Kit for Adults Or Kids
The MIAOKE 48 peg knitting machine is simple and easy to operate. The design of the loom reduces the time it takes to manually knit projects using knitting needles or standard knitting looms. This knitting machine is 120 times faster than hand knitting.
This loom has a loop counter that counts for you. There are suction cups on the base to increase the overall stability of the machine. This machine is great for making tubular projects like scarves, hats, and shawls.
4. Long Knitting Loom and Round Knitting Loom Kit
Here is another great loom kit. This kit contains 2 knitting hooks, 4 yarn needles, 4 rectangular knitting boards, 6 round looms, 5 spare pegs, 4 pom pom makers, and instructions.
With this kit, you can make a wide variety of projects from hats and scarves to storage bags and stockings. The kit includes detailed instructions that will help you learn how to use the looms. You can also find a lot of videos online.
5. Coopay Sock Loom Kit
This mini sock loom has 32 stainless steel permanent blunt pegs. The blunt pegs prevent injuries to your hands and the yarn is easier to remove.
Along with socks, you can use this loom to make scarves, headbands, hats, socks, and much more. The kit includes a 1 sock loom, 1 knitting hook, and 1 needle.
6. JAMIT Electric Knitting Loom Machine
Are you interested in knitting but have issues with your hands? Or are you looking for a fast way to create products? Check out this 48 needle electric loom. The machine makes knitting fast, fun, and easy.
This machine is very easy to use. Simply turn the handle for one turn to thread the spindles, then let the knitting loom do the rest of the work.
7. Hffheer Sock Loom Kit
This sock loom is made with environmentally friendly products. There is no glue or formaldehyde. It is adjustable so you can knit any size of socks from kids to adults.
The loom can also be used to make socks, scarves, and hats. The loom is lightweight and easy to use. Adjust the size by repositioning the pegs and moving the slide.
8. Boye Long Loom Set – 4 Looms – 8.75in, 13in, 17in, 21.25in
You will be able to knit a lot of projects using this set of looms. The set includes four different sizes. The sizes vary from 8.75 inches (22.23 cm) all the way to 21.25 inches (53.98 cm).
This set of long looms can be used to make bath mats, scarves, blankets, cowls, and more.
9. Long Knitting Board with Removable Pegs
This knitting board is perfect for making scarves. You can even use different weight yarns to make lightweight scarves for summer and bulky scarves for winter.
The pegs on this loom are removable and interchangeable. Using different colours can help you keep track of your pattern. When every peg is inserted, the gauge is 3/8 inch (.953 cm). The gauge with every other peg installed is 5/8 inch (.625 cm).
10. DIY Board Rotating Double Weaving Loom Machine Kit
Kids will love learning how to knit using this 22 needle knitting machine from Sentro. It is suitable for complete beginners. With a little practice, children and adults can make a hat in as little as 15 minutes. It is a great machine for children that love to make handmade gifts.
The manual knitting machine has a dual mode. You can convert the machine from tube knit to plain with a flip of a switch. You can use this machine to knit flat items such as scarves and round items like hats.
11. Leisure Arts Loom Circular Set Fine With Hook
The Leisure Arts Loom Kit can be used to make hats, fingerless gloves, slippers, and more. The looms are round and made from plastic. The fine loom sizes include: 5.5 inch (13.97 cm), 7.5 inch (19.05 cm), and 9.5 inch (24.13 cm).
These looms have smaller diameter pegs. They are designed to be used with fine yarn. Included with the looms are easy-to-follow instructions, a needle, and a hook tool.
12. XINTAI Forever 22 Needles Knitting Machine
Create flat or round stitches in seconds with this hand crank knitting loon. Simply thread the yarn into the spindles and turn the crank. There is a conversion key for switching between plain weave and tube weave.
The loom has 22 needles. It is the ideal size for socks, fingerless gloves, and doll hats. The loom would make a great gift for children or adults interested in knitting.
13. Serenity Loom: KnitUK S Loom with 294 Pegs
Here is another serenity loom. It has 294 pegs fitted in the loom. The pegs are spaced .354 inches (0.9 cm) apart. It is a great loom for fine yarn. If you are using thicker yarn, you can remove pegs. All pegs are removable.
Included with the loom are 10 replacement pegs, 1 knitting hook, 1 needle, 1 plastic straw, and 1 5.0 mm crochet hook. and a. The loom measures 25.19 inches (64 cm) x 1.1811 (3 cm) x 8.66 inches (22 cm). You can knit a 106 inch (2.70 m) blanket using super-chunky yarn.
14. Authentic Knitting Board with Peg Extenders, 28-Inch
With this knitting board kit, you can make looms for single knit or double knit. The loom has a total of 168 pegs and is completely adjustable. It can be assembled in 7 different configurations.
The 28 inch (71.12 cm) loom is made of solid hardwood. It is a great choice for making afghans, sweaters, capes, shawls, hats, scarves, and baby items.
15. ALIMELT Round Knitting Loom Set
This loom kit is made from environmentally friendly products. The pegs come preinstalled, so you can get busy knitting right away. The pegs have a buckle design. The pegs can be removed to create looms with a large gauge or to use thicker yarn.
The set includes 5 sizes of round looms, 1 long loom, 4 looming hooks, 4 yarn needles, 2 plastic hooks, 1 aluminum oxide hook (size 5 mm), 1 yarn wrapping tool, a bag of stitch markers, and extra pink pegs.
16. Authentic Knitting Board KB8000 Afghan Knitting Loom
KB is known for its superior knitting products. This afghan loom from KB is no exception. T S loom can knit an afghan up to 60 inches (152.4 cm) in one piece. It is lightweight with a smooth finish.
The knitting loom has 198 pegs with a 7/16 inch (1.11 cm) gauge. The S shape allows for large projects while taking up minimal space. It measures 11 inches (27.94 cm) x 19 inches (48.26 cm). The loom can be used for both single knit and double knit.
17. Smart Loom Knitting Machine with Row Counter
With this knitting machine from MIAOKE you can quickly complete knitting projects. The machine has 48 needles and 2 knitting modes. The knitting loom is suitable for beginners and advanced knitters.
The knitting machine is made of high-quality plastic. It is safe, reliable, and durable. The knitting loom kit includes a knitting machine, screwdriver, crochet hook, yarn, and needles.
18. VGOODALL Circular Loom Kit with 12 Skeins Acrylic Yarn
With this kit, you do not only get 4 round knitting looms. But you also get 12 different colours of yarn rolls, 2 needles, a loom hook, and a guide booklet.
This kit would make a great gift. There is no need to go out and buy any materials. You get everything you need to start on your first project. Using these looms you can knit beanies, booties, scarves, socks, etc.
19. 103 Pins Handmade Wooden Knitting Loom Fine Gage Board with Loom Hook Needle
This 103 pin, fine gauge knitting loom comes with a hook and needle. It measures 23 inches (58.4 cm) long x 1.97 inches (5 cm) wide x 1.38 inches (3.5 cm) high. It has been finely sanded for a smooth finish.
The rows of pegs are about 1.3 inches (3.3 cm) apart. The spacing between the pegs is .4 inches (1 cm). It can be used to create fabric approximately 19.69 inches (50 cm) wide. The knitting loom would be great for making warm, thick scarves.
20. Coopay Flexible Loom Kits Include Square Knitting Loom, Round Knitting Board, Loom Hook & Needle DIY Craft Tool
Create the perfect-sized loom for your knitting project using this modular knitting loom. The kit includes 14 linear loom pieces, 6 arc looms pieces, a loom hook, and a needle. The pieces can be arranged to make sock looms, scarf looms, blanket looms, and more. The number of looms you can create is limited to your imagination.
The knitting loom is made from premium resin. The pieces snap together, keeping them secure. If you need an even larger loom, you can combine sets.
21. Creativity for Kids Quick Knit Loom Kit
Do you or do you know someone that wants to learn a new crafting technique that is easy and fun? Check out this quick knit loom kit for beginners. The kit is marketed towards kids, but it is ideal for adults too.
The knitting loom kit comes with everything you need to make a pom pom hat and a cup cozy. There are 90 yards of chunky rainbow yarn, a 9″ round loom, rainbow pom poms, a knitting hook, a felt patch, a plastic needle, a threader, and instructions.
Are you looking for a new crafting technique? Try knitting with a knitting loom.
Knitting can be fun, relaxing, and rewarding. It is a great way for adults to spend time and be productive. For children, knitting can improve fine motor skills and coordination. It is also a great tool for teaching math and problem solving.
You can knit a wide variety of projects on a knitting loom. Find easy and fun knitting projects on our Facebook Page.
When learning how to use a loom, start by knitting on a round loom using a simple knitting loom pattern. Then graduate to more advanced knitting loom projects.