How To Use A Knitting Loom (Tips From Expert)

Knitting is a fun hobby that anybody can engage in. Using a knitting loom makes the whole process easier, faster, and more fun. You can use a knitting loom to make hats, scarfs, sleeves, leggings, and so many other things.

Using a knitting loom has always been a fantastic way to teach youngsters got to knit without facing the frustrations of needing to manipulate different needles. Older and more experienced users would also find these looms excellent, especially for moments when they need to try something different, without shifting entirely away from their traditional knitting methods.

Despite the ease that knitting looms come with, it still needs some bit of mastering to get over it. For starters, you need first to understand the types of knitting looms available for use.

Types of Knitting Looms

Depending on your project and personal preference, there are two popular types of knitting looms to choose from rectangular and round knitting looms.

1. Rectangular Knitting Loom

This type of loom comes in a variety of sizes; therefore, they can be used for different purposes. These looms are typically used for making tubular objects like round looms. They also work well for making a solid piece of fabric when you need to make things like afghans and scarves.

2. Round Knitting Loom

As the name suggests, looms that fall into this category is typically circular shaped with pegs all around the outside. These looms are an excellent option for making tubular objects like bags or hats.

Now that you are clear on the use of knitting looms for knitting and why you should use them, let’s now move to the process itself.

Steps Involved in Using a Knitting Loom

1. Gather Supplies

This is perhaps the first thing any serious knitter would do, irrespective of method. Some of the essential supplies that you’ll need include yarn, a knitting loom, and a knitting hook. Some knitters find it more comfortable working without a knitting hook, so if you find yourself in this category, then you can go on without one.

As explained earlier, knitting looms come in different sizes for different uses, so you should be able to pick one that’s perfect for your needs.

2. Pick Preferred Knitting Method

Of course, there are different knitting methods available for Loom Knitting. The method that you’ll usually pick depends on what you are knitting and your level of expertise.

That clear, let’s look at some of the methods that you can try, as well as how each of the methods works.

• Basic Stitch

This is the basic method for loom knitting, and it usually involves the use of an e-wrap for creating tubular pieces on any style loom. Since it is the basic method for loom stitching, one would expect that it is somewhat easier. Indeed it is easier, and the steps involved can be easily adopted by anybody.

Here, take a look at the steps involved in the use of this method.

Start by tying a slipknot and putting it over the first peg of the loom. Having done that, wrap the yarn loosely and in a clockwise direction around the next peg. It’s recommended that you go around a second time, putting a second wrap on each peg.

Next, make use of the loom knit tool to pull out the bottom loop over the top loop, offing the peg for every loop. Continue to repeat the same process until you get the perfect length for your project.

• Zig Zag Stitch

The second most popular method for loom knitting is to use the Zig Zag stitch. This method is the best for creating a solid piece of fabric. We must, however, warn before going on that this method is only suitable for a long or rectangular loom.

Once you are ready to begin, then you can start by placing a slipknot over the first peg. Next, get the yarn wrapped in the peg that’s located opposite the first peg. You can use the e-wrap method explained under the basic stitch for doing this wrap. Diagonally come across the loom and use the second to peg to wrap the first side of the loom.

At this point, go on with wrapping in a zigzag pattern until you get to the end part of the loom. When you get to the end part, you’ll need to pull the bottom loops over the top of the peg and off it. Repeat the processes until you get to your desired length.

• Fancy Stitches

It is also possible to do a variety of fancy stitches and patterns with a knitting loom. With these stitches, you’ll be able to create a border on your work if you need to. You can also weave delicate pieces into a larger work, or simply add a unique touch to an ongoing project.

Ending The Project

The ending of a project is as important as the weaving itself. You must learn how to handle the ending part of your project correctly, or you might face the risk of having your entire project jeopardized. So, if you are wondering how to end a project, here’s what you can try.

The completion of the last row should be as normal. Cut off the yarn, leaving a trail that’s equal to the width of the piece in length. With a darning needle, thread a loom onto the tail. Attempt pulling the needle through each of the loops present on every peg. At the end part, pull off each loop from the pegs using a knitting tool.

There you have it, all the steps you need to learn when knitting on a loom. Most knitters enjoy the process of knitting on the loom because of the ease and speed it offers them. Once you get the hang of how to use the loom, then you can expect improved results in no time.

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