If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to knit but find using traditional knitting needles a bit daunting, then loom knitting might be the perfect technique for you. Loom knitting is a method that uses a circular or rectangular loom, allowing you to create beautiful knitted projects without the need for traditional needles. In this step-by-step tutorial, we will guide you through the process of loom knitting on a long loom, which is perfect for creating scarves, shawls, and blankets.
The first step in loom knitting on a long loom is to set up your loom. First, locate the anchor peg at one end of the loom and place it securely on a flat surface. Next, wrap the working yarn around the anchor peg, leaving a short tail. Then, thread the yarn through the first or last peg of the loom to secure it in place. Make sure the yarn is not too tight or too loose, as this will affect the tension of your knitting.
Once your loom is set up, you can begin casting on your stitches. To cast on, take the working yarn and wrap it around the first peg of the loom in a clockwise motion. Then, wrap the yarn around the second peg and continue this process until you have wrapped the yarn around all the pegs. After completing one round, go back to the first peg and wrap the yarn around it again. Repeat this process until you have the desired number of stitches on your loom.
Now that your stitches are cast on, you can start knitting. To knit on a long loom, use a long knitting tool or hook. Begin by inserting the tool under the lower loop of the first stitch on the first peg. Gently lift the lower loop over the upper loop and off the peg, creating a new stitch. Continue this process for each stitch on the loom, working your way around the loom. Once you have completed one round, push all the newly formed stitches down towards the base of the loom to create more space for the next round of knitting.
As you continue knitting, you will notice that the fabric starts to take shape. The number of rounds you knit will determine the length of your project. You can experiment with different stitch patterns and colors to create unique designs on your loom-knit project. Once you have reached the desired length, you can bind off your stitches. To bind off, knit two stitches as usual, then lift the first stitch over the second stitch and off the peg. Repeat this process for each stitch until only one stitch remains on the loom. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail, and thread it through the last stitch to secure it.
Loom knitting on a long loom is a fun and accessible way to create beautiful knitted items. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter looking to try something new, this step-by-step tutorial will help you get started with loom knitting. So grab your long loom and some yarn, and let’s get knitting!
What is Loom Knitting?
Loom knitting is a technique used to create knitted fabrics using a round or long loom instead of traditional knitting needles. It is a beginner-friendly alternative to needle knitting and can be used to create a variety of knitted items, such as hats, scarves, blankets, and more.
Looms are typically made of plastic or wood and come in different sizes and shapes. The most common types of looms used for loom knitting are round looms and long looms. Round looms have a circular shape and are used to knit in the round, while long looms have a rectangular shape and are used to knit flat panels.
Loom knitting is a versatile technique that allows people of all ages and skill levels to create beautiful knitted items. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced knitter, loom knitting provides an easy and enjoyable way to create unique and personalized pieces.
Advantages of Loom Knitting:
- Easy to Learn: Loom knitting is a great alternative for those who find traditional knitting with needles difficult to master. The basic techniques and stitches used in loom knitting are simple to learn and require less hand coordination.
- Quick and Efficient: Loom knitting can be faster than traditional knitting because multiple stitches can be worked at once. This makes it a great option for those who want to finish their projects quickly.
- Portable: Looms are lightweight and portable, allowing you to take your loom knitting projects with you wherever you go. This makes it an ideal craft for traveling or knitting on the go.
- Versatile: Loom knitting can be used to create a wide variety of knitted items, from small accessories to large garments. With different loom sizes and stitch patterns, you can create endless possibilities.
Whether you’re new to knitting or looking for a different way to create knitted items, loom knitting is a fun and accessible technique that can be enjoyed by anyone. With a few basic tools and some practice, you’ll be creating beautiful knitted pieces in no time!
Benefits of Loom Knitting
1. Easy to Learn: Loom knitting is a beginner-friendly craft that can be easily picked up by anyone, even those with no prior knitting experience. The simple design of the loom makes it easier to create beautiful knitted items without the need for complex stitches or techniques.
2. Quick and Efficient: Loom knitting allows you to create projects much faster compared to traditional knitting with needles. The larger size of the loom and the use of thick yarn can result in quicker progress and faster completion times for your projects.
3. Versatility: Loom knitting can be used to create a wide range of items, including hats, scarves, blankets, socks, and more. With different loom sizes and stitch patterns, you can easily customize your projects to fit your desired style and size.
4. Comfortable to Use: Loom knitting eliminates the need to hold multiple needles, making it a comfortable option for those with arthritis, joint pain, or limited mobility. The loom’s shape and size provide a stable grip and reduce strain on your hands and wrists during the knitting process.
5. Portable Craft: Loom knitting is a portable craft that can be done anywhere, whether you’re sitting on the couch, traveling, or waiting for an appointment. Looms are lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry them along with your project and continue knitting on the go.
6. Ideal for Kids: Loom knitting is a great activity for children to develop their creativity and manual dexterity. The simple steps and repetitive motions make it easy for kids to learn and create their own knitted items, fostering a sense of accomplishment and pride.
7. Social and Therapeutic: Loom knitting can be a social activity, allowing you to connect with other knitters, join knitting circles, or participate in online knitting communities. It can also be a therapeutic craft, providing stress relief, mindfulness, and a sense of calmness.
| Traditional Knitting | Loom Knitting |
|---|---|
| Requires extensive knowledge of various stitches and techniques | Simple and easy to learn |
| Takes longer to complete projects | Quicker progress and faster completion times |
| Requires more coordination and dexterity | Comfortable and easier on the hands |
| Less portable due to the need for multiple needles | Portable and can be done anywhere |
Getting Started: Materials and Tools
Before you begin loom knitting on a long loom, you will need to gather a few materials and tools. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Long Loom: You’ll need a long loom, also known as a rectangular loom, to create your knitted projects. Long looms come in various sizes, so choose one that suits the size of the project you want to make.
- Yarn: Select a yarn of your choice. It’s best to use a medium-weight yarn for beginners. You can choose from a wide range of colors and textures to create different effects in your projects.
- Loom Hook: The loom hook is a specialized tool used to knit with the loom. It has a long, pointed end with a hook at the tip. This tool helps you pull the yarn through the loops on the loom.
- Tapestry Needle: A tapestry needle is used for weaving in loose yarn ends and finishing touches. It has a large eye and a blunt tip, making it easy to thread and maneuver through the stitches.
- Scissors: You’ll need a pair of sharp scissors to cut the yarn when needed. Make sure they are handy and in good condition for clean cuts.
- Stitch Markers (optional): Stitch markers can be helpful for marking specific stitches or sections in your project. They come in different forms, such as rings, clips, or safety pins.
Once you have gathered all the necessary materials and tools, you are ready to start loom knitting on a long loom. The next step is to familiarize yourself with the basic techniques and stitches used in loom knitting.
Step 1: Casting On
The first step in loom knitting on a long loom is to cast on, which is the process of placing your stitches onto the loom.
To cast on, follow these steps:
- Hold the loom horizontally with the pegs facing up.
- Loop the working yarn over the peg on the right end of the loom.
- Wrap the yarn counter-clockwise around the peg, moving towards the left end of the loom.
- Continue wrapping the yarn around each peg in a counter-clockwise direction until you reach the left end of the loom.
- Once you have wrapped the yarn around all the pegs, repeat the process for the second row by wrapping the yarn around each peg in a clockwise direction.
- Continue alternating between counter-clockwise and clockwise wraps for each row until you have reached the desired number of stitches.
- Once all the pegs are wrapped, use a loom knitting hook or your fingers to lift the bottom loop over the top loop on each peg, creating a new row.
Now you are ready to start knitting on the long loom!
Step 2: Knitting Stitches
After you have cast on your stitches, it’s time to start knitting! Loom knitting uses a simple method of wrapping the yarn around the pegs and lifting the bottom loop over the top loop to create stitches. In this step, we will learn the basic knitting stitches you can create on a long loom.
Garter Stitch
The garter stitch is the simplest stitch you can create on a long loom. It is created by knitting each row, alternating between the front and back of the loom, without turning the work. To knit a garter stitch on a long loom, follow these steps:
- 1. Bring the working yarn from behind the first peg to the front, wrapping it counterclockwise around the peg.
- 2. Lift the bottom loop over the top loop and over the peg to create a new stitch.
- 3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for each peg in the row.
- 4. When you reach the end of the row, repeat steps 1-3 for each row until your desired length is reached.
Stockinette Stitch
The stockinette stitch is a popular stitch that creates a smooth and stretchy fabric. It is created by alternating rows of knits and purls. The front side of the work will show the knit stitches, and the back side will show the purl stitches. To knit a stockinette stitch on a long loom, follow these steps:
- 1. Knit the first row using the garter stitch method.
- 2. For the next row, bring the working yarn from behind the first peg to the front, wrapping it counterclockwise around the peg to create a knit stitch.
- 3. For the next row, bring the working yarn from the front of the first peg to the back, wrapping it clockwise around the peg to create a purl stitch.
- 4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each row until your desired length is reached.
Rib Stitch
The rib stitch is a versatile stitch that creates a stretchy fabric with a textured pattern. It is created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a specific pattern. There are different variations of rib stitches, such as 1×1 rib, 2×2 rib, etc. To knit a rib stitch on a long loom, follow these steps:
- 1. Knit the first row using the garter stitch method.
- 2. For the next row, bring the working yarn from behind the first peg to the front, wrapping it counterclockwise around the peg to create a knit stitch.
- 3. For the next row, bring the working yarn from the front of the first peg to the back, wrapping it clockwise around the peg to create a purl stitch.
- 4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 in the same pattern for each row until your desired length is reached.
| Stitch | Description |
|---|---|
| Garter Stitch | Alternating rows of knits, creates a textured fabric. |
| Stockinette Stitch | Rows of knits on the front side, rows of purls on the back side, creates a smooth fabric. |
| Rib Stitch | Alternating knit and purl stitches in a specific pattern, creates a textured and stretchy fabric. |
Once you have mastered these basic stitches, you can experiment with different stitch patterns and create a variety of beautiful projects on your long loom!
Step 3: Shaping Your Knit
Once you have completed knitting your desired length, it’s time to shape your project. Shaping your knit allows you to create different types of garments and accessories. Here are some common shaping techniques you can use:
- Decreasing Stitches: To narrow the width of your knit, you can decrease stitches. This is typically done by skipping stitches or knitting two stitches together. Decreasing stitches evenly across a row can create a tapered effect.
- Increasing Stitches: Conversely, to widen the width of your knit, you can increase stitches. This is typically done by adding stitches or knitting into the same stitch multiple times. Increasing stitches evenly across a row can create a flared effect.
- Shaping the Neckline: To shape a neckline, you can perform various decreases or increases tailored to the desired neckline shape. For example, to create a V-neck, you can gradually decrease stitches along the center front of your project.
- Creating Armholes or Sleeves: To create armholes or sleeves, you can shape the sides of your project by decreasing stitches evenly along certain rows. This allows for a garment with a proper fit around the arms.
- Binding Off: Once you have achieved the desired shape, you will need to bind off your stitches. This is done by knitting two stitches, and then lifting the first stitch over the second stitch and off the loom. Repeat this process until you have one stitch remaining, then cut your yarn and pull it through the final stitch to secure it.
Remember to refer to your specific loom knitting pattern or project instructions for any shaping details specific to your design. Shaping your knit adds versatility and customization to your project, allowing you to create unique pieces that fit your style and preferences.
Step 4: Binding Off
Once you have completed your desired number of rows or reached the desired length for your project, it’s time to bind off. Binding off creates a finished edge and secures your stitches so they won’t unravel.
To bind off on a long loom, follow these steps:
- Start by knitting two stitches onto the last peg of the loom.
- Using your yarn hook, lift the bottom stitch over the top stitch and over the peg.
- Knit one more stitch onto the peg.
- Lift the bottom stitch over the top stitch and over the peg again.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you have reached the first peg.
- On the first peg, lift the bottom stitch over the top stitch and off the peg.
After finishing the binding off process, you can cut your working yarn, leaving a tail of about 6 inches. Thread the tail through a yarn needle, and sew it into the finished edge to secure it.
Binding off creates a neat and finished edge on your loom-knit project. It’s important to bind off tightly enough to secure the stitches, but not too tightly that it becomes difficult to remove the project from the loom.
FAQ:
What is a long loom?
A long loom is a knitting loom with a longer length, usually rectangular or oval in shape. It has multiple rows of pegs, allowing you to create wider knitting projects.
Is loom knitting easy to learn?
Yes, loom knitting is a relatively easy craft to learn, especially for beginners. It requires less hand coordination compared to traditional knitting with needles.
Can you make different types of stitches with a long loom?
Yes, you can make various types of stitches with a long loom, such as the e-wrap stitch, the u-wrap stitch, the flat stitch, and the purl stitch. These stitches can create different textures and patterns in your knitting projects.
What are some common projects you can make with a long loom?
With a long loom, you can make a wide range of projects, including scarves, hats, blankets, shawls, and even sweaters. The size and shape of the long loom allow for versatility in creating different types of knitted items.
Do you need any special tools or materials to start loom knitting?
To start loom knitting on a long loom, you will need a long loom, a loom hook or knitting needle, and a ball of yarn. It’s also helpful to have a pair of scissors and a tapestry needle for finishing touches and weaving in loose ends.