Knitting is a popular craft that has been practiced for centuries, and using a round loom is a great way for beginners to get started. Round looms are circular knitting tools that allow you to create a variety of items, from hats and scarves to socks and blankets. Whether you’re a complete novice or have some basic knitting skills, this guide will teach you how to knit on a round loom like a pro.
First, you’ll need to gather your materials. To start knitting on a round loom, you’ll need a round loom in a size appropriate for your project, a loom hook or knitting needle, and a ball of yarn in your desired color. It’s important to choose a loom that matches the gauge or size recommended for your project, as this will ensure your finished item fits properly. You can find round looms in various sizes and materials at your local craft store or online.
Once you have your materials ready, it’s time to cast on. Casting on is the first step in knitting, and it’s how you create the foundation row of stitches on your loom. To cast on, start by making a slipknot with your yarn and placing it on one of the pegs on the loom. Then, wrap the yarn counterclockwise around each peg, moving in a circular motion until you reach the first peg. After that, wrap the yarn around the peg again, creating a second loop. Continue this process until all the pegs are wrapped, and then hook the bottom loop over the top loop on each peg, creating a row of stitches.
Once you’ve cast on, it’s time to start knitting. To knit on a round loom, you’ll use a technique called the e-wrap stitch. This stitch creates a twisted loop that forms the knit stitch. To do the e-wrap stitch, take your loom hook or knitting needle and insert it into the bottom loop of the first peg. Then, wrap the yarn counterclockwise around the peg, creating a loop. Use your hook or needle to lift the bottom loop over the top loop, creating a new loop. Repeat this process for each peg on the loom, knitting all the way around.
Getting Started: Choosing the Right Loom
Choosing the right loom is an important step in getting started with knitting on a round loom. There are a few factors to consider when selecting a loom:
- Size: Looms come in different sizes, ranging from small to large. The size of the loom determines the circumference of the finished project. If you’re a beginner, it’s recommended to start with a medium-sized loom, as it’s easier to handle and gives you more flexibility in terms of project size.
- Gauge: The gauge of the loom refers to the number of pegs per inch. Looms with a higher gauge are used for projects that require a tighter stitch, while looms with a lower gauge are used for projects that require a looser stitch. For most beginners, a loom with a standard gauge of 5/8″ works well.
- Material: Looms can be made from different materials, such as plastic, wood, or metal. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. Plastic looms are lightweight and affordable, while wooden looms are sturdy and provide a traditional feel. Metal looms are durable and great for larger projects. Consider your personal preference, budget, and the type of projects you plan to knit when choosing the material of the loom.
- Shape: Round looms come in various shapes, including circular, oval, and rectangular. Circular looms are the most common and versatile, allowing you to knit both small and large projects. Oval and rectangular looms are better for specific projects, such as scarves or blankets.
Before purchasing a loom, it’s helpful to read reviews, watch tutorials, and consider your knitting goals and preferences. Once you have chosen the right loom, you’re ready to start knitting like a pro!
Essential Supplies for Round Loom Knitting
When it comes to round loom knitting, having the right supplies is essential to ensure a successful and enjoyable knitting experience. Here are some essential supplies that you will need:
Loom
The most important supply for round loom knitting is, of course, the loom itself. There are a variety of loom sizes and styles available, so it’s important to choose one that suits your knitting project. Looms can be made of plastic, wood, or metal, and come in different sizes to accommodate different projects.
Yarn
Choosing the right yarn is crucial for round loom knitting. Look for yarn that is suitable for knitting and has the appropriate weight for your project. Thicker yarns will create bulkier knits, while thinner yarns will produce more delicate results. Experiment with different types and textures of yarn to achieve the desired look and feel.
Knitting Tool
A knitting tool, often included with the loom set, is used to manipulate the yarn and create stitches. This tool, also known as a knitting hook or loom hook, has a small hook on one end that is used to lift loops over other loops to create a knitted fabric. Make sure to have a knitting tool that is compatible with your loom size.
Tapestry Needle
A tapestry needle is a large-eyed needle used for finishing off the ends of your knitting project or sewing in loose ends. It is essential for weaving in yarn tails and creating a polished finish. Choose a tapestry needle that is large enough to accommodate the thickness of your yarn.
Scissors
A pair of sharp scissors is necessary for cutting yarn and trimming loose ends. Keep a dedicated pair of scissors in your knitting supplies to ensure they are always handy when you need them.
Stitch Markers
Stitch markers are small rings or clips that are placed on the stitches to mark specific points in your knitting project. They help you keep track of stitch patterns, increases, and decreases. You can use specialized stitch markers or even simple safety pins or contrasting pieces of yarn.
Measuring Tape
A measuring tape is useful for checking gauge and measuring the length or circumference of your knitting project. It is important to achieve the correct gauge to ensure that your finished item will fit as intended.
Pattern or Instructions
Lastly, don’t forget your pattern or instructions! Whether you are following a written pattern or a video tutorial, having clear instructions is vital for successfully completing your round loom knitting project. Make sure to have your pattern or instructions easily accessible while you knit.
With these essential supplies in hand, you’ll be well-equipped to start your round loom knitting project with confidence. Happy knitting!
Casting On: Starting Your Project
Before you begin knitting on a round loom, you’ll need to cast on your stitches. Casting on is the process of getting your project started by creating a row of loops on the loom.
Here is a step-by-step guide to casting on your round loom:
- Select the Right Yarn
- Attach the Yarn
- Wrap the Pegs
- Loop the Yarn
- Tighten the Stitches
Choose a yarn that is suitable for knitting on a round loom. Make sure the weight and thickness of the yarn is appropriate for the loom you are using.
Tie a slipknot at the end of your yarn and place it on the anchor peg of your loom. Make sure the tail of the yarn is long enough to weave in later.
Start with the first peg to the right of the anchor peg. Reach behind the peg and wrap the yarn clockwise around it, leaving a small loop on top. Continue wrapping each peg in the same direction, moving clockwise around the loom.
After wrapping all the pegs, return to the first peg. Take your loom hook or knitting tool and lift the bottom loop over the top loop, creating a new loop. Continue this process for each peg until you have only one loop on each.
Gently pull the working yarn to tighten the stitches on the pegs. Make sure the stitches are snug but not too tight, as it could make it difficult to knit later.
Once you have cast on your stitches, you are ready to start knitting on your round loom. Following these steps will ensure that your project starts off correctly and you can begin creating your knitting masterpiece!
Basic Stitches: Knitting on a Round Loom
Knitting on a round loom is a great way to create beautiful projects without the need for traditional knitting needles. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced knitter, you can use a round loom to create a variety of garments and accessories.
Here are some basic stitches to get you started:
- E-wrap stitch: The e-wrap stitch is the most basic stitch for knitting on a round loom. To create this stitch, simply wrap the working yarn around each peg in a clockwise direction, creating a loop around each peg. Repeat this process for each round until you achieve the desired length.
- U-wrap stitch: The u-wrap stitch is similar to the e-wrap stitch, but instead of wrapping the yarn around each peg, you’ll wrap it around every other peg. This creates a looser and more lacy fabric.
- Knit stitch: The knit stitch is used to create a tight and textured fabric. To knit on a round loom, insert the loom hook into the bottom loop of the stitch on the peg. Grab the working yarn with the hook and pull it through the loop, then lift the loop off the peg. Repeat this process for each stitch on the round.
- Purl stitch: The purl stitch is the opposite of the knit stitch and creates a bumpy texture. To purl on a round loom, insert the loom hook from right to left through the front of the stitch on the peg. Grab the working yarn with the hook and pull it through the stitch, then lift the loop off the peg. Repeat this process for each stitch on the round.
By combining these basic stitches, you can create a variety of patterns and designs on your round loom. Experiment with different stitches and yarn weights to achieve the desired look for your project.
Additional tips:
- Always start your project by casting on the desired number of stitches onto the round loom. This will create the foundation row for your project.
- Use a stitch marker or a piece of scrap yarn to mark the beginning of each round. This will help you keep track of your progress as you work.
- When you reach the end of a round, use the loom hook to lift the bottom loop over the top loop on each peg. This will prevent your stitches from unraveling.
- Practice patience and give yourself time to learn and master each stitch. Knitting on a round loom may feel a bit awkward at first, but with practice, it will become easier and more enjoyable.
With these basic stitches and tips in mind, you’re ready to start knitting on a round loom like a pro. Explore different projects, experiment with colors and patterns, and enjoy the relaxing and creative process of loom knitting.
Increasing and Decreasing Stitches
In knitting, increasing and decreasing stitches are techniques used to shape the fabric and create different patterns. Here are some common methods for increasing and decreasing stitches on a round loom:
Increasing Stitches
1. Knit Front and Back (KFB): Insert your loom hook into the stitch, grabbing the working yarn from the back to the front, and lifting it through the stitch. Then, without removing the stitch from the loom, insert the hook into the back loop of the same stitch and knit it as usual. This creates two stitches from one stitch.
2. Make 1 (M1): Insert your loom hook from front to back under the horizontal strand of the stitch below the next stitch on the loom. Lift the strand onto the hook and knit it, creating a new stitch.
3. Yarn Over (YO): Wrap the yarn from back to front around the peg before knitting the next stitch. This creates an extra stitch in the fabric.
Decreasing Stitches
1. Knit Two Together (K2tog): Insert your loom hook into the next two stitches as if to knit, and then knit them together as if they were one stitch. This reduces two stitches to one.
2. Slip, Slip, Knit (SSK): Slip the first stitch onto the loom hook as if to purl, slip the second stitch onto the loom hook as if to purl. Insert the loom hook into the front loops of both stitches and knit them together. This also decreases two stitches to one.
3. Slip, Slip, Purl (SSP): Slip the first stitch onto the loom hook as if to purl, slip the second stitch onto the loom hook as if to purl. Insert the loom hook into the front loops of both stitches and purl them together. This is another method to decrease two stitches to one, and it creates a different look than SSK.
Remember to follow the knitting pattern and instructions carefully, as the specific method of increasing and decreasing stitches may vary depending on the desired outcome of the project you are working on.
Creating Patterns: Introducing Colorwork
Once you have mastered the basic stitch patterns on a round loom, you can begin to experiment with colorwork. Colorwork involves using multiple colors of yarn to create patterns and designs in your knitted projects. It adds depth, interest, and personalization to your finished pieces.
Materials:
- Round loom
- Yarn in multiple colors
- Knitting hook
- Scissors
Steps:
- Choose your color palette: Before you start knitting with multiple colors, decide on a color scheme for your project. Experiment with different combinations of colors to see what works best.
- Start with a simple pattern: If you are new to colorwork, it is best to start with a simple pattern. The easiest way to incorporate multiple colors is by working stripes. Alternate between two colors, either in a regular pattern or randomly, to create colorful stripes in your project.
- Use intarsia technique: Intarsia is a colorwork technique that allows you to create larger, more intricate patterns in your knitting. It involves working with separate balls of yarn for each color block in your design. To use intarsia, simply change colors by twisting the yarns together at the back of your work.
- Try fair isle technique: Fair Isle is another popular colorwork technique that involves working with multiple colors in a single row to create intricate patterns. With fair isle, you carry the non-working yarn along the back of your work, creating floats, or strands of yarn, that are woven in as you knit.
- Experiment with different stitch patterns: Colorwork can be incorporated into various stitch patterns to create different effects. Try using colorwork in ribbing, cables, or lace patterns to add interest to your knitting.
Tips:
- Practice tension control: When working with multiple colors, it is essential to maintain an even tension to ensure that your stitches are consistent. Practice controlling your tension by knitting swatches using different colorwork techniques.
- Weave in ends as you go: When changing colors in colorwork, there will be yarn tails to weave in at the back of your work. To minimize the number of ends to weave in later, weave in the ends as you go.
- Experiment and have fun: Colorwork opens up endless possibilities for creativity in knitting. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different color combinations, patterns, and techniques. Enjoy the process and have fun creating your own unique designs!
With practice and patience, you will become proficient in creating stunning colorwork patterns on your round loom. Let your imagination run wild and see where your knitting journey takes you!
Finishing Touches: Binding Off and Securing Ends
After completing your knitting project on a round loom, it’s time to finish it off with binding off and securing the loose ends. Follow these simple steps to give your project a polished look:
- Binding Off:
- Start by knitting two stitches on the pegs.
- Take the first stitch and lift it off the peg and over the second stitch, allowing it to drop off the loom.
- Knit another stitch, and repeat the process of lifting the first stitch over the second stitch.
- Continue knitting and binding off stitches until you reach the last stitch.
- Take the last stitch and cut the yarn, leaving a long tail.
- Thread the yarn tail through a yarn needle, and carefully remove the last stitch from the loom.
- Thread the yarn needle through the remaining stitches on the loom, removing them from the pegs.
- Once all the stitches are off the loom, pull the yarn tight to secure the stitches.
- Securing Ends:
- With the yarn still attached to the needle, weave it in and out of the stitches at the edge of your project, hiding the loose end.
- When you have woven the yarn through several stitches, cut the excess yarn, leaving a small tail.
- Gently pull the tail to snug the woven-in yarn, ensuring it is secure.
- Repeat the process for any additional loose ends.
Congratulations! You have successfully bound off your knitting project on a round loom and secured the loose ends. Your project is now ready to be enjoyed or given as a thoughtful handmade gift.
Advanced Techniques: Taking Your Round Loom Knitting to the Next Level
Once you have mastered the basics of knitting on a round loom, you may be eager to explore more advanced techniques. Here are some ideas to help you take your round loom knitting to the next level:
1. Stitch Patterns
Expand your repertoire by learning different stitch patterns. This will add variety and texture to your projects. Some popular stitch patterns for round loom knitting include ribbing, seed stitch, cable stitches, and lace patterns. Experiment with different stitch combinations and see what creative designs you can come up with.
2. Colorwork
Take your round loom knitting to the next level by incorporating colorwork into your projects. You can create beautiful patterns and designs by incorporating different colors of yarn. Try techniques like stripes, fair isle, or stranded knitting to add visual interest and uniqueness to your creations.
3. Shaping Techniques
Learn different shaping techniques to create more complex and tailored designs. Techniques like increasing and decreasing will allow you to shape your projects and create more intricate patterns. This opens up a whole new world of possibilities for creating hats, socks, mittens, and other fitted garments.
4. Cables
Cables are a popular technique in knitting that create a twisted, rope-like design. With a round loom, you can achieve a similar effect by crossing your stitches. Practice creating cables on your round loom to add a touch of sophistication to your projects.
5. Advanced Projects
Challenge yourself by attempting more advanced projects that require a higher level of skill. Some project ideas include socks, hats with intricate designs, blankets with intricate stitch patterns, or even sweaters. As you gain confidence and experience, you can tackle these more complex projects and create stunning pieces.
6. Finishing Techniques
Pay attention to the finishing techniques of your projects to elevate the overall look and feel. Techniques like blocking, adding buttons or zippers, and weaving in ends neatly can make a significant difference in the final result. Taking time to finish your projects with care will give them a more polished and professional appearance.
Remember to Practice and Experiment
As with any craft, the key to mastering advanced techniques is practice and experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try new things, make mistakes, and learn from them. The more you practice and explore different techniques, the more confident and skilled you will become in taking your round loom knitting to the next level.
FAQ:
What is a round loom?
A round loom is a circular knitting tool made of plastic or wood. It consists of pegs or teeth evenly spaced around the circumference, allowing for easy knitting in the round.
Is knitting on a round loom difficult?
Knitting on a round loom is actually quite easy, especially for beginners. It eliminates the need for tricky stitches like purling and makes it simple to create hats, socks, and other circular items.
What projects can I make with a round loom?
You can make a variety of projects with a round loom, such as hats, scarves, cowls, socks, leg warmers, and even blankets. The possibilities are endless!
What materials do I need to knit on a round loom?
To knit on a round loom, you will need a round loom in the size of your choice, a knitting hook or loom pick, and yarn. You may also want to have a pair of scissors and a yarn needle for finishing your projects.
Can I use different types of yarn on a round loom?
Yes, you can use a variety of yarns on a round loom. However, it is important to choose a yarn that is appropriate for the loom size you are using. Bulky or chunky yarns work well for larger looms, while finer yarns are better for smaller looms.
What are some tips for knitting on a round loom?
Some tips for knitting on a round loom include starting with a simple project, practicing your tension, keeping track of your rows, and using stitch markers to mark important sections. It is also helpful to watch tutorial videos or read beginner’s guides to get a better understanding of the process.
Can I use a round loom for flat knitting?
While round looms are primarily designed for knitting in the round, it is possible to use them for flat knitting as well. To do this, simply knit back and forth between two pegs instead of around the entire loom.