I was introduced to loom knitting a few years ago. I was hesitant to learn this method because I learned to knit on needles. I taught myself how to make cables, knit mittens, socks, hats, scarves. So I took the plunge and let me tell you it is totally different and yet incredibly the same. How so, you ask?
The stitches are the same just done in different ways for example: knit, purl, slip stitch and so on. There are many different kinds of looms. Many are circular which are different sizes (diameter) and the pegs are also placed at different intervals (1/8 in./1/4in.1/2in.). WHAT?! Did I lose you? For instance, knitting needles come in different sizes or gauges which determine how many stitches are in an inch/cm., so do the looms. Looms can be rectangular (for scarves or stitching straight pieces), S-shaped for making afghans, and circular for hats and other projects.
The nice thing about the looms is that the knitting is quicker, in my opinion. And for those who love instant gratification, this is the method for you. What I also love about loom knitting is that it holds my attention and it is a great distraction allowing you to focus and re-direct your mind. Plus, the best thing about it is that you get a hat or a scarf or a garment from all of your intense focused-knitting. I must have been really stressed out when I first learned how to loom knit because everyone at work received a hat or scarf, including all of my friends and family! Needless to say, the yarn shop was always happy to see me!
“How is loom knitting done?”, you ask. Well, the first method is called an e-wrap. When you start you wrap each peg in a counter-clockwise direction which looks like a lower case “e”. Get it?! Then after each round, you will take the bottom stitch and slip it over the peg and topstitch with a loom hook. This is the knit stitch. The process is incredibly simple, which is why I believe this type of knitting is so popular. As you go along, you will learn the purl stitch and then all of the traditional knitting stitches are translated to the loom. Pretty amazing! Oh, and yes you can do cable stitches on a loom! That’s right my friends so if you love knitting and yarn, (which you can never really have enough of) give this a whirl. Also, if you have never knitted before, give it a go. You’ll fall in love and pardon the pun, you’ll be hooked! Loom knitting is so popular there is no lack of learning video tutorials and stitch diagrams on the internet.
So what are you waiting for? Loom knitting is fun, gratifying, and productive. What’s not to love?! If you have questions about finding materials or resources please leave a comment below or use the contact page. Have a great day!
Artfully yours,
Andi
Artful-Living 