Everything You Need to Start Loom Knitting Now
4 steps to get started with loom knitting.
Want to learn how to do loom knitting? You're in luck! In this article, I'll tell you what supplies you need to gather together to get started. In future articles, we'll cover loom knitting step-by-step and have you knitting in no time.
Step #1 -- Choose a Loom Knitting Pattern
Because loom knitting isn't a popular as regular needle knitting, patterns are a little more difficult to find. Search online and you'll find a wide variety of loom knitting patterns for just about everything you can imagine.
Be sure when choosing your first pattern to knit that you choose one for beginners. A good choice would be to start with knitting a scarf, cap, or baby blanket. Most of these patterns are basic and a good pattern for you to learn with.
Step #2 -- Buy Your Knitting Loom
To begin knitting on a loom, you obviously need a loom to knit on. You best bet is to buy the loom specified in your loom pattern. I know it's tempting to go ahead and buy a set or one of each type. But at this point. Try to resist temptation. Buy only the loom noted in the pattern. This will help you stay focused on learning one loom knitting technique at a time.
To buy your first loom, you can either search 'knitting looms' online or make a trip to your local craft or fabric store. Craft, yarn, and fabric stores are sure to have a stock of looms on hand.
Don't forget to take your pattern with you or write down exactly what loom you need so you won't be confused when you get to the store.
Step #3 -- Choose Your Yarn
Buy the yarn listed in the knitting loom pattern you've chosen. Be sure and buy the correct weight of yarn. In knitting, if you use a different weight yarn than what the pattern calls for, your gauge will be off and your item will end up being the wrong size.
If you must substitute, use these guidelines:
Two strands of fingering yarn (fine) = one strand of sport yarn
Two strands of sport yarn (dk) = one strand of worsted yarn
Two strands of worsted yarn (aran) = one strand of bulky yarn
Also, make sure you buy the right amount of yarn. For your first project, hopefully you chose something simple that only takes one or two skeins. If you've chosen a larger project that requires several skeins, be sure and buy all the yarn needed. This way you can be sure your yarn is from the same dye lot.
Step #4 -- Buy Your Loom Knitting Tools
Knitting Tool
A knitting tool is essential to knitting on a loom. The tool looks a lot like the tool your dentist uses to clean your teeth of plaque. It has a handle with a metal, pointy hook on the end. The purpose of this tool is to lift loops of yarn off and over each peg. This is what forms the knit stitch when knitting on a loom.
Scissors
Of course, a pair of scissors is important when it comes to any type of needlework in order to cut the yarn. You can buy either sharp or blunt end scissors depending or your preference. It's best to buy a smaller pair as opposed to sewing shears when doing small work like knitting.
Tapestry Needle
Tapestry needles are much like regular sewing needles, only larger to allow it to be threaded with yarn. You can buy either metal or plastic tapestry needles. The purpose of the tapestry needle in knitting is to do finish work. Either joining knit panels together, finishing edges, or closing the top of knit caps.
Loom knitting is fun and easy to do. With a few basic supplies and instructions, you'll be knitting in no time. Stay tuned for more instructions on how to do this fun craft.
