Knitting is mostly associated with needles, but the knitting loom is an alternative that can still be used to create a range of projects for both practical and aesthetic purposes.
What is a knitting loom?
A loom is a traditional device for weaving together different threads, including wool and silk. They have evolved through many variations over the centuries
A knitting loom, in particular, is used to turn yarn into items such as blankets and hats, just like regular knitting with needles. It is, however, much easier for people who experience pain or mobility issues in their hands.
Knitting looms come in different shapes, including long, figure of eight, and round, and are generally lined with pegs. You may be able to buy a knitting loom in a craft shop, just like your super chunky yarn and other knitting supplies.
Using a knitting loom
Instead of casting onto a needle, knitting with a loom involves using the pegs to thread your super chunky yarn to create stitches. There are different ways to wrap the yarn around the pegs depending on the texture you desire, and the stitches may not exactly correspond to those you know from knitting with needles. Common stitches include the knit stitch, flat stitch, purl stitch, double knitting, no-wrap stitch, E-wrap stitch (an adaptation of the twisted stockinette) and single ribbed stitch/ribbing stitch.
The size of your loom, not the number of pegs but the dimensions of its base, will influence the size of your project. The number of pegs and the amount of space between them (called the gauge) will affect the tightness of your knit.
Working the stitches backwards and forwards on the loom will produce straight-edged squares that can be joined together in scarves or blankets, whilst working in the round can be used for hats or socks. When you are finished, your work appears at the bottom of your loom.
If you are struggling to use needles, or you just want to try something different, a loom is often an effective alternative when trying to knit.