How to Knit On A Loom: Part Two

Since I’ve previously explained how to cast on to a loom and how to knit two basic stitches. Now let’s have a look at a few more advanced loom knitting techniques — not to mention how to finish up your project. Before we get started, I’ll warn you again not to knit too tightly. The biggest problem most knitters encounter in learning how to knit on a loom is tension. Make sure you leave some slack in your stitches. Loom knitting produces tubes perfect for hats, cozies, round scarves, and the like. The stitch you use depends on how tight you want your knit to be.

One-Over-Three and Two-Over-Two

If you already understand how to knit a garter stitch and a one-over-two stitch, this should be a piece of cake. It works the same way: wrap the yarn around the pegs until you get three stitches (for one-over-three) or four stitches (for two over two). Then use the hook tool to lift one stitch (for one-over-three) or two stitches (for two-over-two) at a time. Continue this way and you’ll have your project. Remember that the more stitches you use, the stiffer your finished project will be. Most beginners find it easiest to use a thick and heavy yarn on the loom, and even more experienced knitters tend to double up with thinner weights (although I don’t recommend that until you’ve finished at least one project — it’s not an easy way to learn how to knit on your loom).

Finishing Up

In traditional knitting, most of us finish the traditional way: by casting off. With a loom, though, you can learn how to knit various endings to your project. For now, though, as you’re just learning, it’s probably best to learn the simplest methods. Don’t worry: you can get more complicated later. The easiest method is basically casting off. You wrap the first peg, then knit off (lift the bottom stitch over the top). Without knitting, you then move the remaining stitch to the second peg and knit off there, too. Move the remaining stitch to the third peg and so on, all the way around the circle. When you have one stitch left, wrap around the peg, knit off, and cut your tail — the end! Loom knitting doesn’t require as much hand eye coordination as needle knitting, making it ideal for children or people who suffer from arthritis or difficulty seeing. But really, it’s fun for everyone. So if you’re getting bored with traditional projects, try learning how to knit on a loom today!