Ms. Deb's Loom Knitting Journey

Welcome, I’m so glad you decided to become a Loom Knitter.

If you have read the beginning of my loom knitting journey, you saw that it has been lots of twists and turns. I have not reached my finally destination, in this journey yet. But for now, teaching others how to loom knit has turned out to be very rewarding. I must give a disclaimer; I’m not a professional teacher nor a loom knitting expert. I just enjoy loom knitting and sharing what works for me with others. So, here we go!

There are lots of Benefits of Loom Knitting, for me the main things, is being able to make items for myself and others. Loom knitting started as a hobby to make beanies for my grandkids, now it has turned into much more.

Loom Knitting is supposed to be a stress reliever, but at times it can get on your last nerve. So, pack your patience on your journey of loom knitting.

In the beginning you will need a few Loom Knitting Supplies. Don’t try to buy all the things in the beginning. Because you may decide later that loom knitting is not for you. I hope that doesn’t turn out to be true. For my students I have a loan out policy. They sign out a loom and hook for the first few projects. They can purchase their own once they decide this is what they want to do. Places to fine looms and hooks are Walmart, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, also Amazon. That’s just what I have in my area, you may have different stores where you live. My favorite place to look for looms, is my local thrift stores. Crazy that before Covid 19, you could find looms easily, people were passing them by. Mostly because they had no idea, what they were used for. Now, the cat is out of the bag, and looms are being used by old and young alike. I’m not able to find the hooks in the thrift stores most of the time, just the looms. I find looms in new or good condition so, if you are an avid thrift shopper, be on the lookout for round or rectangular looms. You may get lucky and score a whole complete set of looms with a hook and plastic needle included.

Now that you have made the decision to become a loom knitter, what do you plan to make? I Know a blanket, or maybe a sweater those are usually the first answers I receive. Although these are great answers, I recommend smaller items in the beginning. Like Beanies or Scarves, this will give you a sense of accomplishment much quicker. You may get discouraged faster from larger projects in the beginning. I start my students off with a small beanie using a 24-30-peg loom, using scrap yarn and the e-wrap stitch. When completed, I take a picture of the student, and their 1st Beanie. Then, I advance them to 36 peg looms, then they can make a larger Beanie or scarf. Everyone works at their own pace.

At this stage in the game, you can make an informed decision, if loom knitting is for you or not. With that decision being made, you can go purchase looms, hooks and yarn.

On the subject of yarn, all I can say is all yarns are not the same, I will explain in detail later. Before you purchase yarn decided what you plan to make. How much yarn you need to make the item. If you are using a pattern, read and follow the instructions. A sale is only good if, you don’t have to go back and purchase more yarn to complete your project. Big box store sells out of the yarn quickly, so buy what you need the first time. Save the ball ban from the yarn, it may be helpful later if you need to repurchase. (Example of what to look for on the ball ban when purchasing yarn). Look for the brand name, 4 worsted or 5 bulky, the color, what is the yarn made of (cotton, wool, nylon, polyester) this is important in case of allergic reactions, batch numbers will be very important. A different batch numbers of black, may look the same but be slightly lighter or darker. In a large project this could make a big difference, in how your project looks in the end. So, buy enough yarn for your project the first time. Avoid falling “Down the Rabbit Holes” getting yarn and new gadgets, just because it’s softer, brighter colors, prettier or because somebody is giving it away. Usually, we don’t need it or have a project for it nor do we even have room for it. So, just try to stick to what you really need. LOL! Easier said than done.

Welcome to Loom Knitting!

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Beginners Beanies