Knitting Loom — Knitting Without Needles

What is a Knitting Loom

A knitting loom (also called a knitting ring) is a tool with pegs arranged in a circle, oval, or row, on which stitches are knitted using a special hook. Unlike traditional needle knitting, a knitting loom doesn't require coordinating two needles — stitches are wrapped around pegs and lifted with a hook.

Knitting looms are popular with beginners, children, and people with arthritis or limited hand mobility, because the movements are simpler and less strenuous. But they're not just for beginners — you can knit hats, socks, scarves, blankets, and even sweaters on a loom.

Types of Knitting Looms

Round loom — pegs arranged in a circle. The most common type. For hats, cowls, and knitting in the round. Diameter determines project size — small circle for child's hat, large for adult.

Long loom (rake loom) — pegs in a single row. For scarves, blankets, and flat knitting. Loom length = maximum project width.

Adjustable loom — pegs can be added and removed. Universal — one loom for various projects.

Afghan loom (S-loom) — S-shaped for wide projects (blankets). Saves space compared to long straight looms.

How to Knit on a Loom — Basic Process

E-wrap (Basic Wrap)

Step 1: Wrap yarn around each peg in an E-shape (front, left around, back). Go around the entire circle/row.

Step 2: Wrap a second row the same way — each peg now has 2 loops.

Step 3: Use the hook to lift the bottom loop over the top loop and over the peg. One loop remains on the peg. Repeat on every peg.

Step 4: Wrap another row and lift again. The fabric grows downward from the pegs.

Loom Size and Yarn

Advantages and Disadvantages of Looms

Advantages: Easy for beginners, gentle on hands and joints, even stitches without experience, good for children, portable.

Disadvantages: Limited project size (depends on loom), fewer patterns than needles, slower than experienced needle knitter, stitches have specific texture (loom knit stitch ≠ needle knit stitch).