Knitting a blanket on a loom is a rewarding and accessible craft, perfect for both beginners and experienced knitters. Looms offer a unique way to create large, cozy blankets without the need for traditional knitting needles. This comprehensive guide, crafted with insights from knitting expert Suzi Quillen, will walk you through the process step-by-step, from casting on to binding off, ensuring you create a beautiful and lasting blanket. If you've ever wondered how to knit a blanket on a loom, this guide is your ultimate resource.
Understanding Loom Knitting for Blankets
Loom knitting, also known as circular loom knitting or peg knitting, has gained significant popularity due to its simplicity and the ability to create large projects like blankets efficiently. Unlike traditional knitting, where you manipulate stitches with needles, loom knitting involves wrapping yarn around pegs and then lifting loops over other loops to create the fabric. This method is particularly advantageous for blankets because the circular or rectangular looms can accommodate a large number of stitches, making it easier to achieve the desired width and length.
Before diving into the actual knitting process, let's address the fundamental question: Why choose loom knitting for a blanket? The answer lies in several key benefits. Firstly, loom knitting is incredibly beginner-friendly. The repetitive motion of wrapping yarn and lifting loops is easy to learn and master, making it an ideal craft for individuals who are new to knitting or have struggled with traditional needle knitting. The consistent tension achieved with a loom also results in a more uniform fabric, reducing the likelihood of uneven stitches or dropped loops, which can be a common frustration for novice knitters.
Secondly, loom knitting is a faster method for creating large projects like blankets. The pegs on the loom hold multiple stitches at once, allowing you to work through rows more quickly than you would with needles. This is especially beneficial when you're working on a larger blanket, as the time savings can be substantial. Additionally, the physical act of wrapping and lifting yarn can be less strenuous on your hands and wrists compared to the repetitive motions of needle knitting, making it a more comfortable option for individuals with arthritis or other hand-related conditions.
Another advantage of loom knitting is the versatility it offers in terms of stitch patterns and yarn choices. While basic knit and purl stitches are the foundation of loom knitting, you can also create a variety of more intricate patterns, such as cables, ribs, and textured designs, by manipulating the way you wrap and lift the yarn. The choice of yarn is equally important, as it will significantly impact the look and feel of your finished blanket. Bulky yarns, for example, will create a thick, warm blanket, while lighter yarns will result in a more delicate and drapable fabric. Consider the desired weight, texture, and color of your blanket when selecting the appropriate yarn for your project.
Finally, loom knitting provides a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes with creating a handmade item. The process of transforming skeins of yarn into a cozy and functional blanket is incredibly rewarding. Whether you're making a blanket for yourself, a loved one, or as a gift, the time and effort you invest in your project will be reflected in the finished product, creating a cherished keepsake that will be enjoyed for years to come. In the following sections, we will delve into the specific steps involved in loom knitting a blanket, from selecting the right loom and yarn to mastering the techniques of casting on and binding off.
Gathering Your Supplies: Loom, Yarn, and Tools
Before you begin your blanket knitting journey, gathering the right supplies is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable experience. The three essential components are the loom, the yarn, and a few basic tools. Let's explore each of these in detail to ensure you're well-prepared.
Choosing the Right Loom
The loom is the heart of your knitting project, and selecting the appropriate loom is paramount for creating a blanket. Looms come in various shapes and sizes, but for blankets, you'll typically choose between a circular loom or a rectangular loom. Circular looms are ideal for smaller blankets or baby blankets, while rectangular looms are better suited for larger throws and blankets. The size of the loom will determine the width of your finished blanket, so consider your desired dimensions when making your selection. If you're aiming for a large blanket, a rectangular loom with a significant number of pegs is the way to go.
The peg spacing on the loom is another important factor to consider. Peg spacing refers to the distance between the pegs on the loom, and it affects the gauge, or stitch density, of your knitted fabric. Looms with closer peg spacing will produce a denser, tighter knit, while looms with wider peg spacing will create a looser, more open fabric. For blankets, a medium peg spacing is generally recommended, as it strikes a balance between warmth and drape. Experimenting with different peg spacings can be a fun way to customize your blanket's texture and appearance.
The material of the loom is also a consideration. Looms are commonly made from plastic or wood. Plastic looms are lightweight and durable, making them a good option for beginners. Wooden looms, on the other hand, are often sturdier and can handle heavier yarns, making them suitable for larger projects. Ultimately, the choice of loom material comes down to personal preference and the type of yarn you plan to use.
Selecting the Perfect Yarn
The yarn you choose will significantly impact the look, feel, and warmth of your finished blanket. There are countless yarn options available, each with its own unique characteristics. For blankets, it's best to opt for soft, durable yarns that are easy to care for. Popular choices include acrylic, cotton, wool, and blends of these fibers. Acrylic yarns are affordable, machine-washable, and come in a wide range of colors, making them a practical choice for everyday blankets. Cotton yarns are breathable and hypoallergenic, making them ideal for warmer climates or for individuals with sensitive skin. Wool yarns provide excellent warmth and insulation, perfect for cozy winter blankets. Blends of these fibers offer a combination of benefits, such as the softness of cotton with the warmth of wool.
The weight of the yarn is another crucial factor to consider. Yarn weight refers to the thickness of the yarn, and it's typically categorized using a standardized system, ranging from lace weight (very thin) to super bulky (very thick). For blankets, medium to bulky weight yarns are generally recommended, as they knit up quickly and create a warm, substantial fabric. Using a bulky yarn will result in a thicker blanket with larger stitches, while a medium-weight yarn will produce a finer knit with smaller stitches. Consider the desired texture and warmth of your blanket when selecting the yarn weight.
Essential Tools
In addition to the loom and yarn, you'll need a few basic tools to complete your blanket knitting project. A loom hook is essential for lifting the loops of yarn over the pegs. These hooks are typically made of plastic or metal and have a curved end that makes it easy to grab the yarn. A yarn needle or tapestry needle is used for weaving in the ends of your yarn, which is necessary to secure the stitches and prevent unraveling. A pair of scissors is needed for cutting the yarn. Finally, a stitch marker can be helpful for marking the beginning of a row or for keeping track of your progress, especially when working on a complex pattern.
With your loom, yarn, and tools assembled, you're now ready to embark on your blanket knitting adventure. The next step is mastering the techniques of casting on, knitting, and binding off, which we'll explore in the following sections.
Mastering the Basics: Casting On, Knitting, and Binding Off
Now that you have your supplies, it's time to learn the fundamental techniques of loom knitting: casting on, knitting, and binding off. These three steps are the foundation of all loom knitting projects, including blankets. Mastering them will allow you to create a beautiful and cozy blanket with confidence.
Casting On: The Foundation Row
Casting on is the first step in any knitting project, as it creates the initial row of stitches on your loom. There are several casting-on methods for loom knitting, but the e-wrap cast-on is the most common and beginner-friendly technique. This method creates a stretchy and even edge, which is ideal for blankets.
To begin the e-wrap cast-on, start by tying a slip knot in your yarn, leaving a tail of about 6 inches. Place the slip knot over the first peg on your loom. Then, holding the working yarn (the yarn coming from the ball) in your right hand, bring it around the back of the next peg, then around the front, forming an "e" shape around the peg. Repeat this process for each peg on your loom, wrapping the yarn in a continuous spiral. Make sure the yarn is snug but not too tight, as this will make it difficult to knit the first row.
Once you've wrapped all the pegs, you'll have a loop of yarn on each peg. This is your cast-on row. Now, you're ready to begin knitting the first row.
Knitting: The Heart of the Process
The basic knit stitch on a loom involves lifting the bottom loop of yarn over the top loop on each peg. This creates a new row of stitches and forms the fabric of your blanket. There are two primary knitting techniques on a loom: the e-wrap knit stitch and the flat knit stitch. The e-wrap knit stitch is the same motion as the e-wrap cast-on, creating a looser, more textured fabric. The flat knit stitch, on the other hand, creates a denser, smoother fabric.
For blankets, the flat knit stitch is often preferred, as it produces a warmer and more durable fabric. To work the flat knit stitch, start by ensuring there are two loops on each peg. If you've just completed the e-wrap cast-on, you'll only have one loop on each peg, so you'll need to wrap the yarn around each peg again in the same direction as you did for the cast-on. Now, you'll have two loops on each peg.
Using your loom hook, carefully lift the bottom loop over the top loop and off the peg. Repeat this process for each peg on your loom. As you lift the loops over, the stitches will begin to form on the inside of the loom. Once you've knitted all the pegs, you'll have a new row of stitches. Gently push the stitches down the pegs to create space for the next row. Now, wrap the yarn around each peg again, and repeat the process of lifting the bottom loop over the top loop. Continue knitting in this manner until your blanket reaches the desired length.
Binding Off: Securing the Stitches
Binding off is the final step in your loom knitting project, and it secures the stitches to prevent unraveling. There are several binding-off methods, but the basic bind-off is a simple and effective technique for blankets.
To begin the basic bind-off, knit two stitches as usual. Then, using your loom hook, lift the first stitch (the one on the right) over the second stitch and off the peg. You'll now have one stitch remaining on the peg. Knit the next stitch, so you have two stitches on the pegs again. Lift the first stitch over the second stitch and off the peg. Repeat this process until you have only one stitch remaining. Cut the yarn, leaving a tail of about 12 inches. Thread the tail onto your yarn needle. Slip the remaining loop off the peg and thread the yarn tail through the loop. Pull the yarn tail tight to secure the stitch. Weave in the ends of your yarn using the yarn needle to finish your blanket.
With these three basic techniques mastered, you're well on your way to creating a beautiful and cozy blanket on a loom. The next section will explore more advanced techniques and tips for adding unique details and patterns to your blanket.
Advanced Techniques and Tips for Blanket Knitting
Once you've mastered the basics of casting on, knitting, and binding off, you can explore more advanced techniques to add unique details and patterns to your loom-knitted blanket. These techniques will allow you to create a truly one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Let's delve into some exciting possibilities.
Exploring Stitch Patterns
While the basic knit stitch creates a beautiful fabric, experimenting with different stitch patterns can add texture, visual interest, and warmth to your blanket. One popular stitch pattern for blankets is the purl stitch. The purl stitch is the opposite of the knit stitch, and it creates a raised, bumpy texture on the fabric. By alternating knit and purl stitches, you can create a variety of patterns, such as ribbing, seed stitch, and garter stitch.
Ribbing is a classic stitch pattern that creates vertical ridges in the fabric. It's often used for the edges of blankets to provide a stretchy and decorative finish. To create ribbing on a loom, you can alternate knit and purl stitches in a 1x1 or 2x2 pattern. For example, for 1x1 ribbing, you would knit one stitch, then purl one stitch, and repeat across the row. For 2x2 ribbing, you would knit two stitches, then purl two stitches, and repeat across the row.
Seed stitch is another textured stitch pattern that creates a bumpy, pebbled appearance. It's a reversible stitch, meaning it looks the same on both sides, making it ideal for blankets. To create seed stitch on a loom, you alternate knit and purl stitches on each row. For example, if you knit a stitch on one row, you would purl it on the next row, and vice versa.
Garter stitch is a simple yet effective stitch pattern that creates a stretchy and textured fabric. It's created by knitting every row. Garter stitch is a great option for blankets because it lies flat and doesn't curl at the edges.
In addition to these basic stitch patterns, you can also explore more complex patterns, such as cables, braids, and textured designs. These patterns may require more advanced techniques, but they can add stunning visual interest to your blanket. There are many resources available online and in knitting books that can teach you how to create these patterns on a loom.
Colorwork Techniques
Adding different colors to your blanket can create beautiful and eye-catching designs. There are several colorwork techniques you can use on a loom, including stripes, color blocking, and intarsia.
Stripes are the simplest colorwork technique, and they can be created by changing colors every few rows. You can create horizontal stripes by knitting rows of alternating colors, or you can create vertical stripes by knitting columns of alternating colors. Experimenting with different stripe widths and color combinations can create a variety of looks.
Color blocking involves knitting large blocks of different colors. This technique is great for creating bold, modern designs. To create color blocks, you can divide your loom into sections and knit each section in a different color.
Intarsia is a more advanced colorwork technique that allows you to create intricate designs with multiple colors. It involves working with separate balls of yarn for each color area. This technique is ideal for creating pictures, patterns, and other detailed designs on your blanket.
Adding Embellishments
Embellishments can add a personal touch to your loom-knitted blanket. There are many ways to embellish your blanket, including adding fringe, tassels, and appliques.
Fringe is a classic embellishment that can be added to the edges of your blanket. It's created by cutting lengths of yarn and attaching them to the edge of the blanket using a simple knot. Fringe can add texture, movement, and visual interest to your blanket.
Tassels are another popular embellishment that can be added to the corners of your blanket. They're created by wrapping yarn around a piece of cardboard, tying it off, and cutting the loops. Tassels can add a playful and decorative touch to your blanket.
Appliques are decorative pieces that can be sewn onto your blanket. They can be made from fabric, felt, or even knitted or crocheted pieces. Appliques are a great way to add personalized designs, such as letters, shapes, or animals, to your blanket.
By exploring these advanced techniques and tips, you can take your loom-knitted blankets to the next level. Experiment with different stitch patterns, colorwork techniques, and embellishments to create blankets that are truly unique and reflect your personal style.
Caring for Your Loom-Knitted Blanket
Once you've invested time and effort into creating your beautiful loom-knitted blanket, it's essential to care for it properly to ensure it lasts for years to come. Proper care will not only maintain the appearance and texture of your blanket but also extend its lifespan. Here are some guidelines for caring for your loom-knitted blanket.
Washing Instructions
The washing instructions for your blanket will depend on the type of yarn you used. Always check the yarn label for specific care instructions. In general, acrylic and cotton blankets can be machine washed, while wool and delicate blends should be hand washed or dry cleaned.
For machine-washable blankets, use a gentle cycle and cold water. Avoid using hot water, as it can shrink or damage the fibers. Use a mild detergent and avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, as these can also damage the yarn. To prevent excessive tangling or stretching, consider placing your blanket in a mesh laundry bag before washing.
For hand-washable blankets, fill a basin or tub with cool water and add a mild detergent. Gently agitate the water to distribute the detergent. Submerge your blanket in the water and gently squeeze and swirl it to remove dirt and grime. Avoid rubbing or twisting the fabric, as this can cause it to felt or pill. Rinse the blanket thoroughly with cool water until all the detergent is removed.
Drying Techniques
The drying method is just as important as the washing method. Machine drying can shrink or damage many types of yarn, so air drying is generally the best option for loom-knitted blankets.
To air dry your blanket, gently squeeze out excess water. Avoid wringing the blanket, as this can distort its shape. Lay the blanket flat on a clean, dry surface, such as a drying rack or a towel-covered bed. Reshape the blanket as needed to maintain its original dimensions. Turn the blanket over periodically to ensure even drying. Avoid drying your blanket in direct sunlight or near a heat source, as this can cause fading or damage to the fibers.
If the yarn label allows for machine drying, use a low heat setting and tumble dry the blanket with care. Remove the blanket promptly from the dryer to prevent over-drying, which can make the fabric stiff or brittle.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is essential for preventing damage from pests, moisture, and dust. When storing your loom-knitted blanket, make sure it is clean and completely dry. Fold the blanket neatly and store it in a cool, dry place, such as a linen closet or a storage container.
To protect your blanket from moths and other pests, consider storing it with cedar chips or lavender sachets. These natural repellents can help keep your blanket fresh and pest-free. Avoid storing your blanket in plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and lead to mildew. Instead, use a breathable cotton or linen bag.
General Care and Maintenance
In addition to washing and drying, regular maintenance can help keep your loom-knitted blanket looking its best. If you notice any snags or loose threads, repair them promptly to prevent further damage. Use a yarn needle to weave the loose ends back into the fabric.
To prevent pilling, which is the formation of small balls of fiber on the surface of the fabric, avoid excessive friction or rubbing. If pilling does occur, you can use a fabric shaver or a sweater stone to gently remove the pills.
By following these care guidelines, you can ensure that your loom-knitted blanket remains a cherished heirloom for years to come. The time and effort you've invested in creating your blanket deserve proper care and maintenance.
Conclusion: The Joy of Loom Knitting Blankets
Loom knitting a blanket is a truly rewarding experience. From the initial selection of yarn and loom to the final binding off and weaving in the ends, every step of the process is imbued with creativity and satisfaction. This comprehensive guide has equipped you with the knowledge and skills to confidently embark on your blanket knitting journey.
Whether you're a beginner eager to learn a new craft or an experienced knitter seeking a different approach, loom knitting offers a unique and accessible way to create beautiful, cozy blankets. The simplicity of the technique, combined with the versatility of stitch patterns and colorwork options, allows you to express your personal style and create a blanket that is truly one-of-a-kind.
The benefits of loom knitting extend beyond the creation of a physical object. The repetitive motions of wrapping and lifting yarn can be incredibly relaxing and therapeutic, providing a welcome respite from the stresses of daily life. The act of creating something with your own hands fosters a sense of accomplishment and pride, and the finished blanket becomes a tangible representation of your creativity and dedication.
Moreover, a loom-knitted blanket is more than just a source of warmth and comfort. It's a handmade treasure, imbued with the love and care you poured into its creation. Whether you're gifting it to a loved one or keeping it for yourself, a loom-knitted blanket is sure to become a cherished heirloom, passed down through generations.
So, gather your supplies, choose your favorite yarn colors, and embrace the joy of loom knitting. With a little practice and patience, you'll be amazed at the beautiful blankets you can create. The possibilities are endless, and the satisfaction of snuggling up under your own handmade blanket is truly unparalleled. Happy loom knitting!
