Loom knitting is a fun way to introduce children to knitting, for those who have problems handling regular knitting needles, or an extra tool in a knitter’s repertoire of techniques. You can create hats, socks, mittens, bags – a whole array of knitted items.
Unfortunately, commercial knitting looms can be expensive, especially if you want several different sizes. The good news is you can quickly and easily make any size knitting loom, for free, from items you have at home.
The quickest and simplest way to make a knitting loom is to take a slice from a cardboard box, tube, or milk carton, and cut out slots, around 1.5cm deep, around the top. The advantage of this is that all you need is a suitable box to recycle, and a pair of scissors, to quickly make any size knitting loom you may desire.
These cardboard looms can be a little flimsy and harder to knit with than commercial looms, but are great for entertaining a bored child (or adult) when you don’t have any other resources at hand!
If you want something a little sturdier and easier to use, then here is a simple how-to:
You will need -
- an empty tube or container – this can be a potato-chip tube, a yogurt carton, a slice cut from a plastic bottle – something with a slight taper is best, but any cylinder is fine.
- Toothpicks, matchsticks, or for a larger sturdier loom, disposable chopsticks, bamboo barbecue skewers, or similar.
- Strong tape
- scissors
1. Wash out the container, dry, and remove the bottom so you have a tube.
2. Cut a piece of tape long enough to go round the outside of the tube, and lay out your toothpicks at about 0.5-1cm intervals along its length, on the sticky side.
3. Wrap the tape around the tube so that the toothpicks project about 2cm from the top edge (if you have chosen a tapered container, this will be the wider end. This will help stop your stitches sliding off the pegs).
4. Finish by wrapping some more tape around the tube to keep the toothpicks firmly in place.
5. Ta-daah! You’re ready to begin knitting!
Tomorrow we’ll be looking at some simple loom knitting techniques.
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This is *so* cool… I like the concept of how anyone can make a quality piece of fine knitting by using tools simply made with easily recyclable materials – SUPERB! And both children and adults can do this as well, even together as a joint project… I think this would be a wonderful craft project for school teachers and home-schoolers alike to implement into their curriculum, or even for something constructive to do in a camp setting! ^_^
You make it look so easy that even I could do it! Really got the urge to give this a go now.
Wonderful idea. I want to try circle loom before I commit money to buy one. THANKS!
This is a very neat substitute for a knitting loom…but looking for looms at second-hand stores can be rewarding, I found $19 worth of round knitting looms and got them for $1
thank u madam/sir You make it look so easy that even I could do it! Really got the urge to give this a go now