Mastering the Art of Knitting: A Guide to Using a Circular Loom

Have you ever wanted to try your hand at knitting, but found the traditional needles and yarn to be too complicated or time-consuming? Look no further than the circular knitting loom. This versatile and efficient tool makes knitting simpler and faster, while still producing beautiful and professional-looking pieces. From beginners to experienced knitters, anyone can use a circular knitting loom to create a variety of projects. In this article, we will explore the basics of how to use a circular knitting loom and unleash your creativity. So grab your loom and let’s get started!

Understanding Circular Knitting Looms

Circular knitting looms, also known as round looms or ring looms, are a popular tool among knitters for creating tubular pieces such as hats, cowls, and socks. They consist of a circular ring with evenly spaced pins or pegs along the edge. While traditional knitting requires needles, circular looms allow you to knit in the round without the hassle of switching needles or seaming pieces together.

There are different types of circular knitting looms, including fixed and adjustable looms. Fixed looms have a set number of pegs and cannot be altered, while adjustable looms can be adjusted to accommodate different sizes and stitch patterns. Most circular knitting looms come in various sizes to accommodate different project sizes.

When deciding which type and size of circular knitting loom to get, consider the type of yarn you will be using. Thicker yarns will require larger gauge looms while finer yarns will need smaller gauge ones. It is also essential to consider your skill level and desired projects. Beginners might want to start with a smaller gauge and simpler stitches while more experienced knitters may want larger gauges for more intricate designs.

How to Set Up a Circular Knitting Loom

Before beginning any project on your circular knitting loom, it is essential to set it up properly. Follow these steps for setting up your circular knitting loom:

1. Gather materials: You will need your circular knitting loom, yarn, hook tool (if included), scissors, and any other needed accessories such as stitch markers.

2. Loosen the tension: On an adjustable loom, loosen the wingnuts on either side of the board to release the tension.

3. Cast on: Start by tying a slip knot on one of the pegs on your circular knitting loom. Leave a 4-5 inch tail for finishing the project later. Following your desired pattern, wrap the yarn around each peg in a clockwise direction until you reach the beginning peg.

4. Set the tension: On an adjustable loom, adjust the wingnuts on either side to tighten or loosen the tension according to your desired gauge.

5. Join ends: With your hand, push down the first round of yarn slightly under the pegs. Wrap another round of yarn around the pegs, using a different color if desired. This step will join your first and second rounds together seamlessly.

Now that your circular knitting loom is set up correctly, you are ready to begin knitting your project.

Basic Stitches for Circular Knitting Loom

There are several different stitches that can be used on a circular knitting loom, each with its unique look and purpose. While some stitches may seem intimidating at first, with some practice and patience, you can master them all.

1. E-wrap stitch: The e-wrap stitch is one of the most basic stitches used on a circular knitting loom. It is created by wrapping the yarn around each peg in a figure-eight motion, giving it its name. This stitch creates a beautiful ribbed effect and is perfect for scarves or socks.

2. Flat knit stitch: The flat knit stitch creates a tight knit fabric similar to traditional knitting with needles. It is achieved by bringing the bottom loop over the top loop and off of each peg in succession. This stitch works well for hats or other projects that need more structure.

3. Purl stitch: The purl stitch is commonly used in combination with other stitches to create texture or patterns on projects such as hats or mittens. To create this stitch, bring the hook behind the working yarn and scoop it through from back to front before lifting it over the top of the peg.

4.Elongated knit stitch: This stitch is great for creating lacy or openwork designs. To make this stitch, wrap the yarn around the peg and the loop twice before lifting the bottom loop over the top, leaving an elongated loop between stitches.

With these basic stitches, you can create a wide variety of projects on your circular knitting loom.

Finishing and Binding Off on a Circular Knitting Loom

Once you have completed your project, it is time to finish and bind off the stitches. Follow these simple steps:

1. Continue knitting: Continue knitting your desired length of fabric before finishing off. The length of your fabric will depend on what type of project you are doing.

2. Measure: To determine when to finish off, measure the length of your piece against the object it is meant for (e.g., a hat or scarf). This step ensures that you do not end up with a piece that is too long or too short.

3. Cut yarn: Once you have reached your desired length, cut the working yarn, leaving a 4-5 inch tail.

4. Using a crochet hook, remove one loop from each peg until there is only one left.

5. Weave in ends: Use a tapestry needle to weave in and hide any

What Is a Circular Knitting Loom?

A circular knitting loom is a type of knitting tool that enables you to create round or tube-like objects, such as hats, cowls, and socks. It consists of a plastic or metal ring with pegs evenly placed along the circumference. These pegs act as the support for your yarn while you knit, making it easier to create seamless and continuous pieces without the use of traditional knitting needles.

The use of circular knitting looms has gained popularity in recent years, especially among beginners and those with limited dexterity, as it offers a simpler and more manageable way to knit compared to using straight needles. They come in various sizes and can be used to make different sizes of projects including small items like coasters or large ones like blankets.

How Does a Circular Knitting Loom Work?

Using a circular knitting loom is relatively straightforward. Simply wrap your yarn around the pegs in a specific pattern to create stitches. The most commonly used stitch on these looms is the e-wrap stitch, which involves looping the yarn around each peg in a continuous “e” shape.

As you continue wrapping around all the pegs, you’ll start to see your project taking shape on the inside of the ring. Once you have completed one round, use your loom hook (or a crochet hook) to lift the bottom loop over the top one on each peg, creating new stitches as you go along. This process is repeated until your desired length is achieved.

Circular knitting looms also allow you to add different textures and patterns to your projects by working with multiple colors or using various types of stitches. You can also combine different sizes of looms or use stretchy yarn for more versatility in creating unique designs.

Benefits of Using a Circular Knitting Loom

There are several reasons why circular knitting looms have become popular among knitters, including:

Easy to Use – They are perfect for both beginners and experienced knitters alike, as they do not require complicated techniques and can be used for a wide range of projects.
Gentler on Hands – Circular knitting looms require minimal hand movement, making them ideal for those with arthritis or other hand conditions that may make traditional knitting challenging.
Quick Results – Compared to traditional knitting, circular knitting looms allow you to complete projects much faster due to the larger gauge and fewer stitches required.
Portable – The compact size and lightweight nature of these looms make them easy to carry around so you can knit on-the-go.
No Need for Seaming – Since you’re working in the round, there is no need for seaming or joining different pieces together, resulting in a seamless and professional-looking finished project.

Types of Circular Knitting Looms

Circular knitting looms come in different sizes and shapes, each serving a specific purpose. The four main types are round looms, long looms, infinity looms, and rake looms.

Round Looms – These are the most commonly used type of circular knitting loom. As the name suggests, they are round in shape and have pegs evenly spaced along the circumference. They typically come in sets with various sizes that can be interchanged for different projects.
Long Looms – These are rectangular-shaped with pegs running along both sides. Long looms can create larger projects like shawls or scarves more easily due to the longer length compared to round looms. They also offer the flexibility to work with different widths.
Infinity Looms – These are round looms with a twist (literally). They have more pegs on one half of the loom than the other, allowing you to create infinity or figure 8-shaped projects such as cowls and headbands in one continuous piece.
Rake Looms – These are flat, comb-like looms with pegs on one side and larger spaces on the other. Rake looms are useful for creating wide garments such as afghans or blankets. They come in various widths and peg sizes to accommodate different types of yarn.

Tips for Using a Circular Knitting Loom

Here are some tips to keep in mind when using a circular knitting loom:

Familiarize Yourself with Your Loom – Before starting your project, take some time to understand how your specific loom works, including how to wrap yarn around the pegs and how to make different stitches.
Use the Right Yarn – While you can use any type of yarn on a circular knitting loom, thicker yarns tend to produce chunkier results while thinner ones create

1. How do I cast on with a circular knitting loom?
To cast on with a circular knitting loom, start by wrapping the yarn around the starting peg and then bring it back to the next peg in a clockwise direction. Continue wrapping each peg in a clockwise direction until you have completed one full rotation. Then, wrap each of the pegs again for the desired number of rows before beginning to knit.

2. Can I use any type of yarn with a circular knitting loom?
Yes, you can use almost any type of yarn with a circular knitting loom. However, thicker yarns may make it difficult to create tight stitches and thinner yarns may require more wraps around each peg for thicker fabrics.

3. Do I need any special tools to use a circular knitting loom?
No, you do not need any special tools to use a circular knitting loom. Most kits come with everything you need, including the loom, hook, and instructions.

4. How do I knit using a garter stitch on a circular knitting loom?
To knit using a garter stitch on a circular knitting loom, simply knit every row instead of alternating between knit and purl stitches like you would on traditional needles.

5. Can I make different sizes of hats using a circular knitting loom?
Yes, you can make various sizes of hats using different sizes of circular knitting looms or by adjusting the number of wraps around each peg.

6. How do I finish my project on a circular knitting loom?
To finish your project on a circular knitting loom, carefully remove your work from the pegs and thread the yarn through each loop to create one final knot at the top. You can then weave in any loose ends to secure your work before cutting off any excess yarn.

In conclusion, learning how to use a circular knitting loom can open up a whole new world of creativity and endless possibilities for creating beautiful knit projects. By following these simple steps and tips, anyone can easily master the art of loom knitting and create stunning pieces.

Firstly, understanding the different parts of a circular knitting loom is crucial in order to effectively use it. From the pegs to the base and the hook tool, each component serves a specific purpose in creating a perfect knit piece.

Next, it is important to start with simple projects such as hats or scarves before progressing to more complex patterns. This will help in gaining confidence and mastering the basic techniques of loom knitting.

Another key takeaway is the importance of tension while working on a loom. Adjusting the tension properly ensures that your final project has an even and uniform appearance. Practicing and experimenting with different tension levels will help develop this skill.

Additionally, choosing the right yarn for your project is critical. Understanding how different yarn weights work with different loom sizes will help in achieving desired results.

Moreover, incorporating various stitches such as garter stitch, rib stitch or seed stitch can enhance the overall look of your knit piece. Experimenting with different stitches will also allow you to create unique textures and
Author Profile
Jill Nammar
My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.
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