Master the Art of Blanket-Making: A Beginner’s Guide to Loom Knitting on a Long Loom

AvatarByJill Nammar Knitting

Loom knitting has become a popular hobby for many crafters, as it offers a faster and simpler alternative to traditional needle knitting. One of the most versatile and practical projects you can create with a long loom is a warm and cozy blanket. If you’ve been wanting to try your hand at loom knitting a blanket but don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of creating a beautiful blanket using a long loom. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced loom knitter looking for new techniques, read on to discover how to make your own handmade blanket with ease.

What is Loom Knitting?

Loom knitting is a popular and easy method of creating knit items without the use of traditional knitting needles. It involves using a loom, which is essentially a frame with pegs or pins around it, to weave yarn into various patterns and stitches.

Many people prefer loom knitting over traditional knitting because it requires fewer skills and movements, making it easier for beginners or individuals who may have difficulty with hand dexterity. Additionally, loom knitting can be done with thicker yarns, making it faster to complete projects.

There are many different types of looms available for loom knitting, including round looms, long looms, and rake looms. Each type of loom has its own advantages and is best suited for different types of projects. In this article, we will focus on how to use a long loom to create a cozy blanket.

Choosing the Right Yarn

Choosing the right yarn for your project is crucial in any type of knitting. When using a long loom to knit a blanket, you want to select yarn that is thick enough to give your blanket the desired weight and warmth. However, you also want to make sure that the yarn isn’t too thick as it may become too difficult to manage on the long loom.

A good rule of thumb when selecting yarn for a long loom knit blanket is to choose one that has a weight category of 4 or higher on the Craft Yarn Council Weight Standard System. This means that the yarn should be labeled as either worsted weight or above.

You also want to consider the fiber content of your yarn. Natural fibers such as wool or cotton are recommended for blankets as they are soft, durable and provide good insulation. However, acrylic blends can also be used as they are cheaper and come in a wider range of colors.

Preparing Your Long Loom

Before you can start knitting your blanket, you will need to prepare your long loom. If your loom already has pegs in place, make sure to tighten them before starting. If not, you will need to add pegs onto the loom.

To do this, insert the pegs into the designated holes around the frame of the long loom. The number of pegs you will need depends on how wide you want your blanket to be. For a standard-sized throw blanket, 70-80 pegs should be enough.

Next, make sure that all the pegs are facing in the same direction. This is important as it affects the direction of your knitted stitches. Finally, secure each end of the long loom with anchor pegs or rubber bands to keep it from moving while you work.

Casting On

Casting on is the first step in any knitting project and is essential for creating a foundation row of stitches. To cast on using a long loom, begin by tying a slipknot around one of the anchor pegs at one end of the loom.

Next, wrap your yarn around each individual peg in an anti-clockwise direction until you have reached the other end of the loom. Make sure that there are no gaps between each wrap and that they are not pulled too tight.

After completing one round, go back to the first peg and lift up the bottom loop over and off its corresponding top loop. Continue this process all around until only one loop remains on each peg.

Knitting Your Blanket

Now that your foundation row is set up, it’s time to knit your blanket! Using a tool such as a knitting hook or crochet hook (included with most long looms), lift up the bottom loop from behind and pull it over and off its corresponding top loop. This will create a new bottom loop.

Continue this process, lifting up the bottom loop on the next peg and pulling it over and off until you have reached the end of the row. Switch to the opposite side of the loom and repeat this process in the opposite direction.

After a few rows, you should start to see a pattern emerging. The basic stitch used in loom knitting is called the e-wrap or twisted knit stitch. This creates a slanted fabric similar to traditional knitting’s garter stitch.

To make your blanket even more interesting, you can experiment with different stitches such as the purl stitch or lace stitches. These can be found in various loom knitting books or online tutorials.

Increasing and Decreasing Stitches

Once you have mastered the basic e-wrap stitch, you can start to explore increasing and decreasing stitches to create shape and texture in your blanket. To increase stitches, simply wrap two loops onto one peg instead of one.

To decrease stitches, skip one peg when wrapping your yarn around on each row. These techniques will be useful when creating patterns and designs within your blanket.

Binding Off

Now that your blanket is almost finished, it’s time to bind off or cast

What is Loom Knitting?

Loom knitting is a technique of creating fabric by using a loom instead of traditional knitting needles. It is becoming increasingly popular due to its ease and versatility, with many individuals even preferring it over traditional knitting methods. Looms come in various shapes and sizes, but one of the most popular types for creating blankets is the long loom.

Why Knit a Blanket on a Long Loom?

Using a long loom to knit a blanket has several advantages over traditional knitting techniques. Firstly, it is much quicker than using knitting needles as you can work on multiple stitches at once. This makes it an ideal option for larger projects such as blankets, where speed and efficiency are key. Additionally, the long loom creates larger stitches, resulting in a chunkier and cozier finished product.

Another advantage of using a long loom for blanket knitting is that it requires less hand and wrist movement compared to traditional knitting methods. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals with arthritis or any conditions that may affect their dexterity.

Materials Needed

To begin loom knitting your blanket, you will need several materials including:

  • A long loom – there are various sizes available depending on the desired size of your blanket.
  • Knitting hook – this usually comes with the loom but can also be purchased separately.
  • Bulky yarn – this type of yarn works best for creating cozy blankets.
  • Tapestry needle – used for weaving in any loose ends after completing your project.

Step-by-Step Guide to Loom Knitting A Blanket on A Long Loom

Now that you have all the necessary materials let’s get started on creating your very own blanket using a long loom. Follow these steps for a successful project:

  1. Begin by casting on your stitches, which involves wrapping the yarn around each peg on the long loom. This is similar to casting on stitches using knitting needles but is easier and faster on a loom. The number of stitches depends on the width of your chosen long loom and the desired size of your blanket.
  2. Once all the pegs are wrapped, use your knitting hook to pull the bottom loop over the top loop and off each peg. This will create a solid edge for your blanket.
  3. Continue working back and forth along the pegs, pulling the bottom loops over the top until you have completed one row.
  4. For subsequent rows, repeat this process but work in the opposite direction – right to left if you started from left to right initially.
  5. You can continue this process until you reach your desired length or when you have used up all of your yarn.
  6. To finish off your blanket, carefully remove it from the long loom by slipping each stitch off its corresponding peg.
  7. Weave in any loose ends using your tapestry needle to give your blanket a polished look.

Tips and Tricks

Note: These tips are not mandatory for successful loom knitting; they are merely suggestions that may make your project more manageable or enhance its appearance.

  • You can use different colors of yarn to create a striped pattern for a more visually appealing blanket.
  • If you need to take a break from your project before completing it, use stitch markers (any small objects like rubber bands or paperclips) to keep track of where you left off. This will make it easier for you to resume working without losing your place or forgetting which direction you were moving in.
  • If you prefer a softer or more delicate blanket, you can use thinner yarn and a smaller long loom. However, this may require more wraps around each peg and could take longer to complete.

Caring for Your Loom Knitted Blanket

Cleaning and maintaining your blanket is essential to prolong its durability and keep it looking its best. Here are some tips for caring for your loom knitted blanket:

  • Always refer to the yarn manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning your blanket.
  • To prevent deformation, gently hand wash your blanket in cold water using mild detergent.
  • Do not wring out or twist the fabric; instead, roll it in a towel to remove any excess water.
  • Reshape the blanket while it is still damp and allow it to air dry flat on a smooth surface.

Loom knitting a blanket on a long loom is an enjoyable and practical way of creating cozy and chunky blankets. It offers several benefits such as efficiency, ease of use, and reduced strain on the hands and wrists. With some practice and patience, you can create beautiful customized blankets that are perfect for

1. What is loom knitting and how does it differ from traditional knitting?
Loom knitting is a technique using a specialized round or rectangular loom, instead of needles, to create knit stitches. It is easier for beginners and can create larger projects faster compared to traditional knitting.

2. What is the best type of yarn to use when loom knitting a blanket?
The type of yarn you choose depends on personal preference, but thick and bulky yarns usually work best on long looms for creating warm and cozy blankets. A chunky weight yarn or multiple strands of worsted weight yarn can also be used.

3. How do I estimate the number of pegs needed for my loom to make a blanket?
First, determine the desired width of your blanket by measuring the width of your loom in inches. Then, multiply this number by the gauge (number of pegs per inch) of your chosen yarn to get an estimate for the number of pegs needed.

4. Can I use any long loom for making a blanket or are there specific ones designed for it?
While any long loom with enough pegs can be used, there are specific “Afghan” or “Blanket” looms that have even spacing between pegs and larger sizes, making them more convenient for blanket projects.

5. Is it possible to make a reversible blanket using a long loom?
Yes, it is possible! To achieve this, you can either use two sets of single-knit panels and join them together in an alternating pattern, or use double-knitting technique where both sides are worked simultaneously using two different colored yarns.

6. Can I make a multi-colored striped blanket with a long loom?
Absolutely! To create stripes, you can use different color yarns and alternate between them as you knit. You can also create a striped effect by knitting with multiple strands of different colored yarn held together.

In conclusion, learning how to loom knit a blanket on a long loom is a fun and rewarding experience for any knitting enthusiast. Through the use of simple techniques and tools, anyone can create a beautiful and cozy blanket that will be cherished for years to come.

Throughout this guide, we have covered all the essential steps and tips to successfully loom knit a blanket on a long loom. From choosing the right yarn and loom size to mastering the basic stitches and creating different patterns, we have provided detailed instructions to guide you through each stage of the process.

One of the key takeaways from this guide is the versatility of loom knitting. With just one type of loom, you are able to create various types of stitches and designs, making it accessible for all levels of knitters. Additionally, the repetitive nature of looming allows for quick progress, making it an ideal project for those short on time or wanting to see results fast.

Furthermore, looming provides a great opportunity for creativity and personalization. With a wide range of colors and textures available in yarns, you can customize your blanket to fit your style or match your home décor. The use of different stitch combinations offers endless possibilities, allowing you to create unique and one-of-a-kind pieces.

Lastly, beyond

Author Profile

Avatar
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.