Come loom knit with me!
Note, this tutorial is old (2002), I am rehousing it from my other website. I don’t want to lose it and I think people may find it useful, although the knitting looms shown are no longer being manufactured, the techniques still apply to other knitting looms. This is a PDF document.
When in doubt about how much yarn I will need, I consult with a yarn calculator. I recommend the one from Jimmybeanswool.com. I have been using it for a long time and it has always been a good starting point. When I order my yarn, I like to order about 10% more just in case. I much rather have extra than to run out. The above information is an image, you can right click and save it to your computer/phone.
Malabrigo dreams…always. I have been on a kick lately wanting to create items with only Malabrigo Rasta. Thus this headband was born. Grab a skein of Malabrigo Rasta and a Chunky gauge loom and create a toasty headband to wear this winter.
A brief note about my patterns: they are free of charge. Yes, you can use the pattern to create items to sell. Feel free to link to the pattern from your blog–why a link? Just in case I update the pattern with extra information or information that I forgot to add (you probably want to have the corrected version).
ABBREVIATIONS
k=knit stitch (u-stitch, or true knit stitch recommended)
k1b=knit into the stitch below (shown in the video).
p=purl stitch
sts=stitches
rep=repeat
approx=approximately
MATERIALS
Loom: Premium Chunky Round Loom (teal/smallest loom in the set) .
Yarn: Approximately 75 yards of bulky weight yarn. Sample was worked with Malabrigo Rasta in Purple Mystery.
Notions: Knitting tool, tapestry needle, scissors, row counter (optional).
Gauge: 12 sts x 16 rows=4 inches.
Size: Fits a head circumference up to 21″ (using the loom above and the yarn specified above). Headband is 5″ wide.
Cast on 15 stitches.
Row 1 (from left to right): p2, *p2, k1; rep from * to last 4 sts, p4.
Row 2: k2, *p2, k1; rep from * to last 4 sts, p2, k2.
Row 3: p2, *p2, k1; rep from * to last 4 sts, p4.
Row 4: k2, *p1, k1b; rep from * to last 4 sts, p2, k2.
Repeat Rows 1-4 until headband measures 18 inches (or desired length) from cast on edge.
Bind off with basic bind-off method.
Assembly:
Lay item flat, lengthwise, right side up.
Fold it in half.
Grab the end on the left side with your left-hand, grab the end on the right side with your right-hand. With your right-hand, twist your hand in a forward motion, thus twisting the fabric down.
Sandwich the end being held on the right-hand to the edge on the left-hand. Using yarn tail end, sew through all 4 layers. Weave all ends in. Turn headband right-side out.
In an effort to build some of the patterns in the video library, I will be creating some basic patterns and uploading the patterns to YouTube. The Garter Stitch Beanie is pretty basic when it comes to instructions, and you can change it up easily to adapt it to other sizes/knitting looms. The video and pattern were created using the KB Looms Flexee Loom Chunky.
A brief note about my patterns: they are free of charge. Yes, you can use the pattern to create items to sell. Feel free to link to the pattern from your blog–why a link? Just in case I update the pattern with extra information or information that I forgot to add.
ABBREVIATIONS
K=knit stitch (u-stitch, or true knit stitch recommended)
P=purl stitch
SSK=direct translation from needle knitting, it stands for “slip one, slip one, knit two together”. The decrease slants to the left on the knit side of the work.
Sts=stitches
Rnd(s)=Round(s)
Rep=Repeat
Approx=approximately
MATERIALS
Loom: Flexee Loom Chunky Links, 22 links (44 pegs).
Yarn: Approximately 90 yards of bulky weight yarn. Sample was worked with Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in Lollipop.
Notions: Knitting tool, tapestry needle, scissors, row counter (optional).
Gauge: 5 sts x 8 rows=2 inches in single ribbing.
Size: Fits a head circumference up to 21″ (using the loom above and the yarn specified above).
WAIT, WAIT….I don’t have the above loom, what other loom can I use?
If you don’t have the Flexee Loom Chunky and you want to use Bulky weight yarn, you can use any other large gauge knitting loom that is close in loom gauge. If you want to use a different loom gauge, then I suggest using the loom that creates a hat that is the desired size and yarn weight suitable for that loom gauge.The decreases at the top of the crown may not be feasible if you are using a loom that doesn’t allow you to remove links or move sliders down–in this case, work until the hat is about 7.5 inches in length (length will vary depending on size of hat you are creating), then bind off with the gather removal method.
Note: the combination of the loom gauge and the yarn you use will determine the size of your hat. If you use a different loom and a different yarn, your gauge may be completely different than the one I obtained. Please adjust accordingly to fit your needs.
Assemble 22 Flexee Chunky Links into a circular configuration to work in the round.
Cast on 44 sts, join to work in the round.
Round 1-10: *k1, p1; rep from * to end of rnd. (Approx 2.5″)
Round 11: k to end of rnd.
Round 12: p to end rnd.
Repeat Rounds 11 and 12 until hat measures approx 7″ from cast on edge. (The ridges created by these two rounds is what is known as “garter stitch”).
Next round: *ssk; rep from * to end of rnd.
Next round: p to end of rnd.
Next round: *ssk, rep from * to end of rnd.
Bind off with gather removal method. Weave all ends in.
Gently tug vertically on the hat to set the stitches.
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VIDEO
Garter Stitch Bits of Knowledge
The garter stitch in the round or flat (only in loom knitting) is created by alternating a knit round/row (any kind of knit stitch) and a purl round/row. In needle knitting, when knitting a flat panel, the garter is created by working the knit stitch both on the right side and wrong side rows.
The garter stitch creates a ridged texture fabric. These ridges create a thick fabric that doesn’t curl-it lies flat. Typically, you will see this texture around the edges of blankets, scarves, shawls as it prevents the edges from curling in. Another great characteristic of the garter stitch–it is reversible! Both sides will look the same.
I shared this on my instagram account and there were a few people interested in the pattern. I don’t really have a name for this hat, although I have created it over 50 times with different yarns, I don’t think I ever gave it a name. It is my default pattern when I knit for gifts or for fun while I watch tv. I can’t sit and watch tv without knitting on my lap, it makes me feel guilty to be “wasting” time, so I have to knit to make myself feel less guilty.
The pattern is pretty simple, and of course, it uses my favorite yarn of all time, Malabrigo Rasta.
ABBREVIATIONS
K=knit stitch (u-stitch, or true knit stitch recommended)
P=purl stitch
k2tog=knit 2 stitches together
Sts=stitches
Rnd(s)=Round(s)
MATERIALS
Loom: Flexee Loom Chunky Links, 24 links (48 pegs).
Yarn: Approximately 95 yards of bulky weight yarn. Malabrigo Rasta was used in sample in Azules.
Notions: Knitting tool, tapestry needle, row counter (optional)
Gauge: 4.5 sts x 6 rows=2 inches.
Size: Fits a head circumference up to 21″ (using the loom above and the yarn specified above).
WAIT, WAIT….I don’t have the above loom, what other loom can I use?
If you don’t have the Flexee Loom Chunky, you can use any other large gauge knitting loom that has a peg multiple of 4 (36, 40, 44, 48 pegs etc). Use the stitch chart below to help you in keeping track of your rounds. The decreases at the top of the crown may not be feasible if you are using a loom that doesn’t allow you to remove links or move sliders down–in this case, work until the hat is about 7.5 inches in length then bind off with the gather removal method.
Note: the combination of the loom gauge and the yarn you use will determine the size of your hat. If you use a different loom and a different yarn, your gauge may be completely different than the one I obtained. Please adjust accordingly to fit your needs.
INSTRUCTIONS
Assemble 24 Flexee Chunky Links into a circular configuration to work in the round.
Cast on 48 sts, join to work in the round.
Round 1-6: *k2, p2; rep from * to end of rnd. (The brim is approximately 2″)
Round 7: *k3, p1; rep from * to end of rnd.
Round 8: *k2, p1, k1; rep from * to end of rnd.
Round 9: *k1, p1, k2; rep from * to end of rnd.
Round 10: *p1, k3; rep from * to end of rnd.
Repeat Rounds 7-10 until item measures approximately 7 inches from cast on edge.
Next round: *k2tog; rep from * to end of rnd. (24 sts remain)
Next round: *k2tog; rep from * to end of rnd. (12 sts remain)
Bind off with gather removal method. Weave in all ends. Gently tug vertically on the knitted item to set the stitches.
Chart of the stitch pattern (multiple of 4 stitches in the round).
Trying to see where the comments are located in this blog….
MATERIALS
Knitting Loom: 48 peg chunky gauge knitting loom. Sample was knit on the KB Premium Round Chunky Looms (Orange).
Yarn: Approximately 30 yards of Bernat Pipsqueak yarn in Whitey White, and approximately 40 yards of Lion Brand Hometown USA in Tampa Spice.
Notions: knitting tool, tapestry needle.
Size: fits an average adult head
ABBREVIATIONS
k=knit stitch, or u-stitch
p=purl stitch
A=Pipsqueak yarn
B=Lion Brand Hometown USA yarn
INSTRUCTIONS
With A yarn, cast on 48 stitches, join to work in the round.
Round 1, 3: Knit to the end of the round. (Recommend the U-stitch or the Knit Stitch).
Round 2, 4: Purl to the end of the round. Cut A yarn, join B yarn.
Round 5-20: Knit to the end of the round. At the end of the 20th round, cut B yarn leaving a 6-inch yarn tail, join A.
Round 21: Knit to the end of the round.
Round 22: Purl to the end of the round.
Round 23: Knit to the end of the round.
Round 24: Knit to the end of the round.
Bind off with basic bind off method. Weave in all ends.
The NyNy’s Cable Beanie sports cables that crossed to the front (leans left). Now, you have instructions and video on how to do a cable that cross to the back (E-we’s Beanie), and cables that cross to the front.
Knitting Loom: Flexee Loom Chunky (54pegs, total of 27 links).
Yarn: Approximately 85 yards of chunky/bulky weight merino wool yarn. Sample was knit with Malabrigo Chunky in Paris Night. Highly recommend a yarn with inherent elasticity to facilitate the reordering of the stitches when creating the cable.
Notions: knitting tool, tapestry needle, row counter.
Optional: Pom pom.
Sizes: Fits an adult, head size circumference up-to 20″.
Abbreviations
k=knit stitch (I used the u-stitch on the sample).
p=purl stitch
rnd(s)=round(s)
st(s)=stitches
k2tog=knit two stitches together. Creates a decrease by 1 stitch.
p2tog=purl two stitches together. Creates a decrease by 1 stitch.
c4f=Cable 4 Front. Cable that takes place over 4 stitches/pegs, over 2 links. The cable slants to the left.
Set up of the Links: Link 1 is on the right, Link 2 is on the left.
Step 1: Disconnect Link 1 from its neighbor link to the right, and to the left.
Step 2: Set the disconnected Link 1 to the front (of the loom).
Step 3: Connect Link 2 to the link located to the right. Knit both stitches on Link 2 (pegs 3 and 4).
Step 4: Disconnect Link 2 from the link to its left.
Step 5: Connect Link 1 to Link 2; reconnect the link that was disconnected on Step 4.
Step 6: Knit the stitches on Link 1 (pegs 1 and 2).
INSTRUCTIONS
Assemble knitting loom by connecting 27 links to work in the round.
Rnd 1-18: *k1, p1; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 19-22: *k4, p2; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 23: *c4f, p2; rep from * to end of rnd.
Repeat Rnds 19-23: 4 more times, or until item measures desired length.
Repeat Rnds 19-21.
Next rnd (decrease rnd): *k2tog, k2tog; p2; rep from * to last 6sts, k2tog, k2tog, p2. (28 sts remain).
Next rnd (decrease rnd): *k2tog; rep from * to end of rnd. (14 sts remain).
Bind off with gather removal method.
Weave in all ends. Block if necessary.
Please read the instructions entirely before following the video pattern. Comments on the video are turned off as I don’t tend to go to YouTube to check on comments. Please feel free to leave a comment on this blogpost if you need assistance.
Well someone forgot how to upload videos…or things changed considerably since I last went to youtube. That took a bit longer than I thought it would…or maybe my internet is slower now.
I tried to record as many of the steps as possible for you. I recommend reading the instructions as well as watching the video. If you have any questions, drop them in the comments here. The video comments are off as I tend to forget that people can comment there and by the time I get around to seeing/responding to those comments, a year has passed.
It has been a bit since I created much of anything on the knitting looms. To say that we (by “we”, I mean me and my royal mouse) have been in a looming slump is an understatement. I recently had to create a few videos demonstrating basic crown decreases on the new Flexee Looms, manufactured by KB Looms, and loom designed by my colleague Renita Harvey.
After creating those videos, I wanted to try one of the Flexee Looms with my beloved Malabrigo yarn. I went to work and the final product was this adorable little hat for my daughter. Truth: I thought it was going to fit an adult, but instead it fit my toddler. She has a noggin that is 19″ in circumference (which actually is the same size as my head, but I have been told I have a small noggin). Anyways, the Flexee Loom works wonderfully for creating cables. Snap the links, connect them in the new order, and voila the cable is created.
Disclaimer: Let me be open with you about my hardships connecting the links, I find it hard to re-connect the links when they have stitches on them. The space is limited between links when there is knitting already on the loom, and spreading the knit fabric sometimes gives me more difficulty than others. It has taken me quite a bit to get used to it. Have the links gotten looser, yes, but it is still hard for me to connect them. I have small hands (I guess they match my small noggin!), and connecting the pieces together is somewhat tough for me. If you do get the set of looms, I highly recommend playing with it before starting a project. Connect, and disconnect the links. You will find your groove after a bit, and after awhile the links start connecting a little easier.
Anyways, here is the pattern. I know that’s what you are all here for. I have become one of those blogs with the whole narrative before the recipe, ha!
Knitting Loom: Flexee Loom Chunky (48pegs, total of 24 links).
Yarn: Approximately 65 yards of chunky/bulky weight merino wool yarn. Sample was knit with Malabrigo Chunky in Paris Night. Highly recommend a yarn with inherent elasticity to facilitate the reordering of the stitches when creating the cable.
Notions: knitting tool, tapestry needle, row counter.
Optional: Pom pom.
Sizes: Small.
Abbreviations
k=knit stitch (I used the u-stitch on the sample).
p=purl stitch
rnd(s)=round(s)
st(s)=stitches
k2tog=knit two stitches together. Creates a decrease by 1 stitch.
p2tog=purl two stitches together. Creates a decrease by 1 stitch.
c4b=Cable 4 Back. Cable that takes place over 4 stitches/pegs, over 2 links. The cable slants to the right.
Set up of the Links: Link 1 is on the right, Link 2 is on the left.
Step 1: Disconnect Link 1 from its neighbor links to the right, and to the left.
Step 2: Set the disconnected Link 1 to the back (center of the loom).
Step 3: Connect Link 2 to the link located to the right. Knit both stitches on Link 2.
Step 4: Disconnect Link 2 from the link to its left.
Step 5: Connect Link 1 to Link 2; reconnect the link that was disconnected on Step 4.
Step 6: Knit the stitches on Link 1.
INSTRUCTIONS
Assemble knitting loom by connecting 24 links to work in the round.
Rnd 1-10: *k2, p2; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 11-14: *k4, p2; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 15: *c4b, p2; rep from * to end of rnd.
Repeat Rnds 11-15: until item measures approximately 7″ from cast on edge, end on a rnd 15 (a cable rnd).
Repeat Rnds 11-13.
Next rnd (decrease rnd): *k2tog, k2tog; p2; rep from * to end of rnd. (32 stitches remain).
Next rnd (decrease rnd): *k2tog, p2tog; rep from * to end of rnd. (16 sts remain).
Next rnd (decrease rnd): *k2tog; rep from * to end of rnd. (8 sts remain).
Bind off with gather removal method.
Weave in all ends. Block if necessary.
“Could this be done for adults?”
Definitely, you will need to add more links, how many more? Well that depends on the yarn weight you are using, if you are using the Chunky Malabrigo (weight 5) that I used in my sample, I would recommend about 60 pegs (30 links). If you want to use a super bulky yarn (weight 6), I would recommend about 54 pegs (27 links). The pattern should work about the same, including the decrease rounds (the stitches remaining will change).
Video has been added to aid you in creating this pattern.
