What To Say When Someone Calls You A Cheat For Your Loom Knitting
Loom knitting is quite a cause for debate among many knitters. There have been more than one occasion when someone was called a cheat for using a loom to knit on.
Some even say that using a loom for knitting is not “real knitting”. Nothing could be further from the truth.
In fact, loom knitting can be a great alternative if you want to give your knitting needles a rest for a little while.
The following facts about knitting will surely help you save face next time someone dares calling you a cheat for practicing loom knitting.
Fact #1: Loom knitting was used in ancient times
You may not know it, but the Ancient Egyptians really loved to loom knit. One artifact dating from the 11th century AD consists of a pair of socks that were made in this manner. Now let’s see who dares calling the Ancient Egyptians cheats.
Fact #2: Loom knitting is practiced by a lot of people
If you want to take on the practice of knitting on a loom, today is the right day to start. With plenty of loom supplies being made by manufacturers and sold in stores, as well as patterns and video tutorials, you will find it really easy.
A way of knitting that was popular during Queen Elisabeth I’s times, loom knitting is really catching on. Don’t you want to be part of this new – yet old – wave?
Fact #3: Looms might have been predecessors of knitting
Although hard evidence does not exist, looms might have been invented before needles. The judges are out on this one, so you may want to take this with a pinch of salt.
Fact #4: Loom knitting is still knitting
When someone argues with you about knitting on a loom not being “real knitting”, think of it this way. You still use your hands, your final projects look just the same, and no machinery is used. That’s real knitting for you.
Fact #5: Loom knitting is not only for children
There is a misconception about loom knitting being just for children. It is a way, however, to pick up knitting fast and easy, so the right thing to say is that it is a good way for beginners to learn how to knit.
Thinking of taking up loom knitting? You can get some from our shop: Knitting Looms
If you would like to have a go at trying out loom knitting, why not start with a Izzy Doll?
I knit with single- and double- point, and circular needles, I crochet, and I’ve used looms of various sizes. Of all the yarn arts, the finished product I like least comes from a loom. Its simple but unless I want sleep socks (impossible to loom knit anything that will fit in a shoe or boot!) or stocking hats, I’ll stick to my hooks and needles.
Juanita –
It’s fine if you haven’t taken to loom knitting but for the record It’s not impossible to make a sock that’s thin enough to wear under a shoe or boot you just need a loom with a finer gauge if you want to knit something thinner (similar to how you need different sized needles) the closer the pegs the finer weight of yarn you can use
Have you never seen fine gauge sock looms, Juanita? They make gorgeous regular socks!
I had to stop regular knitting & crochet because of my carpel tunnel. My Grand daughter introduced me to the loom, I can handle it with no trouble.
I just started loom knitting this year I made a blanket I made a scarf I made my dog a blanket I’m making my dog a sweater now I love it
That is great – happy loom knitting!
I started with Loom Knitting & it really helped me to understand the construction of knits & pearls, how to identify mistakes and how to fix them.
The looom adds years to thed productivity of hands that no longer can needle knit. I often suggest this alternative and most are delighted, Pretty soon I will be using them more as well as my hands shake very badly. I knit less fine as I get frustrated with loosing the stitches
My only complaint about circular frame knitting (I don’t call them looms), is that the finished results don’t look the same at all. I saw a lady on the bus the other day with a knitted hat on, and it was obvious that it was done on a Knifty Knitter or similar tool. The stitches are so widely spaced that there are ladders of yarn between each column of stitches, especially with the “e-wrap” stitch. In other words, the knitted piece is half holes.
If there is a way to make frame knitting look like it was done on needles, that would be awesome.