Do you want to learn how to loom knit? You came to the right place!
This list of easy, step by step loom knitting tutorials that will teach you exactly what you need to know to get started with this awesome craft.
Want to remember this? Post this list of free loom knitting patterns to your favorite DIY Pinterest board!
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What is Loom Knitting?
Loom knitting is a great way to make a simple hat, a scarf, or larger projects like baby blankets and shawls. Plus it’s easy for beginners to learn!
There are lots of different types of looms to choose from! Here are a few examples:
- circular loom or round knitting loom
- long loom or knitting board
- infinity loom or afghan loom
Basically, a knitting loom consists of a frame with a certain number of pegs that you wrap with yarn, and you use a special hook to make different stitches.
The yarn weight you use with your loom will depend on what gauge it is.
There are large gauge looms and small gauge looms, and each type uses different sizes of yarn.
All of the loom knitting patterns below are done on a large gauge loom. I think that’s a great place to start for beginners.
You’ll want to use bulky yarn, or multiple strands of yarn if you’re using something like worsted weight or sport weight.
My Loom Knitting Journey in a Nutshell
Long long ago (back when dinosaurs roamed the Earth), I wanted to learn how to crochet. But for the life of me, I could not figure it out.
I tried to get people to show me how, but no luck.
I managed to figure out the basic stitches, but every time I tried to make a blanket or a hat, things got weird. Sides of blankets got bigger or smaller, and I couldn’t figure out how to do hats at all.
This was when YouTube wasn’t quite as big, so I didn’t have that amazing option yet.
I’m a very visual person, and the written instructions in the books I had just weren’t cutting it for me.
One day while perusing the yarn aisle, I came across a set of Knifty Knitter looms. I decided to give them a try.
At first the instructions were a little confusing, but then it clicked. Total game changer!
I finally was able to make a hat! That I could WEAR!
We still have that hat, and about ten million others I’ve made over the years both with loom knitting and crochet.
It wasn’t long after that before I found some YouTube videos on crochet, and I haven’t looked back.
Free Loom Knitting Patterns for Beginners
Below you'll find a list of loom knitting projects that include a free pattern plus video tutorials!
When you click over to each free loom knitting pattern, you'll see it includes the supply list, a written tutorial with photos, and the embedded YouTube video to make it super easy even for an absolute beginner.
This has been my most popular loom knitting pattern on my site and on my YouTube channel!
In this tutorial, I'll show you how to make a basic loom knit hat with a folded up brim.
I'll also show you how to make this hat with two colors of chunky yarn, but you can just use one color if you prefer and skip the color change.
This is a great project if you've never loom knit before. You'll learn how to do an e wrap cast on and how to do the e-wrap knit stitch as well.
The e-wrap is a super easy, foolproof loom knitting stitch that is great for beginners because you don't have to worry about your tension too much. Although you don't want to wrap too tight or it'll be hard to pull the loops off! Try to stay relaxed while you work.
E-wrap loom knitting looks a little different than traditional knitting, but it still looks good.
If you want to make a smaller hat you can, just use a smaller size loom! Everything else will stay the same, you'll just have less stitches.
Be sure to check this free pattern out!
Once you master the basic loom knit hat, this is a fun variation to try!
In this pattern, you'll learn how to do the purl stitch. Don't be scared, it's actually very simple!
You can change colors like I did for the striped effect, or you can stick to one color and let the texture shine on it's own.
Either way, this striped loom knit hat pattern is the perfect accessory to make, even for new loom knitters!
You'll need a 48 peg loom that's large gauge, and there's a link to my favorite one in the supply list for this pattern.
If you want to make a smaller hat you can, just use a smaller size loom! Everything else will stay the same, you'll just have less stitches.
It doesn't get much easier or faster than this! You can loom knit a baby hat so fast with this pattern, and the rolled brim is super stretchy and soft for their sweet little heads.
There's also a valuable chart in the post that tells you what sizes of hats work best for different ages.
For example, you can make a preemie sized hat with the 24 peg loom and 20 rows, which takes about 15 minutes to complete.
I also made one with the 36 peg loom and it would work well for a newborn or a baby that's a few months old.
You can really customize the fit depending on the size you're going for!
This is another simple baby hat pattern, but this one has regular brim. Instead of a folding it, we'll alternate knit and purl stitches to create a stretchy, ribbed brim.
Plus, I'll show you how to make it in two sizes!
These sweet hats make great gifts and work up super fast. That's one of my favorite things about making baby items, they're always a quick loom project!
Fingerless gloves are nice to have in the fall when it starts to get chilly but it isn't super cold yet.
I love to wear them when I'm working on my computer. They keep my hands warm, but I can still type!
This pattern is slightly more complicated than the first few on this list, but it's still super easy.
I'll walk you through each step, and as always, there's a video tutorial as well.
In this pattern, we'll learn the U-wrap knit stitch. This makes a more flat knit texture and is tighter than the e-wrap.
We'll also be using the purl stitch to create a ribbed cuff.
Be sure to take a look at this simple loom knitting project!
These loom knit slipper socks are super fun to make. And don't be intimitated about the whole heel section, it's not hard, I promise!
I'll walk you through the whole process to make these cozy socks with super bulky yarn.
You can make them in different sizes by changing how many rows you do for the main sock body. They're made to be a bit oversized and they stretch, so it's a pretty forgiving pattern.
These loom knit socks make great gifts for the holidays!
Make a cozy and warm loom knit headband with this step by step tutorial!
I'll show you how to knit up a crossed headband on a round loom and sew it together. It's really easy!
The finished headband is so thick and warm, your ears will thank you. It's basically the next best thing to a loom knit bun hat!
Finally learn how to knit with that long knitting loom in this step by step scarf tutorial.
I had my long knitting loom forever before I finally figure out how to use it. Don't be like me, follow this tutorial and start making super cozy scarves today!
This technique creates a thick, warm scarf that is perfect for those cold winters.
My kids love to wear this scarf when they play in the snow!
In Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this list of loom knitting patterns for beginners! There’s something here for everyone.
Once you learn these easy patterns you can start trying new things like a loom knit dog sweater, a zippy loom infinity scarf, a comfy throw pillow or a loom knit baby blanket that’s a true labor of love.
There are so many projects to try in the world of loom knitting!
More Tutorials to Try
Easy Free Loom Knitting Patterns for Beginners (Start Here!)
Crystal Martin is the crafty lady behind Marching North. She loves sharing easy to follow tutorials and patterns for macrame, crochet, punch needle, and pretty much anything else involving yarn or textiles.
Her work has been featured on Creative Fabrica, Craft Gossip, Ravelry, as well as her own site and YouTube channels.