Crochet is my primary focus these days, but it's not how I got my start in the fiber arts! And I got to go back to my childhood this past weekend, and play with the Martha Stewart Knit & Weave Loom Kit!
When I was a kid, back in the last millennium (aka the late 70's and early 80's), potholder weaving kits were all the rage. You know the ones I'm talking about - the fabric elastic loops (and the few at the bottom of the bag that didn't stretch at all), the square loom, the metal hook. And I loved making them. I mean I LOVED it. My parents and grandparents were never short on tiny, garish, largely impractical potholders while I was on the job.
And when I had my own kids, they got a new potholder loom kit and I got to show them how to weave them too! Which led to a big "duh" moment for me - binding those off? That's crochet! I'd been crocheting for years before I thought I knew how, at least a little bit. It was in my genes!
So this past Saturday, I got to sit down and play with the Martha Stewart Knit & Weave Loom Kit - and it was so fun! With 18 different loom pieces, you can make a wide variety of projects - hats, scarves, blankets, flowers, and more. But of course, I had to create the square loom, for a bit of weaving nostalgia....
Using Lion Brand Kitchen Cotton, I made two woven squares, using pretty much the same technique as the potholders! Of course, using yarn instead of fabric loops was a little different, but in the end it was the same, and I loved it! The first one I made used just one strand, and it came out very delicate looking. The second used strands held doubled, and the effect was much more solid. I added a round of sc around each to firm up the edges too.
I wouldn't use these for potholders, but they would make pretty trivets, or even dishcloths/washcloths/spa cloths. Or you can join them together for a blanket! The Knit & Weave Loom Kit has some great ideas and patterns in the instruction book, and is sure to get your creativity going!
The Kit is easy to use, and endlessly versatile. After all, it includes the stuff for both weaving and loom knitting - which is incredibly relaxing, and great for both adults and kids. And you'll find more free loom patterns and free weaving patterns on Lion Brand's website!
And this set has just so many possibilities! There are 310 pegs, in two sizes for different weights of yarn, 18 loom pieces that can be connected in over 30 different ways, as well as a weaving hook, crochet hook, loom knitting hook, large and small yarn needles, and of course the instructions. And can I mention that I love that it all packs right back into a handy, compact carrying case?
So if you're looking to try loom knitting and maybe give weaving a whirl as well, the Martha Stewart Knit & Weave Loom Kit is a great choice! I found it easy to use, and a lot of fun too! I can't wait to share it with my kids! You can find it at LionBrand.com, as well as many craft stores and big box stores' craft sections!
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This post was sponsored by Lion Brand Yarn, but all opinions are my own.
Susan
Thanks for the review! I knit and crochet right now but
at least I know I have even more options with the loom kit.
Lori
i have this kit, too. For me, I found a couple of parts a little too flimsy (like the knit loom hook) so I'd buy stronger replacement parts. And I didn't realize that the packaging was the case -- I now keep the parts in a wooden box that was given to me by a student at Christmas. And I'm glad that Lion Brand has been putting more patterns for the kit on the website.
Karolin
i was able to pick one of these up for $20 at an AC Moore that was closing!! I can't wait to play with it. Unfortunately we need to move houses first in order to give me the space/craft room to play in!! Lol
Kathy
I have two of these sets. It is SO versatile. I've made a few small woven pieces but I want to try a large one later this year. I use it often for loom knitting, though, and have made lots of hats, scarfs, and shawls with it
lorettaheim
I had a loom earlier when the fun started again with looms. At that time there were not very many patterns available. So I gave
my loom to my daughter-in-law. Now there are a lot more patterns around the net,and I'm wishing I had kept my loom. I will
have to start looking again !!!!!!!!! loretta