If you have been wanting to learn how to make your own scarves, hats, and more, then you have probably been wondering where is the best place to start? Sure, you could crochet them or knit them with knitting needles. But have you considered loom knitting? Today we’ll learn more about this accessible craft and take a deep dive into one particular style of loom: the long loom. You’ll also learn 25 long loom knitting stitches to get you started on your loom knitting journey. And if you’ve already tried your hand at loom knitting, I can almost guarantee that there will be some new stitches for you to learn too!
Why Loom Knitting Over Needle Knitting?
While regular knitting has its charm, the world of loom knitting offers a different kind of magic. One of the main draws is its accessibility. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete beginner, loom knitting welcomes you with open arms. The learning curve is gentler, making it an ideal choice for those just dipping their toes into the world of yarn and knit stitches. It can also be easier on the joints and more accommodating for folks with limited mobility.
Demystifying the Long Loom
Now, let’s shine a spotlight on the star of our show—the long loom. What sets this knitting tool apart from its counterparts? Long looms are also called rectangular looms or rake looms. Unsurprisingly, the looms are long and rectangular in shape. Two rows of pegs called rakes sit across from one another. When you use a round knitting loom you wrap your pegs in one direction around and around. With long loom knitting stitches, you will wrap your working yarn around the pegs back and forth across the two rakes.
Exploring the Tapestry of Stitches
Long loom knitting stitches are like strokes on a canvas, weaving a tapestry of warmth and texture. From the basic stockinette to the pretty figure-eight, each stitch adds a unique touch to different types of projects. The beauty lies not only in the finished product but also in the meditative process of creating something with your hands. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, long loom knitting stitches become a soothing retreat, allowing you to unwind and express your creativity with yarn.
So, whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a curious beginner, join us on this cozy journey into the world of long loom knitting stitches. Grab a skein of yarn that brings you joy, pick up a long loom and loom hook, and let’s stitch up some magic together—because there’s nothing quite like the joy of creating something beautiful with your own two hands.
Honeycomb Stitch
You’ll soon find that the majority of tutorials for long loom knitting projects are offered in video format, like this one. Follow along with the video to learn how to recreate this pretty honeycomb stitch. You can always slow down the playback speed if you are having trouble keeping up. This thick and squishy stitch is great for everything from blankets to scarves.
Designer: Tuteate
Yarn: Katia Canada (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free loom knitting tutorial!
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Figure-Eight Stitch
There’s no stitch quite as satisfying to wrap around the loom pegs as the figure-eight stitch. The stitch is aptly named for the specific shape that the yarn makes as you wrap the pegs. This stitch is a great choice to make a scarf like this one or go rogue and make whatever small or larger projects you can think of. The tutorial is available for free in both video and written formats.
Designer: Marching North
Yarn: Lion Brand Hometown (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free loom knitting tutorial!
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Triple Rib Stitch
Thick t-shirt yarn combined with a hefty triple rib stitch makes a satisfyingly squishy fabric. This is an easier stitch to pick up because there are no purl stitches involved. While it’s likely too stiff to make a nice cowl or infinity scarf, it happens to be a great way to make things like bath mats and small projects like kitchen mats. So why not add a little handmade charm to your home?
Designer: Goodknit Kisses
Yarn: T-Shirt Yarn (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free loom knitting tutorial!
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Braided Cable Stitch
Loom knitting sometimes gets a bad wrap, because it is easier than traditional knitting. Gorgeous stitches like this braided cable stitch are here to show you that you can make stylish and cozy accessories and more on a loom just as easily as you can on a pair of knitting needles. Follow along with the Youtube video to learn how to recreate this stitch pattern.
Designer: Ms Yarn
Yarn: Estelle Bulky (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free loom knitting tutorial!
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Box Stitch
A network of diagonal lines intersect to form rows and rows of boxes tilted on their ends in the box stitch. This is an interesting stitch both to wrap and to look at. You’re certain to not get bored while doing this one, especially if you add in a few color changes to keep things fresh.
Designer: Loom Knit Central
Yarn: None specified
Click here for the free loom knitting tutorial!
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Double Stockinette Twist Stitch
Stockinette stitch is usually one of the first stitches you learn in traditional knitting. Here we see a riff on that classic stitch with an added twist. This stitch pattern produces a pleasing fabric with natural vertical lines. It is thick, squishy, and perfect for projects like scarves and blankets.
Designer: The Crochet Crowd
Yarn: Caron Sprinkle Cakes (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free loom knitting tutorial!
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Rib Stitch
The rib stitch adds texture and interest to this cozy and cute scarf design. This stitch is really a must-learn that you will definitely want to have under your belt. Stretchy ribbing is great for things like cowls, scarves, the cuffs of sweater sleeves, and the brims of beanies.
Designer: Lion Brand Yarn
Yarn: Lion Brand Martha Stewart Crafts Roving Wool (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free loom knitting tutorial!
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Braid Knit Stitch
Pretty diagonal lines of braided stitches are formed with this easy to learn stitch. The slight gaps in between the individual braids add a touch of lace and sophistication. You could encourage the fabric to be even more lacey with a bit of stretching and blocking. The tutorial is presented in written format with step-by-step photos to help you visualize the process as you go.
Designer: In God’s Economy
Yarn: None specified
Click here for the free loom knitting tutorial!
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One Color Brioche Stitch
Just like the rich bread it is named for, the brioche stitch is a fan favorite in the knitting universe – both traditional and loom. It can be quite difficult to do with knitting needles, but now you can learn how to do it on a loom instead. The tutorial is presented in both written and video formats.
Designer: Yarn Designers Boutique
Yarn: None specified
Click here for the free loom knitting tutorial!
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Zig Zag Stitch
Some long loom knitting stitches are named for the qualities of the fabric they produce while others are named for the shapes that the yarn wraps make on the pegs of the loom. The zig zag stitch is in the latter category. You’ll like the meditative nature of the back and forth wraps as well as the solid fabric that the stitch produces.
Designer: Ms Yarn
Yarn: None specified
Click here for the free loom knitting tutorial!
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Basket Weave Stitch
The beautiful basket weave stitch has a dramatic 3-dimensional texture that is sure to be the star of the show for your next loom knitting project. Follow along with the video tutorial to learn how to loom knit the basket weave stitch as well as how to make a pretty button up cowl using the stitch.
Designer: Tuteate
Yarn: None specified
Click here for the free loom knitting tutorial!
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Criss Cross Stitch
Another name that you will hear long looms called is the knitting board. This is a brand of long looms that also offers excellent stitch tutorials, like this one for this pretty criss cross stitch. You can often find rectangular looms at thrift stores or being given away on Facebook, but if you would prefer to buy one new, then this could be a good option for you.
Designer: KB Looms
Yarn: None specified
Click here for the free loom knitting tutorial!
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Star Stitch
There are, of course, much more than 25 long loom knitting stitches out there, but we can only pack so much loom knitting goodness into one article. But many of the designers we are featuring today, including this one, have many more tutorials than the ones we were able to include. So if you like this star stitch tutorial, be sure to check out their other stuff too.
Designer: Loom Knit Central
Yarn: None specified
Click here for the free loom knitting tutorial!
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Garter Stitch
Arguably the easiest stitch in traditional knitting, garter stitch is no more complicated in loom knitting. This is the same garter stitch you know and love. It’s thick and squishy with a nice overall texture. The best part is that the edges don’t have that annoying tendency to curl like other stitches sometimes do.
Designer: Good Knit Kisses
Yarn: Bernat Baby Blanket (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free loom knitting tutorial!
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Fish Scale Stitch
Embrace your inner mermaid with this tantalizingly textured stitch pattern. An intricate network of interlocking stitchwork forms a sea of scales. In my opinion, you really need to select a fun colored yarn like the rainbow one shown here to get the full effect. Sparkles would be a nice touch too!
Designer: Kimberly Carrigan
Yarn: None specified
Click here for the free loom knitting tutorial!
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Heart Stitch
Did you know that there are long loom knitting stitches that use two colors of yarn? This is such a fun way to add some interest into your next loom knitting project. I think that this pretty heart stitch would be especially adorable for any Valentine’s Day projects you’ve been dreaming of. The video is in Spanish but the visuals are still easy to follow along with.
Designer: Cursos Monica Maria
Yarn: None specified
Click here for the free loom knitting tutorial!
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Modified Figure 8 Stitch
It’s the figure 8 stitch you know and love with a bit of a twist. You will wrap your yarn around two pegs at a time rather than one. This technique supersizes that amazing figure 8 texture and it makes your project go by faster too. Follow along with the written instructions to learn how to work this exciting stitch and how to make this stunning shawl too.
Designer: Knitting Board
Yarn: Loops & Threads Cozy Wool (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free loom knitting tutorial!
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Open Braid Stitch
Long looms with smaller pegs spaced closer together are ideal for more lightweight projects that call for thinner weights of yarn. The open braid stitch is ideal for this style of rectangular loom. You can’t really tell from the picture but this stitch is not only textured but also a bit lacy, so it’s perfect for a number of projects!
Designer: The Answer Lady Knits
Yarn: Worsted Weight #4
Click here for the free loom knitting tutorial!
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Striped Zephyr Stitch
Watch your columns of stitches wiggle this way and that with the super fun zephyr stitch. This loom knitting stitch really shines when it is worked with two colors. The stripes really highlight the stitch design. Choose two colors of yarn that have good contrast with each other for the best result. If you choose two colors that are very similar to one another then all those lovely lines will get a bit muddled.
Designer: Kimberly Carrigan
Yarn: None specified
Click here for the free loom knitting tutorial!
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Twisted Pearl Stitch
Strong columns of braided stitches stand out against the lace criss cross background of our next stitch tutorial. The twisted pearl stitch is a total show stopper that’s great for crafting up eye-catching designs. Long loom knitting stitches with a touch of lace are especially great for lightweight accessories like shawls.
Designer: Knitting Board
Yarn: Lion Brand Heartland (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free loom knitting tutorial!
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Double Ribbed Stitch
You can supersize the stitch definition in your next project by double wrapping your pegs. Learn more about this exciting technique with the double ribbed stitch. This video tutorial will walk you through how to do it step by step. The fabric that this method produces is especially thick, squishy, and satisfying.
Designer: The Crochet Crowd
Yarn: Caron Chunky Cakes (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free loom knitting tutorial!
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Vertically Striped Stockinette Stitch
Are you ready to upgrade your loom knitting game? If you’ve mastered the basic stockinette stitch, then why not mix things up with two color vertical stripes. Vertical stripes are a bit of a pain in traditional knitting since you have to change colors every other stitch, but it’s easier with a loom.
Designer: Hypnotic Hysteria
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free loom knitting tutorial!
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Criss Cross Stitch
I know that we already had one of these long loom knitting stitches called the criss cross stitch, but this one is definitely different from the other one. I guess these two designers didn’t confer with each other before naming their stitches! This one produces a solid fabric comprised of lots of little “v’s” a bit like stockinette stitch but the stitches seem to be a bit more disconnected from each other.
Designer: Archer Moon Design
Yarn: None specified
Click here for the free loom knitting tutorial!
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Loopy Rib Stitch
Mimic the look of the drop stitch down in traditional knitting with this loom knit version called the loopy rib stitch. This look is very lacy so the fabric that it produces has lots of beautiful movement and drape. Many long loom knitting stitches can be quite stiff, but not this one!
Designer: Hypnotic Hysteria
Yarn: None specified
Click here for the free loom knitting tutorial!
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Twisted Rib Stitch
Last but not least, we have the twisted rib stitch. This video tutorial puts a literal twist on the classic rib stitch for a unique look. The pattern in which you wrap the pegs is easy to memorize and satisfying to do. You will soon be off to the races with your next loom knitting project once you learn this stitch.
Designer: Tuteate
Yarn: None specified
Click here for the free loom knitting tutorial!
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Final Thoughts on Long Loom Knitting Stitches
I won’t keep you loom knitters any longer because I know that your loom must be calling to you by now! Did you ever dream that there were so many amazing long loom knitting stitches out there? I hope you found a free loom knitting pattern you can’t wait to get started on!
Don’t forget, sharing is caring! Send this free loom knitting stitch tutorial round-up to all your loom knitting friends so they can join in on the fun too! Bookmark this page or save the link to your Pinterest board for amazing loom knitting tutorials.
I’ll see you next week for another free knitting pattern round-up. Make sure to follow the blog so you never miss a post. <3
Happy Loom Knitting!
PJ
Thank you for the great resource of stitches. I like to loom knit when not crocheting I will try new stitches now.