Loom knitting Just Why Is IT So Popular Now?
Loom knitting is as well referred to as French knitting, reel knitting, spool knitting, box knitting, rake knitting, ring knitting, bung knitting, frame knitting etc Loom knitting is an ancient fine art that has of late found a resurgence. Knitting today is exceedingly popular all over the world. And the resurgence of knitting looms in the world of knitting has given all knitters a grounds to grin.
Looms were used extensively in the medieval age in countries like Britain, France, Germany and many other places in Europe. People used the technique of loom knitting to knit bags, purses, tasseled caps, petticoats, shawls, hammocks, curtains, nets, petticoats etc. A common belief is that guild apprentices knit carpets for their masters on frame boards i.e, knitting looms.
Knitting looms can be separated in to three primary types- the round loom, the rake loom and the knitting board. The round loom is not necessarily round. It could be a square, rectangle, an oval or even diamond-shaped. All pegs of this loom are needed to be continuous without any specific starting or stopping point. The space between the pegs of this loom controls its gauge. A lot of space means a lot of gauge.
There is not much difference between the round loom and the rake. However, the rake, second type of knitting loom, has continuous pegs which have a beginning and a finishing point. Once Again, the gauge of the pegs in this loom is defined by the length between them. Only flat knitting can be done on this type of knitting loom.
A knitting board is a loom with two parallel rakes. These twin rakes are used to knit across the loom. A double knit fabric can be produced with the help of a knitting board. The gauge of this type of loom is determined by two factors- the length between its pegs and the distance between its rakes. A big gauge is created by a large length between either of the two.
Loom knitting is facilitated by the different devices on a knitting loom. The knitting looms that have single rows of pegs are called single rakes, while those having double rows of pegs are called double rakes. Knitting materials that have a distinctive right and wrong side can be made with single rakes. A double material with both right sides can be produced with the aid of double rakes.
The purpose pegs serve in loom knitting is same as the purpose needles serve in hand or machine knitting. Each peg in a loom is like a knitting needle which is used to produce assorted designs and stitches on a loom. Gauge is the distance between the pegs of a loom. It is this standard of measurement that controls the size of the stitches that can be produced, as also the thickness of yarn that would work the best for a particular loom.
Loom knitting has not only made a comeback but also is gaining popularity. It is simple to learn and the knitting looms are uncomplicated to use. Those who have given up crochet and needle knitting owing to arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or other such complaints can enjoy loom knitting instead. It does not call for use of needles and is very user friendly.
The trend of loom knitting is taking the world by storm and is for certain causing a lot good to the world of knitting.