When it comes to loom knitting, the most important thing is the loom itself. And everyone has their opinion of which loom brand is the best. My favorite looms are made by KB. I have liked their looms long before I came to work with the company. I use their looms for the patterns that I write because the looms are my favorite, not because KB wants me to use them.
But no matter which looms are bought by the beginner loom knitter, the questions are all the same. What can I make on this loom? If I want to make a certain item, which loom is best? What yarn can use with this loom? Do I need to 2 strands or just one? How can you make a round hat on a loom that is not a circle? Can I use super bulky weight yarn on a small gauge loom? These types are questions are endless. But they all pertain to the same subject.
So let’s discuss looms. I think most will surprised at what you can make on and what yarn you can use with some of these looms. And before we get started, I would like to say that all these looms are made by KB. It is the KB blog after all…
Single Knitting vs Double Knitting: What is the difference?
Single knitting is done on a loom with 1 row of pegs. These looms come in various shapes. Circles, rectangles, ovals, and straight rails. Single knitting can be worked in the round like hats and tubes and also as flat panels like scarves and blankets.
Double knitting is done on long looms where you work the stitches across both sides at once. These looms are called boards or rakes. Flat panels are worked on these looms. The resulting fabric is thicker and most stitch patterns are the same on both sides. Stockinette will not curl when double knit since both sides are the same .
What is the difference between a loom and a knitting board?
All knitting boards or rakes are knitting looms. Not all knitting looms are knitting boards. Still confused? They are all looms. Some are just for single knit and some are for double knit. And then there are some that you can do both.
Why do some have metal pins and some have nylon pegs?
The metal pins are on the knitting boards only. These are only for double knitting. Some may say you can still single knit on one side of these knitting board with metal pins. But I will say that it is very difficult to single knit with these pins. But if you want the challenge, go for it!
The looms with the nylon pegs are for single knitting as well as double knitting. They have a nice little groove down the side of the peg that the tip of the loom pick can slide in to catch the loop.
Other loom manufacturers use different types of pegs. Some are easier to work with than others. I like the pegs that have a little knob or bump at the top so that the stitches do not come off too easily. I don’t like the knob at the top to be too big because then it is hard to get the stitch over the top of the peg. I also like pegs with grooves in them. Makes it easier to pick up the loop with the loom pick.
What is Loom Gauge?
I will discuss the different peg spacing on each loom. Loom gauge is determined by the space from the center of the peg to the center of the next peg. I go into more detail on loom gauge and swatch/stitch gauge in the article Loom FAQs: What Is Gauge?
*Note: I have provided links throughout the article that will take you to the product page on the KB website of the item I am discussing. The extras that I mention like the extra sliders, peg extenders, and connectors are not in stores and can only be purchased directly from KB. I am not trying to sell you looms although I can see where this may come across as a sales pitch. Most likely you already have some of these looms already. Nobody asked me to write this particular article although I have had several ask me why I love the All-n-One loom so much. Now let’s talk looms!
KB makes 4 sock looms. We will discuss the 3 that are adjustable. The fourth sock loom is the Sock Loom 52 Peg which has metal pegs and the same gauge as the Sock Loom Original and is not adjustable.
What I like so much about sock looms is that they are for more than just socks. Please do not assume you must make socks on a sock loom. They are perfect for small projects. And since they are adjustable, they are perfect for knitting amigurumi or stuffed animals.
Love this little loom. It has an extra fine gauge which is perfect for fingering and sock weight yarns. Socks work up beautifully on it as well as any other pattern. It is made with high grade plastic with elastic bands on each end instead of the bolts and screws that the other sock looms have. Don’t let the word “plastic” or the elastic bands deceive you. It’s a very study loom.
I can get a 17″ flat panel in stockinette using all the pegs. How can you use all the pegs if the slider doesn’t go all the way to the end of the loom? Well, you will need to take the end piece out and put the slider in it’s place. Yes it can be done.
How do I replace the end piece with the slider?
First you place the slider at the middle or other end of the loom. Then you use your fingers at the end to pull apart the loom enough that you can grab the elastic band. You may need to use a sturdy loom pick, knitting needle, or crochet hook to grab the band. Then you let the loom go back together and pull the band off. Remove the end piece and replace it with the slider. Make sure the slider is placed with the grooves in the pegs facing outward. Replace the band. Now you can work all the pegs in a flat panel or in the round. Perfect size for a baby/toddler hat.
Won’t the elastic band stretch out if it’s replaced often?
Good question. Not sure. Good excuse to buy 2. That is my plan. One to use as a fixed loom with the slider at the end and the other to use as as an adjustable loom for socks and stuffed animals. Cannot have too many looms…
What can be made?
Anything you want. Obviously socks. But even if you want to make something wider than approximately 17″, you can seam panels together. Lace scarves, stuffed animals, hats, gloves, shawls… The list goes on and on.
Peg spacing: 3/16″ extra fine gauge
Stitch gauge: 8 – 9 = 1″
Appropriate yarn weight: fingering, sock
Peg count: adjustable with a total of 112
This fine gauge loom still has metal pegs, not metal pins like the knitting boards. Not sure if they will start making them with the nylon pegs. But this is a very sturdy little loom with the wood base. It’s KB’s first sock loom which is also the first single knit loom they sold. It is adjustable so you can make socks in any size. But don’t think that is the only thing you can make on this loom. Just like the Sock Loom EFG, you can also work flat panels as well as working in the round. You can seam panels together to make larger pieces. Do not let the number of pegs limit the size of your project.
What can be made?
Anything you want. Obviously socks. But even if you want to make something larger than the peg count allows, you can seam panels together. Lace scarves, stuffed animals, hats, gloves, shawls… The list goes on and on.
Peg spacing: 5/16″ fine gauge
Stitch gauge: 7 stitches = 1″
Appropriate yarn weight: sock, fingering, lace
Peg count: adjustable with 60 pegs maximum
This little loom I use quite a lot. I use it to make small items with worsted weight yarn. It has the same gauge as the All-n-One loom and is adjustable. Wonderful to work with and easy to carry with you. It has nylon pegs and a wood base.
Some people have taken this one apart and made a small knitting board. No need to do that anymore once you see the new and improved 10″ Knitting Board. Look for details next…
What can be made?
Anything you want. Obviously socks. Using worsted weight yarn makes wonderful slipper socks. So comfy! Making on some right now with this loom. But even if you want to make something larger than the peg count allows, you can seam panels together. Scarves, dish clothes, coasters, stuffed animals, hats, gloves, shawls… The list goes on and on.
Peg spacing: 3/8″ small gauge *Note: KB lists it as regular gauge on this loom’s page but lists this gauge as small gauge everywhere else.*
Stitch gauge: 5 stitches = 1″
Appropriate yarn weight: dk, sport, worsted
Peg count: adjustable with 54 pegs maximum
Now that this knitting board has the nylon pegs and same peg spacing as the All-n-One loom, it is perfect! It is still sold as a knitting board without 5 peg sliders or 20 peg extenders. Those 2 things can be purchased from KB to turn this knitting board into a wonderful gem of a loom! I already have extra sliders and the 20 pegs extenders for my All-n-One loom so I am ready to go with the new and improved 10″ knitting board. This knitting board is not just for double knitting anymore. You can single knit flat panels and in the round as well. It’s fully adjustable with the extras.
Since this version is still new, the older ones with the metal pins can still be found in stores. The sliders and peg extenders will not work on the metal pin version of this loom.
What can be made?
Anything you want. Seeing a theme here? You can double knit and single knit. It’s small and portable. Great size for double knit scarves. Or small items. All the things you can do on the Sock Loom 2 since they are the same gauge but so much more.
Peg spacing: 3/8″ small gauge
Board spacers: The spacer turns to 3 settings, 1cm, 2cm and 3cm, adjusting the space between the board rails. *Note: With the 2cm spacer setting, the gauge will be the same as the 10″ Knitting Board with metal pins.*
Stitch gauge for single knit: 5 stitches = 1″ with worsted weight
Stitch gauge for double knit: varies with spacer and yarn weight used
Appropriate yarn weight:
- single knitting: worsted, dk, sport
- double knitting: depends on the spacer setting so anything from lace to super bulky
Peg count: 24 pegs on each board for double knitting
Maximum peg count with extras: fully adjustable up to 88 pegs with the peg extenders
Extras: 5 peg sliders and 20 peg extenders
Let’s save this loom for last… My all time favorite loom. Ever. Need I say more? Yes, I will later…
28″ Knitting Board with Peg Extenders
First of all, this is NOT a 28″ All-n-One loom. The All-n-One is 18″ long. The 2 should not be confused although I will say that if you buy the sliders for the 28″ loom it will do all that the All-n-One can but with 28 inches in a slightly larger gauge.
The first 28″ Knitting Board that was made came with metal pins and was for double knitting only. The 6 peg sliders and peg extender will not work with that loom. Now that the pegs are nylon, you can single knit on it as well, and the peg extenders make it very nice to make large projects in the round. It has bolt holes so that the peg extenders can be placed for 4 different sizes for projects made in the round. The sliders from the All-n-One should not be used with this loom as they are 2 different gauges.
What can be made?
Anything you want with less seaming. Double knit or single knit, the possibilities are endless. Great for shawls, afghans, cowls, infinity scarves, sweaters, etc. Weaving is also an option on this loom.
Peg spacing: 7/16″ regular gauge
Board spacers: 3 adjustments for double knitting, 1cm, 2cm and 3cm *Note: The new 28″ Knitting Board with spacer set at 2cm, has same gauge as original 28″ Knitting Board with 1/2″ spacing.*
Stitch gauge for single knit: 4 stitches = 1″ with worsted weight
Stitch gauge for double knit: varies with spacer and yarn weight used
Appropriate yarn weight:
- single knitting: worsted, dk, sport, bulky (tight, thick stitches)
- double knitting: depends on the spacer setting so anything from lace to super bulky
Peg count: 64 on each board for double knitting with a maximum of 168 pegs for single knitting
Extras: 6 peg sliders to turn it into a fully adjustable loom
One of only 2 knitting boards that has not been redesigned with the nylon pegs is the 38″ knitting board. This board is for double knitting only.
What can be made?
Afghans, shawls, sweaters, rugs, etc. And anything else you want to make….
Pin spacing/distance between boards: 5/16″ between the pins and 1/2″, 1″, and 1-1/4″ spacer sizes
Appropriate yarn weight: varies with spacer setting so anything from lace to super bulky
Pin count: 112 on each board totaling 224
This is a great little fixed gauge knitting board that is perfect for scarves. It has the metal pins instead of pegs. The perfect size for your project bag so you can work on projects on the go.
What can be made?
Scarves, hot pads, dish cloths, bags, and anything else you heart desires if you are willing to seam it together.
Pin spacing: 5/16″
Appropriate yarn weight: worsted
Pin count: 16 pins on each side totaling 32
32 Peg Loom included in Basics Kit and Skarf Kit
Love, love, LOVE this little loom! A very nice loom to make all kinds of great projects on. You can double knit on it and single knit flat panels and in the round.
What can be made?
The possibilities are endless as well on this little loom as well. Scarves, bags, hats, headbands, dish cloths, mitts, small socks, etc.
Peg spacing: 7/16″ regular gauge
Stitch gauge for single knit: 4 stitches = 1″ with worsted weight
Appropriate yarn weight: worsted and bulky
Peg count: 32
A great loom that can be configured in 4 sizes. If you buy the extra connectors, then you can connect all the pieces in the kit to make an extra large oval so actually more than 4 sizes… All the pieces snap together so no loose pegs or connections. It’s so well put together that sometimes I have trouble getting it back apart! Nothing loose or wobbly. Those pegs snap down in there and hang on for dear life.
Just take care when assembling for small gauge. You have to make sure that the connectors are put in the correct way. The fixed pegs are grooved on both sides on the connectors. For large gauge, that isn’t a problem. But for small gauge, I recommend putting in the extra peg first then connect it to the other pieces making sure that the grooves on all the pegs are facing outward. Otherwise you cannot get that extra peg in that hole with the groove facing outward. Even the so-called experts had trouble with that when they first set up the loom. I won’t name names but we know who we are….
Along with the multiple sizes, you have the option of 2 gauges which is very handy.
What can be made?
Hats of all sizes but don’t stop there! Scarves, cowls, anything with flat panels. Did I mention whatever you like? Yes? Good. Didn’t want you to forget.
Peg spacing: 3/8″ small gauge and 3/4″ large gauge
Appropriate yarn weight: dk, sport, worsted, bulky, and super bulky
Peg count: ex-sm: 28/56 small: 34/68 medium: 40/80 large: 42/84
Maximum peg count with extras: 60/120
Extras: Hat Loom Connectors
This infinity afghan loom can make a flat panel up to 60″. Some people have problems with the curves, but I can say from personal experience that the gap between the curve and the other pegs is larger than other infinity looms. This loom is designed for single knitting although you can find information online on how to set it up so you can double knit.
What can be made?
Afghans, blankets, bedrunners, quilts, wait…. Anything large. Also anything small. And also anything in between.
Peg spacing: 7/16″ regular gauge
Stitch gauge: 4 stitches = 1″ with worsted weight
Appropriate yarn weight: worsted and bulky
Peg count: 198
Chunky knits are all the rage and so is instant gratification. Another great loom for beginners and experts alike. Everything works up very quickly with this extra large gauge loom. Only 4 pegs?? Yes! Each peg is larger than my thumb with a diameter of 3/4″. Each loom is over 5″ long. And they connect together so the number of pegs are unlimited as long as it will fit in your house. Or just knit outside. Just make sure it’s ok with your neighbors if you want a loom that is bigger than your yard and it sticks out into theirs…
What can be made?
Guess what? I will say it again. ANYTHING YOUR HEART DESIRES. Grab some jumbo yarn and make some magic.
Peg spacing: 1.5″ extra large gauge
Stitch gauge: 1 stitch = .75″ – 1″
Appropriate yarn weight: super bulky and jumbo, don’t forget you can use multiple strands of worsted and bulky
Peg count: 4
Maximum peg count with extras: As long as you keep buying more Zippy looms, you can keep adding 4 pegs to your loom. It goes on and on and on and on….
All-n-One Loom: All the details and why I personally think this is the best loom on the market
Without a doubt, my absolutely favorite loom EVER is the All-n-One loom, which is often abbreviated as AIO. When people buy one and ask What can I make on this?, my response is ANYTHING YOU WANT.
You can single knit or set it up as a board with the spacers and double knit.
It is fully adjustable so you can set it at any peg count over 14. You can increase and decrease items that are worked in the round. Don’t like the extra bulk at the top of a hat? Decrease the crown! You can adjust the size as you decrease. I have made a hat off a needle knit pattern where I decreased down to 4 stitches. It was tight at the end but it worked. You want the brim to be smaller than body of hat for a baggy slouchy? Increase after the brim.
What can be made?
You think I was being too pushy with the “you can make anything you want” with all the other looms? Brace yourself. With this loom, you can not only make anything you want, but you can also do all those increases and decreases while working in the round that is impossible on other looms. Stuffed animals can be made since you can shape heads, legs and arms. Odd sized hats are possible on this loom. Mitts and leg warmers of all sizes can be achieved with ease. But wait! There’s more! Buy an extra set of sliders, and you can make 2 socks at the same time! Ok…. Now I am beginning to sound like an infomercial. Seriously. ANYTHING YOU WANT OR NEED CAN BE KNIT ON THIS LOOM. Not big enough? Seam those panels and pieces together.
Peg spacing: 3/8″ small gauge
Board spacers: 3 adjustments for double knitting, 1cm, 2cm and 3cm
Stitch gauge for single knit: 5 stitches = 1″ with worsted weight
Stitch gauge for double knit: varies with spacer and yarn weight used
Appropriate yarn weight:
- single knitting: worsted, dk, sport
- double knitting: depends on the spacer setting so anything from lace to super bulky
Peg count: 48 on each board for double knitting with a total of 106 when using the 5 peg sliders for single knitting
Maximum peg count with extras: 136
Extras: 5 peg sliders and 20 peg extenders
But wait again…. I am not finished. You can also use bulky and super bulky yarn with the AIO as well. And achieve different gauges by just changing how you use the pegs. You can also use these techniques on the other looms to change your gauge. Just remember that the following numbers may be different depending on the loom.
3/4″ gauge on the AIO?
You can just skip every other peg on the AIO to achieve a large gauge of 3/4″ so you can use bulky and super bulky yarns. Want an adult size hat using super bulky yarn? Set the loom to 80 pegs and only use every other peg for 40 stitches.
5/8″ gauge on the AIO? Say it’s not so!!
Yes, it’s true! You can use 2 pegs as 1 on the AIO loom and get the same gauge as the coveted Knifty Knitter 48 peg hat loom which is 5/8″. Just set your AIO to 96 pegs and treat 2 pegs as one so that you have cast on 48 stitches. Or any other stitch count by doubling your peg count on the set up.
What else?
Go ahead and get saucy by using every 3rd peg for a gauge of 1-1/8″. Or get out your inner rebel and use every 4th peg for a gauge of 1-1/2″. Grab some jumbo yarn and have some fun.
And in conclusion….
What do you want to make? Please don’t ask “what can I make on this loom”. Just decide what you want to make. You can make ANYTHING YOU WANT on ANY LOOM YOU CHOOSE. You just need to pick the gauge of loom that best suits the item you want to make or the yarn you want to use.
While seaming panels and pieces together may be a lot of work, it opens up a whole new world for each and every loom. Large looms are not necessary to create large pieces. Do not let a limited number of pegs limit you and keep you from making whatever you want.
Confused about yarn weights and how many strands will achieve a heavier weight? Check out my article Loom FAQs: What Is WPI and Yarn Weights?
Hope you are no longer confused on what can be made on each loom. I hope I haven’t forgotten anything that gets me excited about any of these looms. Still have another loom by a different company as your favorite? That’s ok! I don’t expect you to agree with me on what’s the best loom. But for now, the All-n-One is my favorite. Now if I had a loom like the AIO in extra fine gauge… Oh yes. That’s right. I can use the Sock Loom EFG and seam some panels…
Now go grab a loom and knit anything you want! Happy knitting!
I have a knitting board, didn’t buy the sock loom, also have a knifty knitter loom. I have made many scarves and stocking caps on them. I haven’t tried the knitting board yet but you are inspiring me to do so. It is getting towards fall and winter so will try it then. Thanks for all your information. Love the Blog.
What’s up, I check your blogs daily. Your humoristic style is witty,
keep up the good work!
Every time I think of some question, someone answers it. I was just having a conversation about the looms and their uses and here you are writing an article about them. I feel exactly the same way about my AIO too! Knit picks brava yarn comes in bulky (5) and I use it all the time. It’s not any thicker than any worsted weight (4).
I have used the KB sock loom 2 to make mittens and socks with sport weight and #4 worsted weight yarns and have had good results with both weights. In order to satisfy my own curiosity, I tried making a pair of socks out of sock yarn (Patons Kroy Socks) and the results were excellent!!!
I would like to know which loom would be the best to make a queen size blanket from Jumbo size 7 yarn? Is there one like the kb afghan loom that is available for Jumbo yarn? What gauge should I look for in a loom? I have the KB Afghan loom and love it for the Bernat blanket yarn.
Miriam, for Jumbo yarn, the Zippy looms are the best fit. You would need to assemble a few of the Zippy looms together to get enough width for a Queen size blanket, or you can seam a few of them together.
Hello i have long kb loom wood one i need tonreaplace the side 20 side peg peace how munch please. I likento reaplace my side peaces please on wood loom side peaces please do you have a phone number thanks
Hi Jodie, you can order the 20-peg at this link:https://www.knittingboard.com/20-peg-extenders-3-8-gauge-for-the-all-n-one-loom-and-10-loom-add-on/
I thought I had it figured out lol, I’m just getting started and had settled on the AIO, but after I ordered while I impatiently researched future projects, I’m wondering if I actually needed the 28″ or 38″. I don’t mind seaming for bigger afghans ect, but I had really hoped to make some cowls and shawls, or hooded cowls ect, but every pattern I look at seems like I need something bigger. So confused again 🙁
I want to know what the holes in the bottom of the loom are for, does anybody knows?
Which one is better for beginners to use for making a blanket.
We would recommend the Multi-Knit Loom for a blanket.
After reading this article looks like I need to add a few more looms to my inventory. Thank you so much for all the information.
[…] Rake looms are completely different from the knitting looms discussed here. These looms are also known as long looms, as they are quite lengthy in size. These are not looms that you can hold in your hand to use because they are quite heavy, being made from wood. These rake looms are more suitable for knitting large blankets and full-sized shawls. […]
After reading this I feel like I need to buy more looms! I have the 28”, the Afghan loom, and the Boyce round and rectangle looms, as that is everything that they sell at the local craft store ?I’ve made tons of hats, a scarf, and a blanket using the round and rectangle looms. I’d like to make more blankets and really want to try to make socks. Do you need a sock loom in order to make socks or can they be made on one of the other looms that I have? The round looms I have are definitely too big for the sock yarn. Can socks be made on the 28”? If not, and you had to choose one loom to use mainly for socks but that will also come in handy for other projects, which would it be?
I have 3/8″ gauge with the Multi Knit and Double Knit looms. I want to make socks but I do not want to use the His and Hers sock loom. I was wondering if I can use the 52 peg 3/8″ to make adult socks with worsted yarn.
I have a 28″ kb loom and when I knit, the board becomes narrower in the middle. I tried to restart over and I get the same problem all the times. How can I fix the 28″ kb loom from becoming narrower in the middle? Please advise. Thank you!
Which one is better – KB All-n-One or the newest KB Adjustable Multi-Knit Loom? Please advise. Thank you!
Can I use size yarn 1, 2, 3, 4 on the All In One authentic knitting board?
You can use all those yarn weights, however, the finished product will look completely different. Size 1 and 2 will yield a very open knit fabric. Size 3 and 4 will be more tight fabric. The AIO small gauge was created for weight 4 yarn in mind.