Boye Loom Set
The Boye loom set is basically the same as most of the major selling plastic mass-produced looms. There are however a few small difference in this brand. One thing that is consistent and several that are occasional. Those issues are why I don’t use this loom or recommend it.
I like the box design which keeps the product well protected during transport. The availability of the loom is great. I now find it at all local Wal-Mart stores. I must admit that I’m partial to the bright happy kiddy colors. They are quite different from the basic color scheme used by Knifty Knitter and the plain natural wood used by some of the other brands.The plastic material seems sturdy and should last , or at least you would think so.
So what’s the problem …..
But First – One Good Thing – It’s Included
One good thing about the Boye Loom Set is that like most loom sets it includes the loom knit hook and the yarn needle.In reality with the exception of the yarn and scissors very little else is needed.
The Problem is Your Head
When I looked at a loom for the first time with all the little bumps on the tip of the pegs I couldn’t help but think of tiny soldiers standing side by side. The little bumps looked like little heads. The problem with the Boye Loom Set are those little heads.
If you take a close look at the pegs you will find that the Boye loom pegs have a slit. That slit may seem like a good idea because it holds on to your top loop of yarn as you flip the bottom yarn loop. The problem is that once it has your loop of yarn it doesn’t want to let it go.
Plus according to some of the people reviewing this product on Amazon the pegs tend to break. I, myself can not verify that flaw. I don’t use this loom – couldn’t get passed my first problem in order to experience the other I do suggest that you take some time to read a few reviews written about the Boye Loom Set on one of the biggest on-line store in the world: Amazon
Above is an example of what happens when your loom snags your knitting. These two pictures are from the same knitter : Sharon Waxmundsky Mertes from our Facebook family. She asked me why her knitting wasn’t looking right. The answer was the loom.
The Pegs Break – ALOT
If you buy plastic looms a peg WILL break, at some point. This is true regardless of the brand you like. However, the issue should be within reason. Not the case with these looms. Broken pegs are common place.
I have Knifty Knitters that have been with me for at least 5 years – not one broken peg. Can this happen with the KK loom? Yes, of course it happens but as a rare incident which is how it should be.
Unfortunately, Walmart and Joann’s now give their shoppers no other option and so new loomers think this is it for them. So sad.
Image credit: Jenocyderose.tumblr.com .
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You Can’t Replace Your Broken Pegs
If you’re in the middle of your knitting and your peg breaks – you are out of luck. Unlike, say the Knifty Knitter or the Martha Steward, Boyes loom pegs are not removable and so they are not replaceable. You can’t just take out the stump and put a new peg. You must dismount your work and get another loom.
Image to the left shows the Knifty Knitter Replacement Pegs. Click HERE
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The YouTube Video Review
Here are GOOD Alternatives to the Boye Loom Set
I personally use the Knifty Knitter almost exclusively. But, I have a great appreciation for the low price and really cool bright colors of the Darice Knitting Loom set. It is close to identical to the Knifty Knitter. I also like the flexibility and versatility of the Martha Stewart Knit and Weave Loom Kit . I have heard a lot of complaints about sizing with the MS Loom kit. There is an easy way to size any knitting project. Read my, How Many Rows?, article. Michael’s store brand Threads and Loops works great. It is as close to identical as a company can get without committing a crime.
If asked to give up my Knifty Knitter and forced to choose another I believe a would choose the Darice. Once again you should read the reviews. It has 4.75 out of 5.0 stars with 79 customer reviews the last time I checked and the price.. well it’s impressive and God knows I’m a sucker for good quality and a cheap price.
Well, that’s my opinion.. be nice, leave me yours in the comment section.
Darice Loom Set
The Knifty Knitter
Martha Stewart
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Tagged: boye vs knifty knitter, loom, loom knitting, looms, product review
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I dont think marthas is that great. Hook weak and bends and weave hook is too short when you weave at largest square size. The configurations take forever to put all pegs in. In small stuff fine but i have a rake loom, spool, rounds not dure which ones but not Boyle because pegs dont have that hook look. My peach colored flower loom pegs come out to east but no broken. I have a blue two sided one with stick like non removable peg. So i agree somewhat with choice mentioned
I’m using the Boye Round Loom Set right this minute and my pegs are indeed removable. To be completely honest, I was given the loom set from a friend and she lost 2 pegs from one of the looms, so I just removed two from another loom and used them in place of the missing ones. I’ve never used any other loom set, but I look forward to using the ones you mentioned.
They actually have changed the Boye looms (at least the ones they sell at Jo-Ann’s) so that the pegs are in fact removable. I’m not sure if they sell replacement pegs, but at least you can add a peg from another one of your looms in place of the broken one so you aren’t completely out of luck.
I agree with the review here. Those heads are horrible for most knitting projects. The yarn does get stuck in them and the constant interruption to pull the yarn out was highly annoying. I think it helps to knit a looser loop, but then if I have to knit looser to escape the ditch, I’m probably wasting more yarn and creating a more inconsistent stitch. I just prefer for my yarn to come off when I pull on it. Some yarn is rather frail by nature and those ditches can ruin a good strand of delicate yarn, turning it into a multi-thread mess.
Wow – I had not even thought of that – but yep – so true 🙁
I do appreciate the crochet needle type hook at the top of the pegs because it keeps me from pulling both loops off the peg, but also have the problem of the yarn snagging when pushing down the loops on the pegs. The lower part in the direction of pushing down the yarn should be smoothed out instead of a sharp angle. On my medium loom in this set I bought from Walmart I have only noticed one peg be extra rough so far, and the plastic seems sturdy. I hope it lasts. I have a rectangular loom for making scarves that’s actually made with wood and nails that I bought at a little shop and really enjoy it so when I saw these at Walmart I had to buy them. Right now am making a beanie for my baby cousin to wear this winter. I hope it fits! he’ll be about 1 1/2 to 2 years old then.
I use Boye looms all the time for hats, scarves and scrubbies. The top crochet hook shape help me to not lose stitches. I tried using a KB loom and their shaped tops tend to allow a stitch to come off while trying to pull stitches over. I like the groove in the peg that the needle follows when pulling a stitch over. I have yet to have any pegs break on me, although I try not to make my stitches too tight. I am able to make one hat or scrubbie about every two days using this loom and a simple e-wrap pattern. Boye is good for simple patterns, but for more complex patterns and sizing, a KB loom (some are adjustable) may be a better option. Also if you have a local craft store that carries any type of looms, wait until a coupon comes out. I have always purchased by looms at MINIMUM of 40% off, some as much as 60% off. I have to go today and replace a Boye loom because my coworker took off with mine and refuses to give it back. I hope she’s at least using it! At least I have a 50% coupon to use to replace it =)
I HAVE NOT HAD ANY TROUBLE REMOVING SOME PEGS. STILL LIKE BOYE MUCH BETTER. MADE BETTER. YOU CAN BE A BIT ROUGH WITH THEM. I FOUND THAT OUT RIGHT AWAY AFTER I USED ANOTHER LOOM. HAVE A SUPER DAY. EVERYONE WILL HAVE THEIR OWN OPINIONS AND LIKE ONE BRAND OVER ANOTHER. I JUST NEVER HEARD OF SO MUCH COMPLAINING ABOUT PRODUCTS
Thanks for the input AB – but that’s what “REVIEWS” are for – complaining if you don’t like the product and praising if you do. Many of us don’t like the product – still.
U R ABLE TO REMOVE THE PEGS!! I never had a problem with these looms
No because Boye glues their pegs into the base. Best of luck. Sorry to say that I’m still not a fan.
If there was a way to turn the pegs around so that the v-notch was to the inside instead of to the outside, there would be less of a problem. And yes, the pegs do break. Back to the KniftyKnitter I have gone!
I don’t think these pegs can be removed
I USE A BOYE SET. I DO NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH THEM. OH, the puppy-A WONDERFUL BASSET-CHEWED ONE PEG. I WAS ABLE TO REPLACE IT FROM ANOTHER LOOM. LOVE USING THE LOOM!!
I agree with your review. I had gone to a class and was given a kniffy
Knitter loom and for Christmas asked for a set of looms. A friend got me the Boye looms and I hated them because of the “heads”. I bought a different brand and put those back in the box and there they will remain.
I am so glad im not the only one who is unhappy with boye, as a new loomer, i absolutely hate boye for the exact same reason, they were my first looms and i thought grrr why is it so hard to get over the head, almost gave up but decided to try different looms and what a difference.
I love Boye products. I have not had any problems with mine at all. I have rectangular sets from another company. I like the Boye the best because they are thicker and sturdier. I tapped some of the pegs down with a hammer. You might want to try that. Good luck!! Made many things with mine!! Also you can tap pegs from the Boye loom from the bottom. They come right out and use them on another loom. If u r breaking the pegs u r making something way too tight. Read more about working with looms
I CONSTANTLY USE A HAMMER TO TAP THE PEGS BACK DOWN. MAYBE THEY LOOSEN OVER TIME
I just purchased the round loom set and the oval ones . I’ve used them all and each one has 4 – 6 bad pegs. Catching my yarn. I have to use my Emery board to file these spots down. I’m very disappointed in this brand. You would think a company this size would care more about quality. I would like to know how to reach them and pass my feelings on.
Dot – I did talk to one of their designers and she passed on the information and gave them a link to this post when I first published it and they still have done nothing. They have Walmart – so I guess they don’t feel like they need to fix anything…. very sad
I see many comments on different looms. I have been using the Boye looms exclusively. Love them! They are the sturdiest. So far no pegs broke. I do my think they will break that easily. Like I said i think it is the sturdiest loom and it does well on the size. The other looms are not as sturdy. Some of them are much less sturdy. I prefer to purchase something that is of better quality.
I have to boye looms and so far no problems. Some of them actually do have removable pegs but not all. I don’t use them very often though as I’m more of a crochet person but certain things like scarfs, hats, and socks I will use the looms for.
I have the Boye Loom and I have not had any pegs fall out or break. I have had it a year and a half and no problem.
I was lucky enough to get a set of Flexilooms from In the Attic when they were still available These are my favorite of all the loom sets. They are similar to the Knifty Knitter but the pegs flex a little bit so I find they are not so hard on my hands and fingers and I can loom longer :). I’m sorry these are no longer being made.
I never got a chance to test these out – I really believe in eBays slogan ‘ If it’s on your mind – it’s on eBay” to that I add – Maybe not today but come back and look tomorrow it might be there 🙂
I have the Boye Looms and yes the pegs break, but I’ve also had them come out when knitting. The only pegs I’ve had break on me were on the round orange loom.
I started with Knifty Knitter. I bought my daughter a Boye scarf loom and I don’t like the heads either. I have recently bought the round and long loom sets from Michaels. I think those are great. I like the flatter heads better.
Hi everyone I’m new to loom knitting I have the Boye looms. I don’t have any problem with the breaking but I do have a problem with the size the smallest one is supposed to be for an infant, but it seems a little small when I’m finished making a hat.I also have a problem with the stitches they seem to be very loose…Does anybody else have that problem.maybe I’m just doing something wrong, I don’t know…
I need to make hats for infants to donate to a hospital. can somebody help me with this problem? I would appreciate any input I can get. thank you!!!!
Hi Joanne,
Loose stitches are usually because you do an e-wrap while using a large gauge loom.. Here is a video I think will help you choose a better version of the knit stitch: Click HERE
I have, but haven’t yet used, the Knifty Knitter looms. Thanks for the information on their replaceable pegs. I remember breaking, and re-attaching with glue, a peg on my mother’s loom back in the late 60s. It’s still holding, but I was worried about breaking pegs. Now, no need to worry; I can buy replacement pegs!!
Thank you.
You’re VERY welcome!
I want to buy a loom I live in Kenya please help me guys please please
Have you tried eBay
I just started on the Boye set, after buying it for a gift for my teen girls. Of course, I’m the only one using it haha.
I started with a hat with super bulky yarn, it turned out okay. I tried to make some socks after that using the smallest green loom. The stitches go halfway around the front, and then you yarn over, whatever that is called, up the length of the sock.
You absolutely cannot perform that with the boye loom set, at least I couldn’t! There is no way to prevent the yarn from being pretty snug when stitching this way, and that evil little slit under the peg made it impossible! After two rows I was nearly breaking the peg just to yarn over.
I am making some slipper socks from a youtube pattern that are done entirely in ewrap, and cinched at the end like a hat. Super easy, but yet again, because of the tops there is always a random loose stich, always near the starting peg, from the slit. For now I figure at least I am getting practice and then I can whip out some socks and hats to my perfectionist standards from a normal set with a flat peg top!
Heading out to buy the knifty knitter, or something with similar pegs, I can’t stand the Boye, and the design flaw is so achingly obvious I can’t believe they could put a product like this out there. Waste of time Boye !
#WalmartReturnsHereIcome!
You are toooo funny Megan… I hear you. Check out this product review of the KK includes Size Guide, list of Free Patterns and more stuff to consider. Click HERE
Hugs,
denise
I have nifty knitters but I have round ones
That are small blue, yellow green , red,
I got it at a yard sale , which one is the adult hat pattern? Also I got a mini knitter, made by darice, for
2.00 at a good will, is there any where on the internet, .
That has patterns.for it. Thank you.
The first part of this video should help with choosing a loom. The mini knitter basically creates an i-cord. You can make jewelry, teddy bears, costers .. lots of things with an i-cord – Search through this list: Click HERE
I have the Hobby Lobby Classic round looms and find them just a durable as the Knifty Knitter. I HATE the early Boye looms. I recently had to purchase a new set of Boye long looms because I broke pegs on one. The newer versions are better made with more flexible pegs that stay in the holes! While I am on the lookout for an affordable set of Knifty Knitter long looms, the Boye ones are okay for now. Oh, and one good feature-you can pull a pin off the end of 2 different long looms and hook them together to make a bigger loom.
I am new to all this and bought the Boye at Walmart a few days ago, not knowing any of this. I have a hat half-finished, with no problems. Using bulky yarn though, and don’t know the difference between good and bad knitting. But after reading this I started looking around and the simplicity site (where Boye is from) says that the Boye set is discontinued, but they still have singles in stock. So I thought, uh oh. Bad sign. Then I looked for where to buy Knifty Knitter looms, and there are posts on the web saying Knifty Knitter is discontinued too, though both seem to be available on Amazon. This is all confusing. I was thinking of buying Knifty Knitter next time my budget allows, for me and some for friends, but now I’m wondering if I should buy them now before all the available stock is sold? Loving your site btw. Thanks for the excellent info!
Hey Tee – I would hurry and buy a few – Get the Purple Knifty KNitter loom – its great for hats… Here is a video I think you’ll like. Click HERE
I agree about the Boye looms they break all the time I just got through knitting a baby blanket and now I see I have to get another one cause the pegs are about to break! So I need to fine another loom set that’s going to be durable. But I see a lot of people that use the knifty knitter loom so its got to be good, I’m a beginner but I’m starting to use them a lot thanks you have been a big help.
I was wondering if anyone could help me out. I bought a hat from a charity benefit – spent quite some time tracking down who actually made it because I have gotten so many compliments on it. The woman who made it said it was from a pattern in a loom set she bought from Walmart. I went and bought on praying it would be the correct brand, but it wasn’t. No such luck. I have searched high and low for a pattern or a youtube video to watch and have struck out. The hat specs are something like this:
2 colors
5-6 separate pieces joined together to make the top part
Each piece is about 12 stitches (not sure of any correct terminology – apologies!) wide and 16 stitches tall that are then joined together to make the top part
The bottom band is just the normal beginner (I assume because that is the only one I know..?) stitch and then they are joined together to make the hat.
Alysha,
Go to the homepage:Click Here Scroll down til you see the cover of a book called ” The Big Book of Loom knitting. I believe the pattern you are looking for is the pink hat on the cover.
Hope that helps,
denise
Does anyone have the Boye medium pink rectangular loom with the starter peg on the side? Is this a weird question, but how do you start a scarf with the peg in such an awkward position, any advice appreciated. I much, much rather prefer the Knifty Knitters. Thanks ahead of time.
Hi Peppy – Here is a link to a picture from an Awesome loom knitter, Karen Aiken – I think it will help : Click Here
[…] Loom. I have issues with its design. If you want to know the specifics read my product review by Clicking Here. The funny thing is that I told a person why I don’t like the Boye Loom and she told me […]
I have just started using the looms, and I agree the Boye looms fall out a lot and they break very easy, I will try to find the Knifty Kniters. Thanks for the info.
Hoping they will improve soon since they are so widely available through Walmart and alot of local Craft Stores
The Boye set is the first set that I bought when my BFF first taught me how to loom. I do hate having to use 2 strands of the #4 yarns but I have NEVER had a peg break and they stay in place for me even when my 1yr old grandson grabs one up and tosses it. I do have one KK Loom, the Purple one. I haven’t had the chance to use it just yet. I also have the rectangular Boye looms and have had no problems out of them either. I went to walmart and saw the only set they had at the time and thats what I have worked with every since. Maybe one day I will get the KK set……
Becca you have the best KK loom for adult hats. You will need to continue to use 2 strands if you want your knitting to have a nice tight look. I would tell you that if you have enjoyed using the Boye you will adore that purple KK loom. Brake open that baby – you’ll thank me some day.
As far as the pegs braking on the Boye – I can’t say any of them broke on my loom either. I have only ONE complaint and that’s the slit on the top of the pegs but I know plenty of people that are ok and don’t feel that that’s an issue for them. In reality, most folks stick with the first brand they used.. Hey,feel free to share pictures of the Grand with one of your cool loom knit hats. I LOVE pictures !
I bought the MS knitting & weaving set. The pegs slip out way too easy. There is just no info on sizing for making hats. They provide a chart but the loom configurations they give are not correct. There is next to no tutorials on Utube..bought the Boyce loom next. Pegs coming out too often. Now have the KK looms. They are perfect!
You tell the truth Cheryl. Knifty Knitters are the BEST. To bad they’re getting harder to find. I have extras stashed away just in case.
Totally agree with you. Love, love my Knifty Knitters plus my other looms. But I do not like the little slit in the heads of Boyle. Just in case, I have two sets of KK’s. Will get more should opportunity arise. Good review!!!!
Thank you Linda for the positive feedback. I so appreciate it. Plus, I agree with you that you should get more KK because they are getting harder and HARDER to find at your local craft store,