Some Say that Loom Knitting is Not Real Knitting
I saw a discussion on Knitting Paradise several years ago about whether Loom knitting should be considered as real knitting. It was quite interesting to me although I must say that it was not the first time I had heard a statement of that sort.
Below are several comments. This is a small sample of my experience with this sentiment. I created a film you can share with those that feel this way. Scroll to the bottom of the post to see it.
Some of the Comments
Definition by Wikipedia : Knitting is a method by which yarn is manipulated to create a textile or fabric for use in many types of garments.
What do others say, well look below.
“Hello Girls,
I hope this doesn’t open a can of worms. But I don’t feel that loom knitting is “real” knitting”.
What say you?” On Knitting Paradise
“Cons to loom knitting, and the main reason I don’t do it often: the gauge is set. Everything looks too loose to me, but I have made some really comfortable hats on looms.” On Reddit
“Its simple but unless I want sleep socks (impossible to loom knit anything that will fit in a shoe or boot!) or stocking hats, I’ll stick to my hooks and needles!” On The Knitting Space
Is Loom Knitting the Walmart of knitting? This was a discussion on a discussion board.
Is using a loom cheating in knitting? For instance, was a loom invented to make knitting faster/easier? or is it a craft/hobby all in itself separate from knitting?
Best Answer: Loom ‘Knitting’ isn’t real knitting. You only get a knit out of it unless you go threw the hassle to try and make purls on it which IS a hassle. On Yahoo Answers
Loom Knitting is Not Real Knitting Video
Below is the short video. Here is a shareable link: https://youtu.be/hAwkEsk8Vtc
Definition of knitting: “The act of forming a fabric by looping a continuous yarn.”
Loom-Knitting certainly meets that definition. This is in the same category as people saying shooting a compound bow is not ‘real’ archery, or shooting a black powder rifle is not ‘real’ shooting. Ridiculous. It’s just a different kind of knitting.
The accusation that looms have a “fixed gauge’ is also ridiculous. Needles are also ;fixed gauges. For a different gauge, you need a different needle. Looms are also made in different gauges, and sizes. Just use the one you need.
Loose knits? Again, ridiculous. There are dozens of stitches that can be used on a loom. Use a tighter stitch.
I knit all my own socks for everyday wear, so it is not “impossible” to knit anything but sleep socks on a loom. Use a small-gauge loom, and sock, or DK-weight yarn.
Just curious. Is knitting on a machine also not ‘knitting’? Poppycock. I guess sewing with a machine is not ‘real’ sewing’ either, huh?
All I can say is – WOW and thank YOU !
Hi, please can you explain me, for making a scarf what’s a difference between knitting on the round loom and straight loom? I already have circle loom but I’m wondering do I have to buy a straight loom for a scarf even I saw how you can make a scarf from a circle loom, so what’s the difference? Thank you.
Vesna here is a link I believe will be helpful: Click HERE
I don’t have the use of my hands like I did before. I was a crocheter. I am really glad to have the looms so I can make all kinds of knitting projects. One of my friends owns sheep she shaves them makes her own yarn and she knits on a floor model metal knitting loom that she bought from an antique dealer. I remember using a square knitting loom to make potholders on back in the 60s-70s. So I would like them to tell her that it’s not really knitting.
Loom knit is easy I use to knit but gave it up because of my hands I started the loom It was easy to use Once u get use to looming its easy on the hands and less stressful I get Patterns from the web I LOVE LOOMING
Historically, round looms were made and given to children as a learning tool, in the same way that samplers taught the art of embroidery to little girls of an earlier era. As beginners, it teaches many of the same stiches and proper tension while still contributing useful items to the household, such as socks, mittens and hats. It built attention spans while garnering praise from aunties, grannies and others.
Do these same people, who look down their collective noses at loomers also complain that our disabled athletes (including our amazing disabled veterans) are not real athletes? How very sad…
I believe the world is much better if we are inclusive and give back to others, even if My disabled hands can only use a round ring to make hats to donate to the hospital and homeless shelters. I call myself a knitter and my hand made gifts are always warmly received by friends and family. It is enough for me…
Beautiful !
What an elegant rebuttal my dear Denise!! Well done!!
Loom knitting is real knitting to me.
The technique works the same as if you had needles in your hands. Knit and purl.
Looove your video!! Def makes a statement…and the definition is truth! ✊?
Really? 1st world issues? People have so little else going on in their lives that they feel the need to POLL about a method being real or not? Get a life. Yeah Virginia, it’s ‘real’ knitting…gauge, finished product be damned. And…ps…apparently some of you could use tomsoend less time ‘knitting’ and more time with a basic grammar and spelling book.
Denise – Thank you so much for sharing this video. Although I have not personally been told it is not ‘real knitting’, I do know that there are ‘needle knitters’ who feel that way. I have tried to learn their art but at 70 years old it just hasn’t worked for me. I love loom knitting, but have moved to crochet for the time being. You have made so many beautiful patterns that makes loom knitting an art by itself. Again, thank you, Denise!
I have been knitting hats for years. Loom, knitted or crocheted and have done the cutest on each crafted way. Using a loom with closer pegs is the answer. Since 2010 our Stitch-n-Time church group have created close to 10,000 of the neatest hats using mostly the loom for those who need them the most,, the homeless, cancer patients and abused women plus their children. Don’t throw away and give up on your looms! Just be creative!
I have been a follower of this site for a very long time….I look forward to your emails. They are interesting and your instructions are amazingly easy to follow.
I am glad that you took the time to respond the way you did.
keep up the good work.
This has been a debate for,ages, even the 4H here in Kansas refuses to allow loom knittting to be included in their fairs because it is not REAL knitting, really??? Look at these awesome designers, including my personal fav Denise, they ARE artists and I will put up their product against and other ‘knitter’. I for one am thankful becuase I now have a craft, hobby, passion that I can do successfully and I am constantly challenging myself to do more intricate designs- THANK-YOU Denise for coming to our defense- I will be sure to show this to the 4H judges! Much love! And Keep Looming!
your come back to this is absolutely perfect….way to go…..
I loom knit hats and scarves, I knit with knitting needles I crochet and I Tunisian crochet. I find that each are different with their own stitching definitions. But all come from one source: Love of textile making. There are some things you cannot knit on a loom, there are some things you cannot crochet with a needle so I have no limits knowing all of these ways of making beautiful fiber art.
What ever makes you happy to call your knitting. I am thankful my 83 year old has the desire to knit on a loom. She has knitted over 100’s of hats and scarves for the needy. And never asked for a dime on anything. It helps pass her time and gives her a purpose. So call it what you want. But her hats and scarves are beautiful,
The way I see it is that you can not please everyone.