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FAQs
- How do I determine gauge? View answerClose answer
Knit a 3-4” square section with your loom and yarn, measure one inch of your knitting (horizonally) to determine how many stitches there are per inch. Do the same thing to the amount of rows (vertically) to determine how many rows per inch of knitting. This is your gauge or tightness of stitches. It will display as Xsts and Zrows=1(or 2) inches of knitting.
- What is a Knitting Board? View answerClose answer
A Knitting Board, also referred to as a long loom, knitting rake, or frame, is a hand knitting tool that creates a double knit, a two sided fabric that is complete on both sides. This is great when working with afghan or other items where you want to see the color design on both sides. No curling edges that need blocking.
- What is double knit? View answerClose answer
Double knitting creates a 2 sided fabric. Instead of working the adjacent peg, like in single knitting, you work the peg across the loom, on the other rail or board. 2 pegs create one stitch.
- Does it have to be bulky? View answerClose answer
The thickness of the fabric depends on several options. First is the yarn that is being used, and then, how you set the spacers on the knitting board. The spacing between the 2 rails or boards determines the size of your gauge, or stitches. You can create a light, open weave or very bulky effect with the thickness of yarn and space between the boards.
- Does it take twice as much yarn as single knit? View answerClose answer
It requires approximately 1.5 times the yarn used to single knit the same item.
- Can you create shapes on the board or just straight pieces? View answerClose answer
You can do most anything as far as shaping your pieces, just as you would with needle knitting. It involves the process of increase and decrease and a variety of stitch patterns. These are usually explained in the pattern.
- What determines gauge in double knitting? View answerClose answer
The gauge is determined by 3 things, the yarn, the space between the pegs and the space between the board rails, the larger the space the larger your stitch. It is measured the same as when single knitting.
- What does it mean by "adjustable spacers"? View answerClose answer
The adjustable spacers or wood squares that come with looms have 3 settings, as all sides are predrilled. These spacers can be rotated to 3 different sizes, 1cm, 2cm and 3 cm.
Your board will arrive with the smallest setting of 1cm. These wood spacers can be removed and turned around to affect the other 2 settings creating a wider space between the 2 boards. You will need to use the longer bolts that come with your board for the 3cm wide setting.
- Replacing pegsView answerClose answer
Most looms are fairly easy to remove a broken or cracked peg, but some take a bit more effort. Most loom pegs can be easily removed with pliers.
For a broken peg with stub showing, grab the remaining stub at the base of the loom with a sturdy pair of pliers and simply pullout. Do not twist or bend the peg stub.
However, if the break is lower, flush with the loom, it can be more difficult. Using a drill, drill the stub out from the top of the peg. The drill bit needs to be the same diameter as the peg. Drill out the entire peg stub so that you have a clean hole. Then insert a new peg. Use a (light) swipe of Loctite Super Glue on the new peg. Put it in place and immediately clean up any glue that oozes out. Make sure peg is facing correct direction. Allow several hours for the peg to dry completely.
Note: Do not over-drill by making the hole too large. The Afghan loom peg is approximately 3/16“ diameter.
- Why is one end of my knitting tight and other loose? View answerClose answer
This happens when the end stitches are larger at one end from the other. This is very easy to correct. When you hook your stitches over, be sure to work from one end towards the center of the knitting, and then change to the other end and knit towards the center. Be sure to loop over all the stitches. Do the same thing to the other board. Be sure to vary the spot that you change direction so that you do not create loose stitches in center. The center does not need to be exact so vary it with each new row.
- What is the best yarn for the Knitting Boards? View answerClose answer
Many yarns and types work great on the Knitting Board. But it is preferable to use a single ply or a yarn where the plies do not separate easily. All weights will work and create many different effects in the knitting. If you are not following a pattern with the suggested yarn or a close match, you may want to do a test swatch of your yarn to be sure you will get the desired finished look and size for your knitting.
- What are sock loom gauges? View answerClose answer
When working with Sock Looms there are 3 different sizes depending on the tightness of stitch you would like to create or the gauge of your knitting, or yarn used.
The Sock Loom EFG is an extra fine gauge loom that knits with a gauge of approx 8 or 9 stitches per inch, very tight knit, 3/16” between pegs. Use fine/fingering sock yarn.
The Sock Loom Original, a fine gauge loom knits with a gauge of approx 7 stitches per inch, 5/8” spacing between pegs. Use DK weight sock yarn.
The Sock Loom 2, a regular gauge loom, knits with a gauge of approx 5 stitches per inch. Use worsted weight sock yarn.
- What can I make with the Sock Loom? View answerClose answer
With the 3 adjustable socklooms you can make any size sock, up to a men's large sock, baby/preemie hats, and small little tubular projects. But you can also knit flat items such as scarves. To knit a flat panel on the loom, simply do not knit in a circle, but instead knit in one direction, and when you reach your starting peg, reverse and knit in opposite direction so that your first and last peg are never attached.
- What about other sock loom patterns? View answerClose answer
There are many great sources for patterns available. Patterns are usually written for specific looms and there are many differences in looms created by the various manufacturers. You want to check the spacing between the pegs and the spacing of the pegs to the edge of the loom. If these measurements are equal and there are enough pegs to complete your sock, then the patterns can be used on your sock loom.
- What are the extenders used for? View answerClose answer
The peg extenders can be used to add more pegs to your knitting and create a wider piece. They can also be used to create a square or rectangular shape to your loom. This allows you to convert your knitting loom or board into a weaving loom. To use the extenders, simply remove wingnuts and bolts, and add the extenders to your loom using same wing nuts. Looms with metal pins use extenders with no added pins, as these looms work in double knit. Instructions are available on this website.
- What is the purpose of the needle covers? View answerClose answer
They can be placed over the needles of the knitting loom or board. This is especially important when you are working on a project and need to set it aside. The cover will prevent the knitting from getting hung up on the needles and snagging.
- Can you use yarn other than what is suggested in a pattern? View answerClose answer
Yes, but different weights and textures will change the look and size of the knitting. Try to choose a yarn of similar loftiness and thickness. If in doubt, do a test swatch.
- Can I learn to do various stitches like cables and rib? View answerClose answer
You can do many stitches on the board and they are demonstrated on the How-to section of this site, and also on the DVDs and Basic Knitting Board Book.
- Can I use your Patterns on other Knitting Boards or looms? View answerClose answer
The spacing is important in patterns. If the spacing between the pins and the boards are the same, then the pattern will work on your other loom. Also be sure that the loom has the needed amount of pins to complete the project.
- Can I use the patterns that I have from my needle knitting, and can they be converted to the knitting board? View answerClose answer
Yes, you can. This subject has been covered very well in our discussion group and that would be a wonderful source of direction for you. But basically, you will use the needle pattern for the shape of the piece and the style. You will want to use stitches and techniques learned for the knitting board. So, you may want to be very familiar with pattern terminology of needle knitting as well as fairly experienced with your knitting board.
- How wide can I make a knitted piece on the Knitting Board? View answerClose answer
The width is determined by the adjustable spacer and the type of yarn you are using. If you open up the spacer to 2cm or 3cm on your Knitting Board and use stretchy yarn you can get a piece much wider than the loom you are working with. For example on the 28" Knitting Board you can get a piece 45" wide by opening up the loom to 3cm spacing.
- Do you have discount coupons? View answerClose answer
Yes, we do have special sales for those that are signed up to receive newsletters or special promotions. Be sure to be signed up on our mailing list for promotions and special deals.
- What is your return policy? What if I have a problem with something that was ordered? View answerClose answer
We have a very liberal return policy. If you receive your item and after giving it a good effort, find that it does not work for you, just return it. Be sure it is sent well protected and enclose your purchase info. Like name and address and where purchased. You will receive the purchase price less the cost of shipping.
If you receive the wrong item or your item is damaged, just let us know. We will gladly replace with correct item and send you postage for the return. If you just want to return it, you will get full purchase price plus your shipping cost.
If you receive your order and decide you should have ordered something different, you can return the merchandise, in new condition. You will pay the return postage, and we will give your credit towards the new item.
- Do you guarantee your products? View answerClose answer
We stand behind them 100%. See return policy.
- Do you have a customer service phone number if I have a question about a pattern or how to use my products? View answerClose answer
We have a great discussion group that has a wealth of information offered by Knitting Board knitters, loom knitters, sock loom knitters from all over the world. You will love all the help with products and patterns that you can gain from these great knitters.
Join the discussion group at Yahoo Groups and go to Knittingboards. You can upload your photos of your knitting projects and brag a bit and ask questions, and see what everyone else is working on. Lots of great knitters there! If you still have a question about an order, or idea to share, just send an email to info@knittingboard.com.