Loom Knitting Terms and Definitions
The following are a list of loom knitting terms, definitions and/or abbreviations. Abbreviations were taken from Craft Yarn Council.
Bind Off (BO): Sometimes called “cast off,” it is the method used to remove the securing the yarn and removing it from the loom. Types of bind offs include gather bind off (GBO),
Cast On (CO): The method used to start the yarn on the loom. One loop equals one stitch. Types of cast ons include crochet cast on (CCO)
Decrease: A method of reducing the number of stitches (pegs) on the loom. Examples of decreases include knit 2 stitches together (k2tog), slip 2 stitches knitwise (ssk), and knit 3 stitches together (k3tog).
Double Stitch (DS): When having 3 loops on a peg, knitting the bottom loop over the top two loops.
Dropped Stitch: When a stitch comes off the peg. If not caught, it could unravel the entire stitch column.
Flat Knit: Flat knitting can refer to a type of stitch or knitting a flat panel on a round loom. To flat knit, you reverse directions once you reach the end of your row of stitches.
Floats: When working with 2 or more colors of yarn, it refers to running the yarn across stitches on the wrong side of the fabric.
Gauge/Tension: The number of stitches in a horizontal span. For some patterns, gauge is extremely important, but not for the ones in this book.
Increase: A method of adding new stitches to a row. Examples of increases include knit 1 front & back (k1f&b), yarn over (yo), and make 1 stitch (M1).
Knit Off/Over (KO): Removing a wrap from a peg. This is usually done with the loom hook.
Knit: Technically, “knit” means to create a fabric with interlocking loops of wool. In this book, “knit” means to grasp the bottom loop over the top loop and off the beg.
Loom Hook: A loom hook is used to move the loops on the loom. If you do a lot of loom knitting, I recommend getting a ergonomic one (it has a bigger handle) as it will be easier on your hand. I’ve learned you can never have too many loom hooks as they are easy to lose (check between the couch cushions).
Loom: The tool used to create weaves of yarn. Looms come in different varieties and sizes. This book uses a 12-peg round loom, also known as a flower loom.
Peg Groove: an indention in the peg that makes knitting the yarn easier.
Anchor Peg: The peg on the side of the loom. It may be used to hold the yarn at the start of the project or at anytime during it.
Loop (lp): The yarn wrapped around the peg.
Rounds (rnd): When knitting on a round loom, rows are traditionally called rounds.
Row Counter: If you ever graduate to more complex projects that involve patterns, a row counter will be necessary. It’s a device that you can
Seam: Joining two pieces together. Methods of doing this include mattress stitch, blanket stitch or whipstitch.
Slip Knot: An adjustable loop. Every knit project begins with a slip knot.
Slip Stitch: Skipping a peg by running the working yarn either in front or behind a peg and working the next one.
Slipped Edge: Skipping the first peg of each row so the edge takes on a chain-like appearance.
Stitches (st): The word stitch is used to describe two different things. In this book, it is used to refer to the basic way of creating new loops on a peg. There are five ways of doing this: e-wrap knit (EWK), u-wrap knit (UK), true knit (K), flat knit (FK), and purl (p). These are covered in chapter 3. Stitches can also be used to refer to patterns created by combining knit and purl stitch. For example, the garter stitch is created by alternating between rows of knit and purl stitches. For the purposes of this book, I will use what’s called the stockinette stitch, or knit stitches all the way around.
Tail: The end of the yarn
Tapestry Needle: A tapestry needle has a blunt tip and is larger than most sewing needles. You use it to tuck the ends of the yarn into your project. One is almost always included with any loom and can be purchased separately. They get lost easily (and at least my cats like to steal them), so I encourage you to purchase extras.
Waste Yarn: Scrap or leftover yarn. Keep small pieces of yarn to use in later projects.
Weave Ends: Hiding the yarn ends inside the project.
Working Yarn (WY): The yarn coming from the ball or skein. It is the section of yarn that you are using to create new stitches (in other words, working with).
Wrap: looping the yarn around the peg. There are two basic types of wraps: e-wrap and u-wrap.
E-wrap (EW): Wrapping the working yarn completely around the peg. It gets it’s name because when done correctly, it looks like the cursive letter e.
U-wrap (UW): Wrapping the working yarn around the peg
Yarn Guide: A yarn guide is a tube that slips over the yarn. It is supposed to help you guide the yarn and (according to some sources) will help you create an even tension in the yarn. As a newbie, I bought two of these. I used one once and then never again. It seemed more of a hassle than it was worth. But that doesn’t mean you won’t find it a handy tool.
