Loom Knitting–Creating in Double Knit

This is a guest post by Pat Novak of KnittingBoard.com.

What is Double Knit? And why would we want to loom knit with a Knitting Board? Well, for me, it all started about 10 years ago. I had learned to knit at age 19 working with all size needles and all varieties of yarns. I became a ‘knitting junkie’ for many years. I still enjoy working with my needles when I want to create single knit. But when I want a nice thick, cozy double knit I use the Knitting Board.

So, what is the difference? And, what is the Knitting Board?

The Knitting Board is a knitting tool that creates double knit very easily and quickly. The process is simply, weave and hook. As I discovered, creating double knit can be an easy process, and is very easy on my hands and wrists. The Knitting Board creates a thick knit that is ideal for afghans, sweaters, shawls, scarves and footwear.

Why Double Knit?

Double knit is a two-sided knitted fabric with NO back side. That means that you can weave in different color designs without seeing the knots and connecting yarns on the back of the knitted piece. Think about this for afghans, shawls, bags, scarves, and anything that you want to be reversible. Your design will look exactly the same on the front of the knitted piece as it does on the back side. The connecting yarns and knots are completely hidden in between the layers of knit.

So, you may want to know, “Is this still hand-knitting?” Simply speaking, “Yes.” Just ask some of the thousands of knitting board and loom-knitters if they are still hand knitting. It’s a different art or craft from knitting with needles, and just a change of tool from needles to loom.

Right now, my current project is a baby blanket for my first grandbaby, Jaedyn. She is scheduled to join our family in September. Her mommy and daddy live in Florida, so I want to make my blanket and booties out of Babysoft and Lion Organic Cotton. My knitting board is set with a 1″ spacing between the boards so that the knit is open and airy and cool. I’m using several different stitches to create lots of texture. It will have little chickie designs of yellow and pink and green on a white base. I think I’ll do the booties in white with trim in pink and green. I’m really excited–can you tell? I know it will be beautiful because of the double knit with no back side. As soon as it’s completed, I’ll post it to the blog for all to see. I’ll even put the pattern up for free so you can knit up a Little Chickie baby blanket, if you have someone very special in your family.

Here’s the chick design I’ll be using, shown here in a sweater.

Next project? I have a new puppy too. Her name is Deshka and she needs a puppy sweater. That will be a great project for Fall. Perfect for the double knit on my knitting board.