Not all knitting has to be flat! There are many stitches that add texture and interest to your knitting.
One such technique is the loop stitch, which creates a fun, thick fabric suitable for many uses.
To Work a Loop Stitch - Knit.
- On the right side, work to where you want your first loop stitch to be.
- Knit the next stitch, but do not slip it from the left hand needle.
- Bring the yarn to the front of your work (between the needles) and wrap it around your thumb, then pass it back between the needles to the back of the work.
- Knit into the same stitch again, but this time, slip the stitch from your left hand needle and release your thumb from the loop.
- On the right hand needle you will now have two stitches with a loop hanging between them at the front of the work. Using your left hand needle, lift the second stitch from the tip aof the right hand needle and pass it over the other stitch. This forms a “knot” which prevents the loop from unravelling.
Repeat for every stitch you want looped.
On the alternate or wrong side rows, simply knit each stitch,
To Work a Loop Stitch – Crochet.
This is usually worked on a background of double crochet (US single crochet).
- Insert your hook into the row below in the usual way.
- Instead of simply catching the yarn and pulling the hook back through, pick up the yarn on the other side of your finger (assuming that the yarn is hooked around your index finger) and pull back through. This will leave you with two stitches on the hook.
- Wrap the yarn around the hook and pull through both stitches
Alternative Crochet method:
Some crafters may find it easier to wrap the yarn around some kind of guide, such as a ruler, to ensure that the loops are all the same length.
Uses of the Loop Stitch.
This is not a technique for every occasion, but it does have a variety of uses.
Novelty items.
By adapting a standard tea and egg cosy patterns, and attractive family of knitted or crocheted sheep could grace your breakfast table. These items will also be very thick and keep your tea and eggs warm for a long time.
Scarves
Made in a loose gauge and a luxurious yarn, a scarf made in loop stitch will take on the drape and feel of a feather boa.
Edgings.
This is a simple way to give an item a fun edging. Simply work two or three rows of loop stitch; nothing further is required.
Fake fur.
It is also possible to snip the loops and unravel the yarn, giving your item fake fur feel.
Loop Stitch is an easy technique to learn and can add, quite literally, another dimension to your knitting and crochet.
Lesley Arnold-Hopkins - Lesley Arnold-Hopkins is a freelance writer whose work and hobbies have given her areas of expertise in a number of fields. She has an ...
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