How To Knit Loops

The Encyclopedia of Knitting Techniques

Posted by Search Press

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Making an even, looped pile over the surface as you knit is a fascinating process. Much of the final effect depends on the type of yarn used and whether the loops are cut or uncut. Loops are usually worked on alternate rows so that they all lie on the right side of the fabric. The density depends on whether the loops are made with one or more strands of yarn and whether they are worked on every stitch or on alternate stitches. Experiment with these two techniques to decide which suits your yarn.

Single loops
These loops have been worked in cream wool and cut to give a sheepskin effect.

Double loops
These loops have been worked in a textured stretch yarn for a close-pile surface.

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You Will Need (2 things)

  • Yarn
  • Knitting Needles

Steps (6 steps, 25 minutes)

  1. 1

    Single loops
    This is a very secure loop that can be cut without unravelling. It is made on right-side rows of stocking stitch or garter stitch.

  2. 2

    1 Knit a stitch, but do not slip it off the needle. Bring the yarn to the front between the needles; take it clockwise around your left thumb and back between the needles. Knit the stitch on the left needle again and slip it off in the usual way.

  3. 3

    2 Insert the left needle into the front of the two new stitches on the right needle and knit them together through the back of the loops. When 
the knitting is finished, the loops can be cut or left uncut.

  4. 4

    Double loops
    Clusters of loops can be made on wrong-side rows of garter stitch. These clusters consist of two loops, but you can make triple loops in the same way. Do not cut the loops.

  5. 5

    Holding yarn in the right hand
    Insert the needle into the next stitch and wrap the yarn as if to knit, then wrap the yarn twice around the first two fingers of the left hand and the needle. Draw the three loops through the stitch. Insert the left needle into the loops and knit into the back and front of them, then lift the first loop over the second and off the needle. This locks the loops fairly securely.

  6. 6

    Holding yarn in the left hand
    Insert the needle into the next stitch as if to knit, catch the yarn with the right needle, then wrap the yarn twice around the first two fingers of the right hand and the needle, ending with the yarn behind the fingers. Draw the three loops through the stitch and secure the loops as described above.