How to Spool Knit

Spool knitting.

Knitting spools, also known as knitting Nancys, have been around for centuries. This form of knitting is unlike usual knitting, which uses two needles. Instead, a special tool is used to create knitted cord, which can then be formed into other items--ranging from rugs to more intricate designs. Learning how to spool knit is easy, especially if you are familiar with other knitting and crocheting techniques, and it can be a fun project to do with your children.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Spool knitter
• Yarn or thread
• Pointed tool for removing thread
• Scissors

1. Purchase your supplies. While you can choose to make your own knitting spool, it is easier to purchase one that is already made--a kit may also include a pointed tool for taking the thread off of the spool. Acrylic yarn is cheap and easy to work with for beginners, and is recommended for your first try at spool knitting.

2. Casting on (courtesy of Needlepointers.com)

   Hold the spool knitter in your left hand (right hand if you're a lefty). Take the yarn and loop counterclockwise it around one peg (depending on your knitting tool, it may have four pegs or even more, but we will assume there are just four). Then loop the yarn clockwise around the peg across from you. Loop the yarn clockwise across the peg to the left, and then counterclockwise on the final peg. This basic setup will begin your spool knit.

3. Face the first peg towards yourself again and loop the yarn around the peg from right to left. Using your pointed tool, pull the first loop on the peg over this new loop and let it drop it over the peg. Rotate the spool counterclockwise to the next peg and repeat the process, pulling on the tail end of the yarn to keep it taught and tight.

4. Allow the yarn to start pulling through the bottom of the spool. You will need to make about 400 stitches (rounds) to make one foot of yarn braid. Continue until you have enough yarn braid to complete your project.

5. Cast off the braid. You will need to take the yarn from the final peg (as referred to in step 2) and move the last stitch you knitted over one peg to the left. Pull the stitch up from this peg over the knitted stitch you just transferred and then let drop. Continue moving stitches in this manner until you are left with one stitch. Cut the yarn to a desired tail length (four to five inches) and pull this tail through the remaining loop.

Tips & Warnings

• Using a spool knitter with more pegs will result in a larger braid.

• You can knit many materials on a spool knitter, from ribbon to jewelry wire.

• There are many patterns available for using yarn braid.

• If the knitter is made with actual nails and wood, supervise your children while they use the knitter.

Resources

• How to Use A Knitter with Six Pegs
• Purchase a Knitting Nancy
• History of Spool Knitting