Show Me How to Make Potholders on a Loom
It was the rare baby-boomer home that didn't have at least a couple of loop-loom potholders in a kitchen drawer. These colorful craft projects were made on a metal or plastic looms, created from loops of nylon fabric. These craft kits still exist, and you can teach your children how to make useful potholders as gifts for family members. Children as young as five can successfully complete this project, and finishing one potholder should take less than an hour.
Instructions
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Purchase a loop loom kit in a crafts store. This kit will include the loom, a set of loops and a hook.
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Separate your loops into different colors if you want to make a specific pattern. Plaid or checked patterns can be achieved by the use of different colors in rows. Beginners may want to make a multicolored potholder for a first attempt.
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String loops across the loom. Place one end of a loop on the first peg on the right hand side row. Stretch the loop across the center opening and set the other end of the loop on the first peg of the left hand side row. Stretch another loop around the two second pegs and then continue on this way until you have loops stretched across every set of pegs.
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Weave the lengthwise loops into the fabric. Place one end of a loop around the first peg in the top row of the loom. Weave this loop into the crosswise loops by laying the loop across the top of the first crosswise loop, then threading it under the second loop, then laying it across the third loop, and so on. When you have gone over and under all the loops in the row, place the end of the loop around the first peg in the bottom row of the loom.
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Weave loops until you have filled the entire opening of the loom with woven fabric and each of the pegs has a loop on it.
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Remove the potholder by weaving the edges of the fabric. Use the hook that came with the kit to weave this seam. Hold the loom with one edge facing you. Place the hook into the loop on the peg farthest to the right. Aim the hook toward the left and grab the loop on the second peg. Pull this second loop through the first loop, leaving the second loop on the hook. The first loop will slip off the peg and lay against the potholder secured by the second loop.
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Aim the hook to the left again and pull the third loop through the second loop. Slip the second loop off the hook and leave the third loop on. Continue weaving these loops together and removing them from the loom until you reach the last loop. Tie an overhand knot in the last loop so that it doesn't unravel.
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Tips & Warnings
You can purchase large bags of loops at craft stores when your kit runs out.
