By Shira Berkovich, Founder of Craftiloo · Last updated: November 11, 2026
To start a knitting loom, tie a slip knot on the anchor peg, then wrap the yarn around each peg once in an "e" shape (the e-wrap cast on) until every peg has a loop. Then wrap the pegs a second time and lift the bottom loop over the top loop on each peg. That's your first row. Every row after it is the same: wrap, lift over.
Quick answer
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| What's the easiest cast on? | The e-wrap: one loop around each peg |
| Which direction do I wrap? | Pick one direction and keep it the same for every row |
| How tight should the wraps be? | Loose enough to slide up and down the peg |
| What tool do I need? | The hook or pick that comes with the knitting loom |
| How do I make a row? | Wrap every peg again, then lift the bottom loop over the top one |
Before you start
- Find the anchor peg. Most round knitting looms have a small side peg or knob for tying on.
- Keep the yarn ball loose on the table next to you, so it doesn't pull the wraps tight.
- Hold the knitting loom with the pegs facing you, working around it in one direction.
How to cast on a knitting loom (e-wrap)
- Tie a slip knot and put it on the anchor peg.
- Bring the yarn to the inside of the first peg.
- Wrap the peg: take the yarn around the back of the peg and back to the front, so the yarn crosses over itself like a cursive "e".
- Move to the next peg and wrap it the same way. Keep going around until every peg has one loop.
- Check the wraps. Each loop should slide easily on the peg. Push the loops down toward the base.
Your first row
- Wrap every peg a second time, in the same direction, so each peg has two loops.
- Lift over: on the first peg, use the hook to lift the bottom loop up and over the top loop and off the peg.
- Repeat on every peg.
- Push the loops down. That's one row. A tube of knitting will start to grow down through the middle of the knitting loom.
Keep going: wrap, lift over, push down. After a few rows, gently pull the tail at the bottom to help the knitting come through.
The 3 most common beginner mistakes
- Wrapping too tight. Tight loops are hard to lift. If the hook won't get under a loop, the next wraps need to be looser.
- Skipping a peg. One empty peg makes a dropped stitch. Count your loops before each lift over.
- Changing direction. Wrapping one way and then the other twists the stitches. Choose a direction and stick to it.
How to finish (bind off a round knitting loom)
For a hat or tube, the simplest finish is a gather:
- Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail.
- Thread the tail on a yarn needle.
- Run the needle through each loop as you lift it off its peg.
- Pull the tail tight to close the top, and knot it inside.
Your kit's instructions may use a different finish for each project, so follow them where they differ.
Our knitting loom kits
Cat & Hat Knitting Kit (Amazon) includes 2 knitting looms (36 pins and 24 pins), red and grey yarn, 2 pompoms, eyes and a nose, a yarn needle and hook, and a booklet. You make a pompom hat and a matching knitted cat.
Loom Knitting & Crochet Bunny Kit (Amazon) includes 2 knitting looms (31 and 12 pegs), a yarn knitter tool, a crochet hook, yarn needle, 2 threaders, 3 stitch markers, eyes, nose, stuffing and 1.5 balls of yarn. It has the tools for both knitting-loom and crochet techniques.
When our kits aren't the right fit: if you want to make scarves or blankets, you'll want a long rectangular knitting loom or knitting needles. Ours are small round knitting looms for hats and soft toys.
Other good options
KB Looms (Authentic Knitting Board) makes knitting looms in many sizes, including long looms for scarves and blankets. The e-wrap cast on in this guide works the same on any peg knitting loom.
FAQ
How do you start a knitting loom for beginners? Tie a slip knot on the anchor peg and e-wrap each peg once around the knitting loom. Then wrap again and lift the bottom loops over the top.
What is the easiest cast on for a knitting loom? The e-wrap cast on. It's one loop per peg and needs no extra steps.
Do you wrap clockwise or counterclockwise on a knitting loom? Either. Just keep the same direction for every row.
Why is my loom knitting so tight? The wraps are too tight. Wrap loosely so each loop slides on the peg.
Is loom knitting easier than needle knitting? For most beginners, yes. The pegs hold every stitch, so stitches don't slip off.
What age can kids use a knitting loom? Check the age range on the kit. Younger kids usually need an adult to help with the first cast on.
Related Craft Guides: What Age Can a Child Learn to Knit? · Best Knitting Kit for Kids · Best Craft Kit Gifts for Girls by Age
