Afghans & Bed Runners for Knitting Looms: A Step-by-Step Guide for Creating 12 Stunning Projects on a Knitting Loom

I've been loom knitting for maybe 10 months now and I have an endless supply of hats and scarves. I'm currently working on my first pair of socks. But I've been eager to try a bigger project so I ordered this book.I've been having some trouble finding information about this book elsewhere online, and there's currently no "Look Inside" on Amazon, so first I'll list the projects.(1) Sampler bed runner using worsted weight (4) yarn (need 4 colors); you work this in two strips and piece together later, or you can make more strips and expand to a full throw(2) A chevron stripes (2 colors) afghan using worsted weight (4) yarn; is worked in your choice of 6 or 8 strips that are sewn together to make the finished item(3) A mitered squares afghan using a variegated worsted weight (4) yarn; you make 49 squares and sew them together(4) God's eye throw (2 different shades of the same color in the sample) using worsted weight (4) yarn; made from 8 triangles that are worked separately and sewn together(5) Mock cable bed runner using a single color of worsted weight (4) yarn; this one appears to be worked in all one piece(6 & 7) Log cabin throw and floor pillow (7 colors) worked in worsted weight (4) yarn (this is the one from the cover); you make 9 afghan blocks and sew together (and 4 pillow blocks and sew together)(8) Snuggle blanket (1 color) worked in worsted weight (4) yarn (basically a homemade Snuggie); made in 4 separate panels(9) Waterfall lace bed runner (1 color) using worsted weight (4) yarn; worked all in one piece(10) Shining star play mat using a self-striping worsted weight (4) yarn; make 5 separate diamonds and sew together(11) Diamond baby blanket using a single color of super fine (1) yarn; worked in one piece(12) Nine-patch throw using light (3) weight yarn (4 colors); worked in 3 strips and pieced togetherI am actually interested in making quite a few of these patterns. So even though I bought the book without knowing a lot about it, I'm glad I made the purchase since it has projects I'll definitely use. (I'll probably make different color choices to suit my own personal taste.) The single-color projects all include interesting textural work to increase visual appeal. Each project includes a rating ("beginner," etc.). Without having tried all the projects, I can't say how accurate the ratings are.The book is rather short (about 45 pages) with nice, heavy, glossy paper and full color printing throughout. As noted in the above list, many of the projects are worked in sections and pieced together later. I am not sure whether this is a limitation of the loom used by the author (the KB "All-in-One" loom) or whether it's because a full-sized afghan project on a loom would be heavy and unwieldy. However, the dividing into sections makes the projects easily portable, for the most part.Example yarns are given for each project but of course feel free to choose your own colors and styles. I expect I'll be using a lot of Red Heart Super Saver for practice! Instructions are given for several different sizes (i.e., Twin, Queen, etc., for bed runners), along with yarn shopping lists for each size.Tools needed for every project:*Loom*Loom hook (knitting tool)*Tapestry needle*Yarn (of course!)Tools needed for some projects:*Pillow form (24 inch square)*Crochet hook or cable needle (optional)Some notes on the loom: the same loom (KB "All-in-One") was used for all of the projects. However, do not think you have to go out and buy this exact loom to do these projects. I did some research online and found that the KB "All-in-One" loom has a 3/8-inch peg spacing. So, if you have the Martha Stewart loom like I do, you can use the small pegs placed in every hole to achieve this gauge. (These projects probably wouldn't work with Knifty Knitters, though.) The nice thing about most of these projects is that gauge isn't 100% critical since they're large flat pieces. I wouldn't deviate too far from 3/8 of an inch or you'll end up with a net. But there are a few options for looms other than the one used in the models.There's not a lot of time spent on technique, although there are some basic instructions for a few cast-ons and stitches (knit, purl, e-wrap knit). When a project requires a new or special stitch, there's a short tutorial on that page. The directions and accompanying photos are clear and quite helpful throughout the book. This book might not be for absolute beginners (might want to get started with something simpler and quicker to finish like a hat or scarf rather than embarking on a huge project right away), but I don't have a ton of experience and I'm completely self taught (from Isela Phelps's "Loom Knitting Primer") and I can understand the directions pretty well. The book doesn't contain extraneous text but what writing is there, is well-edited and clear.I'm happy with this purchase and if I wasn't right in the middle of another project (i.e., loom is currently occupied), I'd go out and buy yarn right this minute! Will definitely look for other books from the same author.

...and that's only because the patterns are so cute. The instructions are so incimplete, I had to consult YouTube to figure out how to do the cast-on methids and the stitches that she "explains" in the first few pages of the book. If this book indicated that it was for experienced loom-knitters that already know how to do the stitches, I would understand. But the very first project says, and I quote, "Now that you know some basic stitches, let's work on some sampler squares that can be put together in a variety of ways." Do not buy this book if you are still learning how to loom-knit...unless you have access to YouTube videos.

I have not started any of the projects in this book yet, but I love it. It gives detailed step by step instructions. I'm so excited and can't wait to begin one of the projects. Thanks for creating this guide - I'm always on the look out for new loom designs.

There are several patterns in this book that I will be making. Hope to give them as Xmas gifts for the family.

I like the patterns. Pretty simple.

Book is wonderful. Even for beginners. I am already starting a project. Can’t wait. Came earlier then expected. Yay!!!

Great patterns that I can easily understand. Very happy with the outcome so far. Perfect gifts for the whole family

I bought this based on reviews that it was good for beginners. I have done lots of scarves and hats and know a variety of stitches, but wanted to try an Afghan.I was familiar with the stitches needed for the first project, but the author used abbreviations in the pattern that she did not explain. I keep googling different abbreviations trying to figure out what they mean. In addition, I just don't find the directions very clear.If you are a novice at loom knitting, I do not recommend this book.

This book is the next step upwards in patterns, it tells you how to do the stitches required in picture form at the beginning of the book. The patterns themselves are eye catching, interesting and you even get a chart at the end of the book which will tell you the gauges of all different sorts of yarns and their equivalent sizes in ordinary knitting, so if you haven`t got that size yarn you can ply other yarns together to get that ply needed. Good book thought at first it was expensive for what it was but now I`m beginning to very much appreciate its value. Its different.

Some great patterns but this is for the American market so not only are the instructions really hard to follow anyway but you need to translate many of the terms. Shame

This book is great for anyone who is using the Authentic Knitting Board. Love it great choice of Patterns.

Anyone wanting to add a good knitting book to their collection should have this book. Well worth reading over and over again.

A realy easy to follow book that give you a realy useable and atractive finished product.Very pleased with this book.