Some children’s craft items just seem to hang on generation after generation, and one that has been around forever is the potholder loom.
We can remember making the familiar woven potholders as a child in the late 1950s, but when we came across a loom while searching for weaving supplies online recently, we realized that the colorful squares could easily be incorporated into other projects.
The loom we ordered was a Harrisville metal loom, cost $12.95, which included enough cotton loops to make three potholders, and we were also able to order classier wool loops for $4.99 per one-color package or $14.50 per multicolor pack. The single packs contain enough loops for one potholder; the multipack, enough for three.
To order a loom for yourself, just do a search on the product name and select the outlet – you’ll probably find several listed – from which you wish to purchase.
Weaving the loops is a simple process as far as the instructions go, but when we tried out our loom we realized that the craft may not be suitable for children without a lot of hand strength or patience.
| What you’ll need
* Potholder loom or kit * Wool or cotton loops * Crochet hook * Bloom loom * Yarn * Tapestry needle |
The wool loops are particularly difficult to work with as far as hand strength goes, so we recommend cotton loops for children. In fact, it might be a good idea to start kids out with the very inexpensive plastic looms and stretchy nylon loops that accompany them, which can be found in toy and craft shops.
We found one kit for about $8 (plastic loom and loops included), and one loom/pattern book combination (with lots of colorful loops) for $16.95, both at Craft Mart in Marysville.
The loom/book combo included some fun ideas for other uses for the finished potholders.
But for adults, the wool loops are a great way to upgrade your potholder projects a few notches: the colors are richer and the texture is softer and thicker. Remember, though, that you will need to tug a bit harder and be a little more patient when working with them.
To begin, simply loop the loops side by side over the hooks along the edges of the loom to form your warp base.
Next, loop a loop crosswise over the bottom hook on the left side (if you’re right handed) of the loom and – using the metal hook included with the Harrisville metal loom (or a crochet hook) – weave the loop over and under the warp loops to the other side and secure by looping it over the hook opposite the one on the left.
Repeat the same process the next hook up on the loom, but alternate the over-and-under pattern this time and continue to alternate back and forth all the way up the loom.
When you get to the top three or four hooks/rows, you’ll probably need to stop pulling the loops smoothly through the weaving with the metal hook and use a crochet hook to pull the loops – over and under each warp loop one at a time to get them woven. The loops get very tight toward the end and the pressure needed to weave will pop the loops off of the hooks if you try to pull through multiple warp loops at a time.
There are two ways to finish of the edges: either use a crochet hook and chain stitch, or a tapestry needle and thread.
To finish with the crochet method, insert the hook into a loop on the right-hand side of the top edge, then using each loop to the left, work continuously across the top making chain stitches, down the left-hand side, across the bottom and back up the right-hand side; join with a chain stitch in the first chain made.
To finish with the needle and thread, simply sew around each edge, leaving the loop ends to form a loopy fringe around the outside of the potholder.
You can use your potholders for their intended purpose, or you can sew them together to make other items.
We made several table mats by sewing multiple potholders together and crocheting a fringe around the edges, as shown in our photo illustration.
To make a four-panel mat, sew four potholders together, then crochet a row of single crochet stitches around the edge. Make a fringe by chaining 15 or 20 chain stitches beginning in one single crochet space and attaching the end in the same space to form a loop, then chain over to the next space and repeat around.
You can add a yarn flower to the center of the mat (which will give you four panels on which to place condiments or other small items for the table, rather than one large mat) with the help of a great little tool called the Bloom Loom.
Find the flower loom at craft and fabric stores or online for about $5, and the flowers involve wrapping lengths of yarn around the pegs on the loom to form either a double- or single-layer flower.
Other uses for your finished potholders include:
A soft block for toddlers or pets, made by sewing six squares together and stuffing with fiberfill.
A purse or tote bag made by sewing multiple potholders together and attaching purchased or hand-braided handles.
An area rug made by sewing potholders together to create the size you desire.
Contact Jonetta Coffin at jrocoffin@aol.com.
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