Have you tried Zoom Loom Weaving?
I have to tell you, this little pin loom is hella fun! Now, you might not think of weaving as a grab and go fiber art like say, sock knitting, but I’m here to tell you the Zoom Loom might just be your very next BFF. The loom itself is about the size of a sandwich and is considered a 4″x4″ loom. The finished woven square will be slightly smaller, depending on the yarn you are using. The loom and the accessories easily fit in a small knitting WIP bag.
It’s Fast!
The best part, instant gratification. Once you get the hang of it, you can whip up a square in 10 minutes or less. Add a minute to weave in ends and another minute or two to admire your handiwork and you’re still finished in less than 15 minutes. LOVE.
It’s Zen!
Just like other fiber projects, you’ll find working with the Zoom Loom to be an efficient and enjoyable way to unwind, relax, and recharge. The movements are repetitive and therefore meditative. This little gem will bring you to a calm quiet place where all is right with the world.
It’s An Old Craft, That’s New Again!
Pin looms have been around since the mid 1930’s and continued to be popular through the 1950’s and 1960’s. WWII soldiers even used them as part of their rehabilitation. They pretty much faded from the fiber scene until recently when the Schacht Spindle company decided to work with John Mullarkey to design and construct the Zoom Loom, a pin loom which incorporates all the original functionality of the pin loom with an updated, easy to use style.
Want to see this little guy in action? Check out this video.
See how easy it is? Have you decided to give this little gizmo a whirl? How about a bit of inspiration to get those creative juices flowing?
A Roundup of Pin Loom Projects
This Spring Jacket pattern is one I purchased from ZoZoFiberArts on Etsy. Isn’t it awesome? It’s rated as “Easy” for skill level and really the most difficult (aka fun) part is selecting the yarn you want to use to create this beauty. Hard to believe it requires 84 squares, but I’m a quarter of the way there and it’s going quickly! Can’t wait to have this baby finished!
It’s likely that the next Zoom Loom project I make will be this lovely shawl by Jana Trent. For those of you feeling adventurous, she’s incorporated a lace square along with the plain woven ones for an extra bit of detail. Her instructions are easy to follow. You can find them here.
This gorgeous wrap is absolutely stunning and elegant. The squares are made of different densities (i.e. yarns). It consists of 57 squares of using the yarn doubled and 28 squares of using a single strand of yarn. A crochet border that is added, along with some fringe. Isn’t it lovely? You can find the instructions here.
This fun little Harlequin Vest is a great topper over tanks or t-shirts in the summer or layering all year long. It’s another winner from ZoZoFiberArts on Etsy.
This sheep pin is just the cutest thing on the planet. I’m thinking it would be a fun Christmas tree decoration or the perfect little something for your fiber art friends.
Directions can be found in this book by Margaret Stump.
If you think that the Zoom Loom is only for small projects, think again! Take a look at this beauty! Now, you don’t have to make a blanket quite so complicated. Using up scraps of yarn that might otherwise be thrown out is a wonderful way to upcycle those odd bits. (Can you say “Sock-Yarn-Blanket”?!)
Hope you’ve enjoyed the post and that you feel inspired to try this fun and addicting fiber art!
Thanks for stopping by! Until next time, happy crafting!
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