Hey, friends!!
I’m back again with a new project!! However, this time we are doing things a little bit different! Let me explain.
Recently there has been a new release of “loopy” yarn and it’s kiiiiiiiiiiiinda amazing. When I first got my hands on some, I was more intimidated by it because I just didn’t understand how to use it! But, after just watching a video made by JOANN Stores, it made so much more sense and I went on to make an entire garment using it (check it out here, or see below)!
To help as many people as possible feel a little more comfortable with this project, I want to write this post with photo tutorials and a link to the video by JOANN that helped me better understand. Let this be a place for you to become little more familiar with this product that is not only a whole lot of fun, but also became quite addicting for myself! This yarn/project is even approachable enough for kids to try - check out the photos below of my own kiddos working with it! With summer here and needing to find ways to keep your littles busy, I definitely recommend letting them try this out for a craft/activity idea!
Let’s get started!
This is a personal blog. All editorial content and projects are intellectual property of Jessica Carey, designer of The Hook Nook. This post was sponsored by JOANN Stores but all ideas and opinions are my own.
There are many different brands of “loopy” yarn on the market right now, but for today’s post I’ll be using Lion Brand Off The Hook. All of the brands may differ slightly in terms of overall yardage or color options, but are generally all the same. Yarn weights may vary just slightly as well, but are all super bulky or jumbo. Lion Brand also collaborated with Crayola to create a special collection of Off The Hook yarn in perfectly pigmented primary and other Crayola-based colors (great for kids!) - I recommend checking it out!
Using “loopy” yarn is kind of like knitting and creates very similar stitch-work. We are going to focus on the basic stitches (stockinette as well as how to create purl stitches) and we will be working in flat rows.
GETTING STARTED
STOCKINETTE
- To “cast on”, we are going to count as many loops out as we would like our project to be, or as noted per the pattern you may be following. (Looking for patterns? Check below for a list of resources!)
- We are then going to lay the strand of loops above our “cast on” amount.
- Starting on the working strand side (tail is to your left, waiting to be worked), grab the next loop after your “cast on” loops and this will be the start to our first row.
- Insert loop into first “cast on” loop and pull it up (so you can easily work it in the following row).
- Grab next loop from working strand and insert into next “cast on” loop. Repeat this loop placement to end of row.
- Grab next working loop and place into first worked loop on the new row. (Note: When working flat, I find it easier to NOT turn your work when working with this product, just simply work right to left, then left to right, etc.) Continue loop placement across row.
- Repeat Step 6 until your pieces measures your desired height.
PURL STITCHES
Working purl stitches is done in the same way as stockinette EXCEPT instead of placing the working strand loop into the worked loops, we will do it opposite. To create that front loop detail as offered by purl stitches, we will place the worked loop into the working loop. See photos below for reference!
Something to note when making purl stitches, your worked loop after purl stitch will be smaller than doing stockinette. This is normal, do not worry.
CASTING OFF
Just like with traditional knitting, casting off is done in the same way. For crocheter’s, consider casting off to be done like traditional slip stitches.
Once you have completed your piece/project, leave your working strand attached, but cut it with an excess of 3-4 extra loops. Starting on opposite side (not working strand side), insert second loop inward into first loop of row. Grab third loop inward and place into second loop inward. Continue this across.
When you get to end of row and working strand, place excess loops into last loop of row to finish it off. Weave in loops into wrong side of work and trim any excess.
Ta da!! Using loop-style yarn really isn’t hard at all and is such a fun project to try! With summer here, I’m all for keeping the kiddos busy with fun crafts and this is definitely something on our list of things to suggest when we hear the repetitive “Mom, I’m booooooooored.” ;)
Check it out!! I already got my daughter started with the Crayola Off The Hook because she was INSTANTLY in love with the variegated colors!!
Want to find some projects to make with this yarn? Check out these ideas!
-Namaste At Home Cardigan by Jessica Carey (that’s me!) - FREE pattern!
-Off The Hook Wall Hanging by JOANN - FREE pattern!
- Off The Hook Ottoman Pouf by JOANN - FREE pattern!
-Big Twist Loopity Loops Feather and Fan Blanket by Big Twist - FREE pattern!
-Off The Hook Colette Cowl by Lion Brand - FREE pattern!
You can find so many many projects and many brands (and colors!) of loop-style yarn on the JOANN website - click here!
Share your progress online and use hashtags #handmadewithjoann and #thehooknookers so share with our communities! Be sure to follow along with me on Instagram and sign up for my newsletter to see more fun inspiration and stay in the loop with what’s to come! Thank you to my friends at JOANN Stores for helping me create such a fun project!
Want to check out more beautiful, modern crochet and knit patterns and projects? Check out ALL of our blog posts featuring patterns, projects and more designed and shared by some of the community's best designers and dreamers here on THNLife Blog!
xo,
Jessica
