How to Use an S-Shaped Loom to Knit a Blanket (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

BRANDY BURKE Comments Off on How to Use an S-Shaped Loom to Knit a Blanket (Beginner-Friendly Guide)
How to Use an S-Shaped Loom to Knit a Blanket (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

If you’ve been curious about loom knitting blankets, an S-shaped afghan loom is one of the easiest ways to get started—especially if traditional knitting feels overwhelming.

I’ve tried a few different methods over time, and the Authentic Knitting Board Afghan Knitting Loom (affiliate link) hits that sweet spot: beginner-friendly, versatile, and actually capable of making full-size blankets.

This guide will walk you through exactly how to use it.

What Is an S-Shaped Afghan Knitting Loom?

An S-shaped loom (also called an afghan loom) is designed specifically for larger projects like blankets.

Instead of working in a circle like a round loom, this shape allows you to:

  • Knit wider panels
  • Create full blankets without sewing multiple pieces
  • Keep your project more manageable as it grows

It’s one of the most practical tools for loom knitting blankets.

What You Need to Loom Knit a Blanket

Before you start, here’s what you’ll need:

That’s it – no knitting needles required.

Step-by-Step: How to Loom Knit a Blanket

1. Cast On Your Stitches

Start by wrapping your yarn around each peg on the loom.

This creates the foundation row of your blanket.

If you’re new, keep your tension loose—tight stitches are the #1 beginner struggle.

2. Knit Your Rows

Using your loom hook:

  • Pull the bottom loop over the top loop on each peg
  • Work your way across the loom

This is the basic motion you’ll repeat to build your blanket.

3. Continue Until You Reach Your Desired Length

This is where loom knitting really shines.

You can:

  • Make baby blankets
  • Throw blankets
  • Or go full-size

Just keep knitting rows until it’s as long as you want.

4. Cast Off and Finish

Once you’re done:

  • Carefully remove the stitches from the loom
  • Secure the edge
  • Weave in loose ends with a yarn needle

And just like that—you’ve made a blanket.

Why Use an Afghan Loom for Blankets?

There are a lot of ways to knit, but loom knitting has some real advantages:

  • Easier on your hands than needle knitting
  • Faster for large projects
  • Great for beginners
  • No complicated stitch techniques required

If your goal is to actually finish a blanket, this method makes it much more doable.

Tips for Loom Knitting Blankets Successfully

If you want better results (and less frustration), keep these in mind:

  • Use 4 or 5 weight yarn for quicker progress (see my post: Best yarn for loom knitting blankets)
  • Keep your tension consistent
  • Don’t pull stitches too tight
  • Take breaks – blankets take time – mine took several months

And most importantly – don’t overcomplicate it.

Final Thoughts on Loom Knitting Blankets

If you’ve been putting off making a blanket because it feels too complicated, an S-shaped loom is one of the easiest ways to start.

The Authentic Knitting Board Afghan Knitting Loom gives you the structure and simplicity that makes large projects actually feel manageable.

And once you get the rhythm down, it’s the kind of project you can pick up anytime—no stress, no overthinking.