Hooked on Hexagons

Back when the first issue of Easy Weaving with Little Looms came out, almost 10 years ago (if you can believe it), the only pin-loom projects featured were for 4" square pin looms. We knew other shapes and sizes existed, but we weren’t certain how many pin-loom weavers owned more than one loom, so we stuck firmly to the 4" square. That’s how it remained until two years later when, while reviewing the submission for the 2018 issue, we were first introduced to the hexagon loom.

The very first hexagon pin-loom project ever to appear in a Little Looms magazine. Photo credit: George Boe

The submissions were so good that we knew we had to include just one to see whether people liked it. Since that first project—Gabi van Tassell’s Grape Table Topper, if you must know—Little Looms has been hooked on hexagons, and every issue since has included at least one (often more than one) hexagon-loom project.

The Lilas Au Printemps Scarf by Jane Grogan combines crochet and hexagons for an elegant effect. Photo credit: Matt Graves

Not only did that first hexagon project open the door to more, but it also made us realize that many pin-loom weavers were eager for projects that used different shapes and sizes of pin looms. Now, of course, I know pin-loom weavers (myself included) collect pin looms in the same way any other artist or hobbyist collects new tools and gadgets related to their interests. I wouldn’t expect somebody with an interest in carpentry to have only one saw or hammer—why would we expect pin-loom weavers to stick with only one size and shape of pin loom?

The Celtic Square Baby Blanket by Anthony Thompson uses several sizes and shapes of pin looms. Photo credit: Matt Graves

Of course, we realize everyone has to start somewhere, which is why, along with projects that combine pin-loom shapes and sizes, for each issue, we also make sure to have projects that use just one type of pin loom. Whether your first pin loom is the original 4" square or a 4" hexagon like the one used in that first Grape Table Topper, we’ve got you covered.

Happy Weaving!

Christina