Arm Knitting: The Literally Handmade Moebius Scarf
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Hand Made & Arm Knit!
While I'm far from an expert by any means, I'd like to think I know my way around a pair of knitting needles. I think yarn is a great craft medium and have made many scarves and hats in my time. However, I recently came across this cool video tutorial on how to arm knit an infinity scarf - something I had never heard of before! Essentially arm knitting is just that - using your arms to knit instead of knitting needles. This makes for very quick work of a project and big, loose loops.
Struck by curiosity, I decided to try it out right after watching the above video (even though it was 11 pm). Before the clock struck midnight, I had a lovely new Tardis blue infinity scarf to call my own, not to mention a fantastic new skill! Since the above video from Michaels (which also happens to be the store where I get most of my yarn) does a such great job of explaining and displaying the how-to aspect of arm knitting, the purpose of this blog is mainly to highlight key points and share some fun variations.
It's so FLUFFY!
For my demonstration, I chose to use Lion Brand Chenille yarn in two complimentary shades of purple. This was mainly because I already had them on hand and thought they would look great together. Luckily, I was right!
Casting On - You're Doing it Right!
When learning how to cast on for arm knitting, I definitely had to pause the video. It's not hard, per se, especially with a rewind button, but I thought it might be nice to share a static picture for posterity. Once you've got the method down, proceed until you have an armful of stitches!
Stylish yarn cuffs are all the rage.
One or two rows later, the scarf begins to take shape and show off the cool arm knitting stitchery. If you need any snacks or beverages, now's the time to fetch them, before you become...
There's no escaping it now!
YARN SHACKLED! Handy hint: You can move your stitches onto a bottle of some sort to hold your place, but you'll probably be done in half an hour or so anyway. Thanks to my lovely mom who gave me sustenance and helped take the pictures for this part of the blog!
Casting Off - Almost There!
Once you have the desired length of scarf on your arm, it's time to cast off. Take into account when deciding the length that due to the large stitches, most scarves will stretch out after a bit of wear.
Finite Scarf
Once you are done casting off, you have your very own arm knit scarf! You could turn it into an infinity scarf from here, but why stop there? Why not try... a Moebius scarf?!
Moebius scarf in the making!
A Moebius scarf is neat because not only does it go on forever just like its infinite cousin, but it also only has one side! To make a mind-boggling, mathematical Moebius scarf of your own, simply flip one of the ends over after folding the scarf in half, and sew together as usual. This way, the knits and purls are on the same side, forever!
Voila! Purple, fluffy, Moebius scarf!
Once you've sewed the scarf ends together and crocheted in any loose ends, your infinity/Moebius scarf is complete and ready to enjoy! But what if you want a different type of color, texture or fluffiness? No problem! The type of yarn you choose for your arm knitting makes a big difference in the final product.
Take for instance the following scarves, all arm knit with yarn classified as the recommended "bulky":
Mary Maxim Titan
Lion Brand Homespun
Loops & Threads Dewdrops & Loops & Threads Links
Loops & Threads Fuzzy Wuzzy
Each different type offers a totally different look, feel and thickness. The Homespun yarn (a favorite of mine) is super soft, but the thinnest of the bulky weaves and very stretchable, while the Fuzzy Wuzzy stayed the puffiest without stretching, maxing out the fluff capacity!
Mad arm knitting skills right here!
In conclusion, if your neck is cold and you're feeling crafty, try arm knitting an infinity or Moebius scarf! It's fast, it's easy and it's very satisfying to have a fluffy, literally handmade scarf in roughly 30 minutes. If you've tried arm knitting or other awesome yarn projects, be sure to comment below!
This is a great post. I was looking everywhere for a pattern with loose stitches that would show off the cool texture of Lion's Brand Homespun. It made me so happy when the picture I clicked on (above) brought me to this post with the instructions. Thank you! It seemed a little difficult to tell exactly what's going on and to keep the stitches even with the homespun though, so I'm considering making a different one first with more traditional yarn that would allow me to see the stitches a little more easily. Have you ever tried using two different types of yarn for this? For instance, I wonder how the homespun would look paired with a skein of regular yarn.
Thanks for your kind comments! I'm glad you enjoyed the post and do think starting with a plain yarn is a good way to get used to arm knitting. Once you've got the basics, definitely try Homespun and your other favorite yarns! Mixing brands, textures, colors and widths gives each scarf a totally unique look, feel and thickness - the sky's the limit!
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This looks so cool, I'm going to try it today!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I hope your scarf turns out great!
DeleteThis is a great post. I was looking everywhere for a pattern with loose stitches that would show off the cool texture of Lion's Brand Homespun. It made me so happy when the picture I clicked on (above) brought me to this post with the instructions. Thank you! It seemed a little difficult to tell exactly what's going on and to keep the stitches even with the homespun though, so I'm considering making a different one first with more traditional yarn that would allow me to see the stitches a little more easily. Have you ever tried using two different types of yarn for this? For instance, I wonder how the homespun would look paired with a skein of regular yarn.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind comments! I'm glad you enjoyed the post and do think starting with a plain yarn is a good way to get used to arm knitting. Once you've got the basics, definitely try Homespun and your other favorite yarns! Mixing brands, textures, colors and widths gives each scarf a totally unique look, feel and thickness - the sky's the limit!
Delete