1. The loom used is listed in the first line under Pattern Information. Decor Accents was purchased and I’m not sure if this loom is still sold and if it is, if it’s made the same way. As a reminder, what loom was used isn’t nearly as important as the gauge. I’m sure you realize that we could both use the same loom and yarn but our knitting styles may be different — you may work your stitches much tighter or looser than mine so you’d need to change the pattern accordingly or use a different loom to make sure that the size of the garment stayed the same. As you know, this isn’t as important when you’re knitting a scarf or a blanket but when you move to fitted garments, it’s essential! This holds true whether whether knitting with a loom or needles. If you can’t remember how to do this, there are directions on Loom Knitting Help under how to substitute yarn. Even though the title may seem like it’s not related, the concept is the same for both.
2. As I responded to you privately yesterday, the pattern assumes that you are already familiar with standard knitting vocabulary. Loom Knitting Help does have a small primer on abbreviations as well as a glossary if this is new territory for you. The Craft Yarn Council also has information on How to Read a Knitting Pattern as well as a Knitting Abbreviations Master List. I hope one of these links will help you with your questions.

While the sweater is marked as easy, as noted in the post’s opening paragraph, it assumes that you have already learned the basic stitches so it’s not an appropriate pattern for someone who is relatively new to knitting. You can learn more about skill levels for knitting and crocheting at the Craft Yarn Council‘s Skill Levels page. Reviewing the information presented about each stitch in this section as well as the ones noted below should also help answer the bulk of your questions.

1. the single rib stitch pattern
2. the twisted stockinette stitch pattern
3. the bar increase stitch
4. the knit two together through the back loop (k2tog tbl) decrease stitch
5. the slip slip knit through the back loop (ssk tbl) decrease stitch
6. the crochet cast-on method
7. the provisional bind-off method

The offer to join the preliminary project is still open if you’d like to participate. I think it would help give you a strong background that will help you work this pattern and future patterns with confidence. I think you’ll find the other ladies involved to be very supportive and lots of fun to knit with. Please contact me privately to learn more about it.

I am sorry the pictures and Knifty Knitter converted pattern weren’t posted but I’ve had some very serious health issues over the past four years as well as family business to attend. This is why I pop on the blog so infrequently. I will try to get both of these done but they will need to wait until after the project I’m working on is near completion as this will help prepare loom knitters to work these patterns.

Best of luck and happy knitting!

Thanks!

Thanks,
Gale