How to Make an Extra-Warm Hat on a Peg Loom

Make a hat that will keep you warm on the coldest winter days by using a Peg Loom. If you have a 3D printer, you can print the loom and pegs yourself. I designed and printed the loom I used to make this hat (link to Extendable Peg Loom). The loom can be extended to any length you can handle; however, only about 3 extensions are needed to make a hat for the average-sized human head.

This hat is worked using double strands of yarn.

Step 1: What You Need

1. Yarn

2. Peg Loom

3. Measuring tape

4. Yardstick

5. Yarn needle

6. Needle threader

Step 2: Measure Your Head

Measure from front to back; from forehead to nape of neck.Record the number.

Measure around your head - circumference. Record the number.

Step 3: Do You Want a Band Around the Hat?

If you want the edges of your hat to turn up, decide the number of inches you want it to be. Record this number.

Note: The usual number of inches for a band ranges between 1" and 2".

Step 4: How Much Yarn Do You Need?

Peg looms usually require worsted or bulky yarn. I devised a formula for determining how much yarn is needed to complete any size requirement based upon hats I have completed in the past. It is meant to provide a rough estimate and is not exact.

Figure out the area

1. Divide the front to back measurement of your head by 1/2.

2. Add the band height amount.

3. Add 1/2" for band crease.

4. Multiply 1/2 Front to Back + Band Height + 1/2" by circumference amount.

Area = (1/2 Front to Back + Band Height + 1/2") x Circumference

Figure out amount of yarn yards

5. Multiply area by .72 for worsted yarn.

6. Multiply area by .67 for bulky yarn.

Yarn yards needed = Area x .72 or .67

Step 5: Number of Pegs Needed

Put the loom together and measure the holes across. The number of holes should match your circumference plus one extra. As a gauge, a hat made using 33 pegs will fit a 22" circumference comfortably.

Step 6: Measure & Cut Warp Yarn Pieces

Use the full front to back measurement plus band height plus 1/2" for band fold plus 12" for tying knots as the cutting measurement. Cut one piece for each peg.

Cut piece = Full Front to Back + Band Height + 1/2" + 12"

Step 7: Thread Pegs

A needle threader comes in handy for this or you can pinch the yarn and pull it through.

After the yarn has been pulled through, wrap it around the end of the peg.

Step 8: Place Pegs in Loom

Step 9: Loosely Tie Ends of Warp Together

Step 10: Begin Weaving

1. Take two pieces of yarn (from two skeins or the beginning and end of one skein (see tip)).

2. Make a slip knot, leaving a long tail. The tail will be used to sew the fabric together.

3. Place the slip knot on the first peg. Work across the loom, wrapping yarn in front and back around the pegs.

4. Wrap the yarn around the pegs in a slightly loose manner; especially the ends.

A beater or comb is useful for compacting rows (weft) or just use your fingers.

Tip: You can pull yarn from the center of the skein to find the other end. If you place the pulled yarn carefully, you won't have issues with it becoming tangled as you work.