There are many different techniques involved in the craft of knitting. Arm knitting is one variation, allowing you to create all kinds of projects without any needles, just by using your arms.

Principles of Arm Knitting

Arm knitting does not use needles. Instead, you cast your stitches onto your forearm, reach through with your hand to seize the working yarn and use it to create a loop. Then draw the yarn through the loop to create a stitch and hang it on your other arm.

There is no need to turn the piece. You just keep working through from right to left until you reach the end of the row, at which point you switch to go from left to right.

Advantages of Arm Knitting

Arm knitting allows you to work more quickly than when using needles. It also provides a scaled-up view of the stitches, allowing you to see them in more detail. It is best for larger projects.

Choosing Your Yarn

Yarn comes in many sizes, and can be described in different ways. Chunky or super chunky yarn are the best choices when you are arm knitting as they are suited to large-scale projects.

Deciding on a Project

The range of potential projects that you could create with arm knitting is broad. You could try blankets, scarves, shawls or even knitted vases. Most of these are the kind of project often recommended for beginner knitters and are well suited to super chunky yarn.

Other Tips

Remove any jewellery that could interfere with your work before beginning.

Stitches are easier to move if they are relatively loose, and can be kept more regular in appearance by turning your loops clockwise when switching arms.

Most importantly, be patient with yourself and do not be too frustrated by any mistakes. It is all part of the learning process.

Once you understand the principles of arm knitting, you will soon be able to start practising it for yourself. Just decide on your first project and follow the step-by-step guide. With some patience, you should soon see your skill level improving.