When a lot of people think of knitting, they often think of large, sharp, pointy knitting needles. These knitting needles are especially long so they can hold several stitches at once for complex designs and patterns.

Fortunately, loom knitting doesn’t require needles that are quite so big. Rather, loom knitting relies on small hooks to grab the yarn and pull it up over the peg.  Many round loom sets come with hooks, but if you’re buying your materials piecemeal, here’s what you should look for.

What Loom Knitting Hooks Should You Buy?

Loom knitting hooks don’t come in a variety pack of sizes to worry about. In general, you buy one hook and that’s all you need for the rest of your projects. It doesn’t matter if you are working with smaller, thinner yarns or thick, bulkier yarn, your loom knitting hook will get the job done.

Because your loom knitting hooks will be doing the heavy lifting, so to speak, you should look for ones that have a comfortable grip. I personally prefer a silicone grip such as KB’s Authentic Knitting Board Hook. The squishier grip protects my fingers from friction. Without it, I tend to develop odd callouses from longer looming sessions.

What About Yarn Needles?

From time to time, you will need a yarn needle to finish a project. My tiny hearts beanie, for example, requires the yarn needle for casting off and stitching up the top of a hat.

Yarn needles are not the same as knitting needles (far too big) nor are they the same as sewing needles (far too small). A good yarn needle has a large eye for thick, bulky yarns. Additionally, it has a rounded point for sliding between stitches rather than piercing fabrics. Often times, you can find loom hooks and needles as part of a set. However, if you just need to buy one or two replacement needles, I suggest these Boye plastic needles. They’re affordable and highly rated.

Do You Have to Buy These Brands?

No – please use what you have available. I am an Amazon Associate, so I do recommend products from time to time and receive a commission for links. However, I’m not paid to upsell specific brands, and I only share links to products I use and enjoy regularly.

If you find a suitable hook and needles set at a hobby store, go for it! I want you to have fun with your hobby without breaking the bank.