Crochet on a loom most often refers to hairpin lace, a technique using a metal U-shaped frame, or loom, to create long strips of looped fabric that a crochet hook then joins together into a finished piece. I picked up hairpin lace specifically for the airy, lacy texture it produces that a hook alone cannot replicate. This guide covers the basics.
How Hairpin Lace Works
Wrap yarn around the loom’s two prongs, working a crochet stitch down the center to lock each loop in place, then slide the growing strip off the top as you go. Once you have several strips, join them together with a simple crochet stitch to build a larger piece, commonly a scarf or shawl.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need special equipment for hairpin lace?
Yes, a hairpin lace loom, a simple metal frame with adjustable prongs, is required, along with a standard crochet hook for the center stitches.
Want to see other specialty crochet styles?
See an overview of the major crochet types and techniques.
See different types of crochet