Children thrive when they play with simple, earth-friendly toys that inspire the imagination and spark long sessions of creative play. Natural toys are great for kids and for the environment. A weaving loom is one such toy that helps inspire creativity, problem solving, patience, and self-confidence. Today, I am reviewing a high quality potholder loom kit that has a metal loom and cotton loops. The Harrisville Designs Potholder Loom Deluxe was provided to me by Heirloom Toys in order to facilitate review.
As a child I remember loving my potholder loom kit. It was fun to learn to weave and actually be able to make something myself. I remember feeling proud of my designs and giving the colorful potholders as Christmas gifts to my relatives. It was very empowering. Naturally, I wanted to get one for my kids too.
5 Surprising Benefits of Using a Potholder Weaving Loom
Are you looking for a new way to unwind and tap into your creative side? Look no further than the humble looms for potholders. While it may seem like a simple craft, using a potholder loom can bring unexpected benefits to your daily routine. The positive impact the loom and hook age-old tool is something that both and adults and children will benefit from. In fact, a lady at my church took up the hobby. She attached a bible to quote to each of her loomed potholders and she passes them out to friends and family on a regular basis.
Stress Relief and Relaxation
Using a potholder loom can also provide stress relief and relaxation. As you focus on the repetitive motions of weaving, your mind can unwind and find peace in the simplicity of the task. This meditative quality of potholder looming can help you clear your mind of any worries or anxieties, allowing you to destress and rejuvenate your mental well-being. Additionally, the rhythmic nature of weaving can promote relaxation and a sense of calm, making it a wonderful way to unwind after a long day.
Enhanced Focus and Mindfulness
Engaging in potholder looming can also result in enhanced focus and mindfulness. By immersing yourself in the intricate process of weaving, you can sharpen your concentration and be fully present in the moment. The tactile sensation of handling the loops and the rhythmic motion of weaving can bring a sense of mindfulness, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of the craft and focus on the task at hand. This practice of mindfulness can not only improve your ability to concentrate but also promote a greater sense of awareness in your daily life. As you become more attuned to the present moment through potholder looming, you may find yourself more creative, inspired, and connected to your inner self.
Creative Expression and Personalization
This sense of presence and mindfulness can also extend to the next benefit of potholder looming: creative expression and personalization. With a variety of colorful loops and different weaving techniques at your disposal, potholder looming allows you to unleash your creativity and personalize your creations. Whether you prefer vibrant patterns, subtle designs, or intricate combinations, you have the freedom to express yourself through your potholders. This creative outlet not only lets you experiment with colors and textures but also enables you to make one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect your unique style and personality. As you delve into the world of potholder looming, you’ll discover endless possibilities for self-expression and customization, making each project a reflection of your creativity and individuality.
Improved Hand-Eye Coordination
The intricate movements required in potholder looming can lead to improved hand-eye coordination, as you challenge your dexterity and fine motor skills. These skills will not only benefit your looming projects but can also have positive effects on other activities that require precision and coordination. As you hone your hand-eye coordination through potholder looming, you may find yourself more adept at various tasks that demand focus and agility.
Social Connection and Bonding
This enhanced coordination can also translate into smoother interactions and better communication with others, fostering social connection and bonding through shared experiences and creative pursuits. Engaging in potholder looming with friends or family members can provide a platform for meaningful conversations and quality time spent together. The collaborative nature of creating loom potholders can spark laughter, shared accomplishment, and a sense of camaraderie as you work towards a common goal. Building these connections through a shared hobby like potholder looming can strengthen relationships and create lasting memories. So why not gather your loved ones and embark on a potholder looming adventure together?
Potholder Loom Kit Review
The Harrisville Designs Potholder Deluxe Kit is made for children 6 years and older. It comes with a sturdy 7″ x 7″ metal loom, 2 hooks (one metal hook for loop weaving and one plastic hook for finishing), and multicolored 100% cotton loops. There are enough loops to make six potholders with additional loops for extras. Loop refills can be ordered. It also has an instruction booklet with ideas for potholder loom patterns. My kids and I love the Potholder Loom Deluxe! Here is my affiliate link on Amazon. If you prefer larger potholders get the Potholder Pro kit for 10×10 inch loom.
I have always felt good about giving my kids natural, simple toys that are designed to withstand years of active play. This potholder loom is made out of metal so you don’t have to worry about any of the pegs breaking off. It is a kid-friendly loom that is also great for adults.
When I saw the Potholder Loom Deluxe, it brought me straight back to my own childhood and I remember how much I loved making the potholders and how proud I felt of my creations. I chose to get one for my daughter and I am very pleased to say that she loves it just as much as I did.
Creating something useful is such a marvelous feeling especially for a child who doesn’t get to do that as often as adults can. My daughter is 6 and she absolutely loves it. I showed her how to do the first one and then I did the edges for her while she watched. She did the second one 100% by herself and I couldn’t be more proud!
Cotton Potholder Loops
We also love the Cotton Potholder Loops which come in lots of vibrant colors. So many potholder loom kits have synthetic material loops these days and it is nice to see the cotton potholder loops both because they are a nice texture but also because then the creations can safely function as real potholders instead of melting with heat contact! I love real cotton potholder loops, don’t you?
My 4 year old son can start the process by stretching out loops in colors he likes going in one direction. However, the weaving part is a little too tedious to hold his interest. He loves to watch my daughter weave though. I honestly believe every child should get one of these looms because they are so fun, great for increasing hand eye coordination, planning skills, and they give such a sense of accomplishment.
A potholder loom is a small, square frame used to weave potholders, which are thick, heat-resistant pads used to handle hot cookware. These looms are typically made of plastic or metal (this particular one is a sturdy metal loom) and come with a series of pegs around the edges. The process involves weaving loops of fabric (these are cotton loops), back and forth across the loom to create a woven square.
How To Finish A Loom Potholder
- Starting at one corner, use the finishing hook to lift the first loop off the peg and pull it through the next loop.
- Continue pulling each loop through the next, working your way around the entire edge of the potholder.
- When you reach the last loop, pull it tight and tie it off to secure the weaving.
- Remove the potholder from the loom.
- Tuck in any loose ends or trim them if necessary.
My daughter just finished her 5th potholder. It is so fun to see the potholder loom patterns she comes up with! She uses some of them as doll (or kitten) blankets and we plan to have her give a few of her creations away for as DIY Christmas gifts to relatives. A traditional potholder loom really is lots of fun and keeps her entertained for long periods of time. Have you or your kids tried any weaving or loom projects yet?
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