Spool knitting is a great introduction to the carious fiber crafts, both for adults and for children. Getting the hang of the needle and the loops on the stable loom of a knitting spool sets you up well for knitting, crochet and weaving, so it’s a worthwhile skill to pick up. The chain from spool knitting can be used for a variety of things, depending on how thick the end result it, but even if you don’t do anything with it, it’s downright fun to make. This knitting wheel is a simple spool knitter made using a wooden wheel. The wide, flat surface of the wheel is easier for little hands to hold and the shorter opening means that the “knitting” is visible almost immediately, perfect for teaching eager, and maybe a little impatient, first timers.

Difficulty level: Easy
Time required: Less than 5 minutes

Things you’ll need:
Wooden wheel
Four to six finish nails with very small heads
Hammer

Things to do:
1. Chose a spot in the ridge of the wheel and tap in your first nail, making sure it’s secure in the wood without letting the nail tip poke through.

2. Depending on whether you are using 4 or 6 nails, space the remaining nails out at quarter or sixths around the wheel, tapping them into place as you go.

3. Loop on your thread and knit away!