Review of the KB Flexee loom — a flexible knitting loom for various sizes and shapes

The Flexee knitting loom by KB is very different from any traditional knitting loom. It is made of many little links so you can configure them into different shapes and sizes for different projects. It has the potential to replace the old-fashioned circular looms, linear looms, and S looms. But does it really work that well? I just have to test it out.

The KB loom has 2 versions – Skinny for the worsted and DK weight yarn, and Chunky for thicker chunky weight yarn. I have the skinny version which comes with 48 links (98 pegs).

Watch the video for the KB Flexee loom review

The Pros and Cons of the Flexee knitting loom with little links

There are some revolutionary advantages with this knitting loom and some issues too. I will start with the pros.

Pros:

1. It is very flexible to make into many custom loom sizes and shapes. You are not limited to one loom for a baby hat, one loom for kids hat, one loom for an adult hat, one loom for double knitting scarf, one for blanket… In theory, with this loom, you can make all the above projects.
2. You can combine 2 or more packages of links to make bigger knitting projects. Make custom size sweater in the round, adult blanket, or any odd size projects.
3. It is space-saving for storage because you don’t have to keep separate looms for different projects. If you are short of craft storage or if you are a minimalist, this is a good loom to replace many other knitting looms.
4. It is great for decreasing in intervals such as the top of a hat or a yoke sweater. Most knitting looms or machines have the same problem when decreasing stitches. It is hard to take out empty stitches because the machine needles are fixed. With this Flexee loom, you can take out links after certain decreases so it is possible to shape the crown of the hat like hand knitting. After decreasing a few rounds, you just take out the empty links. This creates a nicer finish and reduces gaps when decreasing.
5. Two colors and numbered links. There are 2 colors (dark purple and lavender) for the links. Each link has a number on top too. So it is easy to set up alternate colors for 2 × 2 ribbing. You can also arrange differently to match your knitting patterns.
6. It is easy to learn and knit, even for kids. Loom knitting is easy and fun even for kids. My 6 years old can loom knit without a problem. However, the chunky loom will be easier for kids than the smaller gauge loom. While it is easy to learn, you can still knit complicated patterns just like hand knitting, and combining different stitches. It is good for both beginners and advanced loom knitters.
7. Good value and sturdy pieces. It is made of plastic. Not the most eco-friendly option, but it keeps the price reasonable. The pieces are very sturdy, so they should last for a while. Once linked, the pieces will not fall apart easily.

Cons

It seems too good to be true. There are a few issues you might want to know before you donate all the traditional looms.

1. It is difficult to snap the links in place. It takes some force to push 2 links together. Be careful not to jam your fingers. This is not a job for little kids. But, once the links are together, it stays together and doesn’t fall apart easily.
2. It is too flexible so it is hard to keep in a rigid shape. When I try to make a long double-knit loom, the center starts to bend inward. It is hard to keep a perfectly straight line or perfect circle when you knit. I know I can slow down and adjust the tension when I knit to reduce the bending. But, it just takes a little more work. However, it will not matter to most projects whether the loom is in perfect circle/line or not. For some projects, the rigid loom will work better.
3. No extra peg at the beginning or end of the loom. In the most traditional looms, there is an extra peg at the beginning to tie the yarn tail. This one does not come with any single peg link or rod insert to mark the beginning of the loom. You have to be creative and add one more link (2 pegs) to be used as the extra peg or insert a small rod from sideways. It will be nice if the company comes out with a single peg accessory to integrate with their links.
4. Plastic is not environmentally friendly. Natural material will be better for our earth, but plastic is cheaper and it makes “the snapping” easier.

Overall, this is a very smart design and good value for all the projects you can make. You can bring it anywhere, and try your own custom loom configurations. There is no limit to the possibilities. With so many online tutorials and patterns available, it easily fits different skill levels. I can see a lot of projects in the future, maybe a kid’s blanket, a double-knit scarf, and fingerless mittens just from this loom… Happy loom knitting!