Today is a blast from the past! Do you remember the K-Tel Looper advertising on TV or maybe like me your Mom had one? It was the 70’s and all those crafty Moms were busy churning out afghans, socks, and knitted scarves. But even if you didn’t have the expertise or patience to crochet or knit these little gems, as long as you had the K-Tel or Grant One Needle Looper you could join the trend.
For years I searched unsuccessfully to find one like dear old Mom had, but after many searches, jackpot, I found one! I bought some yarn and started using my vintage K-Tel Looper as a way to relax and unwind. Hey, it works!
The technique behind the Looper is similar to finger knitting which has been around since forever.
The Basics
The Grant one needle looper is a plastic needle with a large eye at one end with a gauge for the loop size and a yarn guide on the other end.
How does the One Needle Looper work?
You use the eyed needle to push a new loop through a preexisting one, gauging its size with an adjustable collar.
Run the yarn through the yarn guide, then through th eye of the needle and tie a slip knot. You use the needle to push a new loop into a previous loop. What is so awesome is all the stitches are locked so you can cut in any direction.
You can start easy knitting with just some yarn, the Looper and slipknot.
K-Tel marketed the Looper and this old commercial is probably the one that enticed my Mom into laying down $3.00 for this knitting tool.
The one-needle Looper was discontinues in 19XX, sure wish they would bring it back. Until they do, try and find a used one on sites like eBay or Etsy. I found mine for $1.00 at a small thrift store, no instructions or patterns.
Who invented the One-Needle Looper?
In 1966, Angela Huber was granted a US Patent for a Method of Hand Knitting and Knitting Needle. “Both the method and the needle distinguish by being particularly simple because only a single thread and a single needle are employed.”
Where to find patterns for the Looper
Your best bet is to search on eBay for the vintage pattern books.
If you’re a fan of 70’s culture and love crocheted everything you really should find yourself a One Needle Looper and loop a bikini.