Soda Bottle Looms and Uses for the Scraps Too!!

You can create workable looms from any plastic bottles or jugs--the size and shape of the bottle or jug will determine the size and shape of your knitted project. In this instructable, I will also show uses for the scraps that remain, thus using every part of the "buffalo"!
I will post an additional instructable with more detailed instructions on using your loom, but in the meantime, you can find instructions on round looms online by searching for round looms and following the main principles of wrapping the yarn. Its a much easier way to knit than using needles and very portable.
This loom is very easy to hold and surprisingly durable and will be a good loom to start with to see if you like the loom knitting before spending $$ on a bigger loom.

This is my first instructable, so please be gentle, LOL
ALSO...Please keep in mind this is entered into the Keep the Bottle Contest! If you like my instructable, please consider voting for me? Thank you :)

Step 1:

step 1: Assemble your supplies needed.

For making the looms you will need:

1 empty clean 2-liter soda bottle (lid and label optional, but useful as you will see)
A permanent marker (I used a black Sharpie)
Scissors (heavy duty and sharp enough to cut plastic)
A nail file or heavy duty sandpaper

For working with the loom you will need:
Yarn
A sharp pointed loom hook--make your own from wire, OR buy one from a craft store (Michaels and Joanne Fabric stores have them for around $2.00) Both are pictured above-- OR use a pick from your toolbox.
Scissors

Step 2: Use What You Can!!

First of all, don't throw away the lid! A 2-liter soda bottle lid holds exactly 1/2 tablespoon of liquid or 1 1/2 teaspoons!! Mark them and use them for quick measuring needs!
Now carefully remove the label by cutting straight down the side nearest the glued on area. The back of this label can be used for a scrap paper note by using a marker or even a dry erase pen and posting it on your fridge with a magnet! (Remember we are trying to use every part of the buffalo!)

Step 3:

Now carefully remove the label by cutting straight down the side nearest the glued on area. The back of this label can be used for a scrap paper note by using a marker or even a dry erase pen and posting it on your fridge with a magnet! (Remember we are trying to use every part of the buffalo!)

Step 4: The Mini Loom Portion

Measure down from the spout of the bottle and make a mark approximately 3" from the top and then measure from there 6" and make another mark.

Step 5:

Carefully cut at first mark to remove spout. Measure approximately every 2 inches around the sides and make four marks.

Step 6:

Cut four triangle shapes with your mark at the center of the point.

Step 7:

Then carefully trim down the shapes to a 1/4" by 1 inch "prong", rounding off the top and cutting as smoothly as possible. Bend each prong down about 1/4 " inch from the top as shown.

Step 8:

Smooth rough edges with sandpaper or a nail file. Now you have your first loom finished! This is an easy- to -use mini loom to make braided cording. The instructions will follow in part two, but if you are impatient to try this mini loom out, the instructions are easily available online...just search for bobbin looms or mini round looms instructions.

Step 9: Round Loom Portion

Now to the next portion of your bottle--a working larger round loom! Cut at your second mark (you will have about 6" of mid-section "tube apart from the bowl bottom section of the bottle. Cut this section into 2 pieces. You may have to stab it to get cutting started (Be careful!!!!) Now you have two tubes. You can make 2 looms or if you mess up one, you have a spare. Trim around to neaten rough edges, it need be.

Step 10:

Slightly flatten one tube and every 1/2 inch make a mark including the end edge. Turn the slightly flattened bottle tube over and mark the other side the same way (just mark where you can see through it).

Step 11:

At each mark, make a 1 inch cut all around the tube. At any place along the bottom, make 2 -one half inch cuts 1/4 inch apart. You should have 26 "prongs" cut at this point at the top and one at the bottom.

Step 12:

Now bend every other prong at the top down, pressing a crease. As smoothly as you can, snip these off at the bend.

Step 13:

Trim remaining top prongs to a rounded top edge. Cut any rough edges as smooth as possible (to prevent your yarn from snagging when you use the loom). Bend each rounded prong top 1/4 " down. (see photo) This will prevent your yarn from slipping as you work. Bend the bottom prong up from the base. This is for securing your yarn as you work. Your loom is now complete! How to use your looms instructions is following in part 2, but you can also get instructions online by searching for round knitting loom basic instructions to get started.

Step 14:

These looms are flexible and easy to use. I found that by putting my hand inside the loom to secure the yarn as I worked around the loom made it very comfortable and easy to work.

Step 15:

The wine bottle "cozy" was knitted completely on this bottle loom!!

Step 16: Flower Light Portion!

You now have a bottom bowl portion left..Turn it over and look carefully at the bottom..Do you see a flower shape? (Use your imaginations!) CAREFULLY cut this "flower" (or snowflake" out and trim as you desire to get a nice shape.

Step 17:

. Mark the center and using your power drill, drill a 1/4" hole. You could melt with a hot wire, but please be careful and do so in a very well-ventilated area.

Step 18:

Using a Christmas light bulb, check for size. You want it to fit snugly over the bulb. Make a bunch for your lights on your tree, or for patio decorations!! If you make them too loose, a dab of hot glue around the opening allowed to dry can fill gaps.

Step 19: Use the Scraps!!

You will have a good supply of scraps left. Use these for putting in the bottom of flower pots for drainage instead of rocks, melt them with hot glue for some funky sculpture, or suncatcher, or even mix them with concrete or glue to stablize another project of some kind that for sure is buzzing around in your instructable- filled brains!!