Compare Loom Sizes: 7-Inch vs 10-Inch Potholder Looms

Standing between two potholder looms and wondering which one is right for you? You're not alone. "Which loom size should I get?" is one of the most common questions we hear from new weavers, returning childhood loopers, and gift-givers alike.

The short answer: both of our looms are beginner-friendly. The right one depends on the size of potholder you want to make, who's weaving, and how much room you'd like for patterns. This guide compares our Model 19 (7-inch) potholder loom and Model 27 (10-inch) potholder loom side by side so you can choose with confidence.

Potholder Loom Sizes at a Glance

🌱 The Model 19: Our Mint 7-Inch Potholder Loom

If you grew up weaving potholders at the kitchen table, the Model 19 7-inch loom will feel instantly familiar. It's the classic size most of us remember, rebuilt in sturdy mint-colored metal so loops stay put and the frame never bends or warps.

We named it Model 19 for the 19 pegs along each side. It takes 38 loops and weaves a potholder about 6" x 6". That's a project you can finish in a single sitting, which makes the 7" our favorite loom for kids and short attention spans.

Choose the 7" loom if you want:

• A loom for kids (it's our top pick for young weavers, classrooms, and grandkids)
• A smaller project that's easier on hands with arthritis or limited dexterity
• Mug rugs (made with a special technique that uses every other peg for an even smaller square)
• The classic size you remember from childhood

The Model 19 works with all 7-inch Keep On Looping® cotton loops.

☀️ The Model 27: Our Marigold 10-Inch Potholder Loom

The Model 27 10-inch loom is our signature loom and the heart of the Keep On Looping® community. Think of it as the grown-up version of the loom you loved as a kid: bigger, stronger, and ready for modern weaving.

With 27 pegs per side, it takes 54 loops and weaves a potholder about 8" x 8". That's a size that's genuinely useful in the kitchen, with more room to play with color. Stripes, checkerboards, diamonds, hearts, and seasonal designs all have space to shine.

Choose the 10" loom if you want:

• Larger, more functional potholders and trivets
• More room to play with color and patterns
• Access to our monthly Keep On Looping® box patterns and color collections
• A comfortable size for adult hands

The Model 27 works with all 10-inch Keep On Looping® cotton loops. If you've woven on a Friendly Loom™ PRO® loom, the Model 27 uses the same 10" loop size. Not sure how many loops to buy? Our guide to 10" loop bag sizes (Rosa, Eleanor & Martha) breaks it down.

⚠️ The Most Important Rule: Match Your Loops to Your Loom

Potholder loops are sized to fit a specific loom, and 7" and 10" loops are not interchangeable.

• 7" loops are too short to stretch across a 10" loom.
• 10" loops are too loose on a 7" loom, so your weave will be floppy and uneven.

Before you shop for loops, double-check your loom size. If you own a loom from another brand, measure across the frame or count the pegs on one side.

Which Potholder Loom Size Should a Beginner Choose?

Ask yourself a few quick questions:

• Who's weaving? For kids, we recommend the 7". Teens and adults are comfortable on either.
• How long do you want a project to take? The 7" uses 38 loops, so it's quick to finish and easier on tired or arthritic hands. The 10" uses 54 loops for a bigger, more substantial piece.
• What will you make? For hot pans and everyday kitchen use, the 10" gives you more coverage. For quick gifts and mug rugs, the 7" is perfect.
• How much do you love patterns? If you're excited to explore designs and color play, the extra pegs on the 10" open up more possibilities.
• Do you want to join Keep On Looping®? Our monthly box is built around the 10" loom.

Still torn? Lots of loopers end up with both: the Marigold 10" for their own projects and the Mint 7" for weaving alongside kids or grandkids.

The Easiest Way to Get Started

Both looms come as a Loom Kit with a crochet hook, beginner instructions, and a pattern so you can make your very first potholder right away.

Want everything in one box? The Keep On Looping® Starter Bundle pairs the Model 27 with an Eleanor-size bag of curated cotton loops, a coordinating pattern card pack, and a silicone hanging ring.

New to the craft? Visit our Start Here beginner's guide to potholder weaving for video tutorials and tips, then browse hundreds of free designs in our Potholder Pattern Library.

Potholder Loom Size FAQs

What's the difference between a 7-inch and a 10-inch potholder loom?

The 7-inch Model 19 (Mint) has 19 pegs per side, uses 38 loops, and makes a potholder about 6" x 6". The 10-inch Model 27 (Marigold) has 27 pegs per side, uses 54 loops, and makes a potholder about 8" x 8".

Can I use 10" loops on a 7" loom?

No. Loops need to match your loom. 10" loops are too loose on a 7" loom, and 7" loops won't stretch across a 10" loom.

How many loops do I need for one potholder?

A 7" Model 19 potholder takes 38 loops, and a 10" Model 27 potholder takes 54 loops.

Which loom size is best for kids?

We recommend the 7" Model 19 for kids. The project goes quickly and the loom is easy for small hands to manage.

What size makes a mug rug?

Mug rugs are made on the 7" Model 19 using a special technique: you weave on every other peg to make an even smaller square that sits nicely under a coffee mug or tea cup.

Are metal potholder looms better than plastic?

Metal looms hold steady tension, won't bend or warp, and keep loops from slipping off the pegs. Both the Model 19 and Model 27 are metal looms built to last for years.

Whichever size you choose, you're joining a warm, creative community of makers. Come share your first potholder in our free Keep On Looping Facebook group. We can't wait to see what you weave! 💛