I am always interested in seemingly esoteric needle arts tools. Naturally, when a reference to Grant’s One Needle Looper came up in a Yahoo group; of course I had to go google. Nothing except an old eBay Auction.
Okay, on to the usual second source for “IT”, aka/ eBAY and nothing except some closed auctions and one picture, at least not for several months, then POOF, suddenly results in my automatic searches. Here is what it looks like:
However, in the last few weeks, quite a few have turned up and as importantly some instructions and patterns. (Happily original not copies)
All of the patterns and such give only the following company Information
The Grant Company
4149 N Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago IL 60641
The Copyrights are mostly dated between 1969 to 1970, so they must have been at that address for at least ten years, but the location is apparently now a building which has been converted to Condos.
The US Patent No is 3,228,212 and was issued in 1966 to Angela Huber of Germany. There is a later patent, 3,979,929 for what seems to be for the technique, issued to Angeline Lapi of Sprakers NY; assignee The Raymond Lee Organization
TheHenry tells me that he learned a very simliar techniques from a book on Knotting (but has not yet found the book to show me
Although obviously the patent protections may have expired, my “project” for The Grant’s Looper is to track down whomever currently holds the Copyright to the patterns with a goal to obtaining permission to place them in the public domain.
When time allows, I will add some details about the Pattern Leaflets found so far.
I would welcome any information you care to add as comments or by email to:
Wheat
email-comment@YARNandTHREAD.net
I have had this “tool” for 42 years- original box and directions – and have never tried using it! My mother used to buy every cheap “craft” item for me as stocking stuffers that she could find. I take it out of the box occasionally when cleaning/rearranging my sewing and craft items but just never have felt enthused enough to mess with it? So why do I still have it? Why do I still have three plastic thread boxes that I never use (my thread’s on pegboard on the wall)…’cause Mom gave it to me.
Thanks, Wheat…now I’ll have to learn to use it in case you come up with some great patterns. Just what I need, ANOTHER craft black hole – and I get sucked in EVERYTIME!
Wheat,
I’ve been thinking about this all evening, and finally remembered that it was also sold under the title of “K-tel Knitter.”
Do a Google search and you should turn up a whole bunch of hits on it, including some You Tube videos,including this 1970 commercial.
After watching it, I realized how much I had forgotten about this tool and the stitches associated with it, but then it’s been nearly 40 years. Your Grant’s Looper looks exactly like my K-Tel Knitter. The other one I have is made of different material but looks similar.
Brenda
A link sent by another “Crochet Partner” leads to Marnie MacLean. Marnie has written the basic instructionsin case you are one of those who “have the needle but no instructions
Hi I have a grant one-needle looper also in the box with patterns. I think I found it at an auction or yard sale.
Would like to buy a metal looper
Hi Randall,
To the best of my knowledge, there are not currently made/sold –
the only thing I can suggest is to search ebay and other sites where most of us found ours.
Sorry not to be more helpful
Wheat
I looked at Marnie Maclean’s instructions and it think this tool might be for “nallbinding”. Some people think this was a precursor to knitting. Socks made this way and found in archeological digs are very, very old. Google nallbinding and take a look.
Phyllis
Hi Phyllis,
Talk about a blinding flash of the obvious I fully agree there are great similarities in the technique and will have to dig out some of the info I have on Nalbinding.
However, the fabric this tool produces is different thatn those I had made using Nalbinding in the past.
Thanks for the insight,
Wheat
The original K-tel knitter was manufactured and sold out of Minniapolis, MN, they have been out of business since around 1970. This is a great item and makes awesome blankets, if you get a hole in the blanket it will not un=ravel, matter of fact I’m looking to find a few more to have on hand,
I would love to know how to convert a pattern made for either knitting or crocheting to using one of these. I bought two – one at a garage sale, and another on Ebay, just to have a second one. I have a lot of fun using it, as I am a terrible knitter. Not that great at this yet either, but I’m getting better. I’m going to try some of the other stitches included with the utensil, but need to know if I can use an updated pattern and convert it to what I’m using – the looper!
Hi I have the exact same one with two books. I use mine for making rugs. I use macrame cord for making lawn chairs and I braid two strands interlocking them together then when I have enough I use a ball of yarn to loop it together. For more info e-mail me at muskokapei@yahoo.com.Maybe I should send a picture later.
I am looking for some patterns using this tools. Only thing i know to do is blankets and scarves. Could anyone out there can help me with this! My email address is katie10754@yahoo.com I truly appreciate with the help!
When I was 12 or 13 I ordered one of the Grants one-needle knitting loopers. I have used it as my major source of knitted or crocheted crafting. I have made sweaters, blankets of many varied and intricate designs, belts, and scarfs. I have invented several new stitches and design my own patterns. I am now in my 50′s. I love using it. I was a failure at knitting as my needles and yarn became to tight to work. My crochet work tended to come to a point. I have not personally met anyone who uses this tool. Mostly I only find old ones at garage sales and recently not even that. I now make my own needles for my own use. I welcome the opportunity to talk with anyone interested in learning this craft or expanding their current use of this tool. It has been a pleasure to find some who even know what this tool is!! Thank you. Carol @ jevcyb@bresnan.net
I found one 43 years ago at a garage sale for 25cents. I have the box but have lost the patterns. I love making afghans
I have one of these, it was in a box of my Mother’s knitting, crochet stuff, never saw her use it, I did not know what it was for, thanks for the info.
I had one but lost long time a ago. Sure wash i could fond it. This was about 40 yr. ago. Didnot learn to use it then ,but would like now.
HI. I own one of these as well as the 14 patterns that it comes with. I picked it up at a 2nd hand shop for a buck. I have never sat down and used it yet. I love to crochet and need to learn more. Feel free to email me at stitchwitch39 @gmail. com
I just recieved 2 K-Tel Knitters from a friend who’s Mother had them. It looks to be clumsy but I will give it a try anyway. I had never heard of them before.
How do I use this tool (pictured above) I have one & have no clue how to use it! (I found mine at a thrift store & mistakenly thought it was for rug-punching) Even just the basics would be great! … You can contact me on Ravelry.com under the same name (Czinda).
In return for directions of how to use this tool, I would be happy to teach you an unusual crochet stitch I have designed that looks JUST like knitting! Or I can design a pattern for you once I figure out how to use this tool. I am an advanced crocheter & a beginning knitter if that helps.
NEVERMIND my last post! …I just found this link of how to use this tool:
http://marniemaclean.com/words/htmls/ktel/ktel_basic.html
HERE ARE SEVERAL OF THE PATTERNS:
http://cathyofcalifornia.typepad.com/cathy_of_california/2007/01/the_original_kt.html
where can i purchase one of these knitters?
OMG! I have one of these! Don’t know where or why I got it but I still have it! LOL
Thanx for the info Wheat! I’ll have to check out these sites and give it a try!
After mentioning this tool in the yahoo group
knitting_with_crochethook@yahoogroups.com – this added bit from across the pond:
Hi Wheat,
I’ve just read your above reference, and it seems you may be interested in a few more comments. I recognised the gadget I’ve had for years, obtained here in the UK. The box doesn’t mention K-tel, but leaflets inside do. There are two sizes of the gadget and two books. The box says “The original Betty Ann Knitter”.
The books both give “Copyrights (C) 1971 K-TEl International,Inc.” and Printed in the USA. One book gives an address to obtain additional patterns.
Happy to give any more details you would like.
Irene (Essex, UK)
I HAVE USED MY KNITTING NEEDLE SINCE 1960′S I LOVE IT BROKE THE SMALL ONE AND AM LOOKING FOR A FEW MORE. I LOVE TO MAKE DOILIES, AFGANS, & MORE. PLEASE TELL ME WHERE I CAN FIND A SET TO BUY. THOSE NEEDLES ARE THE GREATEST FOR ANYONE WITH ARTHRITIS IN THEIR HANDS
CAN ANYONE HELP ME???????????
Hi there:
I have the 2 K-tel knitter needles and a pattern book that I purchased from someone on ebay. It is really easy to learn how to use them. As with any kind of a new technique practice makes perfect. I had trouble in the beginning, but now I wouldn’t trade my k-tel knitters for anything. Also I have been experimenting with other similar tools to do the K-tel knitting with in case one of these needles break and can’t be replaced. I have done the exact same technique with a weaving stick from a set of weaving sticks I have and also have used a tatting needle, also a locker hook. I have used these without a guide to run the yarn through. It is easy you just hold onto the yarn and let it flow through your fingers instead. They were all fun to use. I love my K-tel knitter and the other things I have tried the technique with.
Thanks
dlfork
I suggest you place your item for sale on ebay.
I have 2 of the K-Tel Knitters, one a little larger than the other. I will be putting on eBay since I don’t know how to use them, and it looks like there may be people out there that can use them.
Looking for one of the pictured Grant’s one needle loopers.had one and misplaced it while moving.
Hi, I too have the Original Betty Ann Knitter made by
K-tel, in its original box with two different sized plastic knitters, and pattern instruction booklet. Never did use it! Looks like another thing for e-bay.
I would like to purchase one of these if someone has one. I used to have one and I would like to get one for my daughter in law she would like to use it she thinks it would be easier than trying to learn crochet or knitting. If anyone has one or knows where to get one can you let me know at
amazingwest@hotmail.com
Thanks
how can i buy a k-tel knitter?
Hi Kay,
I would suggest watching eBay – these are no longer made, so not easily available.
Enjoy The Making
Wheat
Does amyone have directions on how to use this tool I have one and have a square startd but its been years since I started it. Pretty please let me now
Thank you.
georgina
Hi Georgina,
Since both the tool and the patterns are long discontinued, you may have your best luck setting up a search on eBay.
Sorry not to be more helpful
Wheat
Hi Wheat
I’m really interested in finding out when the K tel knitter / Grants Looper first came onto the market. I work for a knitting magazine in the UK and am trying to find out if it could be the tool for the ‘one needle knitting’ that a reader has asked me about. Do you know if the metal versions were around in the 1940′s?
If you can’t help, I’m hoping someone else can
Thanks
Jeanette
Hi Wheat!
I finally found more than one person that knows what
a Looper is, and the picture of it above is of the
Looper, which was made in Germany and exibited in 1964-65 at the World’s Fair – Fresh Meadows, Queens.
In 1969 the Looper was advertized for sale on TV for
$2.99, so I purchased two, and in time I purchased four
more. I gave to three of my friends – one each, and I
held on to one, so I had three for myself.
My Loopers came with one legal size sheet, devided into
15 squares. In 14 of them there is the looper and demonstrations and very small print with instructions,
as to how to thread it, set the size of the loop,
hold it, make the initial loop, and so on…
At the bottom of the page appears (I have it in front of me):
“PUBLISHED BY THE GRANT COMPANY 4149 N. MILWAUKEE
AVENUE CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60641 COPYRIGHT 1969″
On the handle of my Looper “Made in Germany” in raised letters can still be seen.
The handle is made of hard royal blue plastic, but the part with the needle eye is made of metal (I think it’s aluminum), and the loop marker is made of red plastic.
It took me two months to learn how to loop well, but I persisted. The hardest part of all is to produce
stitches that are the same size. That was then…
I’ve been creating one of a kind crafts of my own for
at least 40 years. Those are the gifts loved the most.
My mother did teach me how to crochet and knit, and she was an expert at both, but I didn’t enjoy kniting and
crochet at all.
I have only two loopers now, and one of them is held together with clear tape. When I am making booties or sleves, I work with both loopers, and that helps a lot.
I would like to have more of these Loopers, but I also
would like to find the “Combined Crocheting and Looping Needle (US Patent 3678712), and buy couple of those.
Some of my friends have been asking me where they can
find the Looper to buy it, but up to today, I didn’t
know that there are people out there that have seen a
Looper, and know what it is.
I thank you for having this site, Wheat!
Tsanka
I have an original, complete 1970 K-Tel Knitter as advertised on TV. I have the box, 2 knitters, yarn, directions and patterns. It looks to be the same thing as the looper. I don’t think it has ever been used but the box has a little wear, and of course the direction book pages are yellowed with wear. Is anyone looking for one of these?
This site has been so encouraging. I have loved my Imra Looper since 1965 and have made endless items using it. I treasure this tool. I am going to try to purchase another one because I really would feel better with a backup. Thanks again for setting up this web site. JR
If somebody have 2 of this tool, please let me know. My friends have and I hope to find somewhere.
If you have some books, I’m interested too.
Thanks