I recently listed a small collection of flower loom pamphlets, brightly illustrated booklets from the 1960s and ’70s by Studio Twelve, filled with instructions for making yarn blossoms. Within a day, they were gone. Clearly, this old-school craft still has fans—and maybe even a few new ones discovering it for the first time.
The moment I flipped through them, I understood why. The colors, the textures, the playful designs... it’s nostalgia in booklet form. But more than that, it’s a reminder of how creative people can be with the simplest tools.
What Is Flower Looming?
Flower looming is exactly what it sounds like: weaving or looping yarn around the pegs of a circular or square loom to create flower shapes. Once finished, the loops are secured in the center with a stitch, button, or bead, creating a perfect little bloom.
These flowers can then be used for everything from embellishing hats, scarves, and handbags to making jewelry, wall hangings, and home décor.
The looms themselves—often made of plastic or metal—came in all sizes and were sold under names like Studio Twelve, Daisy Winder, or Bloom Loom. If you’ve ever seen a bundle of vintage plastic circles with evenly spaced pegs and wondered what they were, now you know.
Studio Twelve and the 1970s Craft Boom
In the 1960s and ’70s, crafting was everywhere—macramé, latch hook, and rug-making filled living rooms and rec rooms across America. Studio Twelve was one of the brands that rode that wave, selling flower looms and pamphlets filled with instructions for “endless floral fashion ideas.”
They made it look easy (and it was): a few yards of yarn, a simple tool, and suddenly you had wearable art.
But there’s something more than just retro appeal here. Flower looming fits beautifully into today’s creative reuse movement, it’s tactile, colorful, low-waste, and endlessly adaptable for leftover yarn and thread scraps.
Why It’s Worth Revisiting
For modern makers, flower looming hits that sweet spot between meditative and quick-win creative. It’s easy to learn, satisfying to finish, and perfect for using up small remnants of fiber that might otherwise go to waste.
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Upcycle-friendly: Works beautifully with leftover yarn, embroidery floss, twine, even fabric strips.
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Portable: The looms are small and simple, making this a great craft to do anywhere.
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Customizable: Change colors, materials, or centers for totally unique results.
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Satisfying: You can make a handful of flowers in an afternoon, ready to adorn your next project.
A Few Ways to Use Them
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Stitch a group of flowers into a brooch or necklace.
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Attach them to tote bags or clothing for a cheerful, tactile detail.
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Use neutral tones for wall hangings, mobiles, or dreamcatchers.
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Mix yarn textures (cotton, wool, metallic) for dimensional flowers.
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Use scraps from other projects to keep your craft zero-waste.
From Estate Sales to New Hands
When I find vintage crafting materials, like these Studio Twelve pamphlets, it feels like unearthing a time capsule of creativity. Each pattern and sample photo tells a story about the joy of making things by hand. And while these flower looms may have started as a fad, they’re still blooming in the hands of those who see beauty in reuse.
If you ever come across a flower loom or one of these bright pamphlets at a thrift store or sale, don’t pass it up. A new generation of flowers is waiting to bloom.
🌸 Flower Looming FAQ
Q: What is flower looming?
A: Flower looming is a retro craft technique that uses a small circular or square loom to weave yarn into flower shapes. The loops are secured in the center with a stitch, bead, or button, creating decorative blooms for accessories, clothing, and home décor.
Q: When was flower looming popular?
A: Flower looming became popular in the 1960s and 1970s, especially through brands like Studio Twelve, which sold colorful looms and pamphlets full of floral project ideas. It fit perfectly with the era’s love for texture, color, and DIY fashion.
Q: Are flower looms still made today?
A: Yes! Modern versions—like the Clover Hana-Ami Flower Loom—are widely available, and vintage looms are easy to find secondhand. Many crafters also make their own looms using cardboard or recycled materials.
Q: What can you make with a flower loom?
A: The flowers can be used for brooches, hair clips, wall hangings, pillows, and even incorporated into crochet or weaving projects. They’re perfect for using up yarn scraps or leftover embroidery thread.
Q: How can I make flower looming more sustainable?
A: Use yarn remnants, thrifted fibers, or even fabric strips instead of new materials. You can also craft your own loom from cardboard, reclaimed wood, or upcycled plastic lids.
