Someone recently asked about the numbers of cotton potholder loops included in the various package sizes available from Friendly Loom.
I put together the reference list below based on the current prices as of June 2024. Each package size has a rated number of potholders it can make, which we can multiply to estimate the number of loops included, and the price per loop.
| Package | Count | Loops | Price | $/Loop | Colors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional / 7″ | |||||
| Mini | 2 | 72 | $9 | $0.13 | Multicolor, 34 Solids |
| Lotta | 6 | 216 | $20 | $0.09 | 4 Multiples, 2 Solids |
| Party | 18 | 648 | $48 | $0.07 | 4 Multiples |
| Studio | 48 | 1,728 | $100 | $0.06 | 4 Multiples |
| Pro / 10″ | |||||
| Mini | 2 | 108 | $17 | $0.16 | Multicolor, 34 Solids |
| Lotta | 6 | 324 | $40 | $0.12 | 4 Multiples, 2 Solids |
| Party | 18 | 972 | $90 | $0.09 | 4 Multiples |
| Studio | 48 | 2,592 | $200 | $0.08 | 4 Multiples |
You’ll notice that there is a significant discount for volume purchases; the Studio packs are half the price-per-loop of the Mini packs, and the Party packs are close to that.
On the other hand, when buying the larger bags you’re limited to choosing from the four multi-color palettes they offer: rainbow (9 brights), botanical (7 pastels), earthtones (7 darks), and neutrals (8 beige/grays). And as they note, the multi-color bags don’t have perfectly even numbers of each color, and the proportion will vary from one bag to the next; in extreme cases you might get twice as many loops of one color than another.
Three colors are not included in any of the multi-color palettes and are thus only available in Mini packs: peacock, purple, and salmon.
Not shown on this chart art the “exclusive” colors: cayenne, sea glass, denim, skillet, lipstick, and lichen. These are sold in the “lotta loops” size (enough for 6 potholders) and cost an extra $1 (traditional) or $2 (pro) more than the other colors.
There are also “bundles” which contain 3 or 4 different solid-color “Mini” packs; these are mostly useful if you’re having trouble choosing color combinations, and most of them aren’t any cheaper than just buying the individual colors separately.
There’s also one “exclusive bundle,” called “spring thaw,” which includes two “lotta loops” bags, one of white loops and the other the botanical mix, which is discounted to a few dollars less than buying the two independently.
I hope this information helps folks make informed purchasing decisions!
Thank you so much for creating and posting this. It’s very helpful. (Yes, I’m the one who asked the question on FB.)
Thank you for breaking down the pricing! It does help to see this visually. Appreciate your time.
Dear Matthew,
Thank you! This chart is such a gift: “Inquiring minds want to know!” …right down to the cost of each loop in respective quantities. A few days ago I did a calculation on price per for a bag of Lotta PRO’s. Wowie Woo! You’ve provided info on the whole Shabang!
I am totally blown away by Piglet’s Portfolio of Priceless Potholder Patterns collection of free charts for weaving potholders from loops on peg looms… your brilliant collaborative work with her!
A million thanks. A dillion kudos.
Sharon Pillen
I recently read the article about the gentleman with aphasia who is producing such beautiful creations , and more importantly, connecting with others using your patterns. The article moved me to tears. I have shared it with many, and will be purchasing a loom for a friend whose husband has dementia. I might just get one for myself and my grandkids. Thank you!!!!!!