Looms and weaving are really popular again!
December 17, 2024
Weaving is a timeless art that has been around for centuries. It has advanced and shifted by cultures over the years. Weaving has definitely made a comeback.
I remember making pot holders on a simple loom when I was a kid.
There are classes and many options for crafts that can be made by weaving.
SAORI weaving
My daughter and I took a weaving class this past summer. SAORI weaving is done on a floor loom. It is a form of Japanese weaving that is fun, easy and simple to do. The above table scarf was my project that I completed in the class.
Check out this link to learn more about SAORI weaving:
https://youtu.be/271hfqvDMpo?si=T-cK0MAx0CMcKqL8
Heddle Loom
For my birthday, my daughter bought me a 15 inch Heddle loom. A Heddle loom is a table top loom used for weaving.
It looks more complicated than it is. For the floor loom and the Heddle loom, instructors assure that it is easy enough for a child to do. While the set up may be more steps than a child could do in the beginning, I agree that the weaving is something a child could do.
Weaving is actually very relaxing and goes quickly. I made this scarf on the Heddle loom. My next project is to make some kitchen towels.
Does this sound like something you would like to learn more about? The Violet Unicorn Weaving Tutorials are very helpful!
Rag Rug Weaving
As they say, GO BIG or GO HOME! I have wanted to make a rag rug for a long time. I decided to do it. What I learned?
- It takes a LOT more fabric than I expected
- It takes a long time to weave a 42×42 inch rug
- The instructor on the Youtube I used said your back will get tired~ TRUE! It is a good idea to work on this in short intervals.
The short version of the steps to rag rug weaving
Complete instructions can be found here: https://www.textileindie.com/crafting-rag-rugs-scrap-fabric/
- Buy or make the loom. See the link for more info.
- Choose your fabric. White for stringing your loom. Other color(s) for your rug.
- I pre-washed all my fabric so it would be all preshrunk.
- Measure and cut your fabric all into 2 inch strips.
- See the link for how to join the strips together.
- String the white fabric onto the loom.
String white fabric on the loom
- Start weaving your fabric on the loom.
- Once you have half of the loom weaving done, start at the other end weaving.
- I was doing color changes, so I flipped the loom around to have matching colors at each end.
- The metal rods on each side of the loom are to keep the edges straight. You weave around them.
- When you get to the middle of the weaving, you can use a needle to thread the fabric to help weave through as the space shrinks to closed in.
Taking the rug off the loom
- When it is time to take the rug off the loom, pull the rods out on each side.
- Take the loops off each nail on both ends.
It was a big project, but it was satisfying. I learned as I went. I am happy with the rug!
Happy weaving! Kelly
