Weave with a Hand-Built Loom

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If there is one thing I learned that afternoon, it's that weaving calls for patience. While some may find the process tedious, many will find weaving a good way to escape stress for a while. In fact, according to Judy, a number of students are professionals in high-tech jobs who have chosen weaving as a creative outlet.

On the next page are instructions for making a plain-weaving project on a hand-built wooden-frame loom. If you wish to add complexity, experiment with different textures and types of yarn. Weave in other materials: dried flowers, weeds, lace, rags, etc.

One unique aspect of this project is that you will decide when it is done. I decided a table mat would be enough of a challenge to begin my weaving endeavor. If I kept on going, I could have made an intricate wall hanging. If I had stopped earlier, I could have made, well ...a pot holder.

Materials

For frame: -four pieces of 2' x 1 1/2" hardwood (frame can be larger or smaller if you like) -drill -four 1" screws -four 1" corner brackets -sharp knife Note: You can buy a wooden loom for under $20 at many weaving-supply shops.

For weaving: -roll of string -yarn -16" shuttle ($3 to $4) -16" shed or "pickup" stick ($7 to $8)

For Frame

Form a square or rectangle with your hardwood pieces. Place a bracket in one of the inside corners of your frame and make a pencil mark inside the two bracket holes. Remove the brackets and drill holes at the marks; then replace the brackets and drill in the screws. Repeat with other three corners. Then, with a sharp knife, cut six to eight small grooves per inch on the inside top and inside bottom of your frame. Be careful to make certain that the grooves on the top and bottom of the frame line up exactly.

Warping the Frame

Tie the end of your string around the first groove at the upper left-hand corner of your frame, and knot. Then bring the string end down over the frame opening, into the first bottom groove, and back up to the second groove on top. Continue stringing through all of the grooves, keeping the tension taut (not so taut that the strings could break). When you reach the right-hand side of the frame, tie the string around the last groove and make a knot before cutting. This set of vertical strings is called "the warp."

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