Weaving

by: Gretchen

New Weaving Magazines – Handwoven & VÄV

Sunday, June 4th, 2017 Posted in Magazine, Weaving | No Comments »

Weaving inspiration for summer, when color and creativity abound…

Palu’e Ikat weaver, photo by Magnus Danerek.

VÄV

This incredible Scandinavian weaving magazine is always packed with textile treasures on every page, and the summer 2017 Vav Magasinet 2/17 color themed issue is a delight! You’ll lose yourself in the beautifully written and photographed articles, and you’ll want to try your hand at some great projects. Here are just a few of the highlights:

Vav Magasinet 2/17

Palu’e Ikat: A Gift From Heaven, by Stefan Danerek & Magnus Danerek, takes readers to small island of Palu’e and explores the distinctive motifs of the local ikat weaving and dyeing (photo above).

Gutasagan I, by Eva Ek-Schaeffer.

Threads of Life: Poetry Woven Into Tapestry, by Tina Ignell and photos by Bengt Arne Ignell reveals the whimsical and profound tapestry work of Swedish artist Eva Ek-Schaeffer. Her large narrative works bring stories of both personal and cultural mythology to life. Her commitment to dyeing all the colors herself speaks to the intimacy you feel when taking in each piece. An exhibition of her work is planned for this year and in 2016 Ek-Shaeffer won the Gällivare Commune Cultural Prize.

More in this issue:

Dyeplants In the Bergius Botanical Gardens, by Tina Ignell, photos by Bengt Arne Ignell.

Sarape Refashioning, a new interpretation of traditional Mexican weaving. By Maja Svensdotter, photo by Mestiz.

Chamantos, a Chilean Weaving Tradition, by Tina Ignell, photos by Bengt Arne Ignell.

Looking for gorgeous projects…? Dive into these summer wonders:

Spotted Indigo Cushions, by Monica Hallen.

Colour-and-Weave Checked Handtowel, by Monica Hallen.

An extended plain weave handtowel in Homestead 8/2 Cotton Yarn, in light and dark blue, and pale pink. Perfect for a summery gift, derived from a Scottish glen check.

Homestead 8/2 Cotton Yarn

Spaced Weave Check Scarf, by Tina Ignell and Sanna Ignell.

A plain weave on 4 shafts, this simple and lightweight wool scarf takes a summery and unusual turn by spacing blocks of warp and weft to create a mesmerizing openwork scarf.

Wool and Linen Wrap Cardigan, design and knitting by Karin Öberg, weaving by Maiko Tanaka.

With plain weave panels for the body, and simple knitted sleeves, this geometric cardigan is a new take on a traditionally shaped boxy woven jacket. In wool and linen, the shape is simple, modern and effortlessly wearable. The combination of knit and woven textures gives a nice play of texture and lends softness to the silhouette.

This is just a taste of what Vav Magasinet 2/17 has to offer – grab a copy, find the closest hammock and dive in!

Vav Magasinet 2/17

Handwoven

Handwoven May/June 2017 is filled with new summer weaving projects you’ll want to warp up as soon as you can! You’ll enjoy the weaving, but this time the best part may be taking it off the loom and finishing it… This issue of Handwoven is all about distinctive finishing techniques. While many weavers dread this step, fear not – you’ll be introduced to some creative solutions, how to choose the right technique, and helpful tools for putting the perfect final touches on your handwoven projects.

Handwoven May/June 2017

Articles include Clean Up Your Shed, by Deb Essen, 5 Types of Hemstitching, by Deanna Deeds, and in Tom Kniseley’s Notes From The Fell, you’ll learn a beautiful Damascus edge, with it’s fancy knotted V and flat braided fringe, as shown on his Rag Rug With A Triple Finish (below).

Tom Kniseley’s Rag Rug uses 1″ wide, cut cloth strips and Cotton Carpet Warp 8/4 Yarn. It can easily be woven on a 4-shaft loom with 20″ weaving width and a 15 dent reed.

Cotton Carpet Warp 8/4 Yarn

For more fantastically finished summer projects try these:

A Cluster of Cavandoli Knots, by Rosalie Neilson.

This rep weave runner features a unique Cavandoli knotted edge that lets the fringe stay loose while remaining structured and elegant. This would be a great finish on so many pieces! You’ll need 8-shafts and a 14″ width for this one, and a 12 dent reed. Warp is five beautiful jewel-toned colors of 3/2 Pearl Cotton Yarn, and for weft you’ll use Medium Cotton 16/8 Mop Yarn tripled, and more of the main color in 3/2 Pearl Cotton. Remember, with mini-cones of Pearl Cotton this is a very affordable project!

3/2 Pearl Cotton Yarn

Medium Cotton 16/8 Mop Yarn

Gumdrop Scarf, by Deanna Deeds.

With only two shafts you can create the beautifully textured Gumdrop Scarf. A mix of Tencel and Pearl Cotton give this piece beautiful drape and the pearled texture on the long twisted fringe is a great compliment to the Danish medallions that really pop the colors in this piece. You’ll need six colors of 8/2 Tencel Yarn for the warp. For weft you’ll use more of these, plus natural white in 10/2 Pearl Cotton Yarn and 3/2 Pearl Cotton Yarn. A mini cone of each of these is plenty for the whole scarf!

8/2 Tencel Yarn

10/2 Pearl Cotton Yarn

3/2 Pearl Cotton Yarn

Summer Lace Placemats and Mug Rugs, by Suzie Liles.

Just the thing for summer dining al fresco – a table set in cheerful linen huck lace. Woven on 4 shafts with a 14″ width and a 10 dent reed. For 4 finished placemats plus hemstitched mug rugs you’ll need 3 colors of Newport 16/2 Linen Yarn; approximately 1,300 yards of the main color, and 124 yards of two accent colors.

If you’re thirsty for even more finishing expertise…

Newport 16/2 Linen Yarn

Check out Virginia West’s thorough and easy to follow book Finishing Touches for the Handweaver, recently back in stock. As you explore finishing, we’ve got you covered for tools too! Check out these can’t-finish-without-them devices and achieve perfect twisted fringes and knots from now on.

Finishing Touches for the Handweaver

Leclerc Double Fringe Twister Shadybrook Double Fringe Twister Leclerc Triple Fringe Twister Ashford Fringe Twister Leclerc Quad Fringe Twister Shadybrook Quadruple Fringe Twister 5" Netting Shuttle 6" Netting Shuttle 8" Netting Shuttle Chibi Jumbo Darning Curved Needles

Leclerc Double Fringe Twister

Shadybrook Double Fringe Twister

Leclerc Triple Fringe Twister

Ashford Fringe Twister

Leclerc Quad Fringe Twister

Shadybrook Quadruple Fringe Twister

5" Netting Shuttle

6" Netting Shuttle

8" Netting Shuttle

Chibi Jumbo Darning Curved Needles

We also want to welcome Handwoven’s new editor, Susan E. Horton! We’re looking forward to seeing more of her careful eye and passion for the craft, as she steers Handwoven into the future. The handweaving world may not be enormous, but there is no shortage of passion, skill or camaraderie – we are grateful for those who commit to the stewardship and growth of this vibrant community. Congratulations, and welcome, Susan!

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by: Gretchen

Little Loom Wrap Up

Saturday, May 27th, 2017 Posted in Book, General News, On Sale, Weaving | 4 Comments »

Long live little looms!

May is moving on, but we hope your little loom adventures have only just begun!

Easy Weaving with Little Looms a Special Issue of Handwoven 2017 is back in stock, so grab a copy if you haven’t already, and preview some of the great projects here. This final week of “little looms May” we are featuring that most beloved and versatile piece of equipment, the rigid heddle loom. For those of you still on the fence about investing in a rigid heddle, trust us – you will love these little workhorses! (And we’re always here to help when you need inspiration, or just a little hand-holding!)

Easy Weaving with Little Looms a Special Issue of Handwoven 2017

In this week’s newsletter we’re republishing our guide to selecting the right rigid heddle loom, so you can review all the models we stock by feature, size, price, and brand. You’re always welcome to call or email if you’d like some one-on-one help selecting your loom. For great instruction and inspiration, our favorite rigid heddle books are on sale for a limited time here:

The Weaver's Idea Book - Creative Cloth on a Rigid-Heddle Loom

Disc. or unavail.

Get started with the right tools now, and be ready to weave with us as we roll out new weaving kits for rigid heddle looms this summer and fall. From accessories, to table linens and home decor, each kit will have helpful tips online as well so you can enjoy all the help you need as you get underway!

Buy the featured books above on sale now – plus these Tapestry Weaving Favorites – by midnight EST, Tuesday, May 30th, and take advantage of FREE SHIPPING too!

(remember to use code MEMD2017 for free shipping)

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by: Emily Werner

New book! Handwoven Home by Liz Gipson

Saturday, May 27th, 2017 Posted in Book, Weaving | No Comments »

Weave your own handwoven home…

Doing some spring cleaning? Why not take this time to replace old store-bought towels or rugs in your home with some new handwoven ones made just to your liking! Out with the old, in with the… er, handmade!

Say hello to Liz Gipson’s second rigid heddle book, Handwoven Home. It is a collection of handwoven projects to make for each room in your house. This book begins with an informative introduction to different types of fibers and yarns and why you would choose one over another. It is then broken into chapters, each dedicated to projects for either the Kitchen, Dining Room, Living Room, or Bathroom. The patterns are easy to follow and clearly photographed. I want my house to be as cozy and put together as the one in the book!

Handwoven Home

Hudson Bay Throw

Liz’s years of experience and love of weaving are evident throughout the book and you will find a whole range of wonderful projects including kitchen towels, rag rugs, curtains, blankets, pillows, and more! I was particularly intrigued by the Hudson Bay Inspired Throw (above), made out of Cascade Eco and Cascade Eco Plus Wool Yarn and the Tweed and Twill Pillow Cover (below) made out of Heirloom Romney yarn by Fancy Tiger Crafts.

Cascade Eco and Cascade Eco Plus Wool Yarn

Heirloom Romney yarn by Fancy Tiger Crafts

Tweed and Twill Pillow Cover

These caught my eye not only because the patterns are simple and classic, but because they use yarns that are more commonly used for knitting. Being a weaver myself, I’ve admired these yarns from a distance (they are so soft and squishy!), but worried that they may not be suitable for a weaving project. Liz proves that even “knitting yarns” can make beautiful woven projects. She quips that she is “not a huge fan of rules, but a huge fan of knowledge” and this book is created with projects to help you gain the knowledge to make your own creative choices. She equates weaving to “baking a cake” and explains that selecting the right yarns for your project is similar to selecting the right ingredients for your cake.

Liz Gipson has become a fixture in the yarn world, writing numerous articles and appearing on various PBS, DIY, and HGTV shows. Her passion for rigid heddle weaving lead to the creation of her website, Yarnworker, which is chock full of rigid heddle information, patterns, and resources. She proves that rigid heddle looms are extremely versatile and that rigid heddle weavers need not have “shaft envy” from looking at complex mulit-harness weaving patterns. But most of all, she proves that there doesn’t need to be a distinction between decorative and functional when it comes to handwoven textiles, they can be both!

Pick up your copy of Handwoven Home while it’s on sale through Tuesday May 30th, and start planning your own handwoven home!

Handwoven Home

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by: Sierra Roberts

Tablet Weaving with Rose

Sunday, May 21st, 2017 Posted in General News, Weaving | No Comments »

What’s old is new again…

Halcyon Yarn’s Card Weaving Kit – in progress!

Tablet weaving, also known as card weaving, has been around for thousands of years. This surprisingly easy to do craft can be used on as large, or as small a scale as desired. The patterns you can create are seemingly infinite, and it uses minimal equipment. That means it’s portable as well as useful – and a great way to introduce yourself to how weaving works. Not too long ago, I had the pleasure of talking to my friend and coworker Rose, who recently took up card weaving herself. For those of you who haven’t met Rose yet, there’s nothing she can’t craft, fix, or make (more about that soon!), and she can help you learn too. Her enthusiasm for the craft was so infectious, I asked her to write a little about her experience. Here’s what she had to say:

As far as I know, there is no 12 step program for craft addiction. I’ve managed to keep my love of crafts in check so far, but stepping into Halcyon Yarn for the first time, I knew I was in trouble. The possibilities are endlessly enticing. My first foray into weaving gave me a taste of the rigid heddle loom. I had a blast in that class! Most folks would probably dive headfirst at that point into loom weaving, however I went in the opposite direction when I became entranced by the beautiful book, Card Weaving by Candace Crockett. The history of the technique dates back to 4,000 B.C.E. and spreads over the globe.

Card Weaving

I couldn’t help myself…. I purchased the Halcyon's Deluxe Card Weaving Kit and got cracking. This wonderful kit includes the book, the cards, a shuttle that doubles as a beater and enough yarn to get you started on your first project (and then some). Following a beautifully outlined history of tablet weaving, the book takes you on a brief, but clear, portrait of the craft itself. The tools are simple and the results can be lovely and surprisingly intricate. Turning to Chapter 3, I felt I could dive fearlessly into my first project. I grabbed my yarn and cards and followed the instructions to set up my warp.

Halcyon's Deluxe Card Weaving Kit

Card weaving produces a warp faced fabric that is created by threading the warp thread through the holes in the cards. The most typical cards are square with 4 holes in the corners. These holes are where your warp threads through. I had no difficulty following the directions for creating my warp and threading it through the cards. A simple knot at each end, secure the end, line up the cards and I was ready to weave, lickety-split.

Turning the cards lifts your warp threads to create a new shed. Cards can be rotated forward or back, together or individually to produce a seemingly infinite combination of patterns. Tablet weaving clearly demonstrates how looms were the first computers! I was easily able to follow along with the pattern as instructed. Your first project is a narrow strap in three tones, woven into a simple pattern. I loved seeing it build so quickly before my eyes. Before I’ve even completed my first project, I’m already planning my next one.

When you need to put your project down, just stick a knitter’s stitch holder through the holes to keep your cards in place!

This type of weaving doesn’t require a loom or any expensive equipment. And I can take it anywhere I go. All I need is a place to anchor the end of my warp threads. I can clamp it to a table or chair. A doorknob works great too, and I’ve even used my toe! The other end gets tied to my belt. So simple.

This type of weaving can be done with lots of different yarns, too. 3/2 Pearl Cotton Yarn is excellent, because it’s nice and slippery as well as strong. As you become more experienced with this technique, you can try other fibers, or even wire. The holes are big enough to accommodate a wide range of yarn weights. The comes with a beautiful Northwest Looms Belt Shuttle with Handle, which is used for weaving your weft as well as beating the thread down. You can card weave without a fancy shuttle if you want, but the Northwest Loom shuttles are much too lovely for me to resist.

3/2 Pearl Cotton Yarn

» Info / buy

Northwest Looms Belt Shuttle with Handle

This is a fast project, so it is a great introduction to weaving with kids. I easily developed a rhythm and my strap grew quickly. I must confess that I’m a sucker for instant gratification and card weaving delivers. Plus, the possibilities for this type of weaving make my mind reel. I can see so many ways to use these bands… Bag straps, cuff bracelets, hat trims and button plackets come to mind easily, but my next project is definitely going to be a dog leash. A customer stopped in the shop and when we got to talking about card weaving she showed me the custom leashes she wove. Wow! Gorgeous! I have got to get cracking on one for my girl. Now that i’ve got the technique down I can even use the cards to weave her name into the leash. A matching collar would be lovely too, don’t you think? And if all else fails, you’re guaranteed to have one awesome headband:

If you’re itching for a fresh new craft, tablet weaving is sure to please. Folks new to weaving will find it simple to pick up, and experienced weavers will be delighted with the intricate design possibilities. If you’d like to get into tablet weaving, but don’t want to invest too much up front, you should check out our 4-hole Card Weaving Cards (12/pkg), and just grab some stash yarn. For those of you looking for the full package, our Halcyon's Deluxe Card Weaving Kit is highly recommended. Tablet weaving may have been around for ages, but it’s not too late to give it a try yourself!

4-hole Card Weaving Cards (12/pkg)

Halcyon's Deluxe Card Weaving Kit

Our favorites for tablet and tapestry weaving are on sale now for a limited time – check them out here!

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by: Emily Werner

Tap into tapestry weaving with our new Triple Play wall hanging kit!

Tuesday, May 9th, 2017 Posted in General News, Weaving | No Comments »

Play around with weaving color and texture…

Triple Play Kits are 25% off through Memorial Day – a perfect project for a long weekend!

Let me begin by saying that not a day goes by where I don’t think about weaving. Most of my friends and family (and several strangers…) have witnessed me babbling on about new yarns, or patterns, or projects that I’m working on, whether they wanted to hear about it or not. I just love everything to do with weaving. So I jumped at the chance to design a simple beginner weaving kit to celebrate Little Looms May here at Halcyon. What could be better than introducing more people to the wonderful world of weaving!? And thus, the Triple Play Wall Hanging Kit was born.

I wanted the kit to be simple enough for beginners, yet visually interesting enough to display on the wall. The design employs three tapestry weaving techniques: plain weave, rya knots, and soumac stitch, all of which are explained and illustrated in the instructions. I chose to use Halcyon Geo Rug Wool Yarn because I’ve been admiring it since the day I started working here (the colors! the texture!). Geo is a rustic, slightly heathered wool, that weaves up quickly and evenly. This kit is available in three colorways; each kit comes with three colors of Geo for your weft, White Worsted Wool Warps Yarn for your warp, and a tapestry needle to weave with.

Halcyon Geo Rug Wool Yarn

White Worsted Wool Warps Yarn

All you need to get started is a tapestry loom measuring at least 9″ x 6″. I wove my Triple Play on the Schacht School Loom, but if you’re feeling adventurous, consider building your own tapestry loom from scratch! Grab a wooden frame, some nails, and a DIY attitude and get to work! There are plenty of DIY tapestry loom tutorials out there, but Rachel Denbow’s DIY Woven Art not only has some great project ideas, but instructions on how to make three different types of tapestry loom to get you started. From making the loom to the finished piece this is a perfect project for a crafting weekend, on your own or with your kids.

All warped up and ready to go!

Schacht School Loom

DIY Woven Art

Once you’ve completed the Triple Play wall hanging, you will be equipped with the skills to begin creating your own tapestries! Tapestry weaving is a great place for beginning weavers to start. There are no fancy calculations or time consuming set up like with harnessed looms. And no expensive tools or equipment, either (unless you choose to continue tapestry weaving with a more advanced loom). If you are intrigued by the more elaborate traditional tapestry weaving, this is a great start. We’d also recommend checking out the American Tapestry Alliance, and take a look at the work of our tapestry weaving instructor, Barbara Burns (featured here) as well.

I find tapestry weaving incredibly relaxing and meditative. It’s much more free-form than harness weaving and you can use almost any yarn. Incorporate thick yarns, thin yarns, scratchy yarn, roving, even found objects (think fabric scraps, plastic bags, beads and more)! Tapestry weaving is also great for stash busting. Imagine a weaving made from all your leftover yarn from previous projects! The possibilities are endless!

» Info / buy

» Info / buy

» Info / buy

Our new Triple Play kits are 25% off for a limited time, plus many of our favorite tapestry weaving items are on sale here – through Memorial Day!

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by: Gretchen

All things little loom in May…

Sunday, May 7th, 2017 Posted in General News, Weaving | No Comments »

Explore the smaller side of weaving…

All month long we’re dedicating our attention to the delights of little looms and the big creativity they offer!

When you think of weaving, perhaps you think of big multi-harness floor looms with hundreds of heddles? Those are great, but you can start weaving wonderful projects with something as simple as a peg loom, tapestry loom, or rigid heddle loom.

Pin Looms, Peg Looms, Pot Holder Looms, Tapestry Looms, Inkle Looms, Card Weaving, and Rigid Heddle Looms are all small portable looms that you can use to produce beautiful woven pieces. The basic idea is the same… Warp threads are strung on a sturdy frame, or held tightly under tension between two or more opposing points (as in card weaving or weaving on a circular loom). Then weft threads are passed back and forth between the warp threads to create fabric. Small looms offer plenty of range, from a plain, balanced weave, in which your warp and weft are usually about the same weight of yarn, to free form weft-faced tapestry patterns, to intricate repeating patterns like those created on inkle looms… Using cards to weave a belt or band you can even spell out letters or figures in the patterns, as you’d find on complex jacquard looms! You can use fine yarns or chunky knitting yarn, and even big fluffy roving, there’s a lot you can do on a little loom and getting started is easy!

The launch of Easy Weaving with Little Looms a Special Issue of Handwoven 2017 shows off the delightful, affordable, and very creative things you can do with smaller looms. If you’ve ever been curious to try weaving – or if you’re already a weaver and looking for some fun variations or portable options – little looms are just the thing!

Easy Weaving with Little Looms a Special Issue of Handwoven 2017

If you’re just getting started check out some of our favorite little looms here. We recommend grabbing a copy of Little Looms Magazine, preview our favorite projects from it here, or reach for the great resources below. These books, and videos will get you started. Stay tuned all month as we share more projects, tips, kits, and tools you’ll love for exploring the smaller side of weaving.

If you have questions, don’t be shy, call or email us – we love helping new weavers get underway!

Disc. or unavail.

Or videos if you prefer…

» Info / buy

» Info / buy

There’s something for everyone, so get ready to do big things on the smaller side of weaving!

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by: Sierra Roberts

Getting to know pin looms with the Schacht Zoom Loom

Sunday, May 7th, 2017 Posted in Weaving | No Comments »

Swatch, stitch, and experiment on the go!

Whether you’re swatching, making squares to sew into something larger, or just playing with color and texture – pin looms are perfectly portable and pretty adorable…

It seems there is no end to the list of things you can do with yarn, especially where weaving is concerned. Although pin looms have been around for a long time, Schacht has designed the most user friendly model I’ve come across – the Schacht Zoom Loom 4" x 4". This little loom is sturdy and well-made, comfortable to hold, and (best of all) clearly labeled so you can be sure to get the right warp every time. Pair that with their easy to read instruction manual, and you’ll be weaving your own squares in no time. But why tell you when I can show you? Using my own Zoom Loom, I swatched some Malabrigo Rios Superwash Wool Yarn, Botanica Yarn and some Heirloom Romney yarn by Fancy Tiger Crafts. Follow along with your own favorite yarns…

Schacht Zoom Loom 4" x 4"

Malabrigo Rios Superwash Wool Yarn

Botanica Yarn

Heirloom Romney yarn by Fancy Tiger Crafts

I love to see how variegated yarns like Malabrigo Rios Superwash Wool Yarn end up looking on this loom, so I decided to use that to demonstrate. At the bottom left, you can see the little notch that holds your yarn in place as you begin warping.

Malabrigo Rios Superwash Wool Yarn

Once you reach the other side, there are handy little markers on your loom that show exactly where to go next. I love this feature because even though I’ve woven a million swatches on this, I always forget the exact steps. Now I don’t have to constantly go running for the manual! (Thank you, Schacht.)

Two warp layers down, one more to go… Again there’s a wonderful little number in that corner, letting you know what to do next.

All warped. Now it’s time to measure out your weft!

To measure how much yarn you’ll need to finish your square, simply wrap it around the outside of the pins 5 times total. That’s it. Cut your yarn, thread the cut end through your needle, and you’re ready to weave. Well, you’ll want to unwind that yarn from the outside of the loom first!

The loom shows you where to start, and it’s pretty straightforward from there. The finished fabric is so neat and tidy, I can’t believe it made it with my own hands. Here are some close-ups so you can really see what each of these yarns look like:

Here’s the finished Malabrigo Rios swatch. Instant plaid, just add variegated yarn!

Made from Heirloom Romney, this swatch is kind of dense, super woolly and surprisingly soft.

Our Botanica is an awesome choice for weaving. I love the pebbled surface of the fabric, and the way the unique ply of this yarn makes little “X” patterns all over.

If you’re new to weaving, you’ll soon learn that swatching is just as important for weaving as it is for knitting, and a pin loom is a great way to preview how a yarn will behave when it is finished – before you make a full sized piece. You can estimate how tight a sett you’ll need by measuring and counting the ends per inch, then adjusting accordingly for a looser or tighter fabric. It’s also a no-risk way to play with combining colors and textures as you design bigger projects. These swatches are all shown using the same yarn for warp and weft, but you can also mix and match yarns to discover how two yarns will interact, with some amazing results!

The Schacht Zoom Loom 4" x 4" is the perfect choice for road trips and vacation weaving, testing out textures, and also for using up leftover yarn. But a quick internet search shows a whole world of uses for this simple little loom. These squares can be sewn together any which way to produce clothing, accessories, toys (picture some simple stuffed cubes for your favorite kiddo) – you name it. Actually, I’ve been fantasizing about making a T-shirt out of my own growing stack of swatches. What a fun, easy way to play with yarn!

Schacht Zoom Loom 4" x 4"

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by: Gretchen

Little Looms Magazine – new!

Friday, May 5th, 2017 Posted in Magazine, Weaving | No Comments »

Ready to try weaving? Little Looms is a great place to start!

Easy Weaving with Little Looms a Special Issue of Handwoven 2017 introduces readers to a wide range of smaller weaving techniques, and suggests great tools and yarns to get you started. There’s so much you can do, even on the most petite and portable looms. Small looms are an easy and affordable way to learn the weaving process or to prepare you for more complex weaving!

Easy Weaving with Little Looms a Special Issue of Handwoven 2017

Explore detailed designs for inkle loom belts, beautiful scarves on a rigid heddle, and dive into your stash to play around with pin looms, or woven wall tapestries. With 23 projects to choose from there’s something for everyone!

Here are a few of our favorite featured projects:

Geometric Waves Scarves, by Deborah Bagley.

A sophisticated study in contrast – from a simple pin loom! Grab your Schacht Zoom Loom 4" x 4" and two contrasting colors of a favorite yarn for either version of this simple and stunning scarf. You’ll need a 4″ x 4″ pin loom, a tapestry needle for stitching the squares and embellishing the lines, and about 320 yards (2 skeins) of each color. We recommend a worsted or aran weight 100% wool like Botanica Yarn, or Bartlettyarns Maine Wool Yarn.

Schacht Zoom Loom 4" x 4"

Botanica Yarn

Bartlettyarns Maine Wool Yarn

(See more about pin looms here.)

Stormy Seas Scarf, by Whitney Dorband.

A subtle log cabin pattern takes advantage of the natural color changes in a favorite variegated merino like Arroyo Yarn by Malabrigo. This soft superwash merino in kettle dyed colors, and a simple design, proves that some of your favorite knitting yarns are great on the loom too!

Arroyo Yarn by Malabrigo

Use just one skein (just over 200 yards) for both warp and weft to make a finished scarf 8.5″ wide by 60″ long, plus a 4″ fringe. You’ll need a rigid heddle with a weaving width of 10″ and a 10 dent reed. A Schacht Cricket 10" Rigid Heddle Loom Kit or Ashford 12" Knitters Rigid Heddle Loom are as portable as can be and will work beautifully for endless scarf weaving!

Schacht Cricket 10" Rigid Heddle Loom Kit

Ashford 12" Knitters Rigid Heddle Loom

No Assumptions Towels, by Susan E. Horton.

A cheerful and hard working kitchen towel in Block Island Blend Yarn and Homestead 8/2 Cotton Yarn. Woven on a rigid heddle with a 19″ weaving width, and 10 dent reed.

Block Island Blend Yarn

Homestead 8/2 Cotton Yarn

You’ll use one mini cone each of Block Island Blend in Block Island Blend Yarn (red) and Block Island Blend Yarn (blue), and 2 mini cones of Block Island Blend Yarn (light blue).

Block Island Blend Yarn

In 8/2 Homestead Cotton you’ll need 1 mini cone each of Homestead 8/2 Cotton Yarn (silver), Homestead 8/2 Cotton Yarn (magenta), and Homestead 8/2 Cotton Yarn (dark red).

Homestead 8/2 Cotton Yarn

Nautical Towels, by Jodi Ybara.

Affordable and absorbent 8/2 unmercerized cotton makes these textured towels a great kitchen go-to. Project makes two 17″ by 29″ finished towels. Use a rigid heddle with a width of 24″ and a 10 dent reed.

Using Homestead 8/2 Cotton Yarn in three colors, you’ll need the following: 2,300 yards (one pound cone or 4 mini cones) of Homestead 8/2 Cotton Yarn (bleach white), and one mini cone each of Homestead 8/2 Cotton Yarn (light turk), and Homestead 8/2 Cotton Yarn (nassau blue).

Homestead 8/2 Cotton Yarn

Calming Wave Yoga Bag, by Constance Hall.

For this rigid heddle project you’ll need a weaving width of at least 17″ and a 10 dent reed. The warp uses 256 yards of a sturdy cotton like 3/2 Pearl Cotton Yarn, and the colorful wool weft is Plymouth Gina Yarn. You’ll need a total of approximately 500 yards of Pearl Cotton, and 2 balls of Plymouth Gina wool.

3/2 Pearl Cotton Yarn

Plymouth Gina Yarn

Nordic Notes Guitar Strap, by Connie Rubsamen.

Woven on an inkle loom, this project uses three colors of 3/2 Pearl Cotton Yarn: 205 yards of color A (warp and weft), 75 yards of color B, and 30 yards of color C. We sell 3/2 Pearl Cotton in 180 yard mini cones, so you can affordably mix and match colors, or you can buy this yarn by the pound.

3/2 Pearl Cotton Yarn

Checkered Cardigan, by Benjamin Krudwig.

Weave? Knit? Crochet? How about a jacket that does it all! In two colors of a soft, DK wool, this jacket features a knitted sleeve, woven panels, and crochet edging. For the weaving you’ll need a 15″ width rigid heddle, and an 8 dent reed. You’ll also use a Size G-6 crochet hook, and size 7 circular and double point needles.

We recommend colors Jo Sharp Classic DK Wool Yarn (Denim, 721-845 yards) and Jo Sharp Classic DK Wool Yarn (Heath, 392-502 yards), or pick your own colors in Jo Sharp Classic DK Wool Yarn!