Weaving Loom
Weaving dates to the Stone Age when natural materials were woven to create things like baskets or shelters. Today, weaving can be seen primarily in the creation of fabric for things such as clothing, upholstery, and a variety of other products. It is often done using machines, but it is still handmade by artisans and crafters around the world.
Weaving is usually done on a loom, a frame or machine that provides the structure to help interweave threads. Vertical threads are tied first, called the warp, and then horizontal threads, called the weft, are passed over and under the warp threads to create patterns. Many stories and fables include weaving because it has been such an important part of human history. One of the more well known stories involves the Greek myth of the Fates, three women said to spend their days weaving or spinning the destiny of the mortals. The saying “their life was cut short,” comes from this myth as it was believed that when the Fates cut a string it was the end of life for that person. Imagine what it might be like to weave your own destiny.
Both video instructions and written instructions below!
Step 1: Warping the Loom
Using the provided loom made from popsicle sticks, tie strings at equal intervals from the top stick to the bottom. This will create the warp threads used as the base for weaving.
Step 2: Starting to Weave
Choose a ribbon or piece of yarn and start to weave by moving it over one string, then under the next, repeating until the ribbon crosses the entire width of the frame. Pull the ribbon or yarn through until only a short tail is sticking out from the first string. Go back across the warp strings, doing the opposite pattern as the row before. If you ended by going under the last string, go over that string to start the second row and under the next. Continue until you are back at the starting string.
Step 3: Finishing the Weave
Using your fingers, comb, or pencil, gently push the second row down against the first to tighten the weave. Repeat with other colors until you have filled the loom.
Things to Think About:
Have you ever done weaving before?
How did it feel to weave on this little loom? Can you imagine yourself weaving a large blanket or rug by hand in this way?
Think about the myth of the Greek Fates. What destiny might you weave for yourself if you could?