Woven Tapestry

Follow the directions below to create this fun and whimsical wall-hanging tapestry. 

Supplies:     Small student loom

                    Assorted Fabric strips

                    Assorted Yarn

                    Twine

                    Craft branches

                    Large eye needle

                    Binder Clips

Load your loom with twine. 

Tape twine on the BACK of your loom.

Wrap the twine around the loom, placing the twine in the notches. 

When wrapping is complete, tape the twine end down and cut.

You have just created your WARP; the vertical threads act as the skeleton of your weave.

Flip your loom over to the FRONT side.

Load your large-eye needle with yarn or twine.  Use a needle threader if necessary.

Clamp a decorative stick/branch to the top of your loom.  Attach the branch to your weave using a whip stitch at each warp thread across the top of the loom.  Leave the ends of the thread loose for now. 

Now, either continue using the same yarn or select something new.

Begin weaving through the warp threads following the standard under, over, under, over pattern.

This is called plain weave.

Here is an example of plain weave. 

We’re going to turn that plain weave into twining. 

 

Find the first intersection where the weft is on top of the warp.  Slide your needle under this intersection.  Continue across the loom in the same manner sliding your needle under EACH weft over warp.

This is what one row of twining looks like.

Create another row of twining by reversing the direction of your weaving.  

Too tight. 

Just right.

   

When you go to the next row, be sure not to pull too tight, or the side of your tapestry will not be straight.  See above.  Repeat the steps to create a second and possibly even a third row of twining.

Once you have created your rows of twining, you’ll need to tie the loose ends in a knot.

 

For this project, there is no need to bury the ends of your weaving yarn or fabric.  Just leave the ends and tie them off.  The ends become part of the design. 

Twining is an excellent stitch for your piece’s first two or three rows and the last two to three rows, as it locks the weave in place.

Push/pull your newly created WEFT securely in place using a weaving beater or fork.  

You want your weft to pack tightly.  If you don’t pack it tight enough, your weaving will lack structure and look limp.

 

Cut the yarn when you reach the end of the row.  Clip it, leaving at least 1 1/”” to 2” long. 

Tie this loose end to the loose end in your initial whip stitch together.  

 

Now clip a decorative branch to both sides.

You will begin to incorporate the branches into your weaving. 

Treat the branch and the outside WEFT strand as one.

I keep a large stash of fabric and yarn for weaving.  I look for various textures and prints   Most of the fabric I use in my weaving projects is harvested from discarded clothing, either my own or clothing and other textiles I purchase from thrift stores.

To harvest textiles,  thoroughly wash and dry the garments or fabric.  Cut off any ripped, torn, or stained sections.  Then, cut the remaining garment into usable pieces.  I cut off any part of the garment I likely won’t use.  That’s not much for me, as I use almost every part.

Select a new yarn or fabric.  If you choose a fabric, cut a thin strip about 1/2” wide and at least 5 inches longer than your loom.

You can weave the fabric strip by hand or use a wooden weaver’s needle.  Feed one end of your fabric strip through the large hole in the wooden needle.  

Weave the needle through the warp under, over, under, over until it comes out the other end.  

When you go to the next row of weaving, switch your weaving to over, under, over, under.

Leave the ends loose until you add another yarn or fabric strip.

When you have two loose ends on a side, tie them together in a simple knot.

As you weave, consider switching up your materials.  I love adding a few rows of basic weave or twining with colorful yarn here and there.  This will add visual interest and texture to your project.  You can even weave in additional twigs, leather, or other suitable material.  Use your creativity.  One benefit of adding more twigs throughout your project is that it provides additional structure to your piece.

Remember to add 2 to 3 rows of twining at the end of your project.

Lay the final twig at the bottom of your loom.  Whipstitch it to the bottom of your project.

Now flip your loom over to the BACK side.

Cut through all of the WARP threads.

Carefully remove the bottom and top of your project from the loom.

To secure your weave, you must tie off the WARP thread ends.

Take two warp tail ends and tie them together using a simple knot.

Now, move across the bottom of your loom, taking two warp ends and tying them off.

Repeat this process with the top of your tapestry.

Trim the warp ends or leave them if you like that wild and crazy look.  

Attach a hanger clip to the top of your tapestry.  I use drapery clips.

Use the same technique to create larger tapestries.  

I often incorporate text into my tapestries.  

Type a favorite quote, cut it into strips, and weave it through your tapestry.

This large tapestry was displayed in our local library. 

This free-form tapestry marks a very special location within a natural green space.

In this tapestry, I followed the natural branching pattern of the twigs I placed throughout the weave.

This is a great project for both non-crafters and experienced crafters alike.  The technique is quite simple, the project doesn’t take a great deal of time, and the process is quite relaxing.

All photos by Paulette Rodriguez.