How to Make Horizontal Stripes on Tapestry Weaving
Tapestry weaving allows you to create designs and pictures on a loom. It is done mostly by hand, to allow for greater control over the weaving. Horizontal lines create a flat field or skyline in a picture, stripes in a geometric pattern or another part of a design. They are created with over and under weaving, the same technique that forms the basis of all weaving in tapestries.
Instructions
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1
Set up the warp threads. The warp refers to the threads that run vertically. These form the backbone of the tapestry. The warp thread can be any color, since it will be hidden by the weft. The method will depend on your loom, but on smaller looms, you can wrap a long thread from the top of the loom to the bottom, loop it under a bottom peg and bring it back up to loop over a top peg. Alternate pegs for a wider warp.
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2
Begin the tapestry with horizontal lines to give the tapestry support. Tie a thread to the side of the loom. Thread the other end through a tapestry needle. Bring the thread over the first vertical warp thread and under the second. Repeat all the way across the loom, then tie the thread to the loom again. Weave a second horizontal thread like this, but begin weaving under the first warp thread and go over the second. Tie this one to the loom as well. Weave another support thread exactly like the first. Run a wide-toothed comb down the warp so the threads are between the tines and push the horizontal weft threads snug against each other.
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3
Make a row of double knots. This can be done in a colored, worsted thread or yarn, threaded through a tapestry needle. Begin on the left side of the loom, with a simple knot around the first warp thread. Bring the thread over the second warp. Loop it underneath so it comes out below itself on the left of the second warp. Bring it up and to the right again. Loop it back under the second warp with the loop facing the top. Bring the thread under itself and between the two loops on the second warp. The knot vaguely resembles a figure 8. Repeat across the width of the loom. Use the comb to push the row of knots snugly against the supports.
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4
Weave the weft thread over and under the warp. When you reach the other side, loop the thread around the last warp thread, then weave over and under to the opposite side. Make sure you are alternating the thread. If you went under a particular warp thread on the row below, go above it with the row you are working on. Comb the thread snugly against the bottom weaving between each row.
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5
Weave with a second color to make stripes. When you reach the thickness you want with the first color, comb it snug against the bottom weaving and cut the thread, leaving about 2 inches beyond the last warp thread. Do not tie it. Begin weaving with another colored thread by working it over and under the warp threads. Leave about two inches hanging behind the first warp thread and do not tie it.
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6
Complete the tapestry with another row of the double knots like the ones in Step 3. Cut the tapestry from the loom by clipping the warp threads. Medieval tapestries were folded at the edges and lined on the bottom with another fabric. You can finish the tapestry this way, sew the edges down and clip loose ends or create a ragged or tasseled look with the ends of your threads.
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References
Resources
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