How to Make a Design With a Loom

Looms have been used since before the industrial revolution.

Looms are used to make textiles out of thread. The basic components consistent among all looms are the warp threads, which are held in place by tension; and the weft thread, which is strung in rows perpendicular to the warp threads. The basic principles behind making a design is also consistent among all types of looms.

Things You'll Need

• Loom
• Needle
• Thread of various colors

Instructions

1. Tie off the weft at the upper right-hand corner of the warp. Use a needle to thread the weft in and out between the warp threads. When you reach the end, turn around and thread the other way. Continue doing so, forming rows.

2. Alter the pattern of rows by tying off the weft of one color thread and beginning with a different color the next row down.

3. Alter the pattern of columns by weaving the weft through only a portion of the wart threads in a certain row.

4. Experiment using a combination of the two techniques described above to create any design using your loom.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep both warp and weft taught at all times.

• Be careful when handling the needle.

References

• "A Handbook of Textiles."; Ann M. Collier; 1970