How to Do Swedish Card Weaving
Swedish card, or tablet, weaving is so called because it was highly developed in the early Scandinavian countries. There are examples of tablet weaving among Viking artifacts, but it was also prevalent among Anglo-Saxons and other European groups. A simple card weaving loom can be made from an old pack of playing cards, cardboard or light wood. While the basic technique is simple, the weaving patterns can be quite complex.
Instructions
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1
Determine the number of cards needed. You can make your own cards from wood or cardboard, or weaving cards can be purchased. They should be square with rounded corners with a round, smooth hole in each corner. The number of cards you need to string is determined by the pattern you use.
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2
Determine the length of your warp threads. These are the lengthwise threads that are held securely on a loom and over which you weave the weft, or width-wise, threads. There should be one warp thread for each hole in each card. The length is determined by the length of your project, plus one-fifth additional for the amount taken up in weaving. Add another 20 inches for tying knots.
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3
Thread a warp thread through each hole in each card. You can thread from left to right or right to left, as you face the edge of the card, but each one must be threaded the same way.
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4
Gather the far ends of the threads together and tie them to something solid, like a door knob or a chair. You can tie the ends nearest you together as well. Some weavers tie the near ends to their belt.
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5
Wrap the weft thread, or the thread to be woven through the warp threads, around a shuttle, or wrap it in a figure-eight for easier handling.
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6
Arrange the cards so they are all together with their edges facing you. The opening created between the threads running through the top holes and the bottom holes is called a shed. Run the weft thread through the shed and tighten down the thread with your fingers. Something like a plastic wide-toothed comb works as well to pack down the thread.
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Turn the cards one-quarter turn. Which cards you turn in what direction will be determined by your pattern. Pass the weft back through and pack it down. Repeat the process until your project reaches the desired length.
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References
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