How to Weave

A weaving loom

Weaving is an easy craft -- so easy children can do it. You can weave rugs, drink coasters or tapestries. Here are some tips on how to weave a basic pattern.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Weaving loom
• Three or four rolls of yarn, different colors
• A roll of yarn to be used as your base

Keep it tight and even

1. Choose your colors. Usually people opt for at least three different colors. Try to make them match or at least aesthetic -- for instance, two dark colors and a light one, or two lights and a dark, or one light, one medium and one dark. The more colorful the weave, the prettier the final product will be.

2. Set up your string base on a pre-bought weaving loom. Use yarn, preferably a strong brand, and tie one end to your wooden weaving loom. Stretch it down the length (so the string runs down the long side, like a guitar) and tie the end of the string around. Ensure the string is stretched and secured as tight as possible. Repeat this process until your loom is full.

3. Tie the end of one of your colored yarn rolls to the top far right or the far left end of your base. Make sure it is secure.

4. Gently weave the yarn across the base strings, weaving it over and under them evenly. If you make a mistake, the weave will be uneven and contain a hole. When you reach the other end of the base, loop the string over the side and weave it back to the side you started on, weaving it over and under them evenly but in the opposite order.

5. Continue weaving the yarn this way back and forth until you are satisfied with the size of the colored stripe you have made. For instance, five or six rows of weaved string will make a thin colored stripe -- double or triple the amount to make a thicker one.

6. Tie the end of the colored string to the last base string on the side you ended on and begin the whole process again with a new color, starting from this location.

7. Continue the process until you have finished your pattern and then begin the patten anew. (For instance -- Five rows of red string, five rows of yellow string, five rows of blue string, and then five rows of red string, and so on.)

8. When you are finished weaving and tying off a piece large enough for your satisfaction, snip the ends of the base strings off and out of the loom, leaving a few inches to knot and secure the loom.

Tips & Warnings

• Make your weave as tight as possible or it will unravel.