How to Weave on a Tapestry Loom
Tapestry is a specific type of weaving in which the warp yarn is completely hidden and the color can change at any point, according to the Carol K. Russell in "The Tapestry Handbook." This allows the weaver to create pictures within the yarn, making every tapestry a unique piece of art if desired. Looms run the gamut of expensive to affordable, and beginners are advised to try the craft out on a small loom before taking the plunge and buying a large loom.
Instructions
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1
Attach the warp, the vertical lengths of yarn that will hold the weaving in place, on the loom. Follow the loom manufacturer's directions on how to attach the warp.
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2
Form a butterfly with the weaving yarn, called the weft, by wrapping the yarn around the thumb and forefinger in a circle eight pattern to make the weft easier to move in and out of the warp threads.
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3
Weave the weft across the warp threads, leaving a 3-inch tail on the end to be woven in later. Alternate by going in front of one warp thread and behind the next. The spaces in between the warp threads are called sheds.
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4
Continue weaving the weft in between the sheds, pushing, also known as beating, one row down upon the previous row to hide the warp, until the tapestry is at the desired size.
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5
Create a selvage at the edges of the tapestry by making sure each turn of the yarn is placed directly above the previous row of yarn, ensuring the yarn is not twisted but stays parallel. Beat the yarn around the edges down. The selvage is a type of finished edge that keeps the yarn from running or raveling.
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6
Change colors by ending a color in one shed and starting to weave the new color in the next shed, creating a butterfly with the new color for easier handling.
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7
Add more yarn by creating another butterfly and picking up where the last thread ended, making sure to weave in the tail of the yarn.
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