Pin Weaving Directions

Pin weaving has been gaining momentum in the crafting world. With it's no-sew attitude and the challenge of weaving new fabric panels with pins, pin weaving allows novice or avid crafters to implement basic and abstract weaving patterns. Threads, yarns and recycled fabric scraps may all be used in pin weaving projects. By selecting a motif, creating a pattern tracing, and planning your material's weaving pattern, you can create a variety of items, styles and crafts using straight pins.

Things You'll Need

• Corrugated cardboard
• Pinnable foam: approximately 1/4 yard; 3/4- to 1 inch thickness
• Cutting knife
• Cutting board
• Pencils
• Rulers
• Spray adhesive
• Fabric scissors
• Fabric, approximately 1/2 yard
• Thumb tacks (optional)
• Staple gun (optional)
• Fabric glue (optional)
• Tracing paper
• Interfacing fusible
• Stretch fabric
• Straight pins
• Ironing board
• Iron

Instructions

Create Your Pin-Weaving Loom

1. Cut a piece of corrugated cardboard and pinnable foam 12-by-12 inches. Use a cutting knife for smooth edges. Make sure you use a cutting board to not damage your work table's surface. The loom's base dimensions are subject to change according to your design's size.

2. Spray a light coating of adhesive on your cardboard. Set your foam on the adhesive and let it dry.

3. Cut a piece of sturdy fabric such as muslin, canvas or denim 15-by-15 inches. It will be slightly larger than your cardboard.

4. Wrap your fabric over the foam. Continue wrapping the excess fabric towards the back of your cardboard, which will be approximately 2 to 3 inches, depending on the thickness of your pinnable foam. Your loom will begin to form.

5. Flip your loom over to the wrong side. Fold over the left and right panels towards the center of the cardboard. Press thumb tacks to hold the fabric in place. Fold the top and bottom fabric towards the center of the cardboard as well. You will have four folded-over corners. You can opt to tuck in each corner.

6. Use thumb tacks, a staple gun or fabric glue to secure the corners. It is important for these corners to be secure. You will be weaving your fabric on the padded loom side.

Pin Weaving Directions: Basket Weave

1. Draft a motif, such as a heart ,on tracing paper and cut it out. Keep your loom's width and length in mind prior to cutting your pattern. For example, if your design measures 18 inches by 15 inches and your loom is 12 inches by 12 inches, you will not be able to complete your design on the loom.

2. Cut your material such as fabric, yarn or ribbon, in strips. For example, if your motif is a heart and you are working with jersey, cut your fabric strips 12 inches in length by 1 inch in width. The size of your heart motif will dictate the quantity of strips needed.

3. Remove the interfacing fusible's protective sheet and place it on your loom. Make sure the fusible side is facing up. Pin each corner securely. You will be weaving directly on the fusible interfacing.

4. Set your strips vertically closely together on your loom. Pin each strip with your straight pins at each end. Make sure your fabric strips are securely pinned.

5. Insert one strip horizontally over your first vertical strip. You can opt to start at the upper or lower left corner. Gently pull the strip under the second strip. Keep repeating the over and under pattern until your strip is completely weaved. Pin each end in place. Take your next strip and begin weaving, however, you will insert it under the first vertical strip and over the second. Continue to weave your strip through and pinned at each side. Make sure your pins are secure. Continue weaving the balance of your strips by alternating the over-and-under starting point. Your pin weave will begin to form.

Creating Your Pin Weave Heart

1. Remove your fabric strip's pins from each end carefully. Gently insert your hand under the woven fabric panel and lift. Although your fabric is tautly woven, it is not secure until your fusible is adhered. Place it on your ironing board.

2. Set your iron on the setting advised for your fusible. Flip your fabric over and press with your iron for several seconds until your fusible completely adheres to your woven panel.

3. Flip your panel over and place it on your loom. The right side of the fabric will be facing up.

4. Place your heart tracing over your pin weave. Use your straight pins to pin the tracing to the woven fabric.

5. Cut around your tracing and your pin weave heart is complete.

References

• "Small Loom & Freeform Weaving: Five Ways to Weave;" Barbara Matthiessen; 2008

Resources

• Threads Magazine: Create Intricate Fabric With Pin Weaving
• The Artful Crafter: Valentine's Day Pin Weave Heart