How to Weave a Simple Square
The simplest form of weaving, known as "plain weave" or "tabby," involves interlacing single elements such as strands of yarn. This interlacing is accomplished by alternately crossing the elements over and under each other. A weaver gently stretches "warp" yarns in parallel rows onto a loom, then works "weft" yarns through the warp framework. Create a simple woven square with a handmade cardboard loom.
Things You'll Need
- Stiff cardboard
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Heavy-duty scissors
- Sewing scissors
- Skein of yarn
- Sewing needle with a large eye
- Comb or fork
Instructions
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Prepare the Loom
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1
Measure an 8-inch square of cardboard, tracing its edges with a pencil. Cut along the pencil lines with heavy-duty scissors.
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2
Measure 1/4 inch from one edge of the cardboard square. Draw a line parallel to the edge. Repeat on the opposite edge. Mark dots along each line at 1/4-inch intervals. Cut slits from each edge to the dots.
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3
Pull seven yards of yarn from your skein. Insert the free end of the yarn into the first slit in the top left corner of your loom and pull it through until a four-inch piece dangles behind the loom. Wedge the yarn securely into the slit.
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4
Begin warping the loom by gently stretching the yarn down from the first top slit and wedging it securely into the opposite slit at the bottom.
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5
Wrap the yarn behind the tab formed between the first and second slits at the bottom and bring it through to the front of the loom. Wedge the yarn securely into the second slit.
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6
Stretch the yarn up to the second slit at the top and continue threading the yarn from top to bottom, behind the tabs, and from bottom to top until you reach the slit in the bottom right corner. Measure an extra four inches of yarn before cutting it from the skein.
Weave the Square
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7
Thread the needle with a one-yard strand of yarn. Beginning at the bottom right corner of the loom, pass the weft under the first warp, over the second, under the third, and continue in this manner until you reach the bottom left side. Pull the length of yarn through the warp, leaving four inches dangling at the starting point.
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8
Weave the second row from left to right, opposite to the way you wove the first row. Where the yarn passes under a warp on the first row, it should pass over the same warp on the second row.
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9
Continue weaving until you reach the top of the loom, pushing the weft down with a comb, fork or your fingers after each pass. Measure four extra inches of yarn before cutting the weft at the top. Use the needle to tuck the extra yarn inside the woven edge.
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10
Thread the loose end at the top left corner onto the needle and tuck it inside the edge. Repeat with the loose end at the bottom right corner.
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11
Pull the warp loops off the loom tabs, bending the cardboard tabs if necessary. Cut each loop and double-knot its two pieces together, creating a fringe at both top and bottom.
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1
Tips & Warnings
When warping your loom, stretch the yarn firmly but not so tightly that it bends the cardboard.
Keep the left and right edges of your square straight by not pulling too hard on the yarn after each pass of the weft.
References
- Photo Credit Zedcor Wholly Owned/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
