In searching for materials to make tassels the other day, I found an old ball of thin cotton yarn that I either inherited or picked up in a grab bag at a garage sale. It worked very nicely for the tassels I wanted. Then I noticed that it looked very much like the thread used in the weaving pictures, so of course I had to use it to warp my little loom and try weaving on it!
Purl & Loop weaving loom with found cotton warp threads
I used each peg on the loom with the found yarn. I couldn’t pack the yarn tight enough on a plain weave to cover the threads, but I figured out the Linen weave, and it covered the warp threads well. I also discovered that I can’t do the Linen weave during cocktail hour. Oops. At least it is a washcloth and still useful even if it is wonky.
Pulling the warp threads through the weaving
Pulling the warp threads through the work for the fringeless finishing method was easier too, but I don’t care for the look of the warp threads on the edge. I also tried weaving in the ends all along the selvage to strengthen it, but that needs either a rethink, or more practice.
Finished washcloth, still wonky, but practice is helping.
One of our favorite teacher gifts to make is bookmarks, and special book marks need tassels. I don’t know why, but they do. (Even though the cat usually finds the tassels and pulls out the bookmark!) I have to look up how to make tassels every time, and every time I don’t like the tutorials I find. So here is the process I used this year, so I can find it next year, and maybe the information will benefit someone else as well.
40 wraps of thin cotton on a 3” rectangle of cardboardCut bottom loops onlyUse another strand of string to tie the middle (if not using a bead, tie a loop)Fold a string in half, thread through bead, tie the bead about 3” from the loopPoke needle through the center of the bundle of stringArrange string evenly around beadWrap tie from the bead toward the tassel, put the end through the loop, pull ends under wrapsA comb works well to straighten out the tassel strandsTrim tassel. Tassel on left has no bead, tassel on right has a bead
In reading more about weaving, and actually watching some videos (not in their entirety of course, I don’t have that kind of attention span), I noticed the warp yarns were further apart than my warp yarns. I grabbed a bag of variegated cotton bits and this time I tried skipping a peg between warp threads. I also used some tissue in the first two rows as spacers, and found a method for getting the sides more even by pulling the end warp thread away against the weft of each pass. I still have a little hour glass shape, but the tension across the whole piece is much, much better.
4 epi rather than 8 epi warp
With the wider warp, which I think would be 4 ends per inch (epi), I was able to pack down the weft (back and forth passes of yarn) to cover the warp (up and down) yarn. I get stripes instead of the interesting color play, but the finished fabric is so much softer and thicker. It was easy to pull the warp threads through the piece for the fringeless method of finishing, and easy to weave in the ends. (I actually enjoy weaving in the ends, but it is basically sewing, and I like needle work.) The colors are interesting; it is obvious that I’m working from leftover bits of yarn, but my youngest thinks the pink and rainbow is awesome. So there we go.
I had some more of the variegated cotton yarn, so I attempted another weaving with my mini loom. I am not particularly fond of variegated yarn for crochet or knitting (I’ve had this cone of cotton for probably over 10 years), but I quite like the effect using it for the warp and weft of weaving.
Trying a smaller weaving project
I gave myself more room on the loom this time, going for a smaller washcloth. I’m still having trouble with tension, but it is getting better. I tried some areas of linen weave, but I don’t quite have my head wrapped around the technique yet. More practice is required. It was easier to pull the weft through the work for the fringeless method to finish off the washcloth, so working smaller was a good choice.
Finished cotton wash cloth
I still have the loose edges issue, but it is better. I think I have some more variegated yarn around here somewhere…
As I’ve been trying more and more ancient crafts, I realized that I haven’t done much weaving. I was reminded when we pulled out my youngest’s loop loom (Harrisville Designs makes Friendly Looms and cotton loops that actually fit, and are of great quality). I helped her through the process, which planted the idea in my head. So I started researching the next step in weaving. There are many! I didn’t know how I would like it, so I didn’t want to invest much money in buying, or much time in making, a loom. In my curiosity delving into the internet, I also found reference to fringeless weaving. Yes please! I’m not a fan of the fringe. This train of thought took me to Purl & Loop, a small Oklahoma based company that produces portable mini looms. Again, yes please. My projects need to be portable, even if it is only to be carried from the living room to the backyard. I chose a 12” loom because I figured I could make smaller on a larger loom. I have a stash of cotton worsted weight yarn, so I asked Purl & Loop and they said they had success with the number 8 with worsted weight. What am I going to make? Wash cloths. This is my go to project for learning a new yarn craft. Even a wonky wash cloth is useful. And my washcloths will be wonky for awhile. All my crocheting, knitting, and nålbinding yarn skills don’t translate to weaving!
First attempt at weaving, I need practice
Putting on the warp (up and down static yarn) went smoothly. I used bulldog clips to hold the ends of the yarn. I started simple (I thought) with a plain weave. I had read about making sure the ends of the weave weren’t too tight, but somehow I ended up with loose ends and a tight middle. So more research is needed. I may even have to resort to watching a video.
First fringeless washcloth, wonky but useful
I am pleased with my purchase. The loom pieces are laser cut and sanded, so are very smooth. They are sturdy, but light and definitely portable. Izzy even tried some lap time while I wove, but was bapped too many times with the loom! I did get a cute picture before she gave it up as a bad time for lap time.
Critters and Craft 