I saw some pins on Pinterest on twining yarn around the warp threads and the string was sitting there, and the frame was sitting there, and shouldn’t I just try it? I started out going back and forth, then decided to try some random blocks of color, then since it is a washcloth anyway, tried some spirals and arcs.

I liked doing the arcs the best, especially the top white central arc, as the S twist of the twining went well with the S twist on the yarn. I don’t care for the knit look (that results from doing a S twist on one row, and a Z twist on the next), not only does it look knit, it is very stretchy in an unpleasing way for a wash cloth. The warp threads were very easy to pull through, though.

I do like that the twining covers the weft threads on the back of the work as well as the front. I also like weaving in the ends in the middle and of the work, rather than the edges. On this piece, I only wove the ends in one way, rather than going back and forth three times as I’ve done previously, so it will be interesting to see if the ends work loose.

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!

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 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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.