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DIY Woven Coasters

Make some super cute woven coasters using cardboard, yarn and needle. So simple and beautiful to create. A great project for beginner weavers!

~This post originally appeared on Neat House. Sweet Home., a blog dedicated to providing you the best tips, strategies and home management advice to help you create a more ordered home and life. To get started now, see 52 Weeks To A Neat House.~

Ever since I picked up my first lap loom a couple of years ago, I have been hooked on weaving. I simply love all the textures, designs, and colours that can be created out of woven yarns of all types. For this reason, I’m always excited when I get to share a new weaving project with all of you πŸ™‚  Whether it’s a creamy white wall weaving (showcasing 5 ways to add texture), a boho-inspired pillow, or a framed art weaving, I love coming up with new ways to integrate woven projects into my home. Today’s project is no different. A cinch to make, these no-fuss DIY Woven Coasters are both pretty and practical, and are the perfect project for beginners. And the best part? You don’t even need to purchase a loom. It can’t get any simpler than that.

Let’s get started!

MATERIALS Needed To Make Your Own DIY Woven Coasters

Woven Coaster Craft - Materials

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  • Cardboard (to create your loom)
  • Scissors
  • Ruler
  • Pencil
  • Kitchen Fork
  • Coasters (to assist with sizing)
  • Large eye needle with blunt end (like these ones)
  • Yarns (I used mainly inexpensive acrylic yarn)


 

STEPS

Step 1:  Create Your Loom

As I mentioned, there is no need to buy a loom for this project. Cardboard works just as well in place of an actual loom.

To create your own, cut a piece of cardboard approximately 10 by 5 inches. Then trace an outline of the size you wish for your coasters. I used a cork coaster I already had on hand to create my outlines.

Woven Coaster Craft - trace coaster outline

Next, cut slits along the top and bottom of the cardboard. Each slit should be half a centimetre or 1/5 an inch apart.

Woven Coaster Craft - cut slits along top and bottom

This is all it takes to create a cardboard loom. It’s really that easy.

Step 2:  Add ‘Warp’ To Your Loom

A weaving consists of both vertical and horizontal lines of yarn that are woven together. The ‘warp’ refers to the vertical strands and it is the first thing a weaver will do to set up the framework.

To create the warp, you will be wrapping yarn around the cardboard – so that you have vertical strands of yarn on the front and the back – that are held in place by the slits you’ve just cut.

Woven Coaster Craft - Create Warp

To begin, start at the top left slit, pushing the yarn into the slit, and leaving about 2 inches of tail. Next, pull the yarn down toward the bottom edge and through the first slit on the bottom left side. This will create your first warp strand. Now pull the same yarn towards the backside of the cardboard and upwards until you reach the top again. Pull that yarn through the second slit along the top edge and towards the front of the cardboard.

Repeat this process along the entire length of the loom, going around the cardboard, front to back, until you reach the final slit. The front and back of the loom should look the same with warp strands going up and down. This will allow you to create 2 coasters, one on the back and one on the front.

Below is the back side of your loom. Notice the tail ends that start and finish the warp that you’ve created.

Woven Coaster Craft - Warped Loom

Step 3:  Begin Weaving

Using the outline of the coaster tracing, place your ruler (or a thin piece of cardboard) at the base by weaving the ruler through, going over and under each warp strand. The ruler will be useful in keeping the base of your weaving in place.

Woven Coaster Craft - Ruler Base

Now you are ready to weave:  Begin your first row of weaving by feeding your threaded needle from one end of your warp towards the other, going over and under each alternate strand.

Woven Coaster Craft - First Row of Weaving

Once you reach the end, pull the yarn through, leaving about 3 inches of tail at the side you started on.

Woven Coaster Craft - first row of weaving

Now begin weaving your second row, this time from the left side towards the right, going over and under each alternating warp strand, until you reach the end.

Tip #1:  For a weaving to hold together, each row is woven differently from the row immediately below it. For example, I ended the first row with my yarn under the final strand (see picture above). To start a new row, I then began by weaving over that same strand (see picture below).

Tip #2:  When you weave rows along a warp, unless you are careful, you could end up with the piece bowing in the middle, much like an hourglass. To prevent that from happening, avoid tightening the rows you create. A simple way to do this is by creating an arc as you weave, like the one below.

Woven Coaster Craft - creating an arc

Now, taking a kitchen fork, push the arced row down towards the row below, creating two smaller arcs. Continue pushing the yarn down at different points along the arcs until they have completely leveled out.

Woven Coaster Crafts - Weaving Arcs

By weaving arced rows and pushing the yarn into place, you will create the right amount of tension for each row of your weaving.

Continue working your way up the warp. When you are ready to switch colours complete the row and then snip off the yarn, leaving at least 3 inches of tail. Then thread your needle with a new colour and begin a fresh row of weaving. (I’ll show you what to do with these tail ends later on).

Woven Coaster Craft - Work In Progress

Continue changing your colours until  you reach the top end of the coaster outline you created early on.

Woven Coaster Craft - Work In Progress

Step 3:  Creating Shapes

You are now ready to create your second coaster. If you are comfortable with basic ‘over and under’ weaving and want to get a little fancy for this next one, read on.

Start by flipping your cardboard loom over so that the back warp faces up (notice all the tails of yarn from the first coaster sticking out along the edge).

Woven Coaster Craft - Back Warp

To create your shapes, you can begin anywhere on the warp. For this coaster, there are 2 triangles, tips pointed toward the middle.

Woven Coaster Craft - creating triangles

To recreate this particular design, begin in the center by guiding your threaded needle under the warp until you reach the center strand.

Woven Coaster Craft - create shapes

Pull the needle up and over the remaining warp strands toward the left until reaching the opposite end. Leave 2-3 inches of yarn tail at the starting end.

Woven Coaster Craft - create shapes

To create the tip of your first triangle, create a ‘knot’ by looping around that middle strand. To do this, guide the needle back towards the strand, going around it (over then under) and then pull the needle toward the left again. See the steps below.

Woven Coaster Craft - Create Center Knot

Once the knot is in place, you can now create your triangle. To do this, you will add two additional strands of warp for each new row created.

Let’s take a look at the progress of the first triangle below, to see how this is done.

For the first row above the ‘knot,’ simply incorporate an additional strand to the left and to the right of the knot, so that you have 3 strands to weave (see pictures below).

Woven Coaster Craft - Creating a Triangle

Woven Coaster Craft - Creating a Triangle

It does not look like much, but trust me, it will all begin to take shape as you create more rows.

Continue creating your triangle, remembering to add 2 extra warp strands per row of weaving.

Woven Coaster Craft - Triangle In Progress

Woven Coaster Craft - Triangle In Progress

Once you have completed the first triangle, begin the second one. Starting at the tip, create one row at a time going in the opposite direction, until you’ve created the final row at the bottom of your second triangle.

Woven Coaster Craft - Triangles

Once you’ve got both triangles as you want them, complete the coaster by filling in the space around the triangles. For added interest, change your colours along the way.

Woven Coaster Craft - Weaving Around Triangles

Woven Coaster Craft - Weaving Around Triangles

Step 4: Removing Your Coasters

Woven Coaster Craft - Snip Off Warp Strands

To remove your coasters, snip off the warp strands along the top and bottom edges of your loom.

Next, tie knots along the edges of your coasters, 2 warp strands at a time. The knots are an important step, as they will prevent the weaving from unraveling.

Woven Coaster Craft - Tie Knots

Once you’ve knotted both edges of each coaster, turn them over so that the back sides face up. Taking your loose yarn tails, weave them into the back sides. Snip off the excess.

Woven Coaster Craft - Weave In Loose Strands

Optional:  Apply a bit of Mod Podge over both sides of the coasters using an inexpensive foam brush to add some protection from stains, and also to prevent the threads woven into the back sides from coming undone. The Mod Podge will stiffen the coaster material once dried.

Woven Coaster Craft - Mod Podge

**You can always skip this part and simply dab some Mod Podge only on the tails woven into the backs of the coasters. This will ensure that they stay put. Nail polish works just as well.**

Ready For Use!

Now you’re ready to use your DIY woven coasters!

Make some super cute woven coasters using cardboard, yarn and needle. So simple and beautiful to create. A great project for beginner weavers!

Make some super cute woven coasters using cardboard, yarn and needle. So simple and beautiful to create. A great project for beginner weavers!

Make some super cute woven coasters using cardboard, yarn and needle. So simple and beautiful to create. A great project for beginner weavers!

If you are new to weaving or simply want to try it out without buying a loom, then this is the perfect project to get you started. I hope you give these woven coasters a try.

Happy weaving πŸ™‚

 

 

 

Make some super cute woven coasters using cardboard, yarn and needle. So simple and beautiful to create. A great project for beginner weavers!

 

 

 

 

36 Comments

  • Reply
    Mari
    October 11, 2016 at 7:00 am

    Thank you, thank you, thank you for this tutorial with items that are easily found at home!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      October 12, 2016 at 7:41 pm

      You are very welcome Mari! Sometimes, I think we get caught up in purchasing the latest equipment when we are trying a new skill, when often, all we need is right at our fingertips! Take care:)

  • Reply
    Janelle @The Peaceful Haven
    October 11, 2016 at 9:48 am

    A CHARMING project! I was just reading about Swedish rag rug making that uses the same procedure. I can’t wait to get started making this wonderful project!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      October 11, 2016 at 3:47 pm

      Swedish rag rugs? Hmmm, you’ve got me intrigued. I’ll have to look those up. Thanks for stopping by Janelle!

  • Reply
    Sandra
    October 13, 2016 at 4:56 am

    This is so beautiful and sweet! I’m impressed by your detailed description – you gave me an IDEA πŸ™‚ – thank you very much!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      October 14, 2016 at 6:58 am

      Thanks Sandra! I do my best to be as specific as I can, especially with weaving tutorials which can be tricky to capture. Always happy to inspire πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    Michelle
    October 16, 2016 at 2:19 am

    Amazing tutorial Jelica, I was enthralled. I so have to try this. Thank you so much

    • Reply
      Jelica
      October 16, 2016 at 8:00 am

      Thanks Michelle. It’s a fun craft to do with supplies that you don’t have to look very far to find – my favourite kind of craft πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    Karen
    October 16, 2016 at 10:33 pm

    These are just the cutest things ever! I’m a crocheter and always have a huge supply of yarns, so I’m pretty much ready to go with this project. It’s also something I can do with my daughter, which is always nice!
    Thanks for sharing your tutorial – and your pics are fabulous! πŸ™‚

    • Reply
      Jelica
      October 17, 2016 at 6:52 am

      Thanks Karen. It is a great little project to get anyone started with weaving. So many possibilities, too, with colours and patterns. I hope you try these with your daughter πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    Jen Panguluri
    October 17, 2016 at 7:54 am

    You have done such a thorough job with the photos and tutorial, I actually think I could do this. Thank you!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      October 17, 2016 at 9:27 am

      Thanks so much Jen – that is truly one of the greatest compliments you could give me πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    Christene Holder
    October 18, 2016 at 9:50 pm

    Jelica!!! You are so talented!! These are gorgeous, I love them. They would also be the perfect gifts. I’m totally pinning this for later because I would love to learn how to weave. This tutorial is so detailed πŸ™‚

    Thanks for sharing with us on the Family Joy Blog Link Party!

    >> Christene
    Keys to Inspiration

  • Reply
    Jelica
    October 19, 2016 at 6:52 am

    Awww, thanks Christene – that’s so sweet of you to say. It’s definitely a good project to start with when you are a beginner weaver. I hope to provide more projects in the future using cardboard just to show that weaving is absolutely accessible to everyone. Happy weaving!

  • Reply
    Diena Cameron
    October 19, 2016 at 6:14 pm

    These are so beautiful, Thanks for sharing your project so i can make it mine too .)

    • Reply
      Jelica
      October 19, 2016 at 7:19 pm

      Thanks Diena! I hope you do make your own – so much fun and so many possible variations πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    Carole @ Garden Up Green
    October 20, 2016 at 3:54 pm

    This tutorial is awesome and I love your color choice. These would make neat gifts and it reminds me of how I was taught to weave when I was a kid. They actually taught us this technique in grade school. Was pretty neat!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      October 20, 2016 at 6:23 pm

      Thanks Carole! Upon first glance it seems like cardboard is an odd choice, but the final product is just as good. Glad you enjoyed the tutorial. Have a great week πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    creativejewishmom/sara
    October 25, 2016 at 1:07 pm

    Great project and gorgeous results, thanks for sharing on craft schooling Sunday!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      October 25, 2016 at 9:55 pm

      Thanks Sara! Always happy to share πŸ™‚ Have a great week πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    Kati
    October 26, 2016 at 1:22 am

    These are awesome! I’ve been considering trying another weaving, but I knew I needed something simpler this time around. And I happen to be needing some new coasters, so win-win!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      October 26, 2016 at 6:46 am

      This is definitely a great place to start. These coasters are easy to create and all the materials are accessible. I’d love to see the final product πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    Megan
    October 28, 2016 at 11:01 pm

    Well this is just adorable! Did not know you could use card board for a loom but you better believe I’ll be trying it!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      October 29, 2016 at 9:43 am

      You can make larger weavings with a cardboard as well. It’s a great budget-savvy way to make some beautiful, handmade creations. Hope you do give it a try πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    Dee
    October 30, 2016 at 3:28 am

    These are super cute! Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday! πŸ™‚

    • Reply
      Jelica
      October 30, 2016 at 8:03 am

      Thanks Dee πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    Cale
    November 3, 2016 at 6:43 am

    These are so lovely! I’m a bit of a beginner so I just wanted to ask what thickness yarn you used for these? Thank you so much!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      November 11, 2016 at 9:10 am

      Hi Cale – I used 2 different yarns, close in size, with the thinner yarn being a worsted yarn, size 4. I don’t have the original packaging for the thicker yarn, but it looks to be a worsted yarn, size 5. For these coasters, you should definitely stick to the same size for all your yarns or, at most, just one size apart for alternate yarns used. Otherwise, you will have a bumpy weaving that will not be well suited for creating a flat surface. If in doubt, especially as a beginner weaver, I would choose one size. Hope this helps. I would love for you to share your coasters on my facebook page when they’re done πŸ™‚ Happy weaving πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    Valerie
    February 27, 2019 at 12:44 pm

    I just came across this post and WOW – I love your tutorial utilizing tools found at home! I want to try weaving before buying the proper tools, and this is just amazing. Thanks so much for being so relatable! I can’t wait to try this.

    • Reply
      Jelica
      April 13, 2019 at 5:00 pm

      Thanks very much, Valerie. I totally agree with you about starting new crafts. Getting the gadgets can be such a risk, so it’s nice to know that we can experiment with stuff around the house first. Good luck!

  • Reply
    Amy
    August 20, 2019 at 9:15 pm

    About how much yarn (medium weight) would one need to complete one coaster? I’m planning to make this project with a small group and need an estimate of how much material to buy.

    • Reply
      Jelica
      October 20, 2019 at 5:19 pm

      Hi Amy, I didn’t measure this one, but one medium skein of yarn (medium weight) is all you need. The coasters are not large. I used a couple of different colours and had plenty of yarn leftover πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    Arthur
    September 20, 2019 at 6:30 am

    I am obsessed with coasters and love to make a new set every few months. This is so beautiful, will surely try making it this time. Thanks!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      September 23, 2019 at 7:13 pm

      Me too! Every few months, I seem to want to make some more coasters. Can’t get enough. And I love how crafty and unique each one can be πŸ™‚

  • Reply
    Shana
    October 15, 2020 at 6:36 pm

    Looking forward to attempting these as my first weaving project! The one thing I don’t understand is how you handle the tassels when you have an odd number of weft strings. Maybe you tucked the solo weft string in? Also, I’m curious, are there benefits to odd vs. even weft strands. Thanks!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      March 24, 2021 at 3:44 pm

      Hi Shana! This particular project has 20 weft strings/yarn, so if you follow these instructions, you’ll have an even number. This will make it easy to simply knot two together for an even appearance at the end. I would recommend keeping it even for small projects like this one. In the case of very large pieces, I don’t worry about even vs odd since I will typically create a row of fringe all along the bottom. Any knotting is done underneath/behind the fringe, so you can knot 3 weft strings and no one will see!

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