One of the most requested craft tutorials on the blog is, hands-down, related to weaving. It is, by far, the most popular of my blog posts and, more recently, video tutorials on My YouTube Channel. I don’t know about you, but for me, it’s also one of my personal, all-time favourite crafts. I love everything about it: I love the tactile sensation of yarn between my fingers. I love how slow the process is (slowing down puts me in a calm and relaxed state of mind that I treasure). And I love all the possible patterns and colours and textures that can be applied. So, in today’s post I thought I’d share the 10 Best Weaving Tutorials from A Pretty Fix, giving you the most read and most detailed of my craft tutorials all in one place!
I’ve conveniently divided these posts into three categories: 1. First Steps, which cover materials and weaving 101 posts. 2. Techniques, which cover weaving techniques that you can use to vary the look of your weavings. 3. DIY Looms, which provide step-by-step instructions on making a loom at home to suit your weaving needs.
You can refer back to this post when you need a refresher or just some inspiration for your next (or your first) weaving project. I’ve got you covered!
10 Best Weaving Tutorials from A Pretty Fix
First Steps
1. 8 Weaving Tools & Supplies Every Weaver Should Own
The world of modern weaving can be a confusing place! When I first started, it was becoming a budding DIY industry with just a few creatives providing some – albeit minimal – instruction. As a result, there was not quite so much information as there is now.
And STILL you can find yourself falling down a rabbit hole of information that gets a bit confusing at times.
In this post, I break it down into the basic materials you need to get started, including where you might go to find a loom, my favourite tapestry needles, warp thread and yarn.
BONUS: If you want a short summary of my personal favourite tools & supplies, you can also visit: My Weaving Tools & Supplies.
2. An Introduction To Weaving (In 2 Parts)
This is technically two posts. They were the first ones about weaving to ever appear on A Pretty Fix. They received a tremendous amount of traffic from the get-go and, I think, for good reason. I cover EVERYTHING you need to know to start and finish your first weaving project, including weaving terms, basic tools, and creating your wall weaving from beginning to end. It’s ALL THERE!
See part 1 of my introduction HERE and part 2 HERE.
3. Wall Weaving Basics For Absolute Beginners
This was one of my favourite ‘beginner/intermediate’ level weaving tutorials for a couple of reasons: first, it covers ALL THE BASICS – once again – including supplies, how to set up a loom, basic weaving techniques, and how to prepare a completed weaving for hanging.
Second, it covers a few things that the intermediate level weaver would need, which is a couple of additional techniques to try out, as well as how to hang a weaving on driftwood! I love the look of driftwood hangers and think it’s a wonderful way to vary up the look of your wall weavings.
This particular post can also be found on Sustain My Craft Habit – a blog for the craft-obsessed (like you!) – where I was a guest contributor.
Techniques
Once you get hooked on weaving, you’ll find yourself wanting to learn as many techniques as you can! Here are some of the most popular techniques that I’ve shared on the blog to date:
4. 5 Simple Ways To Add Texture
In this tutorial, you’ll learn 3 techniques (rya, soumak and pile) and 2 additional ways to create texture using lace and by grouping yarn together for a more interesting look.
5. 3 Mini Weavings, 2 Techniques
In this tutorial, you’ll apply two contrasting techniques that provide a heavy does of texture: plain (or ‘tabby’) weave and rya knots. Placed side-by-side, these techniques create a cool, textured appearance on your weave.
6. Rya Loops Video Tutorial
For this post, I included a video tutorial from My YouTube Channel that shows you precisely how to create rya loops for a soft, textured look. You can also go directly to the video HERE.
7. How To Makes Waves
Sometimes, we can make weaving a bit too complicated! In this tutorial, I offer probably the EASIEST way to create some waves in your wall weaving. You probably won’t believe just how simple it is!
8. 5 Wavy Weaving Techniques
If making your first wave in your wall weavings has got you inspired, here are another 5 unexpected wavy weaving techniques that are sure to get you hooked on creating soft curves and textures in your creations.
DIY Looms
9. How To Make a Basic Loom
Once you get going with weaving, you’ll want to experiment with larger weavings. But while small, lap looms are fairly inexpensive, the larger the loom, the more big bucks you may need to shell out. When this happened to me, I decided to opt, instead, for a a very basic DIY loom that I could use for a variety of projects (which I happily shared how to make with all of you 🙂 ).
BONUS: If you find this DIY Loom not too intimidating to make, then I’ve also got a tutorial on how to add ‘arms’ on either side of the frame so that your basic loom can become a standing loom. You can see the Standing Loom Tutorial HERE.
10. Cardboard Loom
If making a wooden frame loom still feels a bit too complicated, then I’ve got the perfect alternative: a cardboard loom! I’m not kidding about this one. You can create the most interesting weavings using a sturdy piece of cardboard. Just take a look at these cute DIY Beginner Level Coasters made entirely on the cardboard pictured above. They are just the cutest!
BONUS: The Hemstitch Finish
I just couldn’t forget to include this tutorial on finishing the edges of your wall weaving. While many of us tie off the ends, it’s sometimes nice to provide a more elegant look to your edges. This hemstitch tutorial provides an easy way to achieve that.
Well, I hope this list of the 10 Best Weaving Tutorials from the blog has got you inspired to either begin or to continue learning all about the crazy and wonderful world of weaving. Wherever you are in your weaving journey, may it give you the creativity (and therapy!) that you’re looking for in your crafting adventures.
Happy Weaving!
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