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5 Wavy Weaving Techniques

Ever since I began experimenting with waves in my weavings, I can’t seem to get enough of them. I love the fluidity and beauty that curves can create. So today, I’m popping in to share 5 wavy weaving techniques that you can add to your own weaving projects. Fun and quirky, waves are a great way to jazz up your weaving repertoire.

(If you are brand new to weaving, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with several links to tutorials that will help you along the way).

Learn how to create textured waves in your wall weavings n this step-by-step tutorial.

Some of the techniques I’m sharing today are new on the blog. And I’ll show you exactly how I did them. Others, I’ve shared elsewhere. In these cases, I’ll refer directly to the post where I’ve provided a step-by-step tutorial. Either way, you’ll be learning how to create each and every technique.

Let’s get started!

MATERIALS

wavy weaving | materials needed

For some variety, I added the items below, but they are totally optional:

  • natural wooden beads
  • copper nuts
  • lace ribbon

5 WAVY WEAVING TECHNIQUES

Before you begin, warp your loom using the cotton yarn. (The ‘warp’ refers to the vertical threads on the loom). The warp creates the foundation of your weaving.

Warp your loom with cotton yarn.

(For instructions on how to warp a loom, see my Introduction to Weaving, Part 1).

(For detailed instructions on how to make the loom pictured above, see How To Make A Standing Loom with Adjustable Legs).

Technique #1:  Wavy Fringe

wavy fringe | wall weaving DIY

Creating the wavy fringe along the bottom requires a bit of advanced planning as well as some creativity as you weave.

The planning part:  

  • To recreate this fringe, choose at least 3 different yarns/materials:  for example, 1 thick yarn, 1 pencil roving yarn (like this one), and 1 lace ribbon (like this one).

fringe-yarns-weaving-detail

The creative part:

Taking the thickest yarn, weave the tail end into your warp to secure it. Make sure the tip ends up at the back (as shown below).

adding-weaving-fringe-detail

Tip:  Before adding the fringe, you should weave a horizontal portion across the entire width of the warp to anchor for your fringe. For this weaving, I used a technique called twining, which you can learn about in step 4 in this tutorial. I wove 2 rows using this technique. Or, if you prefer, weave at least 3-4 rows of plain (or ‘tabby’) weave instead (see how to plain weave in An Introduction to Weaving, Part 2).

Taking the opposite end of your yarn, weave it under and over two warp threads (as shown below).

Weave fringe yarn into warp.

Pull the yarn towards the right until you have formed your first loop along the bottom. Then weave the yarn under and over two warp threads at the far end of the warp, creating a second loop.

Creating initial loops | Wavy Weaving Fringe

Repeat these steps going in the opposite direction.

Easy wavy woven fringe detail.

Create at least 3 rows of loops.

weaving-texture-fringe-loops

Tip:  When creating the third row, make sure the loops are smaller in order to fill in any ‘negative’ or empty visual space. Also, this fringe is not perfectly symmetrical, so weave your yarn into random warp threads.

Repeat this process with the pencil roving yarn and lace to create a full, thick and textured fringe.

DIY wavy woven fringe loops.

Optional:

I used wood beads and copper nuts for some added flair. If you’d like to try this, thread your pencil roving yarn (which forms the second row of looped fringe) through your tapestry needle.  Then begin feeding the beads and copper over the needle (as shown below).

Add wood beads and copper nuts.

Thread wooden beads and copper nuts through tapestry needle.

In the same way you wove the first yarn to create loops, weave the pencil roving into the warp. Whenever you wish to leave a bead or nut behind, simply slide it down the loop and continue weaving.

Weaving in wooden beads and nuts into the fringe.

Tip:  Feel free to feed the roving and the lace rows through random loops as you weave. Instead of the fringe appearing ‘layered’ it will add a few ‘tangles’ in the fringe.

DIY wavy woven fringe loops.

Technique #2:  Incorporate Roving Yarn

Roving yarn is yarn that is unspun, forming a thick bundle of fibres.

Wool roving | DIY weaving

It is a lovely material to use in your weavings if you are looking to create some added depth and texture. Just be careful handling roving. Since it is unspun, it can pull easily and create a fuzzy appearance.

First, start by tucking in one end of your roving yarn at least 2 warp threads in from the end, making sure the tail is behind the warp.

Tuck wool roving yarn into warp.

Because of how thick roving yarn is, you will be using your fingers to weave the material into the warp.

There are a variety of ways to weave using roving. For this particular weaving, you will be creating a bumpy, ‘popcorn’ effect.

To create the popcorn effect, begin gently twisting the roving in your hands.

Twist wool roving yarn as you weave.

Now begin weaving, going over and under two warp threads at a time.

Twist and weave in wool roving.

Tip:  To make sure you get that ‘popcorn’ effect, twist the roving in your hands in one direction, weave it in and few times, then twist the roving in the opposite direction, and weave it in a few more times. By twisting back and forth, your roving will look more uneven, thus creating the popcorn look.

Continue weaving over and under every 2 warp threads across the warp.

Weave wool roving every two warp threads.

(BTW:  Make sure to secure the tail end on the far right by weaving it into the warp (see pic above). This will secure the roving and keep that tail tucked away.

Feel free to use your fingers to gently pull out different portions of roving to add more of that ‘popcorn’ effect.

Adjust wool roving yarn with fingers along your weaving row.

For this piece, I wove one and a half rows of roving.

Add texture to weavings with roving yarn | DIY

Now, onto the wavy portion: 

Taking your roving, continue from the mid-way point of the second row, this time weaving on a slant up your warp. Weave in at least two rows along this curved portion to match that first horizontal pair of rows.

(Note: I first wove in several plain (or ‘tabby’) rows into the warp to create the curved shape, and then added the roving on top. I’ll touch on this further along in the tutorial.).

DIY wavy weaving using wool roving yarn.

Technique #3:  Soumak Weaving

For all of the remaining textured waves along the upper portion of the weaving, I used just one simple technique:  the soumak stitch.

DIY soumak stitch tutorial | DIY wavy weaving techniques

I covered how to create this stitch in great detail (along with a video link) here:  5 Simple Ways To Add Texture.

Once you understand how to create the soumak stitch, then simply add it to various parts of the warp.

For added interest, use different yarns as you move up the warp.

DIY soumak weave technique for creating wavy texture in wall weavings.

Tip:  When creating the curves along the upper portion of your weaving, I recommend you weave on a slant, going up and then going down the warp. But remember, once you weave your soumak into the warp, you can then use your fingers to manipulate the yarn to create a more precise placement of the waves you are creating.

(For more on finger manipulation to create waves, see Weaving Techniques:  How To Make Waves).

Soumak weave tutorial for creating wavy wall tapestry weaving.

Soumak weaving tutorial to create texture and waves.

Technique #4:  Plain Weave (or Tabby Weave)

People often forget that you can also create waves just by using a plain (or ‘tabby’) weave.

(The plain or ‘tabby’ weave is the basis of all your weavings. For a detailed, beginner level instruction on the plain weave technique see An Introduction To Weaving, Part 2).

To create a wavy appearance using the plain weave, begin by weaving horizontal rows as usual (over and under every alternate warp thread).

Create waves using the plain (or tabby) weaving technique.

To create a woven wave, simply create shorter and shorter rows as you move up the warp.

DIY a wavy woven look by creating shorter and shorter woven rows.

(This is where I added the final two rows of wool roving).

DIY wavy weaving using wool roving yarn.

That is really all there is to it. Using plain weave, you can create a variety of basic shapes from waves to circles to squares and angles.

(For more on using plain weave to create shapes see: DIY Woven Bookmarks and DIY Woven Coasters).

Technique #5:  Negative Space Weaving

DIY wavy weaving using negative space.

Another really interesting way to create waves in your weavings is by leaving areas of your warp unwoven. This is called ‘negative space.’

To create the waves, simply push the yarn with your fingers into the shape you are creating. (Again, I cover making waves through finger manipulation in How To Make Waves).

Continue filling in portions of your weave as you make your way up the warp.

5 Wavy Weaving Techniques | The craft of weaving has incredible creative potential. Learn how to create waves using 5 basic weaving techniques.

When you are done, remove your weaving and add a dowel through the loops along the top.

5 Wavy Weaving Techniques | In this weaving tutorial, learn how to create a variety of waves to create texture and visual interest.

weaving waves | DIY | weaving

Now it’s ready to be hung!

DIY weaving | How to create waves in your weavings need not be complicated. These 5 techniques are easy to learn and will expand your weaving repertoire.

Learn how to add waves to your weavings in this step-by-step tutorial | aprettyfix.com

How to add waves in your wall weavings | 5 techniques

Woven wall hanging tutorial.

woven wall hanging | fringe

Learn how to create woven waves in this weaving tutorial | waves up close

Learn how to create textured waves in your wall weavings n this step-by-step tutorial.

There is endless creative potential in weaving. Experimentation is part of the fun. Try any or all of these 5 wavy weaving techniques to add a little flare to your wall weavings.

Happy weaving 🙂

Creating waves in your wall weavings is easier than you think. In this how-to, learn 5 ways to add waves in your weavings. | woven wall hanging | yarn craft | DIY weaving

 

DIY Weaving | Learn how to weave waves in this step-by-step tutorial | aprettyfix.com

 

 

 

 

 

16 Comments

  • Reply
    Katrin
    August 8, 2017 at 5:48 am

    It´s amazing what you can do with some wool and a weaving frame Jelica. And these are some pretty awesome techniques that I´d love to try all. I haven´t gotten around weaving yet but it´s definitely on the list! Pinning for later!

    • Reply
      jelica
      August 8, 2017 at 7:04 pm

      I really hope you do, Katrin. Once you get the basics down, there are so many possibilities when it comes to design. The best part is that all the materials are accessible, even if you don’t have a proper loom. Cardboard, a picture frame, the back of a piece of canvas…you can use just about anything to create a loom. Would love to see what you come up with,!

  • Reply
    Mary
    August 8, 2017 at 12:18 pm

    Beautiful Jelica. I really love how you have created all those hills and lakes. That’s what it looks like to me. Wall art of the finest kind!

    • Reply
      jelica
      August 8, 2017 at 7:08 pm

      Thanks Mary! There is definitely a lot be inspired by in the great outdoors. I think every creative possibility can be found in nature 🙂

  • Reply
    Michelle
    August 9, 2017 at 6:25 am

    WOW!!!! How beautiful, the harmony, the balance, the different textures, everything Jelica is just lovely. You’re tutes are always so beautifully done too. You make it look so easy.

    • Reply
      Jelica
      August 10, 2017 at 12:20 pm

      Thanks Michelle! I do enjoy creating texture in my weavings. It’s a natural extension of all that I love in my home decor, too 🙂

  • Reply
    jodie filogomo
    August 11, 2017 at 12:43 pm

    That turned out fabulous!! I have enough yarn to do something like this!
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    • Reply
      jelica
      August 19, 2017 at 2:50 pm

      Thanks Jodie! I’d love to see what you come up with 🙂

  • Reply
    FLORENCE @ VintageSouthernPicks
    August 11, 2017 at 6:02 pm

    That is a stunning piece, Jelica! You make it sound so easy. It looks like a fun project. Love the different textures and that popcorn effect you’re talking about. How long have you been weaving?

    • Reply
      jelica
      August 19, 2017 at 2:52 pm

      Thanks Florence! I’ve been weaving for just a few years now and have fallen in love with it – a bit obsessed, I think. I’d love to one day sell my weavings, but for now I’m enjoying the journey and all that I’m learning along the way 🙂

  • Reply
    Christina Makri
    August 17, 2017 at 12:28 pm

    Wow!!! It is so beautifull and chic!!! But I think that I could not make it… I can only admire yours 🙂

  • Reply
    jelica
    August 19, 2017 at 2:56 pm

    That’s so sweet, Christina – but we all have to start somewhere. I am constantly learning each time I start a new weaving project. And each time I learn something new, I incorporate that bit of knowledge into the next project, and the next, and the next. It’s a lot of fun and it forces me to slow down and relax. It’s a very meditative kind of activity. I do so love it 🙂

  • Reply
    Cindy
    October 27, 2018 at 10:47 am

    This wallhanging is absolutely beautiful and your instructions are great. You’ve given me new inspiration to try some waves in my next piece!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      November 3, 2018 at 9:01 pm

      That really makes my day to hear it! Weaving is one of my favourite pastimes and if this tutorial has got you inspired, then I’m glad for it. Happy weaving 🙂

  • Reply
    Diane
    June 27, 2019 at 8:18 pm

    Love your piece of art!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      July 14, 2019 at 3:27 pm

      Thanks very much, Diane. Weaving and crafting, in general, is such a personal thing, so it’s always nice when someone else appreciates your own tastes 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!

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