A Weaving Reference Guide for Absolute Beginners

Today, I’m excited to share with you my quick & easy Weaving Reference Guide for Absolute Beginners!

Weaving has become such a popular hobby among modern crafters. From wall hangings to home decor and even clothing, it’s a ubiquitous craft that can be found across the globe, on the internet, and at local craft fairs and shops. But for those who’d like to try weaving themselves (like you and me, dear readers), getting started can feel a bit intimidating. I know, ’cause I’ve been there. I remember my ‘pre-weaving’ days like it was yesterday (including the HOURS spent searching online to answer the most BASIC QUESTIONS! Argh.). Fast-forward to today and, as a self-taught weaver, I now do my utmost to create easy-to-follow tutorials and provide specific references to all the supplies you’ll need. And today is no different. 

In today’s Weaving Reference Guide for Absolute Beginners, I’m keeping things REAL SIMPLE.

Included in the guide are:

1.  Beginner-Level Weaving Tutorials – 5 in total.

2.  Basic Supplies You’ll Need to get started – 5 in total.

Ready to weave? Let’s get started 🙂

 

~Some of the following contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you. See my disclosure policy here.~

 

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5 BEGINNER-LEVEL WEAVING TUTORIALS

I may be biased, but I think some of the easiest-to-follow weaving tutorials for beginners can be found right here on A Pretty Fix. I try my absolute best to provide step-by-step instructions that get up close to the project so you can follow along, too.

Here are 5 of my most popular beginner-level tutorials from the blog:

1.  An Introduction to Weaving | Beginner Weaving Guide (Part 1 & Part 2)

2.  Wall Weaving Basics | A Tutorial For Absolute Beginners

3.  3 Mini Weavings, 2 Techniques

4.  DIY Weaving Techniques | 5 Simple Ways To Add Texture

5.  5 Wavy Weaving Techniques

(And if you find yourself unable to get enough of the craft, then head on over to my round-up post that includes 10 Best Weaving Tutorials from the blog).

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5 BASIC WEAVING SUPPLIES

When it comes to weaving supplies, there are LOTS of affordable options out there. As you’ll discover, weaving is by far one of the least expensive crafts around.

You will need the following supplies to get started: 

• Frame Loom
• Warp string
• Tapestry needle
• Yarn
• Dowel

The following is my list of go-to favourites that I STILL use to this day:

1.  Frame Loom

A frame loom is the most basic type of loom because it looks much like a picture frame.

While there are LOTS on the market, here are my two personal favourites (which I own and love):

Harrisville Designs, 12” Lap Loom Kit

In my opinion, this is one of the best starter kits on the market. It includes a basic lap loom, tapestry needle, yarn and instructions.

Another great option is the following standing loom.

Milward Beech Wood Extendable Weaving Loom

This is a wonderful, versatile standing loom that adjusts to lengthen the height, providing you with various weaving size options.

BUT, if you’d rather DIY a loom, then you’ll want to check out the following tutorials:

• How To Make a Basic Loom
• How To Make A Standing Loom With Adjustable Legs

2.  Warp String

The framework of all weavings, starts with the warp (i.e., the vertical strings of yarn that you set up on your loom).

My go-to warp string is the Lily Sugar N’ Cream Yarn, 14 oz, Soft Ecru, Single Cone.

This cotton yarn is both strong and flexible – perfect for creating your warp.  I use the soft ecru (off white) colour, but you can also find a pure white and black variety, too.

3.  Tapestry Needle

Plastic Needle

Any plastic tapestry needle like these ones or these ones will do. 

You don’t need anything else, BUT, it’s always nice to have a couple of other options later on, including:

Bent Tip Needle

A bent tapestry needle is great for getting underneath warp strings quickly.

Clover Jumbo Bent Tip Tapestry Needle (my personal choice – the gold colour needle pictured above)

Extra-long Needle

Susan Bates Steel Weaving Needle, 5-Inch (my personal choice – the longest needle pictured above)

This 5-inch needle is an extra long tapestry needle that works great for getting across your warp quickly.

4.  Yarn

There are SO many options for yarn, but I would recommend the following:

• Cotton (sturdy, pliable)
• Wool (soft and stacks well, but can be pricey)
• Blended wool (a budget-friendly alternative to 100% wool)
• Acrylics (The BEST budget option and great for beginners. However, acrylic yarn doesn’t always stack well, sometimes leaving little gaps, so be sure to experiment. You may also want to intersperse some of the above-mentioned yarn with your acrylics for a better overall appearance).

Affordable brands that carry all of the above options that I often use in my own weavings:

Bernat

Wool-Ease (Lion Brand)

Patons

5.  Dowel

There are SO MANY varieties of dowels that you can find to hang your wall weavings on, including:

12″ unfinished craft dowels (1/4 inch thick)

-a good, starter dowel

Dowel rods of all sizes (on Amazon)

(NOTE:  You also have the option of using driftwood, copper pipes, small branches, thick twigs, lucite or any other option you can imagine! Amazon, Etsy, and your own backyard or neighbourhood, are great sources for all of these options).

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Final Thoughts

I hope this weaving reference guide has you excited to begin (or continue) weaving. I know how thrilling it was to rip open my first weaving kit! And then the satisfaction of creating my first woven wall hanging with it! I smile just thinking about it 🙂

And now I hope to inspire more budding weavers out there! 

Happy weaving 🙂