Anyone can weave. It may look difficult to those who have never tried but it isn’t. Even young children can weave in art class to produce potholders and placemats. These are usually created using a handmade cardboard loom. To make a cardboard loom you’ll need a piece of sturdy non corrugated cardboard, make half inch slits every quarter inch on opposite sides of the cardboard, get some yarn and start weaving.
Once you have mastered the cardboard loom you may want to move up into using a standardized loom which you can purchase at most craft stores. They can be light and portable and used for making smaller projects such as scarves and shawls. Also you can create smaller pieces and sew them together to create larger ‘patchwork’ pieces.
For larger weaving looms, you must consider what type of loom you will need. Each loom has its own benefits and drawbacks. Picking the right loom for you, depends on a few differing factors. Carefully evaluating your needs before purchasing a loom will help ensure that you select the right one.
What will you be weaving? Weaving rugs and tapestries are different from weaving fabrics.
What skill level are you? If you are a beginner, you will need an uncomplicated loom. If you are more advanced you can choose a loom which has the best features.
How much space do you have to work in? Looms can get very large, so knowing your space can help in choosing a portable lightweight loom or a larger loom requiring a large floor space.
What brand you should buy? Like everything else in this world you get what you pay for. Get help with brand types from experienced weavers and merchants.
Different types of looms:
Rigid heddle looms – are amongst the easiest looms to learn on. They are portable and lightweight and can sit on a table top or stand.
Inkle loom – Used for making small projects such as belts. The loom is small and it is designed to create pieces up to 4.5 inches wide.
Table loom – More complex than the Rigid or Inkle looms, but just as small and portable. They are best when using lightweight fabrics.
Tapestry loom – This is a large, non portable loom. It is able to create large intricate patterns and shapes with many differing yarns. With this loom you can create your own personally detailed pictures and images.
Floor loom – The largest, most efficient loom. This is used by professional weavers and weaving companies alike. It is very efficient, and can create very wide, large fabrics and rugs. This loom is the only one which allows the weavers to use their hands and feet to make the process go faster and more precise.
Just as the fabric itself can be pricey, so too can looms. Weaving can be a very expensive hobby depending on your materials and the project. If you are just starting however, it doesn’t have to be. You can get started with cardboard and cheap yarns for practice, then move on to bigger more expensive projects as you improve. What’s most important is the enjoyment you get from your hobby, not the price.
Author Resource:
Choose http://janestaffordtextiles.com for a wide selection of Weaving Supplies, to Buy Weaving Looms, or to join a Weaving Workshop.
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