About The Weaving Loom
Back when I was interested in weaving, there were many different resources to find out how to do the basics, but at the time there wasn’t any one place to go to. I searched for resources and taught myself how to weave through those resources and also through my own trial and error. As I gained experience weaving, I still would see brand new beginners asking about where to find out how to do different techniques, so I decided to create The Weaving Loom. I’m so happy I did too, because I really enjoy sharing what I’ve have learned, including the ways I’ve done things wrong. My goal for this website is to have a point of access for beginner weavers and also those looking to expand on what they already know, by trying something new.
I’m on my own weaving journey, so I definitely don’t have all the answers, but I love to share what I do know. I also want to encourage you to experiment and learn through many different outlets. There are many books to learn from and if you have the ability to attend a weaving class, then definitely do so. There is much more then one way to do things, so it is very valuable to learn from many different people.
I’m also more then happy to answer questions people have that they may be struggling with. If you have an issue send me an email at kate@theweavingloom.com and if possible, I will help!
Photograph by Deanne Mroz Photography
About Me
My name is Kate, I live just outside of Chicago with my husband, two sons, and my silly french bulldog, Lou. Follow along with my weaving day-to-day here.
Some things about me:
- I’m a long time lover of fiber arts and have dabbled in knitting, crochet, embroidery, but fell hard for weaving
- I LOVE books and often I’m reading or listening to audiobooks (I’m always looking for good book recommendations)
- I have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems and a master’s degree in Finance
- I put my career on hold to stay home with my two young boys
- Both of my boys were talking at a younger age and I’m pretty sure it’s because I talk to myself… a lot
- I’m a secret cat lady. It’s a secret because I haven’t own a cat in about 6 years and it’s not looking like I’ll get one anytime soon. Seriously, I had cat posters all over my bedroom as a tween, and I may or may not have worn shirts with cats on them to school.
- I’m a sock person, as in I don’t like walking around barefoot. Is that weird? Never mind, don’t tell me
- I often make up little nonsense song ditties, that I sing out loud around the house
- I’m a morning person, I used to wake up before my alarm everyday until I had kids, which is coincidentally when I started drinking coffee
- I love helping people and solving problems, which if you have sent me an email with a question already, then you know 😉
I’m extremely thankful for all the lovely and talented people I have met through this blog and social media. Thank you for stopping over at my blog, you’re the reason I put all this time and effort into The Weaving Loom and I really hope you enjoy it!
Happy Weaving!
Kate
137 Comments
joanne chan
December 23, 2015 at 2:39 pmlove your blog! i’ve just started weaving and will be referring to your site often for tips and guidance 🙂
Kate
December 23, 2015 at 3:01 pmThank you so much Joanne! I hope you enjoy weaving!
Nicki Turman
January 11, 2017 at 9:22 pmI don’t know how to post to the blog, so I will try I reply. How can I post a picture of my finished project? I used my dad’s ties and made a wall hanging. It was my first weave and turned out great! Mom will love it. Thanks for all your tips, you helped me enter the world of weaving.
Kate
January 14, 2017 at 10:19 amThat sounds that a really fun weave! You’re right you wouldn’t be able to post the picture here, but if you want to show me the picture you could always email it to me at kate@theweavingloom.com
Julia
May 20, 2017 at 2:57 pmJust found this blog and love it, am brand new to weaving but finding it sooo therapeutic and an easy creative outlet in amongst the chaos of kids, thank you so much for taking the time to put it together!
Kate
May 23, 2017 at 10:39 amThank you so much for your kind words, I’m so happy that you’re finding the blog to be helpful and are enjoying weaving!
Josefa Ruiz
September 25, 2017 at 12:50 pmHi Kate,I love your blog and all the great advice you give on weaving.
Kate
September 29, 2017 at 4:45 pmThanks! I’m so happy you’re finding the blog to be helpful!
Diane therriault
November 5, 2020 at 2:10 pmId like to send you photos if an old frame which we found on my grandmother’s farm. Used probably on the 30’s-40’s. Wondering if you would have an idea what Grand-ma used it for.
marilyn
February 3, 2018 at 5:21 amDo you ever offer workshops? I’ve been looking online for lap loom workshops but have only found rigid hettle classes. You have so many techniques I would love to learn. I just haven’t gotten the hang of learning off of pictures…guess I’m just old and need more hands on. Any suggestions would be great..thanks
Erin Lauray
February 4, 2016 at 10:11 pmThank you for this resource! I just started weaving as well and have found your site to be EXTREMELY helpful! 🙂
Kate
February 5, 2016 at 9:49 amHi Erin! You are very welcome and I’m so happy you’re finding my site helpful 🙂
Reut
March 29, 2016 at 12:58 pmYour blog is everything I’ve been searching for and so much more!
I’m so excited to dig in and start reading all your wonderful posts …
Thank you so much!
Reut
Kate
March 29, 2016 at 4:20 pmHi Reut, thank you for your kind words 🙂
judy leffler
April 18, 2016 at 4:03 pmI am so glad you have made this blog! You have no idea how often I am referring back to it. I have even made a folder in my mail to keep all the emails you send out. Just wanted to let you know this blog is so awesome and keep up the great work! Thanks!
Kate
April 18, 2016 at 9:11 pmThanks Judy, that is so nice of you to say 😀
Sharnee Torrents
April 29, 2016 at 5:25 amLOVE this blog and all the amazing tips and helpful information you sooo happily share!! 🙂 Thank you HEAPS!! What a blessing to have you go through things step by step!! I only hope to make beautiful things on my (very new) weaving journey like you have Kate 🙂
YAY for sharing and YAY for the Weaving Loom!!
Smiles Sharnee 🙂
p.s Oh my your little logo is TOTALLY FABULOUS!
Kate
April 29, 2016 at 3:36 pmThanks Sharnee, you’re too kind!! I’m sure you will make very beautiful weaves 🙂
leslie renee crockett
May 22, 2016 at 5:58 pmHello. I wandered into this site while looking up for historical information on old knitting frames and am very pleased. I’ve been interested in fiber arts; especially weaving; from earliest childhood. My education is in bio and psy but I am self taught in sewing, knitting, embroidery, twining. Salish weaving etc. I’ve made several trys at fine weaving with mixed results. I think I expect too much from myself. I’m Aspergers and have spatial difficulties but I’ve gotten good at some of this stuff through sheer persistence. (read ‘ bull headed) Three of my four adult kids are talented artists, as was my mom. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Kate
May 23, 2016 at 3:44 pmHi! Thanks for reaching out, it sounds like you’ve done a lot of different fiber arts and I’m very happy if my site will help you get more into weaving 🙂
laurel
June 18, 2016 at 1:07 amThank you so much for creating such a helpful site!! I have been frustrated recently because all of the weavers I follow charge lots of money for classes and info books that I just couldn’t pay for. I’m so grateful for a place where I can widen my skills without spending all my money, thank you thank you thank you!!!
Kate
June 19, 2016 at 8:53 pmI understand, I try my best to share weaving and make it available to as many people as possible. But those charging money for classes and books is due to the fact that it takes a lot of time and work to arrange all that so please don’t feel that they have bad intentions. There are a lot of talented people offering classes and taking a class in person can teach a lot more then I can in pictures and words, so I do feel it is worth it for those who can afford it. But I’m more then happy to help people who want to learn how to weave get started 🙂
Brooke
June 18, 2016 at 5:09 amHi Kate,
I’m just trying to teach myself the herringbone technique but the link to your step by step process isn’t working 🙁 any chance you could help me with this? Thanks
Brooke
Kate
June 19, 2016 at 8:31 pmHi Brooke, please try this link to the steps and pictures https://www.theweavingloom.com/weaving-techniques-herringbone-weave/
and I also have this link to the video https://www.theweavingloom.com/weaving-tips-the-herringbone-weave-video/
Marcia
June 18, 2016 at 8:11 amHi Kate, I too enjoy your site and use it often to figure out something or to try something new. I do have a question for you. I’m obsessed with weaving and think it’s the right craft for me at this point in my life but I don’t know what to do with my weavings once I’m done. I’ve made gifts for friends and I’ve hung them in my house – my poor husband never knows what he’s going to find on which wall. I’m not interested in selling but would like to do something with my pieces – at least the ones I’m proud of – without getting a divorce. Any ideas?
Kate
June 19, 2016 at 8:43 pmThat is a hard question. Maybe you could ask a local coffee shop or small retail shop, something like that, if they would like to display your weaves as decoration? They might be very willing to hang free art on their walls. I also have been to a few hair salons that have art on the walls, so a place like that might also work? And if it’s a place you go to, then you could easily see your pieces as much as you want 🙂
Jean Jones
September 25, 2016 at 5:38 amI’m just “putting my toes in weaving waters”, but I’ve been a cross stitcher for over 45 years now. I’ve actually “Master” status over in Europe, just because I’ve a few stitchy friends who have down others, etc etc etc lol!!
However, I thought I’d put my 2¢ worth in re: donating/doing something with your work. Years ago, I’d stitched a beautiful piece done in Sienna (browns, tans, ecru, white) of a mother holding infant. I finished and framed TWO days before birth of only daughter.
For 25 years, it held a special place on my living room wall. One day, I overheard my mother taking about a place “Lily’s Place”. It’s coming to life was a very hard road, they wanted to try community support more than federal grant money, loans, etc.
Lily’s Place is a FREE place for drug addicted moms who have given birth to drug addict infants (in this area of West Virginia that pretty much means heroin addiction).
After two hard years, it began to pick up steam. One day, I was cleaning (a much more difficult and lengthy job due to extent of my physical disabilities) and dusting the 20-odd framed stitched pieces in my living room and a light popped on.
I took down the “Mother & Child” piece and took it over to my mom’s and asked her to please take it to Lily’s Place and give it to them. Her jaw dropped because it is such a beautiful piece. She asked me if I was positive and I told her yes, but with one caveat: I wished to remain anonymous.
A few months down the road, I went in with my mom to visit her (director of the place) and as I crossed the threshold, I almost started crying.
There hanging on a wall with beautiful sconces on each side and a spotlight aimed at it (thank heaven for non glare glass) was the piece I’d donated! Below was an engraved plaque stating the story of how it came to be there and a multitude of appreciation for the “anonymous donor”.
I received more pleasure in anonymous than when I donate “visually”. Just a little something too think about while you’re tossing around ideas for donating!
Kate
September 25, 2016 at 4:04 pmThanks for sharing. That’s a beautiful story and a great idea.
Marcia
June 20, 2016 at 6:14 pmThanks!
Charlotte Rains Dixon
July 8, 2016 at 11:12 amI’m a lifelong knitter but new to weaving–awaiting the arrival of my first loom, which I’ve ordered from Etsy. Your blog is amazing and so full of helpful information. I’ve been blogging about writing for 10 years so I know what effort it takes to accomplish this. Thanks so much.
Kate
July 8, 2016 at 2:51 pmFun! I hope you really love weaving. I did a quick skim of your blog and it looks really interesting, I’ll have to check it out in more depth later. Have a great day!
Jennidee Mills
July 24, 2016 at 3:04 amHi Kate, i discovered your blog a few days ago and jumped right in. I am having some trouble getting my woven creations OFF the looms. I want to removed them from the looms to sew together into larger creations. Can you do a tutorial on how to neatly weave in warp threads and how to stop the circle from curling or buckling once removed? Thanks so much ….Jenni
Jennidee Mills
July 24, 2016 at 3:06 amOh Kate, i forgot to mention in my last comment that I’m doing CIRCULAR weaving on cardboard looms and on hoops. So i’m interested to know how to remove the circles and weave in the warps.
Kate
July 24, 2016 at 4:09 pmHi Jenni,
I have a few posts on how to take weaves off the loom, that I hope help!
For taking a weave off a normal loom:
https://www.theweavingloom.com/how-to-finish-a-weave/
For finishing a circular weave:
https://www.theweavingloom.com/how-to-hang-a-circle-weave-cut-off-the-loom/
Lisa
July 27, 2016 at 5:09 amHi Kate,
I’m a Textiles teacher from Norwich and looking forward to sharing some of your work with the students after the holidays. They will be starting a new constructed textiles unit, can you recommend any current exhibitions that may support them in their study? Fantastic tutorials and resources!!!
Many thanks,
Lisa
Kate
July 28, 2016 at 4:34 pmHi Lisa,
Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m not sure of current exhibitions in your area, but there are more and more textile shows popping up, so I hope you can find one.
Grace
August 9, 2016 at 2:45 amThank you so much the thought and time that you put into this blog. Your instructions have transformed weaving from a source of frustration into therapy!
I’m still having issues with the edges of my weaves, though. After sufficient practice I am no longer pulling my weft threads too tight and changing the shape of the weaving. However, keeping the weft nice and loose means I’m having a hard time making nice straight lines up the edges of my weaving. Do you have any tips on keeping the outer edges uniform while still avoiding pulling the weft threads too tight? Does that make sense? I can send a picture to clarify if needed.
Kate
August 10, 2016 at 10:29 amThank you for your kind words! I often get asked about the outer edges and I don’t have a really good solution (but I hope to figure one out!). It’s really good that you figured out how to keep the warp threads from pulling in, that is most people’s issue. I have read about people folding the edge back, ironing it and then sewing it to the back of the weave to get a nice finished edge. I haven’t tried this myself, and I think it’s mostly done on large tapestries, but that is something to consider if you really want a nice edge. I hope this helps!
Era
October 2, 2016 at 8:36 pmI’m so thankful for this blog! I’m just starting my weaving journey and it’s been invaluable.
One question I haven’t been able to find the answer too though is, is it possible to make weaves with gaps in them?
ie. to not add a weft/cover a warp on parts of the weave?
Kate
October 4, 2016 at 7:24 amYes it is possible to make gaps on purpose and have exposed warp pieces. It might get tricker if the exposed warp area is large, like you might have to secure the top weft in some way, but definitely play around with it 🙂
Robin
October 13, 2016 at 3:29 pmSo glad I joined your site. I have just begun my weaving journey. I’m dabbling in weaving and crochet. I’m originally from Chicago as well.
Kate
October 16, 2016 at 1:21 pmVery cool! I hope you love weaving, it can be addictive 🙂
Dagny Carolina Opsal
November 4, 2016 at 10:54 amThanks for all the good advice! Learnt a lot!
Kate
November 10, 2016 at 3:21 pmGreat! I’m happy to help 🙂
Neve Ally Johnson
November 22, 2016 at 1:18 amHi Kate,
Thanks for creating this website. I know how to knit and crochet and have been contemplating starting weaving, so I thought I would just find out how to make a little cardboard loom which led me to your site. Everything is very helpful.
Kate
November 22, 2016 at 4:37 pmOh good, I’m happy to hear that 🙂
Kezia
December 1, 2016 at 5:30 amHey! I did my first attempt of weaving last night (I have loads of other work to do for a craft fair this Sunday but I needed to get the first one out of my system) You have been so helpful! Definitely going to carry on and maybe incorporate my embroideries and weaving together! Thanks for the help!
Kate
December 4, 2016 at 10:41 pmFun! I’m so happy I could help 🙂
Lisa B Juarez
December 29, 2016 at 11:04 amI just discovered your site through Etsy. I love it and have always had a secret love of weaving since I did a huge circular in high school about 45 years ago. Haven’t done anything since, but am now excited to start up again. I do gourd art and would love to incorporate into my gourds some of the weaving techniques you teach.
Kate
December 30, 2016 at 4:52 pmThat sounds really fun! I’m happy to have gotten you back into weaving 🙂
Allyson D
December 30, 2016 at 8:53 amHi Kate! This is kind of random, but I’m wondering if you’ve explored any three dimensional weaving? I’ve been seeing images of gorgeous tapestries that have thick trunk like woven sections on them – they don’t seem to be stitched on afterward, but I can’t really tell from the photos… I can’t figure it out!! They almost look like vertical double half hitch macrame knots amidst the weaving…
Anyway… your blog is such a great resource, I’m not sure where else I can just throw the question out and ask! I don’t have a community of weavers to help out 😉 Let me know if you have any input on this or any idea where I can look further. I can’t seem to find instruction anywhere! Thanks!
Allyson D
December 30, 2016 at 8:56 amP.S. I’m in Charleston, SC – but I first learned to weave at College of DuPage back in the ’90s! I just now returned to it, having played with other textile arts on and off over the years, but I have always missed those giant looms. Stay warm and Happy Holidays!
Kate
December 30, 2016 at 4:54 pmThat sounds really interesting, but I’m having trouble picturing exactly what you’re talking about. Do you have a link to any images?
Michelle
January 5, 2017 at 2:04 pmI just came across what she must be talking about!
http://martinacelerin.blogspot.com/2012/06/arts-fair-on-square-revitalized.html
Kate
January 10, 2017 at 1:38 pmWow, that is some amazing weaving! Thanks for sharing this link 🙂
Laurie
January 7, 2017 at 1:10 pmI”m so happy to have found your website. I took a weaving class in August and fell in love. I then bought a book and have made several projects from there, but have been looking for ways to expand my skills even more. I’m getting ready to start on a very simple weaving to give as a gift and was trying to figure out how to add some interest to the piece since it’s such a simple design….that’s when I found your tutorials for the various patterns. I’m going to give the double diamond a whirl, so I’ll let you know how it turns out!
Kate
January 10, 2017 at 1:27 pmThat’s great! Yes please let me know how the double diamond turns out for you. But just to warn you, be patient with the process, it’s a tough one but if you keep at it, you’ll get a pattern in the end (I say this from my own experience with the pattern, lol).
Luisa
January 29, 2017 at 12:32 pmHi Kate!
I made a circular loom with a piece of cardboard. My first project with the loom went wrong. When I took the weaving out of the loom, instead of looking circular and flat it became sort of like a bowl. I made another attempt – a smaller one this time – and it looks the same. My guess is there’s too much tension, but since they’re my first two projects I couldn’t say for sure. Do you have any ideas about this or suggestions?
Kate
January 31, 2017 at 2:50 pmThanks for reaching out. Yes I would say you have too much tension in your weft towards the outer parts of the circle, so the yarn is pulling in on itself and giving you a bowl shape. Try to weave more loosely with your weft threads and see if that helps at all. But to be honest, weaving bowls sounds pretty great to me!
Moriyah
March 4, 2017 at 2:28 amHi there Kate, thank you so much for the time and energy that you put into all our posts! I love your blog and refer to it so many times. I just finished my third wall weave and finished off with the hem stitch and I love it because it really does give it a nice finished look. I was wondering if you have weaved a heart yet? I would love to try it and I haven’t found any “how to”s for weaving this shape.
Kate
March 29, 2017 at 5:29 pmThanks for your kind words! I actually haven’t woven a heart shape before, that sounds like a fun thing to try. I’ll have to add it to my list.
julie
March 24, 2017 at 12:11 pmHi Kate. I refer to your blog lots. It’s great. I just started weaving recently, but being a bored seasoned knitter with tons of yarn I am having a blast with lap loom free style tapestry weaving. One thing I keep wondering about when I finish a project and which I can’t seem to find answers for on the www is:
Do you ‘block’ (term for soaking and drying your knit project once finished) your tapestry?
In knitting it is done so that the yarn ‘blooms’ and the stitches develop completely. Is this something done by weavers particularly with tapestry. I would really appreciate if you could share your thoughts on that topic. Thank you!
Kate
March 29, 2017 at 6:36 pmHi great question! I actually have blocked a weave when it wasn’t laying nicely (https://www.theweavingloom.com/weaving-issues-how-to-relax-a-wavy-weave/). I don’t do this with every weave, so I think it depends on what you’re most comfortable with, but it’s definitely something that can make your weave look nicer. I hope that helped 🙂
Teresa
April 17, 2017 at 3:01 amHi Kate, your blog is lovely, inspiring . and full of useful tutorials. I made my first weaving following a pdf pattern I downloaded from your blog and it was great.
Kate
April 24, 2017 at 2:44 pmYay! I’m so happy you liked the pattern.
Allison
April 26, 2017 at 10:05 pmThanks for all of this info, and for organizing everything so beautifully! Because of you, I am ready to embark on my first non-cardboard weaving experiment!
Cheers,
Allison
Kate
May 2, 2017 at 4:33 pmYay! That sounds exciting, keep me posted.
Cheryl Jones
May 6, 2017 at 10:53 amOn Pininterest there are several pics showing what looks like horizontal warps (not on a pin loom). What are they?
Kate
May 9, 2017 at 10:00 amI’m not sure, do you have a link to what you’re talking about?
Kitt Kroeger
May 9, 2017 at 11:32 amHi, I’m somewhat new to weaving; I’ve done a bit of it in the past. I know of a really cool dream-catcher-esque “wishmaker” (that’s what it’s called) from a movie. I saw someone who had actually made it, and it was so cool! I was hoping you could give me some advice, or point me in the right direction to go to make it as well, like the kind of techniques the girl who had made this already used, or what could be used. It’d be so fun to make this! I’ll link some pictures for you.
I hope I’m not asking a lot from you or burdening you! I’m sorry if there’s a better way to contact you about this, I couldn’t find another way and I’m not sure if the email address on your page is correct or not.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C4NgpPJVUAABKuU.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C62lTTtU4AAa8HW.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C3Rl69IUoAA-W9A.jpg
I hope this is enough, and that I’m not asking too much! If I am, just say so!
Thank You,
Kitt 🙂
Kate
May 9, 2017 at 6:09 pmHi Kitt, that is a really cool wishmaker. Unfortunately it’s not something I’ve ever really made before. I would suggest searching for dream catcher instructions on pinterest, although there is more to it then a dream catcher, but that might help you get started.
Have a great day!
Kate
Kitt Kroeger
May 11, 2017 at 5:55 pmI’ve tried finding stuff on dream catchers, but it hasn’t been super helpful. My main question was how I would go about with that center knot. Most dream catchers have an open middle. Do you know any other weaving blogs that might be able to help?
Kate
May 18, 2017 at 3:30 pmYou’re right that middle is very different then a dream catcher. I almost think they wrapped the middle, but I have no idea what they did before that. I wish I had somewhere helpful to point you, but I don’t know of anything similar. I did make a post on how to warp an embroidery hoop (https://www.theweavingloom.com/weaving-lessons-how-to-use-an-embroidery-hoop-as-a-loom/). It isn’t similar to what you’re looking for, but maybe it might help spark an idea. I hope you find what you’re looking for, it is a really pretty piece.
Kristen
May 10, 2017 at 6:23 amI have a question about the Herringbone stitch. Do you ever reverse your 8 steps? You have to if you want a diamond shape correct? Because if I continue to follow the 8 steps, I’ll just get zigzags?
Kate
May 18, 2017 at 3:31 pmYes, if you keep repeating the 8 steps it will make a herringbone zig-zag. I’ve never tried reversing the 8 steps, but I think it would make a diamond shape similar to a chevron weave (https://www.theweavingloom.com/weaving-techniques-the-chevron-weave/).
Jeff Cannon
May 10, 2017 at 8:16 amKate – Wonderful blog. I teach meditation and have been teaching people how to weave traditional meditation techniques together for years to create the tapestry we call Modern Meditation. I am just now learning how to weave more earthly fibers together to create more terrestrial tapestries. I have just taken up weaving and have fallen in love with the idea of incorporating found objects into my weavings. If you have any advice on weaving things like fathers, twigs, etc. into more monochromatic pieces I would love to hear it? Also, any advice on lap looms?
Be well and thank you again for your inspirations and teachings. Such a wonderful, wonderful blog and practice.
Jeff
http://www.simple-truth.com
Kate
May 18, 2017 at 3:38 pmThanks Jeff, weaving & meditation sound like a perfect pair. I guess my best advice for incorporating found objects is to be flexible. It helps if the object is similar to thread, so sticks or feathers would work really well. You’ll want to weave them as if they are thread, but also let them guide you to how they will look best (if that makes sense). I’m finding it hard to put this into words, but I’m just trying to say the different objects will have their limits and won’t be as flexible as thread. Also if you jam them in then they won’t look as good as they could. I did weave on a stick, which I posted about here https://www.theweavingloom.com/weave-experiments-stick-weaving/
But I’m using it as a loom instead of incorporating it into a weave.
I hope this helps!
Jo Anna Tobey
May 27, 2017 at 12:08 pmI subscribed yesterday, and got the offer to have a beginner’s pattern. But every time I enter my password, and hit enter, it “gobbles up” the password and the page remains empty.
Kate
June 9, 2017 at 5:57 pmI just emailed you with the solution!
Karen
June 12, 2017 at 12:58 amThank you! Thank you! Thank you! I want a loopy rug for the bathroom and I think Rya loops are just the thing.
Karen – weaver, knitter, spinner, crocheter, Yarn and fiber dyer, llama owner, mother, and so much more!
Kate
June 14, 2017 at 9:02 pmYay Karen! I’m so happy when things work out. Let me know how your rug turns out.
Meghann Reynolds
July 8, 2017 at 3:10 pmHi, my name is Meghann and I have a question about weaving. I create patterns for crochet and I was wondering if they can be used for weaving? also I was wondering if there is a way to link different colors while weaving to make it look like its one piece of yarn or thread? The reason I am asking this is because I have a rose pattern that I really like but I am not good @ weaving and I want to make it look like a single piece, you know, where it basically flows from background to pattern effortlessly. Please help…
Kate
September 14, 2017 at 3:21 pmHi Meghann!
I think you possibly translate your crochet patterns into weaving patterns, but it depends on what you’re trying to make. I have a post on when I wove a rose that might help get you started in the right direction here
https://www.theweavingloom.com/weaving-techniques-using-cartooning-to-weave-a-picture/
And for combining two different threads into one, I highly recommend using the weaver’s knot, which I explained here
https://www.theweavingloom.com/weaving-techniques-another-look-at-the-weavers-knot/
I hope these help!
Tanya
July 18, 2017 at 10:45 amWhen will your out of stock looms be available again?
Kate
September 14, 2017 at 3:22 pmYes, I’m trying to keep them in stock as much as possible. If you’re on my newsletter you’ll find my shop updates at the bottom.
Kate Bates
July 25, 2017 at 10:32 amJust found your website — I love it and your story and I really love weaving. I have a rigid heddle loom, a lap loom, and am about to take ownership of a four-shaft floor loom!
Looking forward to being inspired by you and this site.
Kate
September 14, 2017 at 3:23 pmThank you for your kind words! I’m happy to be weaving with you!
Ros
July 31, 2017 at 8:39 pmHi I’m from Indonesia. I love your blog, Thanks for sharing this I will teach my students to love weaving, its easy and fun. Thank you so much, may God bless your life and your family.
Ginny Kestel
August 4, 2017 at 4:16 pmHello! — Is there a functional difference between the acrylic and wooden looms you sell? Do you have a preference? I have been looking for something like this for a long time and finally found it! Thank you so much.
Kate
September 20, 2017 at 1:51 pmHi, sorry for my late reply. The acrylic is a stronger material, but as far as making a weave the looms works the same. Let me know if you have any more questions.
Susan
August 10, 2017 at 4:41 pmHi Kate!
I am so impressed by your weaving style that I am going to try it! I have been weaving rugs and purses on a large twining loom with fabric strips for over 20 years but never tried a smaller project. I love the fancy designs I see!
Kate
September 29, 2017 at 5:04 pmYay! I’m so happy to have inspired you and can’t wait to see what you make.
Nancy Dillard
August 15, 2017 at 2:27 amI just started my weaving journey recently and love using your blog as one of my resources. Everyone comes by the urge to weave differently…my husband won a photo contest and so I took my ships wheel down from over the fireplace mantle and hung a 2’x 3′ photo print framed in barn wood in its place. It got me to thinking about what I could do with my ships wheel to create a piece of art for the wall in my sewing area. Your web site was invaluable help on the subject of circle weaving.
I marked the placement of 75 wood screws with tiny pieces of painter’s tape…that stuff is so useful…and my husband did the screwing. He will not allow me to touch his multitude of drills!
I admired the wood screws for a number of days and then warped the wheel with white cotton sugar and cream yarn.
Then I let that sit for a number of days while I pondered. Creativity is a process. In the end the project seemed to have a mind of its own. I wanted to photo a photo here but was not able to copy and paste one in here.
I will attempt to email it to you. I do not do twitter. Before I started I googled ships wheel and wagon wheel trying to see if anyone had weaved one and what advice did they have. I found nothing which did not discourage me…I had a blank canvas, a zillion ideas, and your blog!
Kate
September 29, 2017 at 5:07 pmThanks for sharing! I love this story about how you got started. You’re so right about creativity being a process, sometimes it feels so stubborn to get an idea out and other times it just takes over. Either way it’s fun. I’d love to see a picture of it, you can email me at Kate@theweavingloom.com
Josefa Ruiz
September 5, 2017 at 2:40 amHi Kate, I do really enjoy your many advices on different ways of weaving. Since I was a fused glass worker, you can imagine how much I enjoy mixing colors and textures in my weaving. I am now trying to weave something where I will try roving. Will certainly ket you know the results. Sometimes I mix “normal”waving with soumack and I have obtained very nice little texture results. Soon I will send you a picture of my last “work” Please keep up with all your writing ,which I am sure helps lots of people get enthusiastic about weavingy
Kate
September 29, 2017 at 4:53 pmOh wow, that sounds amazing. I would love to see your work. And thank you for your kind words!
lulu rocka
September 11, 2017 at 3:25 pmHello Kate!
I have been using a loom by purl&loop and am wanting to make my own loom so that I can make a much finer weave.
Is it a matter of placing the “teeth” closer together?
Thank you!
Kate
September 29, 2017 at 4:52 pmHi! Yes if the teeth are closer together then you’ll have more warp threads per inch. You might want to also try double-warped your loom, I’ve done this before in order to get more warp threads and without having to buy or make another loom. I have details on that here https://www.theweavingloom.com/weave-along-part-1-double-warp-your-loom/
Leslie
October 21, 2017 at 9:11 pmHi Kate! I have haunted your blog and site so many times – drooling over all of your weaving art and helpful articles! I love it all and get so excited about weaving. I have done some stick/branch weavings, but I have yet to buy an actual loom – although I have looked at them SO MANY times! Maybe one day soon I will spring for a real one. I love your circular pieces! Thank you for making this blog and sharing your love of weaving with all of us so generously! Have a blessed day! Yours sincerely, Leslie – a wanna be weaver from Texas!
Kate
January 20, 2018 at 10:58 amHi Leslie, thanks so much for your kind words! I’m so happy you’re finding the blog helpful & you’ll be an expert weaver in no time.
Angela Melia
October 23, 2017 at 7:29 pmHi Kate…
My name is Angela Melia and I am a high school teacher in Western Australia. I teach Textiles and am currently writing an online course and have seen a wonderful image of one of your looms on your beautiful blog illustrating the weaving process perfectly.
I am writing to you for permission to reproduce this image, intact with attribution, on my students; website.
We use a learning Management System called Moodle which is password protected and not accessible to all on the web, only students enrolled at the School of Isolated and Distance Education (www.side.wa.edu.au/)
We are an educational facility and as such we are not for profit.
My intention is to use the image on the page but to then redirect students to read and work directly from your website. One of their assignments is to create an original piece of weaving using any technique they find online.
Please contact me if you require more information as to the use of this image.
Cindy
October 28, 2017 at 4:01 pmThanks for your post on a new way to finish a hanging….I think this method will help my work hang straighter and better. There are no classes available here except for a one afternoon workshop so I’m basically self taught on my weaving. I just discovered your blog today and this beginner is already learning a lot from you
Lauren Sugrue
November 27, 2017 at 4:50 pmHi Kate. I love the site and all your tutorials. You always have excellent information to share.
I do have one question. I weave top down and I’m trying to end the piece with a row of Rya Knots.
Can I just tie off the weft after the rya?
Kate
January 31, 2018 at 1:22 pmOh yes, you can definitely just tie off the warp threads under your rya knots. Although in my experience I’ve gotten a cleaner weave when I add at least two rows of plain weave hidden under my rya knots. You don’t have to do this, but it seems to keep my weaves straighter. Also you can weave with a really thin thread so that it is more hidden. If you do decide to just tie the warp threads off under the rya knots, make sure you tie them all to each other across the bottom so that you don’t have any “splitting” between the rya knots. I hope that helps!
Rhonda
January 13, 2018 at 3:01 pmHi!
I’m new to Tapestry Weaving! So happy I found this website!! I am wanting to do a small tapestry and a sun ir moon, but can’t get it to look like a circle! Any tips??? Thanks!!
Kate
January 31, 2018 at 1:17 pmOh yes, weaving a circle is hard! I’ve been working on an explanation of how to do it, which I hope to have available soon.
Michele Morris
January 16, 2018 at 6:41 amDear Katy,
I want to try my hand at weaving. I am a knitter and I have tried at a lot of other crafts. I decided I needed something new. I found you on Pinterest and I fell in love with your weaving blog. Everything I want to know to get started is there. I tried the cardboard loom and decided that I needed something a little more substantial. I just want you to know that you have all the info anyone one will ever need to get started. You did good!
Kate
January 31, 2018 at 1:16 pmThanks so much! I’m so happy that you’ve found my site helpful.
Michele Morris
January 16, 2018 at 6:53 amMy apologies to you. I called you Katy instead of Kate.
It won’t happen again.
Kate
January 31, 2018 at 1:16 pmNo problem! Have a great day!
YYZ
January 16, 2018 at 6:48 pmHi Kate, your website is such a wonderful resource. I’ve just started to weave with wool roving, and I love your guide on all the different types of braids and knots you can make with roving, but do you have advice on how to secure areas with roving — is it best to simply plain weave with around around the roving areas?
Kate
January 31, 2018 at 1:15 pmHi! Thank you for your kind words. I show how to secure your roving in this post https://www.theweavingloom.com/weaving-techniques-how-to-weave-roving/
I hope it helps!
Sofia
January 27, 2018 at 1:58 pmHi Kate, I am a new weaver and recently discovered your sight. I love the tutorials and they are very helpful. I am very interested in buying your large wooden loom but is currently out of stock. When will it be back in stock?
Sofia
January 28, 2018 at 1:09 amHi Kate, I am a new weaver and recently discovered your web sight. It has such helpful tutorials and I look forward to using it in my next weaves. I am very interested in your acrylic small loom, but it is out of stock. When will it be in stock again?
Kate
January 31, 2018 at 1:13 pmHi! I’m waiting on some more looms right now, they’ll probably be up within 2 weeks? I’ll be notifying everyone on my mailing list when the shop is updated. Have a great day!
Chelsey
February 27, 2018 at 2:28 pmHi Kate, your website has been a useful tool for reference. Thank you! I wanted to contact you because I signed up for your newsletter and to receive your beginners weave pattern and I haven’t received anything in my e-mail yet. I would love to have that as some inspiration.
Kate
March 16, 2018 at 10:46 amThanks for reaching out, I just sent you an email about the pattern. Have a great day!
Sofia
March 3, 2018 at 12:48 pmHi Kate! I recently dicovered your sight, and I am in love! What a helpful sight! I saw a picture of a weave you did and I was intrigued. There is a link to the picture below. I would really like to do one like it. Do you have a tutorial for it?
Thanks!
https://i0.wp.com/www.theweavingloom.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/TuckingThreadEndsCover.jpg
Kate
March 16, 2018 at 10:48 amThanks so much for your kind words, I’m glad you’re enjoying the site. I have some posts on how to make the pattern:
https://www.theweavingloom.com/weaving-techniques-weft-over-diamonds/
https://www.theweavingloom.com/weaving-techniques-weft-over-hour-glass-negative-diamond/
I might make a full pattern one day, but this should be enough for you to play around with. Have a great day!
Bogusława
March 17, 2018 at 10:42 amHello,
My name is Bogusia, I come from Poland and I’m just starting my weaving adventure.
I’m very glad to find your blog – I’m happy especially to follow your weaving tutorials with many usefull tricks.
Have a good day!
Kate
March 18, 2018 at 11:34 amThanks & I’m so happy to hear you’re enjoying the blog!
sona nast
March 18, 2018 at 12:21 pmi’m trying to purchase some things from your shop and when I click “Checkout” it takes me to Shopify and then says my cart is empty and then says this site doesn’t have an account????
I NEED that acrylic circular loom! LOL
Sarah Grady
April 9, 2018 at 9:33 pmI am LOVING your website and have found it super helpful as I try to navigate the way into weaving entrepreneurship. I have lots of markets coming up and want to send my work off with customers in a pretty, professional and convenient way. However, lots of my work is large and wouldn’t fit in a bag. Do you have any suggestions on how to attractively package up small weavings and what I can do with larger ones?
Thanks in advanced! You’re awesome!
Kate
April 18, 2018 at 1:47 pmFun! I hope your markets go well and you sell a lot! I like to wrap my weaves up in tissue paper that has a nice design on it. I’ve also been able to do this with large weaves, but obviously using multiple pieces of tissue paper to wrap the whole weave. Also I should mention that I fold or roll my large weaves and then wrap them, but that depends on the style of the weave and if folding or rolling them would be possible. Hopefully that helps!
LINDA BISEL
April 15, 2018 at 7:06 amKate, may I send an email to request you look at a picture of a woven blanket I want to repair?
Your blog is great and I learned so much in a few minutes of reading and pictures.
Sincerely, linda
Sofia
April 15, 2018 at 11:24 pmHello there Kate! I have been looking everywhere but I can not seem to find a good tutorial for weaving a circle shape into a vertical weave. I really want to learn how but there are not many good tutorials out there. Have any tips?
Tisha Woodcock
August 11, 2018 at 9:56 pmJust want to say I love your tutorials! I”m new to the world of weaving. Needed something more to fill my time now that my last baby is 18. I have found your pages to be so helpful. The more I read and practice the more I want to read and practice lol.
Bronwen Smith
September 13, 2018 at 9:38 amHi Kate
Really glad I found your site. Its really crammed with great ideas. I have one question though. What is what I want to weave is longer than my loom? Hope you can help.
Jasmine
October 24, 2018 at 1:40 pmHi Kate,
I just subscribed to the new weavers patter, but when I try to access it, I’m asked to enter a password. Can you please help me unlock the secrets of your site? 🙂 I’ve been weaving for about 2 years, as a very part-time hobby. It started with a small loom on sale at target. I made so many rectangles on it that I turned them into a poncho for my 8-year old. This summer, I noticed that she had grown(!) so I started making small circle-loom thingies that I call “roundy-goes.” Now the poncho is nicely trimmed on all sides, reinforced at the shoulder with fleece, due to the weight of all that YARN. AND, I’m ready for more training. Thanks in advance!
Mary
October 27, 2018 at 1:43 pmDarn it! i seem to have lost the free beginner pattern with the large white triangle. I’ve collected the materials, now I just need to get some direction. Any chance you can re-send?
Love and appreciate your work Kate!
Sallyee
December 26, 2018 at 10:22 amTHIS SITE IS AMAZING!!! Thank you!!!
I have a question, I have ordered some curly locks and want to do some bubbly roving weaving, and would like to know … How do I do it when the roving pieces are too short for the width of the piece? do I just do a bit, tuck the end behind and continue with another on the same line etc? If you could help that would be awesome. Thank you! Sallyee.
Margie Bjorkman
January 5, 2019 at 9:57 amHi! I am brand new to weaving, though I have experimented on a homemade cardboard lap loom – fun! I recently picked out of the trash the top of an old glass ice cream table. I removed the glass and was thinking of trying to circular weave the base. My plan was to wrap the metal edge with jute, warp it with jute and weave with various art yarns, fabric strips, etc. Am I going to be over my head with this project? Is it even possible? The frame is about 30″ in diameter. I LOVE your site!
maria
May 29, 2019 at 12:55 pmLove your attitude. Adore your kindness and your blog. It is helping me a lot.
thank you!
ciao
maria
Wendy
July 16, 2019 at 11:51 amI tried my first circular weave thanks to the techniques on your site. The result was even better than I expected. Thanks for sharing your expertise and love of weaving!
Leta Wilson
November 14, 2019 at 8:38 amI have been doing tapestry weaving for many years, but I have never been able to overcome a common, beginner error; that is, how to avoid ridges on the edges. I fully understand the problem, just not how to fix it. It appears to me that I am laying in the same amount of weft whether I go to the right or to the left. Any tips?
Jean
October 17, 2020 at 4:23 amHi Kate
Fresh new beginner here I have been given a small loom kit as a gift.
I have a question in regards to the technics used does it make a difference if you are left handed or right handed ? I am a leftie and my usual craft is crochet and some stitches or patterns are a challenge when you are leftie.
Thanks for valuable tutorials I am looking forward weaving.
Thanks
Jean
Camilo Rojas
October 21, 2020 at 9:54 amI REALLY need help. I’m a beginner and I run from trouble to trouble. I need to start from the very basic. Where do you start the actual weaving -at the base of the frame? or you HAVE to have some space between the base of the frame and the first weft. Also, how you remove the fabric. Is there another technique other than tie knots with the left-over strands? (As you can read, I don’t even know the terminology yet; also, I am speaking of a frame loom) One last question -perhaps more advanced- Can you use the rya knot for something else besides fringes? Muchas gracias!