When I started weaving I wanted a simple loom that wouldn’t cost too much. A frame loom was the perfect option. They are portable and easy to warp then begin weaving on. It really is just that simple. There are a few ways to use a frame loom, but I found that the easiest way was to warp the yarn directly on the frame. I was able to do this without any major hardware, using washi tape as a warp guide. This is perfect for those who want to set up a loom quickly and get started weaving. I’m so excited to share this tutorial with all of you!
Supplies:
-The first thing you need is a frame that you can open, by removing the glass and backing. Another option is using Canvas stretcher strips
-Scissors
-Ruler
-Pencil
Step One: Using your ruler and pencil mark the interior edge of the frame
Step Two: Take your washi tape and cut off a 1 inch piece, then cut in half so that you have two pieces of 1 inch tape that is about ¼” wide. Place one piece of your cut washi tape along the bottom of the frame and along the front, following the marked line.
Step Three: Following your first washi tape use a piece of warp thread to determine the gap size you need then place the second piece of washi tape. Continue cutting and placing the washi tape with gaps for your warp thread across the bottom of your frame loom. Repeat the washi tape step across the top.
Now you can warp your loom. Instructions for warping your loom can be found here.
Happy Weaving!
Kate
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Fri-DIY & Unfinished Business | Hello, Yellow Bird
March 27, 2015 at 7:42 pm[…] “Create your own frame loom,” via The Weaving Loom […]
Jina Juiliano
February 19, 2016 at 2:43 amI am not sure how to ask this question, so please forgive my confusion. What is the differences between warping a frame loom like you have pictured and using pegs for a front facing loom. Like in rug making? Thank you in advance! And I am happy to have found your web page!
Kate
February 19, 2016 at 1:43 pmHi Jina,
For a peg loom, you warp it in more of an ‘s’ way and all the threads are lined up flat across the front of the loom. For a frame loom, you warp it in a ‘x’ way around the frame where the warp crosses in the middle. As you weave the warps flatten out. I talk about it more here https://www.theweavingloom.com/how-to-start-a-lap-loom-for-weaving-warping-your-loom/
Both ways will give you the same weaving outcome, they just start out differently. If you’re curious I go more into the details of warping a frame loom here https://www.theweavingloom.com/back-to-the-basics-warping-a-frame-loom/
I hope this helps 🙂
Rohini
February 29, 2016 at 3:39 amHi Kate,
I am making a frame for my first weaving project. What would frame size would you recommend? I am a experince yarn crafter making first steps in weaving.
Kate
February 29, 2016 at 11:32 amHi Rohini, It really depends on how large you want to make your weaves. My frame is really large, but the size makes it harder to fit on my lap. I also end up warping just a part of it and weaving smaller weaves on it. I think something like 9×11 or 11×14 would be a nice size so you can make a good sized weave but also have the loom on your lap.
Louisa
May 31, 2016 at 1:17 pmHi Kate,
I would really like to weave my own garment, probably a jacket or a top. How would you recommend that I approach this? THank yo so much and I love your blog xx
Kate
May 31, 2016 at 2:46 pmThanks Louisa! I have never made a garment, but I know you’ll probably need a lot of woven fabric. You could possibly use a really large frame loom, but my recommendation would be to use a floor, table, or Saori loom. The reason I suggest these is that they roll up the your weave as you go, so you can make larger areas easier. I haven’t woven on any of these looms before so I can’t offer any tips, but hopefully this helps you get a starting point 🙂
Charline Watz
August 28, 2016 at 9:35 amI totally am enjoying your blog! Thanks SO much for sharing so much info! I am an experienced weaver, but I do so love DIY projects, and yours are so explained and great to follow!
Kate
August 29, 2016 at 6:44 amThanks! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the blog!
Simple weaving on a DIY Loom – handmade habit
October 17, 2016 at 1:31 pm[…] The frame loom is an incredible piece of technology! A great user-friendly guide to making and warping your own DIY picture-frame loom can be found here. […]
Knitting and weaving: a symbiotic relationship – handmade habit
November 19, 2016 at 2:49 pm[…] varnish). The Weaving Loom offers a basic tutorial on how to warp a frame loom (and also how to make one with very basic materials). Warping is quite straightforward, even relaxing. The pieces of blue […]
Kate Buerge
November 28, 2016 at 10:22 pmHi Kate,
Thanks for all yoir wondeful and generous sharing. I wonder if you have any experience or opinoin about the Melissa and Doug Weaving Loom?
Thanks for any thoughts you might have.
Kate
November 29, 2016 at 4:38 pmThat’s funny you should ask, I actually have a Melissa and Doug weaving loom. I’ve made a lot of weaves on it and I think it works fine, but it does have large spacing, so weaves made on it aren’t as tight as on most looms. I shared how I double warped my Melissa and Doug loom to help with the spacing issue here https://www.theweavingloom.com/weaving-techniques-double-warping-your-loom/
Over all I think it’s a great option for someone just trying out weaving and not wanting to spend a lot of money on a loom.