How to Create A Simple Weaving for Kids with Fabric + A Cardboard Loom

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Make the Loom

   To make your simplified weaving loom, start with a piece of rectangular cardboard. The size of your cardboard will determine the size of your weaving, but it’s best not to go too big.  I used a roughly A3 (11″x16″) sized rectangle with my students.
   
   Carefully cut evenly-spaced slits along the top and bottom of your “loom” to create “teeth” – about half an inch long and spaced half an inch apart as well.
   
   PRO TIP: The cutting is best done by an adult to ensure a better result.
   
   

2. Next add “warp thread”  (vertical threads that hold the tension while you weave).

   To do this, simply knot the end of a ball of cotton string or any old yarn onto the first “tooth” along the bottom or top. Then loop this over the tooth on the opposite side, then back around the 2nd tooth in the row you started on and continue until the entire loom is covered in vertical strings. Tie this off onto the last tooth.
   
   PRO TIP: Double check children haven’t accidentally gone over to the back of the loom as this makes it difficult to remove the weaving when finished.
   
   

3. Prepare your fabric strips

   To prepare your “weft thread” (horizontal weaves), you need to cut your fabric remnants into strips about 1–2 inches wide and as long as you wish.
   
   We raided our local recycling co-op Reverse Garbage here in Sydney for colorful fabrics and interesting textures such as lace.
   
   As luck would have it, we even found some fluorescent fabric (my fave) which provided a real “POP” in our color schemes.
   
   

4. Create your first row of weaving for kids

   Weaving really is as simple as adding fabric or yarn “over and under” the warp thread and this is the mantra I repeat with kids as we weave.
   
   To start weaving simply add a fabric strip by first going over a warp thread and then under, then over and so on until you get to the end of the row.  Then gently pull the rest of your strip through, making sure you leave at least 3-4 inches of the strip hanging. You can also weave with ribbon for contrast.
   
   

5. Continue weaving in different colors

   Next, weave back in the opposite direction – if your last weave was “over” then start with “under” or vice versa.  Then continue weaving until the entire strip has been added. Be sure to leave adequate length hanging off the sides.
   When using rag materials there is no real need to finish off ends. I like the rustic, organic look so simply tie the ends together in knots to hold them.
   
   Be sure to squash your weft upwards towards the top of your loom before starting a new color strip.
   
   PRO TIP: Do not pull your ends TOO TIGHT as you will end up with a wonky weaving (it’s very easy to do!).
   
   

6. Or try something more challenging…

   Older children might want to make a more grown-up version of weaving–using yarn, a proper loom and a weaving tool called a “shuttle “.  Be warned – this more traditional weaving takes MUCH longer.
   
   They might also wish to carefully weave the yarn ends back into their work (using a thick yarn needle) so that it looks more professional.
   
   

7. Remove the weaving off the loom

   Very carefully slide the string loops off the teeth at the top of your loom one at a time directly onto a stick or dowel.
   Then remove the bottom loops, one at a time, cutting and knotting as you go. Add a string or ribbon loop to your branch or dowel for hanging. Et voila!