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