How to Weave on a Cardboard Loom

A Guide to Really, Truly, Easy Weaving

Introduction

I wrote this book because I love to weave, but I don’t have the energy or the room for big and fancy looms. So I read a lot of books about off-loom weaving, and I experimented a lot, and I came up with the method I’ve written about here.

I owe a tremendous debt to the fiber artists of Hippiedom. These folks stretched the well-honored traditions of fiber work and developed methods of working that were basic and easy and great fun. I never would have considered weaving if I hadn’t seen their splendiferous work in the books and magazines of that period.

The cardboard loom I use is as basic as I can get. I also use one commercial loom quite a bit, the Peg Loom from Harrisville which is made for children 5-7 years old. It’s just perfect for me, small (6”x9”) and compact and very easy to use. You can find this loom at most good toy stores or order it from most of the mail order companies that sell weaving supplies. You’ll find the mail order companies advertised in the weaving magazines - I love looking through the ads, not only because I often find things I can’t get locally, but because I also get ideas from just looking.

I hope you’ll find the satisfaction and enjoyment in weaving that have enriched my life. Most of all, I hope you’ll have fun.

The Basics

You need to know only two words to weave: warp and weft. The warp is the vertical threads that form the backbone of the weaving. The weft is the horizontal threads that you weave in over and under.

I use the most basic weave, called plain or tabby weave. It is the over-one-and-under-one that you may have used weaving potholders or darning.

That’s it! I told you this would be really, truly easy!

Making Your Loom

The easiest way to make a loom is to use a piece of sturdy cardboard. I use the back of paper pads. Tear the back off and clean off the top so there isn’t any left-over glue. I find it easier to work vertically, so this time around you’ll be using the cardboard with the short ends at the top and bottom.