A PowerPoint presentation about Loom weaving - the basic techniques, tools and materials used to create loom weaving pieces

1. BASIC
LOOM (TAPESTRY) WEAVING
By
Bernard E. Richardson
Master Teacher & Visual Arts Educator
© Bernard E. Richardson | 2022

2. What is Loom Weaving?
Loom weaving is the process of interlacing two sets of yarn
using a device called a loom.
• It is based on the simple plain weave structure or pattern of over 1
under 1 over 1 under 1 where the weft threads (horizontal threads)
pass through the warp (vertical threads) in a sequence to build up
rows of woven ‘cloth’.
• However Tapestry artists use a wide range of techniques, multi-
colored yarns and fibres to create a variety of images and effects.
LOOM
WEAVING

3. Types of Looms
• Three different types of looms are:
1. Handloom:
LOOM
WEAVING
2. Frame loom:
3. Backstrap loom:

4. Loom weaving tools
LOOM
WEAVING
TOOLS
Loom
Scissors
Comb
Tapestry
needle
Shed stick
Shuttle
Warp yarn
Weaving yarn
Dowel

5. LOOM
WEAVING
TOOLS
LOOM: A loom is a device used to hold the warp threads
under tension (stiff/taut) so that the weft threads
can be interlaced (interwoven).
WARP YARN: Warp is the thread which runs up and down (vertically) on the loom.
• Cotton thread is the best suited yarn fibre to use.
• It is soft, pliable but sturdy and strong and does not stretch.
• It can be any colour but white o cream coloured cotton yarn is the
colour mostly used.
WEAVING YARN: Weft is the material that is used to weave
through the warps from left to right and
right to left to create the woven pattern.
• A variety of fibres can be used such as
yarns, wools, fabric scraps and
ribbons.

6. LOOM
WEAVING
TOOLS
WEAVING
NEEDLES:
Are blunt needles used for weaving tapestry or woven wall
hangings. They can be either metal or wooden.
• Used especially for getting in between small spaces between
the warp and weft yarns.
• Come in different sizes and are either straight or bent. The bent
needle is curved to allow for easy movement over and under
the warp threads when weaving.
SHUTTLE: This tool is used to hold the length of weft thread when
weaving (especially large areas).
• The weft thread is wrapped around the shuttle using a
figure 8 movement so that the weft sits on the side of
the shuttle making it easy to pass through the warp
threads.
SHED STICK: A Shed stick is used to organize the warp threads so that the
weft thread can pass through easily. (make weaving a little
easier).

7. LOOM
WEAVING
TOOLS
WEAVING COMB: Used to push and beat down the weft threads so that they fit
snuggly against each other. This prevents you getting gaps in
your weaving unless you are intentionally leaving a gap in the
design.
SCISSORS: This tool is used to hold the length of weft thread when weaving
(especially large areas).
• The weft thread is wrapped around the shuttle using a figure
8 movement so that the weft sits on the side of the shuttle
making it easy to pass through the warp threads.
DOWEL: Wooden rods used for displaying the finished weaving
pieces (tapestry and woven wall hangings).
• Select the appropriate sized dowel to fit the design and
which can withstand the weight of the woven piece.

8. • This is the process of pulling the weft thread (horizontal
thread) over and under each warp (vertical thread) across
the width of the loom until you get to the end.
1. Plain/ Tabby weave
LOOM
WEAVING
TECHNIQUES
It is simply weaving your weft over one warp and under one warp.
The next line of weaving will then be the opposite in order to interlace
your threads.

9. LOOM
WEAVING
TECHNIQUES
• Also called Ghoiordes knot
• Found mostly at the bottom of a weave to create a fringe.
• Can be placed anywhere in the design to create a unique and
interesting composition.
• The knot creates a ‘tuft’ or pile by being tied around two adjacent
warps.
• The knots are also used to create a shaggy carpet texture.
2. Rya knots

10. Rya knots
WEAVING
TECHNIQUES Step 1: Place at least two to four cut strands of yarn over the warp threads.
Bring the right side of the yarn behind and around the warp threads
(usually 2 warps). Next bring the left side of the yarn behind and
around the next two warp threads so that the ends meet up in the
middle.
Step 2:

11. Rya knots
WEAVING
TECHNIQUES
Since we are starting with the rya knots (bottom up weaving), pull
the end pieces below the top knot area.
If you were ending with the rya knots (top down weaving) you
would pull the end pieces above the top knot area.
Quick Tip: After completing a row of rya knots, weave at least two rows of plain weave to
stabilize the knots. Continue by adding another row of rya knots above.
Trimming of the edges is necessary to create a uniform fringe
Step 3:

12. • The soumak technique resembles a braid in that it creates a lovely
raised and slanted look.
• Used to create a chain look on your weave.
• The basic pattern is over 2 warps, loop around. Over 2 warps,
loop around and continue in the same pattern.
3. Soumak Technique
LOOM
WEAVING
TECHNIQUES

13. LOOM
WEAVING
TECHNIQUES
Soumak Technique
Step 1: Take the end of the yarn and feed it under
the first two warp threads.
The basic pattern for the soumak technique is over 2 warps, loop around,
over 2 warps, loop around, etc.
Step 2: Take the other end, pass it over tree warp threads on the right
side of the loom starting from the right side and pulling to the
left.
Continue pulling towards the left to create the first loop

14. LOOM
WEAVING
TECHNIQUES
Soumak Technique
Step 3: Repeat step 2 to create the second loop.
Continue creating loops until you reach the end.

15. How to weave Slits
Weaving slits are used to create color blocks that 2 weft yarns do not
interlock with.
When you are a weaving two colors in the same row and reach the
desired length with a color, the yarn is sent back to create a new row.
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WEAVING
TECHNIQUES

16. How to do the Weft Interlock technique
• Weft interlocking joins two (2) weft yarns by linking
them together in a row.
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WEAVING
TECHNIQUES

17. How to do the Weft Interlock technique
• Warp interlocking joins two (2) weft yarns in a row by
wrapping the yarns around the same warp yarn.
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WEAVING
TECHNIQUES

18. How to weave a circle
METHOD 1
1. Draw a circle on
paper or a thin piece of
cardboard and cut out
the shape.
WEAVING
TECHNIQUES
2.Intertwine the paper
between the warp to hold it
in place.

19. WEAVING
TECHNIQUES
3. Continue the weaving process and weave around the shape along one side until
you reach the center at the top.
Then start weaving on the other side from the bottom up around the shape until
you get to the top to complete the circle.
How to weave a circle
METHOD 1 (cont’d)

20. METHOD 2
LOOM
WEAVING
TECHNIQUES
2. Begin the weaving process and weaving until
you reach the circle you turn and continue.
1. Take a circular object or
circle template and place it
over warp. Use a marker and
draw around the circular shape
on the warp.
3. After weaving one side, mirror the
pattern on the other to create an
equal circle.

21. LOOM
WEAVING
TECHNIQUES
• Hawthorn Handmade, 2022. 8 essential weaving tools every beginner should have to hand.
https://www.hawthornhandmade.com/blogs/guides/8-essential-weaving-tools-every-beginner-should-
have-to-hand
• Fibers and Design, 2019 – 2021. Weaving tools. https://fibersanddesign.com/weavingtools/
• A Pretty Fix, 8 weaving tools and supplies every weaver should own (and where you can find them).
https://aprettyfix.com/8-weaving-tools-supplies-every-weaver-should-own/
• Kate (The Weaving Loom –The Modern Lap Loom Weaver’s Resource), 2015??? Weaving techniques – rya
knots. https://www.theweavingloom.com/weaving-techniques-rya-knots/
• A Pretty Fix, DIY weaving techniques: 5 simple ways to add texture. https://aprettyfix.com/diy-weaving-
techniques-5-simple-ways-add-texture/
• Fibers and Design. 2019. Weaving techniques: interlocking and weaving slits guide.
https://fibersanddesign.com/weaving-techniques-interlocking-and-weaving-slits-guide/
• Kate (The Weaving Loom –The Modern Lap Loom Weaver’s Resource), 2015.
https://www.theweavingloom.com/fun-with-the-soumak-weave/
• Priyank Goyal. 2010. My textile notes. http://mytextilenotes.blogspot.com/2010/09/what-is-tapestry-
weave.html
• Fibers and Design. 2019. 3 ways to weave circles: weaving shapes on the loom guide.
https://fibersanddesign.com/3-ways-to-weave-circles-weaving-shapes-on-the-loom-guide/
REFERENCES

22. • https://i.etsystatic.com/17549202/r/il/94dd81/3078624862/il_fullxfull.3078624862_jdto.jpg
• https://peggyosterkamp.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Ghiordes-Knot.jpg.jpg
• https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1161/6046/files/rya-knots-row-1_1024x1024.jpg?v=1548121983
• https://i.pinimg.com/originals/78/4d/b2/784db2ef8e35aae67035a23f5c2db319.jpg
• http://patriciacantosdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/soumak-weaving.jpg
IMAGE COURTESIES
LOOM
WEAVING
TECHNIQUES

23. THE END
LOOM
WEAVING