What is WEAVING?
In its simplest form, weaving is the craft or action of forming fabric by interlacing threads.
“That sounds interesting, I’d love to know more!”
Well, this simple process of interlacing two sets of yarns at right angles in order to form a cloth has been around since the Neolithic ages - that’s approximately 12,000 years! - which is why weaving has been acknowledged as being one of the oldest surviving crafts in the world. Back then, this simple process was used with twigs and branches in order to make shelters and baskets.
Even after the Industrial Revolution when weaving became a mechanical process with steam and water powered looms, people continued to hand weave from home. Nearly all textiles nowadays come from commercially woven cloth but the process of hand weaving still remains popular today. Keeping alive the traditions and skills of the early weavers, has become a perfect therapeutic activity for a Sunday afternoon.
“That’s really interesting, what things can you make with woven cloth?”
The possibilities are endless, from wall hangings and scarves to bookmarks and coasters, you can weave something for every occasion. There is a great sense of pride in being able to show off your unique creations to the world that you lovingly made by hand.
It is also a great hobby to pick up at any age! As well as it being a calming activity to do, it can actually help to improve your hand-eye coordination.
“Sounds great, how can I get started with weaving?”
Well look no further than my Beginners Weaving Kit! Each kit contains all the tools and instructions to be able to set up your very own hand loom and get to grips with the process. They contain yarn rescued from British mills so that with every warp and weft you create, you will be helping close the loop on the fast-fashion textiles industry.
“But what do those terms mean?”
Here are some important terms you need to know before you get started:
Loom
The piece of equipment that gives your warp support and tension as you work.
Here's a list of different types of looms: Pin Loom, Inkle Loom, Frame Loom, Tapestry Loom, Rigid Heddle Loom, Table Loom, Floor Loom, Mechanical Dobby Loom, Electronic Dobby Loom, Jacquard Loom, and Industrial Power Loom.
Warp
Thread strung over the loom vertically and holds the tension whilst you weave with the weft. The warp is the backbone of your woven piece
Weft
The thread that you weave between the warp threads, creating patterns and designs in your final piece of weave
Shuttle/needle
A tool designed to neatly and compactly store the weft yarn while being passed through the warp during the weaving process. A shuttle/needle are passed back and forth going between the warp in order to create the cloth
“This all sounds amazing, where can I get my hand on a weaving kit?”
Happy weaving!
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