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Writer's pictureThe Makery

WOVEN TAPESTRY FOR BEGINNERS

by Priyam Mukharya



What You’ll Need:

  • Shed Stick

  • Strong Thread (this will be used for the warp [vertical threads] and should be durable for a sturdy foundation)

  • Needle

  • Assorted Yarn (for the weft (horizontal threads) Any assortment of colors, thickness will do.

  • A Dowel or Stick (for hanging purposes)

  • Scissors

  • Fork or Comb

  • Pencil


Creating the Warp

  • Tie the string onto the first peg at the top

  • Pull the thread down and around the bottom peg directly below the one with the knot

  • Bring the thread back to the top and wrap around the second peg

  • Repeat until the desired width is achieved

  • Tie the string onto the last peg used, make sure the warp strings aren't too loose or too tight, this will make weaving much easier.

  • Insert the shed stick over and under, push it down




Begin Weaving

  • Start with weaving 12 rows also called as Tabby, that will create a heading which will create as an anchor for the rest of the weaving

  • Start at least three warp threads in, leaving a 2"+ tail of thread on the back.

  • Weave in an alternating over/under pattern

  • Weave back the other direction in the opposite over-under pattern.

  • Make sure all weft (horizontal strands) are pushed tightly together.

  • Use a fork or comb to push down the weft


*To make weaving easier, an additional "shed stick" can be used. I used a pencil; a paint stirrer or ruler also works well!




Bottom Row Tassels

  • Weave the 12 rows first and start making tassels on them as a base

  • Cut tassel strands to desired length (the number of strands will depend on the thickness of the yarn as well as desired bulkiness)

  • Three warps in, weave the strands under two warp strand and out

  • Pull the strands up through the middle of the two warp strands

  • Push the tail ends through the loop created in step three

  • Gently pull the ends to tighten the knot

  • To put more next to each other skip one warp strand the create another knot

  • Push all the Tassels to the weft




Weaving After Tassels

  • Repeat the same process, again weave 12 rows of weft

  • If you run out of thread or want to switch to a different color: End the current thread so the tail is in the back, preferably at least 3 warps in.

  • Push strand down

  • Start the new strand at the end of the previous one. Leave a 2"+ tail in the back and continue the weaving pattern.

  • Use as many colors you want and as many wefts, play with colors




The Rya Knot

  • Cut tassel strands to desired length (the number of strands will depend on the thickness of the yarn as well as desired bulkiness)

  • Three warps in, weave the strands under two warp strands and out

  • Pull the strands up through the middle of the two warp strands

  • Push the tail ends through the loop created in step three

  • Gently pull the ends to tighten the knot

  • To put more next to each other skip one warp strand the create another knot




Chop Off the Rya Knots

  • Chop off the rya knots any size or shape

  • Make sure to use a sharp scissor

  • The rya knots likely left some gaps on the sides and in the center. Fill those in by weaving in an over/under pattern.

  • Continue weaving with desired colors until satisfied




Cleaning Up the Back

  • Flip the loom over and clean up the loose ends!

  • Either tie strands together and cut excess (this can get bulky) or sew the tails through the back of the tapestry




Taking the Tapestry Off the Loom

Bottom Loop

  • Take the bottom loops off first

  • Lift up the fringe and take out shed stick

  • Carefully take the loops out of each peg

  • Start by knotting the ends, take the loose end and the one next to it and tie them together with an overhand knot

  • Repeat the process for every single individual loop



Top Loop

  • Carefully take off the top loops from the pegs

  • Knot the same way as the bottom loops




Finishing Touch

Lastly, tie the ends of a long piece of yarn to each end of the stick and enjoy your new wall hanging





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