A WEAVERS METHODOLOGY: Tips for becoming a more thoughtful and intuitive weaver
This methodology is an excerpt from my eBook, LINE SHAPE TEXTURE: A Creative's Guide o Frame-Loom Weaving.
It is a framework I developed over the last few years whilst learning to weave.
My journey involved immersing myself in all things woven – I attended courses, read books and began sampling. My aim was to develop my skills as a frame-loom weaver and improve the overall quality of my work.
What I gained from this self-study was an understanding of how woven elements can be applied and adapted, and crucially a good appreciation for why planning my pieces was so important.
This methodology helped me become a more thoughtful and intuitive weaver. I hope by sharing this framework I can help you develop your weaving and improve the overall success of your pieces.
It's also available as a handy infographic! You'll find it below, please feel free to share, pin or blog it.
A WEAVERS METHODOLOGY
Tips for becoming a more thoughtful and intuitive weaver
Get to know the foundation skills and language of weaving
- Become familiar with different weaving styles
- Get to know various construction methods
- Seek out as many resources as you can
Knowledge is power!Consider how the foundation skills can be applied to give rise to your own creative ideas
Reflect on the various ways these elements can be further adapted through your choice of colour, materials, textures and loom.Experiment and weave samples
This really is the only way to learn how warp spacing, yarn weight and fibre interact and influence the look and feel of your woven piece.Plan your piece
Sketch your design and give thought to how your piece will be constructed
Lay out your materials and assess colour and texture.Did I mention plan your piece!
Before you start, find a solution to these design constraints:- The size or your loom and weaving area
- Your warp spacing and yarn weight
- Securing warp ends
- Removing the piece from the loom
- Hanging or displaying your pieceCan your desired effect be achieved?
Add quality and longevity to your work by using appropriate techniques and materials
- Start with a solid framework
- Secure both warp and weft appropriately
- Consider any need for colourfastness, sun protection or pest resistance.Record your insights
Decide what you liked, what worked and why it worked
If some elements didn’t work as you’d hoped, consider why and ask yourself what could be modified to improve that element next time.Appreciate and enjoy the experience of creating a woven piece by hand!
In all of its various forms, hand weaving should be a gentle and organic approach to cloth making.
