Welcome to the enchanting world of weaving ~
The age old art of intertwining fibers to create fabric, has been charming artisans and communities for centuries. Whatever your skill level, weaving invites you on a journey of self-expression, craftsmanship, and a connection to the rich tapestry of human history.
Many people, especially knitters, begin their weaving journey with small looms like the rigid heddle (often referred to as a Knitter's Loom) the centerpiece of Yarn Over Yarn’s weaving pages. Discover the art of weaving through beginner-friendly guides, inspiring projects, and the limitless potential of color, texture, and pattern. Weaving invites you to slow down, tap into your creativity, and experience the joy of crafting something beautiful and uniquely your own.
WEAVE
Techniques
&
Instructional Videos
Coming Soon
Balanced Weave
The number of warp threads across equals the rows of weft.
Battening
The action of pushing the weft into place with the reed, also known as “Beating Up.”
Beaming
The process of winding the warp threads onto the back beam of the loom before threading through the heddles and reed.
Beat
The act of pressing the weft thread into place using the reed or beater, ensuring that the fabric is evenly woven.
Clasped Weft
A technique where two weft threads are used simultaneously, clasping each other as they pass through the shed to create patterns or color changes.
Cross
Cross: The figure-eight arrangement of warp threads that keeps them in order during winding and beaming, preventing tangling.
Double Weave
A technique that creates two layers of fabric simultaneously, which can be interlocked or left separate.
Draw-In
The slight narrowing of the fabric as it is woven, caused by the tension of the weft threads pulling the warp threads together.
EPI (Ends Per Inch)
The number of warp threads per inch in a woven fabric, which determines the fabric’s density.
Float
A warp or weft thread that extends over several other threads without interlacing. Floats can be intentional for patterning or may be considered a flaw if unintentional.
Heddle
A device used on a loom to separate and lift warp threads, forming a shed. Heddles can be made of wire, string, or even wood.
Heddle Eye
The opening in a heddle through which a warp thread passes.
Jacquard
A type of loom or weaving technique that enables the creation of intricate patterns, often used for brocade and damask fabrics.
Loom
The device or frame used to weave cloth. It holds the warp threads under tension to facilitate the interweaving of the weft.
Overshot
A type of weave where a pattern is created by floating weft threads over multiple warp threads, often used in traditional American coverlets.
Pickup Stick
A tool used to manually lift specific warp threads to create patterns in plain weave fabrics.
PPI (Picks Per Inch)
The number of weft threads per inch in a woven fabric.Reed: A comb-like tool that pushes the weft threads into place as you weave. It also helps to keep the warp threads evenly spaced.
Selvage
The finished edge of a woven fabric, running parallel to the warp. It prevents the fabric from unraveling.
Shed
The opening between raised and lowered warp threads through which the weft passes.
Shuttle
A tool used to carry the weft thread back and forth through the shed between the warp threads.
Supplementary Warp
Extra warp threads used for decorative purposes, often creating a pattern on the fabric’s surface.
Supplementary Weft
Additional weft threads added to create patterns or texture without affecting the structure of the fabric.
Shedding
The process of raising and lowering warp threads to create a shed through which the weft passes.
Tabby
A plain weave where each weft thread passes over and under alternate warp threads.
Take-Up
The amount of warp thread consumed as it is woven into fabric, reducing the overall length of the warp on the loom.
Tapestry
A form of weaving where the weft threads are packed down tightly, often using different colors to create a design or image.
Temple
A tool used to maintain the width of the fabric on the loom, preventing draw-in.
Tension
The degree of tightness in the warp threads. Proper tension is crucial for even weaving.
Twill
A type of weave that produces a diagonal pattern on the fabric surface, created by passing the weft over one or more warp threads and then under two or more warp threads.
Tie-Up
The arrangement of treadles to control which warp threads are lifted during weaving.
Warp
The set of yarns or threads that are stretched in place on a loom before the weaving process begins. The warp runs vertically on the loom.
Warp-Faced Weave:
A type of weave where the warp threads are more visible on the surface of the fabric, often used in rugs.
Weft (or Woof):
The horizontal threads that are woven over and under the warp threads to create fabric.
Weft-Faced Weave:
A weave where the weft threads dominate the surface of the fabric, hiding most of the warp.
Ball Winder
a mechanical device designed to wind yarn into a round, center-pull ball or cake. It allows for efficient and even winding, making the yarn easier to handle and use.
Boat Shuttle
A shuttle that holds a bobbin of weft yarn, allowing for smoother and faster weaving.
Clamps
Used to secure the loom to a table or work surface while warping or weaving.
Measuring Tape
Used to measure the length of warp threads and to check the progress of the woven fabric.
Heddle Hook
A tool used to thread warp threads through the holes in the rigid heddle.
Pick-Up Stick
A flat, narrow tool used to manually lift specific warp threads to create patterns in plain weave fabrics.
Reed Hook
A tool with a hooked end, used to thread warp threads through the slots and holes in the rigid heddle.
Rigid Heddle
A frame with slots and holes through which the warp threads are threaded, serving both as a heddle and reed.
Rigid Heddle Loom
The loom itself, designed for simplicity and portability, using a rigid heddle to lift and lower warp threads.
Shuttle
A tool used to carry the weft thread back and forth through the shed between the warp threads.
Sleying Hook
A hook used for pulling the warp threads through the slots and holes of the rigid heddle.
Stick Shuttle
A flat, elongated tool around which the weft yarn is wound, used to pass the yarn through the shed.
Tapestry Needle
A large, blunt needle used for weaving in ends, repairing mistakes, or adding supplementary weft.
Temple
A tool used to maintain the width of the fabric on the loom, preventing the draw-in of the warp threads.
Tension Knob:
A knob used to adjust the tension of the warp threads on the loom.
Threading Hook:
A small hook tool used for threading warp threads through the heddle slots and holes.
Warp Beam
The beam at the back of the loom on which the warp threads are wound before threading through the heddle.
Warp Separator Paper
Paper or cardboard strips used to separate layers of warp threads on the back beam, preventing tangling and maintaining even tension.
Warping Board
A frame with pegs used to measure and organize warp threads before they are placed on the loom.
Warping Helper or Assistant:
A tool or accessory designed to help hold and manage warp threads during the warping process.
Warping Pegs
Pegs used to measure and stretch the warp threads to the correct length before threading them through the rigid heddle.
Yarn Bobbins
Small spools or bobbins around which weft yarn is wound for use with a boat shuttle.
Yarn Swift
a device designed to hold a skein or hank of yarn in place while it is being wound onto a yarn ball winder or into a center-pull ball. It allows the yarn to unwind smoothly and evenly without tangling.