Just Some Thoughts

5 Things I wish I knew when starting out

5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Weaving1 || How to not weave too tightly/keep an even tension throughout a weave

Ok, so for this one I had read a few tips, but still I didn’t pull off even tension in the beginning. I put together a post on how to plain weave so that your weave sides don’t pull in. The basic idea is to try thinking about weaving as placing the weft threads between the warp instead of pulling the weft threads between the warp. This is easier said then done because when you weave you pull the threads through, but no matter what weaving technique you’re using you should always be looking at your warp threads and making sure they look fairly un-disturbed on the loom. If you see one or more that is pulling out of it’s line, then try loosening your weft thread until the warp can sit straight. But don’t go crazy, your weave will never be “perfect”, just fix any really obvious warp pulls as you weave. It’s a hard task for many people that develops with time, which brings me to my next item…

2 || I really wish I had more patience when I was just starting out

I had a lot of ideas in my head of how I wanted my weaves to look, but they didn’t quite turn out that way. It was hard to not get frustrated over wanting to make a weave I envisioned, but not being at the skill level needed. As we all know, skills develop with practice, so if you’re not at the skill level you want to be at try these two things:

  • Make a weaving sampler. This is a great way to experiment and also get in the practice without the pressure of making a perfectly designed weave. (BTW, does anyone have a weaving sampler that they want to share? I’d love to hear what you thought about making one)
  • Keep a journal of weave ideas. If you have an idea, but don’t think you could execute it yet, sketch it up for a later time when you will be at a better skill level to tackle the weave.

5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Weaving3 || Design worry

When I was starting out, I felt like the design was a large issue for me. I had a lot of ideas, but whenever I tried to weave them, it just didn’t look right. Or I would weave up a whole weave and after I made it, I would really hate how it looked. That’s also very frustrating. Again, my skill level was part of the issue but also I didn’t have the experience with weaving techniques to know how putting them together would turn out. With this in mind, I created my Free Beginner’s Pattern. I wanted to make a pattern that was a good way to practice weaving techniques and also have a weave you could hang on the wall once you were finished. So you can hopefully get past part of the frustration.

4 || Weaving supplies

What is a good needle to weave with? Where can I find pretty yarn? I had a lot of questions like that when starting out, so I do my best to share with you. I created my Weaving Wishlist posts as a place to share where I get supplies. I call it a wish list, because there are a lot of fun to have items along with some really helpful items too.

5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Weaving5 || A resource like this blog

I know, that sounds like I’m tooting my own horn, but its true. The whole reason I created this blog is because I really did wish I had a resource like this when starting out. I had to do a whole lot of research in many different places and I found many others were doing the same, so I thought why not share what I have found. I get so much joy from weaving and I know other people are interested in learning it too, so I just had to share. This blog is for you and I’m so happy to see that so many of you are finding it helpful!

So now I want to focus on you and what you would like to see more of. What do you wish you knew when you were starting out? Is there any weaving technique or anything you’re stuck on? Would you like to see more weaving videos? Would you be interested in weaving patterns you could follow, like the beginner’s pattern? Drop me an email or let me know what you would like to see more of in the comments below.

Happy Weaving!

Kate

For more fun, follow me here -> pinterestinstagram

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  • Laura Poole
    June 30, 2016 at 4:31 pm

    Hi Kate, you are teaching me to weave!!! Your directions for the various stitches have really helped. I love mixing the ones I’ve learned and have been combining hand spun yarn with various other weights and types. I would have the courage to do that if not for your blog . I would love to see additional different stitches.

    • Kate
      July 1, 2016 at 2:26 pm

      Yay! That is so great that you’re finding my tutorials so helpful, it really makes me happy to share all this so you and others can learn 🙂

  • Natalie
    June 30, 2016 at 5:20 pm

    Thank you as always for the great post. I am still trying to do a chevron weave and I really can’t wrap my head around it. I don’t know if I am always trying to the wrong weight or texture but every time I give up!!! So I guess I’m stuck in that 😀

    • Kate
      July 1, 2016 at 2:30 pm

      Oh yes, the chevron weave. A video of the process might help and I haven’t done a video on the chevron weave yet, so I’ll try to put one together soon. Thanks for the feedback!

  • judy leffler
    June 30, 2016 at 7:59 pm

    The one thing that really helped me for instance is the last You Tube video that was actually you doing the weave. I like the other ones too but seeing it actually live being done helps me. I will be getting my new looms tomorrow and the little minnow will be for me a practice loom which I am looking forward to. One thing that does baffle me is weaving upside down. I just can’t comprehend how to do that.

    • Kate
      July 1, 2016 at 2:33 pm

      Thanks for the feedback Judy! Yes I think the “live” videos work better for a lot of people, so I’m going to try to do more of those. Maybe I can even do a short video on what I mean by weaving upside-down. It’s really a simple difference, but sounds complicated in just words 🙂 And yay for your new looms!

  • jeanette
    July 1, 2016 at 1:08 am

    I am a visual learner also not very patient but i’m working on it,more videos would be great.
    Working on a peg loom at the moment and i’m a little stuck on how I sew my weaves together hopefully into a rug.

    • Kate
      July 1, 2016 at 2:35 pm

      Thanks for the feedback! I will definitely try to make more videos, I think a lot of people learn better that way. I’ll think about the sewing weaves together, I haven’t done it yet and I think the tricky part is figuring out a way to make it look like one piece and not sewn together 😉

  • Clementine
    July 1, 2016 at 9:17 am

    Thank you for this blog. I would love more videos because I find them so helpful. I would also love to see some videos on weaving scarves.

    • Kate
      July 1, 2016 at 2:45 pm

      Thanks for the feedback, I definitely will be making more batteries. For weaving scarves, it’s easiest to do that on a Saori loom or a table top loom (instead of a frame/lap loom) because they have extra long warp threads that roll out so you can make very long woven things like a scarf 🙂

  • Elizabeth Gatti
    July 2, 2016 at 9:27 am

    Thanks so much for your insight!
    I started weaving in November of 2015. I have created several pieces, and I have deconstructed as many.
    The ones I really like happen by accident, usually, and those I give as gifts. I need to remember to take photos of those so I can remember what I liked about them.
    I have collected so many different materials for weaving, including twigs, raffia, twine, leather and strips of cloth.
    This has become my new passion.
    Before this I made paper and designed stamps.
    Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and expertise with us!

    Just about everything I have leaned about this wonderful new opportunity, I have gotten from you! I read everything you post! Thanks again, Beth

    • Kate
      July 2, 2016 at 9:00 pm

      Hi Beth, I love to hear when someone becomes passionate about weaving too! I also agree that you should make note of what you like in your weaves and what you don’t like, this will help you figure out your own style quicker. I’m so happy to have helped you get into weaving 😀

  • Kimberly
    July 2, 2016 at 9:39 am

    Hello Kate!! I’ve read the other comments above and I totally agree with more videos!! I too am a visual learner and if we could actually see you doing the stitches I think that would be so beneficial to many of us. In fact the weaver that you just interviewed (Brosha on Instagram) I went to look at her on Instagram photos and she had two little video of her working the stitches and I learned a ton just by watching her!! So….videos of stitches and tips would be great!! Love your blog!! Thanks for asking us!! Big hugs!!

    • Kate
      July 2, 2016 at 9:01 pm

      Thanks so much for your feedback, it is looking like I’ll be doing more videos, lol. And you’re right Brosha has some videos of her weaving technique, which are really cool.

  • Linda Dean
    July 2, 2016 at 3:02 pm

    Hi Kate, sorry I haven’t been responding to your wonderful blogs. I love the craft of weaving but haven’t been focusing too much on doing it due to family events going on now. I just purchased a bead loom large enough to do a weaving of a cuff bracelet and some beadwork. I would love some insight into this as it’s just a vision in my head right now. I’ve only seen a few on Pinterest without any tutorials. You asked if I love tutorials, and yes I do. That seems to be the way I learn, by viewing. I’m a big You Tube fan. Please keep up your wonderful, colorful blogs because I really enjoy your wisdom in weaving.

    • Kate
      July 2, 2016 at 9:04 pm

      Thanks for your feedback, a lot of people are saying videos are the most helpful and I really appreciate this. I’ve never tried a bead loom, but that sounds really fun! I’ll have to look into it more.

  • Liz
    July 11, 2016 at 12:52 pm

    Kate! My kiddies loom came today and I’m soooooo excited. This website is a gift. Thank you for sharing your knowledge so freely. Xo

    • Kate
      July 11, 2016 at 3:01 pm

      Thank you for your kind words! Have fun with the new loom!

  • Rebecca Ward
    July 27, 2016 at 5:31 am

    Hi Kate! Your website is fantastic and I’ve been learning heaps! I have a small problem. I’m about 1/3 through my first loom and I’ve pulled the yarn too tight on both sides. Boo. A rookie error!! I’m a bit Devo about it! Not sure if I should start over or just keep going and hide it in the bedroom so not as many people see how un-straight the sides will be!! Do you know of a fix or have any ideas?? Thanks, Bec.

    • Kate
      July 28, 2016 at 4:38 pm

      Hi Bec, that stinks but it does happen to a lot of us. If it’s really bothering you, I think the best option is to un-weave and re-weave it. Unless it’s only like four rows, then you might be able to pull a lot of thread through the other end of the first row, then work the extra thread down to loosen the other rows (if that makes sense). Sorry, I wish I had a magical solution :/

      • Bec
        July 30, 2016 at 7:09 pm

        Thanks for your reply! I ended up pulling it all out and starting on a new, mini weave. I completed it in 3 days and I am so happy with it! Made sure I didn’t pull too tight and it’s hanging up on the wall 🙂

        • Kate
          July 31, 2016 at 3:51 pm

          That’s great, I’m glad it worked out in the end 🙂