Circular Weaving Weaving Techniques Weaving Tips

Exploring Circular Weaving

Exploring Circular Weaving || The Weaving Loom In a previous post, I showed how to warp a loom for circular weaving (post 1  and post 2). Since then I’ve been working at it and trying to figure out what works best for me. One thing I’ve found to be interesting is the large warp clump in the middle. As you know, with a normally warped lap loom, there is no over lapping of warp threads. So the thing I found myself doing was wondering how can I weave to take away from the clump and make it less noticeable.  And actually I like the look of the middle, but I don’t want it to be so apparent.

The first thing I found is, I like a few rounds of plain weave in the center. I tried some other weave techniques, but didn’t like how they turned out. This is because the warp threads are a bit dis-organized in the center and a plain weave helps align them.

Exploring Circular Weaving || The Weaving Loom I also noticed that because the warp threads are dis-organized, it was much better if I wove higher up on the warp threads and then pushed my weft down to the center. This way I wouldn’t get confused as to which warp thread was next.

A second discovery I made was that if I started with a thin thread, it wove much better in the middle. When I wove with worsted weight thread, I didn’t like how much the warp threads were showing in the middle, the worsted weight didn’t get as deep into the center as I had wanted. I ended up trying two different threads and found I like the outcome. The first was a thick and thin, hand-spun thread. I started with the thin part of the yarn and wove that around, while the yarn became thicker as I went. It worked really well and added visual interest. The second thread I used was a sock yarn, so it’s super thin.  When I normally weave with sock yarn, I will use multiple threads of it at once or combine it with another thread that compliments it, like a worsted weight. But for this circle weaving, I used just one piece of sock yarn thread. This worked really well in the center of my weave, it is so thin that it got very close to the center and I really liked how it turned out.  You can see an example of both threads below.

Exploring Circular Weaving || The Weaving LoomExploring Circular Weaving || The Weaving LoomI’ll keep sharing more of the circle weaving as I go. Have you tried circle weaving yet? I’d love to hear what you think about it compared to normal weaving. Or if you haven’t tried it and aren’t really interested, let me know what you’re working on in the comments below.

Happy Weaving!

Kate

 

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  • Lana Stuart
    January 28, 2016 at 3:35 pm

    I haven’t tried circular weaving yet, but it looks very interesting! Did you make your own circular loom or purchase it?

  • Kyla
    January 28, 2016 at 3:57 pm

    To piggy back on Lana’s question, I’m also curious about the circular weaving… would you suggest the unusual pear’s loom or starting with a make-shift embroidery hoop loom?

    • Kate
      January 28, 2016 at 8:55 pm

      Hi Kyla, it’s really up to you. I’ve been working on both and there is more ease to using the Unusual Pear’s loom since it’s made for weaving use, but to be honest I felt like that embroidery hoop wasn’t much harder. Also those embroidery hoops are so inexpensive, that you could just finish your weave on the hoop, which is always nice. So I would say if you’re in the market for another loom, then buy the circular loom. If not then you can still enjoy circular weaving with the hoop 🙂

  • The Unusual Pear
    February 1, 2016 at 5:33 am

    Looking beautiful Kate 🙂

    • Kate
      February 1, 2016 at 9:58 am

      Thanks Rainie 🙂

  • Beisi
    February 10, 2016 at 11:33 am

    Hi Kate, thank you for the tutorials, I find them very helpful! I was wondering how to finish a circular weaving project made on a round loom instead of a hoop, and how to hang it? I guess it requires quite different techniques compared to the regular weaving pieces?

    • Kate
      February 11, 2016 at 2:14 pm

      Hi Beisi, I just finished posting the steps to how to finish a circular weave off the loom, check it out 🙂

  • Claudia
    February 15, 2016 at 5:19 am

    Hi Kate,
    I just made one, I’m a beginner but I really like how it turned out..I only have to hang yet…😃
    I’ve posted my first one on IG.
    Thank you for your tutorials👍🏼

    • Kate
      February 15, 2016 at 2:05 pm

      Hi Claudia, thank you so much for sharing your circle weave on IG, I loved seeing it.

  • DIY Hula Hoop Circle Weave Tutorial | tiny kelsie | A Lifestyle Blog
    April 6, 2016 at 8:36 am

    […] Begin weaving the center with your thinnest yarn, with a plain weave. This is the smallest area on the loom, and using big stuff right away can make […]

  • Kris
    April 24, 2016 at 9:14 am

    Kate, your tutorials are awesome, thank you so much for sharing. i’m loving the circle loom and will be trying this first i think! i would love to see some of the circular weaves you have done for inspiration, so ill be stalking your instagram feed later 🙂 xxx

    • Kate
      April 25, 2016 at 2:50 pm

      Hi Kris! Thank you for your kind words, I’m so happy you’re finding my tutorials helpful. Yes, do try circular weaving it is really fun. I only have two circular weaves I’ve posted, but am working on more which I will hopefully share soon. Have a great day!

      • Kris
        April 26, 2016 at 3:15 am

        🙂 thank you. Looking forward to seeing them! Enjoy your day xxx

  • danna
    August 18, 2016 at 11:40 am

    Hi! I’ve been working on circle weaving with dreamcatchers. The dreamcatcher uses a half hitch knot to make the weave. The weave makes a circle in the center and I want to try to make a circle weave inside the circle. I’ve seen it done but can’t figure it out. Is there a way to send you a photo of what I’m trying to make? I enjoy your blog. Thanks for sharing!

    • Kate
      August 19, 2016 at 7:20 am

      Sure you can send me a picture at kate@theweavingloom.com
      I might not have the answer, but I’d love to see if I can help.

  • judy
    August 18, 2016 at 2:58 pm

    I am just beginning with this whole weaving experience, learning the basics right now but I am pretty sure I will be trying the circular weaving because I do have a few spare embroidery hoops collecting dust right now! This process reminds me of my previous projects using the embroidery hoops for dream weavers. For the dream weavers, I used the hoop as the frame- painting it or staining it to match the colors I used in the dream weaver. Someone in an earlier post asked about finishing it off the loom? I think depending on the project, you could actually leave the weaving on the hoop and incorporate the frame into the finished piece much like the dream weavers.

    • Kate
      August 19, 2016 at 7:18 am

      I never thought to paint or stain the hoop, but I always paint or stain my dowel rods, haha. I’ll have to try that some time! It reminds me of dream weavers too 😀

  • Susan
    December 6, 2016 at 9:53 pm

    I just finished a miniature circular doll house rug. Learned a lot. I pulled my yarn too tight and it curled the edges. Also I am determined to figure out a better finish for the center. Trying a second one.

    • Kate
      December 15, 2016 at 10:11 pm

      That’s great! And good point about pulling too tight, it can make a bowl-like shape.

  • Joy
    December 24, 2016 at 2:45 pm

    I love your website! This is my first true attempt at weaving, beyond those loopy pot holders and paper placemats we made as children and some other small paper weaving projects. I knit and crochet and sew, and I’ve always wanted to add weaving to my fiber art toolbox. I had so much fun with the circular weave. Your images and instructions are clear and helpful. Thanks for all you do!!!

    • Kate
      December 27, 2016 at 4:00 pm

      Thanks & that is great to hear that you’re finding it helpful. I hope you enjoy weaving as much as I do 🙂