Weaving Techniques

Weaving Techniques || Organic (Doodle) Weaving

How to doodle weaveI’m going to call this technique doodle weaving, because there is no planned shape. Just the fun of doodling in different colors! I really love weaving like this, because it can be very creatively freeing. There is no special technique to this. Each color I wove with the plain weave and I’m sure a lot of you have already tried this, but I do have some tips to share.


In the pictures I’ll walk you through how I added one color and I also included a sped up video (I wish I was that fast!) of me weaving in different colors.

How to doodle weaveForget about a design

I really recommend trying to weave this quickly with little forethought on how the design should look. It’s much more fun and creatively freeing to just go for it and let yourself make design choices in the moment!

How to doodle weavePick your color palette

I like to choose way more threads then I’ll probably use. Since this doodling is usually done quickly without a plan, it’s nice to have a large variety of options so that you can grab colors quickly as you go.

How to doodle weaveWeave across different warp threads

I like to jump around on which warp threads I weave over, which looks really interesting and also helps hold the piece together. You could weave color blocks, but then you will have to account for gaps (I have ways to fix gaps here).

How to doodle weaveDon’t forget to step back and squint

While I’m weaving quickly, I will often pause to take a step back and squint at my weaving. This really helps give you a macro view of what your colors and organic shapes are doing. It helps you decide what to weave next.

Weaving like this gives you a lot of ends to tuck, but I think it’s well worth it! Especially since weaving like this is so quick and fun.  And here is a sped up video of me making the shapes:

If you missed it, I posted on making a cardboard loom for those who want to get started weaving or if your looms are tied up.  Cardboard looms are really great temporary looms.

Do you normally follow a strict design, a flexible design, or just weave organically like this? I tend to weave with a flexible design in mind, but it can be so nice to occasionally weave a strict design or completely off the cuff. It helps me get out of any creative slumps that might arise.

Happy Weaving!

Kate


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  • Jacqueline
    September 15, 2016 at 3:40 pm

    Hi, Kate! Thanks for this post! It is a question I have been wondering about. I always have a colour scheme sorted out before I start any project. As you know I have only started weaving in the last couple of weeks but I always make the pattern up as I go along. At the beginning of the week I added texture and thicker yarns, which I really enjoyed. Now I feel ready to start ‘doodling’ and be really random!…especially after two days of chores and admin!…..looking forward to getting back to it!….xxx

    • Kate
      September 16, 2016 at 6:29 am

      Thanks for sharing! I agree textured and thicker yarns are really fun to add to weaves. I hope you can have a fun weekend of weaving!

      • Jacqueline
        September 16, 2016 at 6:43 am

        Thanks! Just about to make a start on my new loom! What I Love about weaving is the freedom it gives me! I can’t paint or draw but weaving allows me to work with colour in a similar way. I don’t have to follow a written pattern, like in knitting or crochet, I can pick it up and put it down and never lose my place. I shall share a photo on IG 🙂 Have a Wonderful Weekend!….

  • Jessica
    September 15, 2016 at 4:23 pm

    Ahhh! I’m so glad you wrote about this! I really struggle with creating organic shapes when I’m weaving. Its something I’ve been wanting to incorporate more but (this sounds silly) I wasn’t sure how. I think sometimes I can be such a “rule follower” that I have a hard time stepping outside of that creatively and allowing myself to just organically create…like a master builder. Yes, yes I did just make a reference to the Lego Movie 😉 It just occurred to me and its crazy accurate lol

    • Kate
      September 16, 2016 at 6:31 am

      Haha, I like that you referenced the Lego Movie, but you’re right it does work really well with this idea. I’m glad to have helped you weave more organically 🙂