Beginner weaver guide
The perfect start for beginners learning how to weave on a frame loom.
Here are the objectives of this guide:

Build a loom

Learn Techniques

begin to design
weaving with a modern flAre
Weaving has been an essential art form that has spanned and developed throughout centuries. Today weaving can be used to create and develop interior experiences and push fashion boundaries.
This weaving guide is a collection of written and video tutorials that I have created. They will kick start your weaving journey and give you the basic essential weaving knowledge, including terminology and techniques. You can find even more resources in the Fibers and Design website and on our social media.
Happy weaving!
– Gina Dargan, creator of fibers and design

basic terminology and knowledge
Weft vs. Warp
There are two sets of yarn on the loom: the warp and the weft.

warp
Learn about what are the best warp yarns here:

weft
Learn more about the differences between the warp and weft here:

Weaving tools
- tapestry needle
- shed stick
- loom comb
- frame loom
There are also a few more essential tools ( even some that you can make yourself!) Learn more here in my TOP 10 list:
YArn for weaving
There are various types of yarn to use for weaving. I like to categorize them into four main groups:
- Man-made yarn (i.e. polyester, acrylic)
- Natural yarn (from plants (i.e. bamboo, jute, and cotton) and animals (i.e. wool, cashmere)
- Blended yarn (a mix of man-made and natural yarn)
- Ethical and Ecofriendly yarn (the production of this yarn considers and protects the wellbeing of the animals and those creating the product)
As a weaver, you can decide what kinds of yarn are better for your project and lifestyle. You can find more information about yarn types here:

Dressing the loom
preparing the loom
Before you dress the loom, there are three areas to plan to create structured design and a good weaving experience.

understanding density
Find out more about density and warp spacing:

setting up the loom

double warping
Diy frame looms
A frame loom is a basic loom structure used for weaving. It can be created from a variety of materials and of sizes, such as wood, cardboard, pipes, and so on. Here are two tutorials that you can follow to build you own:
Cardboard loom
Do you have some left over cardboard packaging? Don’t throw it away, instead build a loom. Follow the full tutorial here.
Wooden frame loom
A frame loom can be created from various materials. In this tutorial learn how to take a frame (from a canvas, photo frame, etc) and turn it into a loom.
Weaving patterns
There are 6 basic patterns that you can build from and manipulate to great various designs. Learn more below:

Plain weave, also known as tabby weave, creates a checkerboard pattern, which is created by alternating warp threads while adding the weft yarns.
Twill weave pattern creates a diagonal pattern. Before starting, weave a few rows or plain weave to create a base for the pattern.
Rya knots create a fringe. This fringe can be added to the end of the weave, which extend the weave design. Fringe can also be added within the body of the weave. This adds volume and texture to the weave.
interlock
weaving techniqueswarp interlocking
LEARN HERE
weft interlocking
LEARN HERE
slit weaving
LEARN HERE
weaving images
Now that you have a good understanding about weaving techniques, here are a few techniques for weaving shapes and images.
creating a tapestry cartoon
GEOMETRIC SHAPES
Twining and structure
Tapestry cartoon and texture
New to design?
no worries, i got your covered:
Check out these two sections for tips for building your first designs.
building composition : Basics
color theory : basics

If you have any questions, please send me a message using the form below.
Also subscribe to the Fibers and Design newsletter to recieve updates of resources available and news!
Happy weaving!
– Gina Dargan, creator of fibers and design
Contact Us
Have any questions about weaving or suggestions for a tutorials? I would love to hear from you! Leave me a message in the form.