DIY Woven Coaster Set Tutorial | Weaving Projects for Beginners
Introduction
Hand weaving a coaster, or “mug rugs”, is an easy weaving project for beginners to try on the loom. If you do not have a loom, you can easily weave a coaster on a DIY loom made from cardboard (read the full tutorial here, How to Make a Cardboard Loom) or a picture frame (read the full tutorial here, How to Make a Simple Weaving Loom).
In this tutorial you will learn:
- how to create a hand woven coaster set
- how to make a weaving pattern for coasters
- beginner weaving techniques : warp interlocking
- weaving with cotton
- how to start a weave
- how to end a weave
Materials needed for this tutorial
- Loom
- Paper and pencil for sketching
- Cotton yarn (or desired design yarn)
- Weaving Comb (or fork)
- Scissors (or thread snips)
- Thin tapestry needle
- Long tapestry needle
Instructions
You are probably weaving coasters on a frame loom, so hopefully you will have enough space to weave a set of 4 coasters. Here is an easy way to weave a set of coaster:
Step 1: Plan the woven coaster set design.
Weaving a full set of coasters gives you the chance to be creative and build an interesting composition. In the simple line design below, I’ve created a composition that connects all four coasters into one cohesive design.
Each coaster mirrors the other panel’s design. Simply use the same dimensions and flip them in the opposite direction to create this design. Read further in step 7 how to create this weave this design.
Step 2: On the left side of the loom, add warp to 4 inches on the top and bottom of the loom.
Step 3: On the right side of the loom, add warp to 4 inches on the top and bottom of the loom.
Step 4: Weave three rows of warp spacers to the bottom of the loom.
Leave at least one inch space between the loom nails or tabs and the warp spacers. (Learn how to add warp spacer to your loom in this tutorial, How to Start Weaving )
Step 5: Weave a row of twining and three rows of plain weave to create a strong weaving base.
Learn how to use and create the twining technique in this turorial, Twining: Weaving Technique.
Learn how to weave with plain weave in this tutorial, Plain Weave: Basic Weaving Patterns for Beginners.
Step 6: Flip your loom around and repeat steps 3 and 4 to the top of the loom.
Now there are four bases ready to weave the design.
Alternatively, the second set of warp spacers can be tied 6 inches (or higher) above the bottom row of warp spacers. That way you do not have to flip the loom.
Another approach is to weave a one panel or the neighboring panel at a time. Then repeat the steps to complete the other two panels.
Step 7: Weave your desired design on each section.
Each section should be woven 4 inches high.
Woven coaster design instructions:
1.Weave up 1.5 inches in plain weave
2.Measure and mark 2 inches from the right side of the panel
3.Weave up 2.5 inches on the left side of the panel.
4.In the right corner of the panel weave up 1 inch.
5.Measure and mark 1inch from the right side of the panel.
6.Weave up 2 inches in this section. Use the warp interlocking method to connect the inner sections.
7.Weave in the inner section.Use the warp interlocking method to connect the inner and outer sections.
Helpful tutorials for this section:
Warp interlocking: Weaving Techniques Tutorial
Step 8: Tuck in all weft yarn ends.
Do not let the weft ends remain loose- securely send the ends to the back of the weaving.
Step 9: Weave a row of twining to secure the weft rows.
This will prevent the last rows of weft from coming undone.
Step 10: Between the four sections cut the warp down the middle to separate the panels.
Calculate each section to have at least one inch of warp waste on each side of the panel. Warp waste is the warp string not used for the design of the coasters, but used to secure the woven ends of the design later.
Step 11: Cut the warp spacers off of the sides of the loom frame.
Then remove the warp spacers from the bottom and top of the loom, by gently pulling them off the panels.
Step 12: Remove the 4 woven panels off of the loom nails or tabs.
Step 13: Secure the ends of the 4 woven panels.
There are two ways to secure the ends. You can send the warp ends into the weaving or tie two pairs of warp ends together to create a fringe design.(Learn step by step how to finish weaving ends in this full written and video tutorial, 7 Ways to Finish Weaving)
Step 14: Clean up the back of the weaving with a tapestry needle.
There are two key points about this step: Do not skip this step and complete step 12 before you fix up the back. If you want your woven coasters to last a long time, it is important to secure the weft ends on the back side of the weave. (Learn step by step how to clean up the back of the weaving in this full written and video tutorial, 7 Ways to Finish Weaving.)
Step 15: Repeat these steps to all the panels to complete the woven set of coasters.
Step 16: Enjoy your coasters!
Conclusion
In this tutorial you learned how to weave a set of coasters, or mug rugs, on a simple DIY loom. This project is a fun way to DIY woven home decor. After weaving these coasters, I just can’t stop using them! It’s always rewarding to use what you make with your hands. I hope that you also enjoyed this tutorial. Tag me in your projects on Instagram (@fibersanddesign).
