https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/loom-weaving • Posted by DK Books
Loom-woven beads produce a flat band of beads. You’ll need one warp thread more than the number of beads in a row. Create designs by following beading charts drawn on graph paper, with each square representing a bead. Sew the weaving to a band of soft leather or imitation leather to make into a cuff or choker, and fasten with ribbon.
Loom-woven beads produce a flat band of beads. You’ll need one warp thread more than the number of beads in a row. Create designs by following beading charts drawn on graph paper, with each square representing a bead. Sew the weaving to a band of soft leather or imitation leather to make into a cuff or choker, and fasten with ribbon.
Preparing the loom Cut warp threads at least 30cm (12in) longer than the intended length of the weaving. Knot the threads together at one end. Divide the bundle in half and slip the knot under the nail on one of the rollers.
With the threads taut, turn the roller until they extend 15cm (6in) beyond the second roller. Tighten the wing nut to hold the roller in place. Place one thread in each groove of the spring.
Knot the other ends of the warp threads and slip the knot under the nail on the second roller. Loosen the wing nut of this roller and wind the roller to take up the slack. Tighten the wing nut.
Sit the threads in the grooves of the second roller, separating the threads with a needle. Tighten the tension again if necessary by loosening the wing nut, turning the second roller, and tightening the wing nut again. The threads should be taut.
Loom weaving Thread a long length of thread onto a long beading needle: this will be the weft thread. Tie the weft thread to one outer warp thread close to the second roller, leaving a trailing end 15cm (6in) long.
Using the beading needle, thread on beads for the first row. Refer to a chart if beading a specific design. There are six warp threads here, so thread on five beads.
Slip the beads along the weft thread, position the thread at right angles under the warp threads, then press the beads up between the warp threads with a finger.
To secure the first row, take the needle back through the beads, making sure that it passes above the warp threads. Pick up the next row of beads and repeat.
Adding a new weft thread When the weft thread starts to run out, weave it back through a few rows of beads. Tie a new long weft thread to an outer warp thread, leaving a 15cm (6in) trailing end. Continue adding beads and weaving as before.
Reaching the first roller When you reach the first roller, loosen the tension on both rollers. Roll the weaving onto the first roller, tighten the tension, and continue weaving until the weaving is the required length.
Finishing the sides and ends Loosen the tension on the rollers and remove the work. Weave the trailing ends of the weft threads back into the work by inserting the thread on a needle in and out of a few rows of beads. Cut off the excess threads close to the weaving.
With a short beading needle, weave each warp thread back through the work, weaving them over and under the weft threads. Cut off the excess threads close to the weaving.