Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Summer Kid Crafts: Weaving without a Loom

Weaving without a LoomI saw this idea for weaving a sunflower and bookmarked it for future use as it's a definite A+. This simple, summer craft is inexpensive and time consuming enough to keep little hands busy for hours of happiness.

Using a sturdy paper plate cut approximately 25 teeth around the edge. It’s better to have it be an odd number of teeth for the weaving process.

Tape the end of a piece of yarn on the backside of the plate and bring it up over the top, between two of the teeth, so that the yarn rests in one of the grooves. Cross over the middle of the plate to the other side and the opposite groove. Wrap the yarn around and around the plate, groove by groove until all the slots are filled with a string then tape the loose end on the back of the plate for security.

Weaving without a LoomUsing a tapestry needle, begin in the center and weave in and out, around and around the plate as wide and beautiful as you'd like until you have a pretty sunflower. Add new colors as you'd like, use fluffy yarn or sequined string for special effects, you just can't go wrong and it's a great way to encourage small motor skills with young children (just make sure that needle isn't sharp).

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11 comments:

Laura said...

This looks wonderful, Michelle, but after it's done, shall it stay on the plate or you cut it up and knot the threads?

CountessLaurie said...

I was just thinking what I could do with it when I was done, and thought, oh a hat. But then I thought, I would need a big honking plate to make a hat for my head. Maybe a baby hat, then!

Daisy said...

If I'm not mistaken, that lovely weaving should be a large Daisy when it's done. Perfect!

This Eclectic Life said...

As a weaver who often works with kids, I love this idea! I often get kids to use a picture frame and they can make a tiny purse or "medicine bag" from their work.
Laura asked if you can tie it off, and indeed you can. Just don't weave all the way to the end or tiny fingers won't be able to tie.

Res said...

I love this idea - but having NEVER done anything like it - I need more guidance - How the heck do you "tie it off"???

Scribbit said...

By tie it off she means cutting the ends of yarn where it means the groove (there's a loop there as it goes over the plate). Then you can remove the plate and tie the cut ends back together, as long as you leave enough unwoven so that a knot can be made. Does this make sense?

Lori said...

And now I know what my daughter will be doing this afternoon while my son takes a nap. Thanks!

Stephanie said...

This looks awesome! So easy. Tucking this away for the future when my daughter has better hand dexterity. Right now we are just focusing on picking up food with her thumb and pointer finger!

Res said...

Thank you - i think i got it!! Will try it out soon!!!

Deb said...

Oh! My oldest daughter did a little bit of weaving in art class at school last year and has been begging to do more ever since - but looms are big and expensive. This is a perfect craft for her - thank you!! :)

momneverstops said...

Looks like a project for the older girls in my daycare. Thanks