Two-Layer Warping (2LW) — part 1: Warping Basics / Weaving Row 1

by ⋅ 1 Comment

This post begins a series of two-layer warping (2LW) instructions. I haven’t done much exploring of this weaving method, and haven’t invented many patterns yet. There are a number of patterns available in 100 Pin Loom Squares by Florencia Campos Correa and there are a few available in the vintage pattern booklets on eLoomaNation.com. And I’m in the process of inventing more.

Please check out my video series demonstrating the techniques described in this and the following posts.

2LW Part 1—Basic Twill
2LW Part 2—Twill Changing Direction

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ONE-COLOR SQUARE—two options

(I’m using stretchy wool for these squares, so it’s OK to warp more snugly.)

Samples featuring pink yarn and the Zoom Loom are the most basic method for 2LW. If you want to eliminate all the fancy distractions, follow those photos. By the way, if you are a Zoom Loom user, I strongly recommend you purchase a longer needle to make weaving more comfortable with its wide frame.

The turquoise yarn/cream-colored Weave-It photos will show how to prepare the loom if you wish to work the beginning yarn tail in as you weave. It also shows a warping variation at Cr2 that might make weaving a bit easier.

1) BASIC ONE-COLOR WARPING

Anchor the yarn tail in the notch at Cr1. (If using a different loom you can tie a slip knot, leave the yarn tail hanging, or use a method that suits you.) Warp L1 as usual. Finish at Cr2.

Read More →

Using Cotton Yarn (continued)

by ⋅ 2 Comments

An interesting question came up on the Facebook Pin Loom Weaving Support Group in response to yesterday’s post about using cotton yarn on the pin loom. Is there a way to add a little bulk, so as not to have a too-open weave, and still make weaving with cotton easier?

We also had a request for a demo using two colors and plain weave on the Zoom Loom. As many of you know, I don’t like the Zoom Loom—that extra wide frame (inner and outer edges) gets in my way and cramps my weaving style. So at great personal sacrifice of comfort (hee hee) I will demonstrate on the Zoom Loom:

  • How to use two different thicknesses of cotton
  • How to use two colors of yarn
  • How to use two different warping set-ups

Keep your packing fork handy because you’re going to NEED it! Read More →

Choosing Yarn 1: Cotton (Beginner’s Corner)

by ⋅ 2 Comments

This is the first in a series on selecting yarn appropriate for use on Weave-It style pin looms (this includes Hazel Rose Multi, Weavette, Wunderwag, Zoom, and other similar looms).

**************************************

Who doesn’t love cotton? It can be super tough to use on a pin loom though.

Weavers need to realize there’s a thing called take-up. Each time you add a new weft row, the warp threads all have to bend the slightest amount around it—that’s take-up. If you’ve warped your loom tightly, there won’t be room for take-up, even if your yarn is stretchy. Cotton yarn is characteristically non-stretchy, and worsted weight 100% cotton is one of the more difficult yarns to use on the pin loom.

Woven with I Love This Cotton color 52 “Forest”

Read More →

Beginner’s Corner (Pin Loom Basics) — Lesson 1

by ⋅ 6 Comments

To Knot or Not to Knot?

This is a tutorial on how to begin a square without tying a knot, how to read a chart and follow a pattern, and how to make BEAUTIFUL squares with even warp and weft distribution.

To begin, if you DO want to start your square by tying a reverse slip knot to secure the yarn to your loom, see this short video (there are obviously other parts in this six-part series, and you’re welcome to watch those as well. But be prepared to die of boredom because not only is there no plot . . . well, you’ll see).*

Tie a reverse slip knot and attach it to one of the four pins near Cr1; begin warping as usual.

Read More →

Yarn Comparison — Premier Sweet Roll and Caron Simply Soft

by ⋅ Leave a Comment

This picture shows a comparison between Premier Sweet Roll yarn (the large cake type of yarn) and Caron Simply Soft. The Sweet Roll yarn is a bit thicker than CSS.

Featured pattern: Large Heart

Personally I think the pattern shows up a little better on CSS, but you may have a different opinion (the lighting is not great in the photos). Also, I tend to warp a bit loose, so my patterns may show up differently than yours.

The Sweet Roll yarn was not especially difficult to weave despite its being thicker than CSS. I think the CSS square has better drape. A project made using PSR will likely be a little heavier and stiffer.