Our daughter recently expressed an interest in learning to weave. (Oh, how we love a new art project!) As a child, I took weaving classes and even owned a full-sized loom on which to practice. I know first hand how good it feels to weave something from scratch!
Our daughter first practiced weaving on a little handmade loom (made of nails and wood) using small slips of paper:
Practicing moving the paper over, under, over, under.
She then graduated to a sturdy metal potholder loom (made in the USA by Harrisville Designs who primarily manufactures full-sized looms). I particularly like this metal loom because the loops stay on the metal hooks, instead of popping off the frame over and over again as they tend to do with plastic or wooden looms.
Our daughter has been steadily working away on holiday presents for the grandparents. I’ve found we can never start those handmade gifts too early, especially when it takes our four year old several weeks to complete one potholder!
Next up we’ll weave on a laploom or weaving frame. I have fantasies of owning a table loom (like the one I learned on as a girl!). We may need two though because I’m not sure how we’ll share. ;)
I found the craft stores only carry thin nylon loops which are completely unsuitable for potholders. (Why would we encourage children to weave useless junk?) I searched online to find cotton loops and love Harrisville’s colors! Your photos are wonderful!
wow! looks so good.
What ‘threads’ (not sure what to call it) do you use to make those pot holders?
Hi Ajar: We are using potholder loops specifically designed for this particular loom (so they fit the loom properly and are easy to use). A set of loops came with the loom, then we bought another set of extra loops.
Here are the loops we have:
Harrisville Designs Loops
And here a link to the loom and loops set:
Harrisville Designs Potholder Loom and Loops
They also sell the loops in single color bags (so you can choose the colors) and have a set containing more loops (to make more potholders).
I’ve read blog posts about people making their own loops, which I hope to try some day, but with my daughter we’re just sticking with the easy ones that fit perfectly.
Hope this is helpful.
Good luck!