Small Loom & Freeform Weaving: Five Ways to Weave

by Barbara Matthiessen

30 projects for home decor and fashion accents Yarn arts and felting are two of today's most popular crafts, and popularity for weaving, a natural extension of those crafts, is growing. Small hand-held looms and tabletop looms are now available at yarn shops and hobby/craft stores, and readers of Small Loom and Freeform Weaving can even construct looms themselves using common household materials. Most looms can be constructed in a couple minutes and can be reused numerous times. This book will also show readers how to use their looms. Included are 30 projects, some of which can easily be completed in an evening or weekend. Readers will enjoy step-by-step, diagrammed instructions for personal items, such as iPod and cell phone holders, scarves, purses, and jewelry, and home decor projects, such as pillows, table runners, wall hangings, and book covers.

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction

128 pages, Hardcover

First published June 15, 2008

Reviews

[Lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bit old-fashioned, but I made one of the projects, the cell phone case, I of course had to adjust the size because smart phones are bigger than the phones from the early 2000s. The directions for the crocheting bit were a bit confusing though.

[Bernie4444 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a-loom-anating

This is an interesting book containing 30 projects and five ways to weave. I purchased the book for the information on weavette looms. But I am amazed to find out what you can do with a comb. Even though the projects are intriguing they could stand a little better description.

I set up several “rigid heddle” looms for others but sort of bypassed them for myself. Yet I am still interested in patterns, and other people’s projects. I do not think I will try Pin weaving but it was interesting to read about.

For the price, you cannot go wrong by adding this book to your library and some new skills to your repertoire.


Merged review:

This book is a-loom-anating.

This is an interesting book containing thirty projects and five ways to weave. I purchased the book for the information on weavette looms. But I am amazed to find out what you can do with a comb. Even though the projects are intriguing they could stand a little better description.

I set up several “rigid heddle” looms for others but sort of bypassed them for myself. Yet I am still interested in patterns, and other people’s projects. I do not think I will try Pinweaving, but it was interesting to read about.

For the price, you cannot go wrong by adding this book to your library and some new skills to your repertoire.

[Keisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beginners Weaving Inspiration

In Small Loom and Freeform Weaving, readers will learn the basics in weaving. This book includes several starter projects for beginners and the materials needed to complete them. What was most helpful was the first chapter. Beginning with definitions and names of tools and pictures is very useful, especially for those just starting out. This is a good starting point for the true novice.

Barbara Matthiessen writes with great detail and instructional while being friendly. I find that helpful when learning a new skill, and think readers will appreciate her writing and teaching style. I would recommend this book to anyone starting weaving. Those creators with more advanced knowledge will not find this one interesting. I gave this book four out of five stars. If you decide to read this book, I hope it is helpful.

[Lobug · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that this book shows ways to weave when you don't have a loom. Great illustrations, good instructions. The only issue I have with the instructions is that warping a rigid heddle loom is not explained well. The patterns included are great. Lots of variety, which I really like. She even explains seaming what you weave. Very thorough. The reason I didn't give all 5 stars is that I believe she could have done better explaining warping on a loom- something I can tell I will need a lot of help with.

[Shawna Troyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book actually shows you how to make a few different looms out of materials most of us have at home or can get for cheap. It also gives a number of projects that you can create from beginner to more advanced levels (I, at least, feel the jacket/cardigan is for an advanced person). It's a good starter to get one excited about weaving and the possibilities. You don't have to run out and buy a bunch of expensive equipment to start weaving cool things.

[Elanor · Rating 3 out of 5]

What really bugged me about this book was some of the photos were really blurry - it would have been a lot better, imo, if they had all been in focus. Otherwise, it had a nice variety of projects. The last thing that bothered me about it was it seemed to be promoting a specific loom, and that kinda got on my nerves a little too.