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Weaving on a Little Loom: Techniques, Patterns, and Projects for Beginners
Everything you need to know to get started with loom weaving, including 5 simple projects
From setting up a loom to finishing a woven project, Weaving on a Little Loom will teach you everything you need to know about the accessible at-home craft of small-frame loom weaving. It covers all aspects of weaving fundamentals, both basic and advanced techniques, an introduction to creating patterns such as basket and bird's eye weaves, rib, twill, herringbone, and more.
Once you have the basics down, follow along with clear instructions, beautiful illustrative photographs, and step-by-step visual tutorials that will guide you through designing and creating five contemporary woven projects, from a wall hanging to a placemat, all made with natural, environmentally friendly materials.
Chapters include and
From setting up a loom to finishing a woven project, Weaving on a Little Loom will teach you everything you need to know about the accessible at-home craft of small-frame loom weaving. It covers all aspects of weaving fundamentals, both basic and advanced techniques, an introduction to creating patterns such as basket and bird's eye weaves, rib, twill, herringbone, and more.
Once you have the basics down, follow along with clear instructions, beautiful illustrative photographs, and step-by-step visual tutorials that will guide you through designing and creating five contemporary woven projects, from a wall hanging to a placemat, all made with natural, environmentally friendly materials.
Chapters include and
144 pages, Paperback
Published September 18, 2018
480 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 26, 2019
Princeton Architectural Press has produced a gorgeous book with stunning photos and instructive text on using a small loom to craft five woven projects, including wall art, a tote bag and placemats. Readers learn both basic and advanced techniques for weaving works of art using such beautiful patterns such as herringbone, rib, twill, basket and bird's eye. 5 of 5 stars.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine. Pub Date 18 Sep 2018. #WeavingOnAlittleLoom #NetGalley.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine. Pub Date 18 Sep 2018. #WeavingOnAlittleLoom #NetGalley.
September 18, 2018
I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for a review.
As a weaver already, on big looms normally, tiny manual weaving has mystified me, as it's not how I learned, so I was excited to get a copy of Weaving on a Little Loom by Fiona Daly.
This is a solid comprehensive guide to weaving, no matter what your skill or tools available. I liked the fact that even if you don't have access to the nicer weaving frames, she tells you how to make a frame using cardboard. She tells you how to get each one up. The required tools, she breaks down different fibers commonly used for weaving, ideas for projects, step by step instructions for everything!
It's all very simply explained, there's no mystery here, it's all wonderfully broken down for you. She even introduces you to more complicated weaving patterns, giving you a small window on how far you can push the making on cloth. She even covers knots, different weaving techniques even down to finishing your pieces.
This was a wonderful book. There was even informal that was completely useful to me, and I've been weaving on a floor loom for years. Anyone who is curious about weaving should check Weaving on a Little Loom out! I can't wait to try some of these projects myself!
As a weaver already, on big looms normally, tiny manual weaving has mystified me, as it's not how I learned, so I was excited to get a copy of Weaving on a Little Loom by Fiona Daly.
This is a solid comprehensive guide to weaving, no matter what your skill or tools available. I liked the fact that even if you don't have access to the nicer weaving frames, she tells you how to make a frame using cardboard. She tells you how to get each one up. The required tools, she breaks down different fibers commonly used for weaving, ideas for projects, step by step instructions for everything!
It's all very simply explained, there's no mystery here, it's all wonderfully broken down for you. She even introduces you to more complicated weaving patterns, giving you a small window on how far you can push the making on cloth. She even covers knots, different weaving techniques even down to finishing your pieces.
This was a wonderful book. There was even informal that was completely useful to me, and I've been weaving on a floor loom for years. Anyone who is curious about weaving should check Weaving on a Little Loom out! I can't wait to try some of these projects myself!
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September 14, 2018Everything a beginning weaver needs to start Weaving on a Little Loom.
This book has clear and concise instructions—most with pictures or diagrams. It begins with the tools needed. Next, the author describes the different weaving and edging techniques. Finally, there are five project plans: a wall hanging, a clutch bag, a placemat, a pillow and a larger tote or laptop bag. What is nicer are the explanations of how to plan your own projects from the conceptual drawings to yarn selection to spec sheet creation. The spec sheet includes all the detail about the project allowing it to be replicated later.
I love the easy “friend talking about their favorite hobby” feel of the text. The author, by clearly laying out the requirements, makes weaving sound less intimidating than in other instructional books. I especially like the low cash outlay necessary to see if weaving is for you. A reader could do their first small project using only inexpensive yarn, a cardboard loom, a finger skein shuttle, a standard dinner fork, a ruler and scissors. Overall, if you are interested in trying weaving, this is a great book to jumpstart your success. 4 stars!
Thanks to Princeton Architectural Press and NetGalley for an advance copy.
This book has clear and concise instructions—most with pictures or diagrams. It begins with the tools needed. Next, the author describes the different weaving and edging techniques. Finally, there are five project plans: a wall hanging, a clutch bag, a placemat, a pillow and a larger tote or laptop bag. What is nicer are the explanations of how to plan your own projects from the conceptual drawings to yarn selection to spec sheet creation. The spec sheet includes all the detail about the project allowing it to be replicated later.
I love the easy “friend talking about their favorite hobby” feel of the text. The author, by clearly laying out the requirements, makes weaving sound less intimidating than in other instructional books. I especially like the low cash outlay necessary to see if weaving is for you. A reader could do their first small project using only inexpensive yarn, a cardboard loom, a finger skein shuttle, a standard dinner fork, a ruler and scissors. Overall, if you are interested in trying weaving, this is a great book to jumpstart your success. 4 stars!
Thanks to Princeton Architectural Press and NetGalley for an advance copy.
August 20, 2024
I WANT TO DO THIS. We’re trying out potholders and cardboard looms this year in school and I suspect this sort of methodical work is right up my alley.
January 7, 2021
helpful!
July 10, 2019
Great book with good information!
February 17, 2019
Everything that you need to know in order to successfully use a small loom in one book. The book includes and introduction to weaving, instructions on how to select a loom, how to select weaving materials, how to dress the loom and how to weave. Projects are provided with clear instructions so that you can practice the techniques described in the body of the book.
The technical information is very clear and there is a lot of it. The projects did not appeal to me, I would have liked to see some more colorful projects included or optional colorways.
The technical information is very clear and there is a lot of it. The projects did not appeal to me, I would have liked to see some more colorful projects included or optional colorways.
March 13, 2020
This splendid little book was a recent Kindle deal, and I'm so glad I snapped it up! It's remarkably thorough for its size, with clear, straightforward prose, ample illustrations, and a very useful glossary of terms. I was genuinely amazed to learn just how much can be accomplished on a simple (even homemade!) frame loom: not just tabby weave, but more complex fabrics like twill and herringbone, and even freeform tapestry designs. Now I'm eyeing ALL the framed pictures in my house, wondering which one I should take down and repurpose into a loom of my own.
September 14, 2018
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Weaving on a Little Loom is a new tutorial weaving book from Fiona Daly. Due out 18th September 2018, it's 144 pages and available in paperback format. It's produced by Princeton Architectural Press.
One thing which struck me right away about this book is that it's written in a reassuringly friendly manner. There's a real 'you can do it' vibe. This is a complete beginner's book and as such, there's a lot of emphasis on making do, simplicity of tools and not much initial cash outlay. There's a tutorial for making a cardboard lap loom which will function fairly well for intro projects.
There are a certain number of unavoidable technical terms, but they seem to be introduced slowly and well. There's also a good beginner's glossary at the back and a usable index.
The book is logically structured. The first 18% is given over to an introduction and history of weaving, fibres, tools and warping. The next 40% covers different weaves and some finishing techniques. Surprisingly, the weaving patterns are not just plain weave and twill, but also include basketweave, herringbone, birdseye and more. The final third of the book is given over to specific project tutorials.
One of the projects is (of course) the ubiquitous placemat, but in this case it serves as a type of sampler, giving a visual record of several different weaves introduced in earlier chapters.
I found the book more appealing and accessible than the usual (dry!) intro weaving manual. It's clear and well written enough that I could also see using it in a classroom setting for younger weavers (middle school+), in a senior center or other classroom setting.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Weaving on a Little Loom is a new tutorial weaving book from Fiona Daly. Due out 18th September 2018, it's 144 pages and available in paperback format. It's produced by Princeton Architectural Press.
One thing which struck me right away about this book is that it's written in a reassuringly friendly manner. There's a real 'you can do it' vibe. This is a complete beginner's book and as such, there's a lot of emphasis on making do, simplicity of tools and not much initial cash outlay. There's a tutorial for making a cardboard lap loom which will function fairly well for intro projects.
There are a certain number of unavoidable technical terms, but they seem to be introduced slowly and well. There's also a good beginner's glossary at the back and a usable index.
The book is logically structured. The first 18% is given over to an introduction and history of weaving, fibres, tools and warping. The next 40% covers different weaves and some finishing techniques. Surprisingly, the weaving patterns are not just plain weave and twill, but also include basketweave, herringbone, birdseye and more. The final third of the book is given over to specific project tutorials.
One of the projects is (of course) the ubiquitous placemat, but in this case it serves as a type of sampler, giving a visual record of several different weaves introduced in earlier chapters.
I found the book more appealing and accessible than the usual (dry!) intro weaving manual. It's clear and well written enough that I could also see using it in a classroom setting for younger weavers (middle school+), in a senior center or other classroom setting.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
January 12, 2021
Weaving on.a Little Loom is a little gem of a book, I’m so glad I discovered it. I bought a small tabletop loom, very basic, months ago during a sale, and it’s sitting there in its box, still, untouched. I want to dive right in and weave a wonderful project but I have no idea how to get started. My intentions are all wrapped up in the colors, the textures and the design, without too much consideration for the technique. I appreciate the step-by-step buildup by the author of background information, jargon, materials, set-up and patterns to work with.
At first glance, I wasn’t impressed with some of the projects, I didn’t like the color combinations or the rustic appearance. But after reading the text, I was impressed with the techniques that had been used to make them. I could better appreciate how each project contributed to the building up of skills. I really liked the sections about fibers and patterns.
I read the Kindle version, and I think some of the photos didn’t match the descriptions. Where the caption would point out “a” and “b” there was no corresponding a or b on the photos. I might like to get a physical rather than a virtual copy of the book to refer back to.
At first glance, I wasn’t impressed with some of the projects, I didn’t like the color combinations or the rustic appearance. But after reading the text, I was impressed with the techniques that had been used to make them. I could better appreciate how each project contributed to the building up of skills. I really liked the sections about fibers and patterns.
I read the Kindle version, and I think some of the photos didn’t match the descriptions. Where the caption would point out “a” and “b” there was no corresponding a or b on the photos. I might like to get a physical rather than a virtual copy of the book to refer back to.
January 4, 2023
A very eary-to-follow introduction to weaving on a small loom, full of useful and detailed photographs of each stage of the process and a decent selection of projects to try out.
I did find that I had to refer to the glossary a few times due to items of jargon appearing in the text without first being introduced. Since there are quite a lot of technical terms used in weaving, it would have been useful to have a description of the words or include them in some of the 'parts of a loom' diagrams.
It would also have been useful to have a bit more info about the warping process on the different types of frame looms. My loom came with a heddle bar, which was not described at all in the book, so I had to look elsewhere for info on how to use it. Similarly, the loom shown in the book has pegs, but these are not used. Minor points, but it makes a difference when starting a new hobby!
I did find that I had to refer to the glossary a few times due to items of jargon appearing in the text without first being introduced. Since there are quite a lot of technical terms used in weaving, it would have been useful to have a description of the words or include them in some of the 'parts of a loom' diagrams.
It would also have been useful to have a bit more info about the warping process on the different types of frame looms. My loom came with a heddle bar, which was not described at all in the book, so I had to look elsewhere for info on how to use it. Similarly, the loom shown in the book has pegs, but these are not used. Minor points, but it makes a difference when starting a new hobby!
November 15, 2018
This book will be a gem for those just beginning to weave. I was only slightly disappointed that the book is literally devoted to weaving on "a" little loom - a frame loom. For some reason, I thought this might cover several types of small looms. Though I'm experienced in weaving on a variety of small looms, I appreciate having all the information for working on a frame loom in one place for reference. The organization of information is logical, instructions are clear, and the photographs are nice.
June 19, 2022
Crafts, is an area, I have always wondered about- it holds, an important place, in human history; This is from the standpoint, of actually understanding how methods have changed, and whether they will change in the future. I am a novice, there is much to be learned here. It is likely I will have to pick up a few more titles here, to make some sense of this. The range of human crafts, is quite large. It will take some time to understand them all.
November 5, 2018
One for the more technical weavers interested in small looms. Not as fun as the way-out do-your-own thing tapestry books that have been coming out lately, but great if you want to learn how to do patterning like a pro.
Want to read
January 25, 2022For me, a little loom in maybe 5x7...
This little loom is a frame type loom
For a resource sections I'm interested in viewing closer are:
Leash rod - pg
Hemstitching pg 88-89
Clove Hitch Cords pg 40
and traditional bird's eye weaving structure
The material photos are lovely
This little loom is a frame type loom
For a resource sections I'm interested in viewing closer are:
Leash rod - pg
Hemstitching pg 88-89
Clove Hitch Cords pg 40
and traditional bird's eye weaving structure
The material photos are lovely
December 28, 2023
I admit I haven't finished all the projects yet, but I found this comprehensive and easy-to-follow (except about knots, but it's so hard to describe knots in words and pictures. You really need a hands on demonstration. So I went to YouTube for those, and it was fine.)
September 6, 2024
Gosh, I am glad I already know how to weave, because this book was a mixed bag. I liked the section on the yarn types, and the section on the twills were interesting. The color combos are like from the 70's, and not really modern. I had high hopes for this book, and while it got me thinking about weaving and structure, I'm not sure I learned anything.
February 8, 2025
As a new weaver, I will read anything I can get my hands on!
This is a very nice guide to weaving on a tapestry style loom, which is something I have not done yet, but this has certainly piqued my interest!
This is a very nice guide to weaving on a tapestry style loom, which is something I have not done yet, but this has certainly piqued my interest!
November 5, 2018
Great information, lovely projects and just an inspiring book to get started with weaving. Now if only I have the time....
June 10, 2019
Fantastic introduction to lap looms! History, technique, and tools as well as some really practical projects.
October 14, 2019
Will probably need to buy this. Fantastic introduction to patterns, and the few projects named are much more complete and quality than some of the more "boho wall hanging" trend books out there.
January 8, 2020
good insights for beginning weavers!
June 5, 2020
I have been wanting to make a 'kilim' style runner to go on top of our coffee table. A runner that would complement my grandmother's pilaf dish which houses our coasters. Hence, I bought this book.
August 24, 2020
Interesting
April 9, 2021
Good informative book
I like the techniques as well the clear, easy to understand instructions. I am anxious to begin weaving now that I have completed reading.
I like the techniques as well the clear, easy to understand instructions. I am anxious to begin weaving now that I have completed reading.
April 13, 2021
Interesting but wasn't exactly what I wanted.
May 2, 2021
Excellent book, (i have the hard copy not the kindle edition). there is so much info in this book.
September 7, 2021
Really good and clear descriptions on weaving whether you are a beginner or practiced weaver from a simple loom to more advanced!
July 20, 2022
Really delightfully and clearly written. Looking forward to trying weaving later this year.
October 19, 2022
This is a wonderful, well presented guide to learning weaving. Using some of the simplistic looms, the author gives some basic as well as sophisticated projects.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews