Cardboard Loom Weaving

Learn how to make a loom out of cardboard and weave on it using some simple techniques.

This is a great little project if you are curious about weaving and would like to try it out before investing in too many materials and equipment.

If after trying it out you're keen to take your weaving to the next level, you can check out our online frame weaving course by clicking the link below (or copying and pasting it into your browser). The code: YOUTUBE22 will give you a 20% discount on both the course on its own, and the course with a weaving starter kit.

I have split this video in to a number of sections (listed below) in the hope that it will make it easier for you to pick up, put down, and navigate your way through this project.

Do have a look at the sections and notes below as I have added a few comments that I overlooked in the video and please, if you have any questions at all just get in touch and I will help as best I can.

PART ONE/ Terminology and materials: A brief introduction to some basic weaving terminology and a run through of all the materials you'll need to complete the project.

I mention the origins of the word 'shed' are from a variation of an Old English word meaning 'to set apart'. In the video I say 'set aside', a minor detail but it needed correcting!!

PART TWO/ Making your loom: A step by step guide to making your cardboard loom.

PART THREE/ Putting on the warp: A step by step guide to putting your warp onto the loom.

I didn't talk about warp tension in the video. As you are putting your warp onto the loom, try and keep the tension of the warp threads as even as possible. How tight you can make them will depend on how strong your cardboard loom is but you're aiming for a nice firm, springy surface.

PART FOUR/ Starting to weave: A step by step guide to weaving your first four rows.

At some point in this section I say i'm using a tapestry needle when i'm actually using a shuttle. It's up to you what you weave with, some people prefer using a tapestry needle, some a shuttle. I like to mix it up and use both but it's very much personal preference. Try both and see what suits you!

PART FIVE/ Adding a rya knot fringe: A step by step guide on how to create rya knots. Rya knots are not only a great way of adding a fringe to the base of your wall hanging, they're also a great way of adding texture to the body of your piece. I will do a separate video over the coming weeks on creating texture.

PART SIX/ Adding pom pom trim: THE most unessential part of this video but if like me you've got a thing for pom pom's then it's useful to know how to add them to your work!

PART SEVEN/ Adding rovings (fibre): One method of adding rovings to your work. I will do a follow up video with some different techniques.

PART EIGHT/ Finishing your weaving: Securing your weaving and taking it off the loom.

PART NINE/ Adding your header: The simplest way to add a header to hang your piece. There are many different ways of doing this and I will do a follow up video with different techniques.

I really hope you enjoy this video as much as i've enjoyed putting it together for you. I absolutely LOVE seeing your creations so please do keep the pictures coming, and if you're on Instagram you can tag us @elka_textiles

[protrader]

I usually don't watch things like this but after watching this video I think I will subscribe!

[vanessaforeman]

Excellent tutorial. A lot of great easy to understand information without being overwhelming.

[paulinemackie]

By far the clearest and easiest video I've seen for a beginner!

[grfng]

This is one of the most comprehensive & easy to follow tutorials I've watched to date ...
Thank you & cheers from Australia 🐨 🐾

[shabistankhan]

Start to finish was superb, you explained all the possibilities in detail, very informative and inspiring, thank you.

[aoife]

You are an amazing teacher Ellie. I struggle with any sort of tutorial but I found myself totally immersed and absorbing all details. Thank you so much.

[ZakweFuthicollection]

Thanks so much. I made my first loom using a cardboard and followed your video to the end. Thanks so much

[hollien.]

Really helpful! Saw this on a "life hacks" video but they had no instructions so thanks!!

[cindytyng]

This is an awesome tutorial! It's exactly like what you mentioned, I wanted to try weaving out but I don't want to invest too much right away, this is the perfect project to test the waters! Thank you!

[annaemsina]

everything was fine until i removed loops from the top and at that moment it became distaster because everything got loose. on stick it looked awful. I removed and tried to cut uandmake a knot but i lost already which lop to knot or not. I think end needs different solution. how to know the loops to finish composition, drawing or whatever and then to add to stick to hang. Otherwise it's a mess. Everything else was clear and well explained and done. actually both top and bottom needs different solution.

[kayequinn]

Hi..just subscribed to your channel. I've just started learning to weave & viewing many tutorials. Thanks for the instructions & will be watching your others as well.

[jenniferbrighty]

Hi I really enjoyed this video. I'd never seen a cardboard tutorial that was from start to finish. I absolutely loved this. I'd also not seen anyone use the pompom trim before.
I've watched some if your other videos they are all very easy to understand..
Thanks again for this tutorial.
Love from Lancashire xx

[pamfrank]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful demonstration

[debbiebyrne]

Excellent tutorial !!!😍😍 Thank you so much!!👍👍👍

[funwithfriends]

Mine turned out so good but not as awesome as yours, if I’m correct if you’re making this for frankie then he loved it! I’m sure he did
And thank you for this video just what I wanted 😊

[CutestTheGame]

Does it matter how many warp threads there are? Odd number of warp threads, even number of warp threads, or it doesn’t matter?

[AnaRodriguez-xpye]

Thank you !! I will try it after seen your tutorial

[kcj]

Super tutorial! Very clearly and methodically explained.

Thank you very much.
☺️

[Face_Reality]

This looks easier than knitting lol. Can you make blankets with this method? I reckon you can make a bunch of squares and stitch them together to make a blanket

[patriciajones]

You said that you had beginner looms for sale on your website but I seem to be having trouble finding the website listed.