Introduction: How to Make a Coffee Straw Micro Loom
This tutorial shows you how to make a micro-loom out of coffee straws and how to use it
What you'll need
- Yarn
- Scissors
- A credit card or business card
Nice long straws like the kind you get for iced coffee!
Step 1: Thread Equal Lengths of Yarn 'warp' Through the Straws
Figure out how long and wide you want your project to be.
A manageable size is about 5 straws wide and for this tutorial I'm only going to make my project 12" long and turn it into a wristband but there is really no limit to length so you can make cool scarves or belts
Here I've cut 5 pieces of 'warp' about 18" (a few inches to tie knots). Each line of warp get threaded through its own straw. If you are having trouble threading the yarn, get it started and then suck the yarn through.
Step 2: Tie Off the Top and Bottom Ends of Your 'warp'
The the top of the 'warp' (white) with a regular/ permanent knot, and tie the bottom of the warp with a slip knot.
Separate a manageable amount of 'weave' (orange) from the main ball of yarn. You won't be able to pass the entire ball of yarn through the warp. To start the weave attach it with a simple knot to one of the warp lines on the end.
Step 3: Begin Passing the 'weave' Back and Forth Through the Straws
Pass the weave back and forth through the straws a few times just to get started
Step 4: Use a Credit Card or Business Card As a 'Shuttle'
You can turn a credit card or business card into a shuttle. This is not necessary but highly recommended.
Step 5: Push the Weave Up and Tighten a Little Buy Pulling Each Side
Every 5 or 10 passes you'll want to push the weave up toward the top and tighten it up a little by pulling each side and chasing the slack down the straws.
Step 6: Add a Stripe
If you want to change colors, cut the weave and attach a new color with a simple know. The knot can be worked into the weave and hidden from view.
Step 7: Re-position the Straws
Once you reach the end of your straws, untie the slip knot at the bottom, pull the straws down about half of their length and then retie the slip knot. Keep weaving and do this as many times as it takes until your project is the length you need it to be.
This step is also used when you're finished with your project but instead of just lowering the straws take them all the way out.
Step 8: Add More Yarn If You Run Out
If your shuttle runs out of yarn, reload it and attach the new length to the weave using the same method as was used to change the yarn color.
Step 9: Weave Until You Run Out of Yarn or Patience
29 Comments
8 years ago on Introduction
This would be a great group project. So adaptable to the materials at hand.
The changing of colors would be a really great time to use a "Russian Join." It's a little hard to explain without pictures, but it creates a strong join without any ends to weave in.
In this application, the knot wouldn't get a lot of stress, but in general, clipping the threads/yarn so close to the knot makes it more likely to come loose. (I have an afghan that's coming apart because I made it before I learned this.)
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
That's great advice, I will Google it!
8 years ago on Step 9
Did you leave the straws in the project? You didn't say. What a great simple project.
Reply 8 years ago on Step 9
Actually on the step where you are told to move the straws down as you add length to your weave he says that you'll take them right off when you are finished your project.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Take the straws out just before tying off the project once you have enough woven. The warp yarns will hold the weave in place once the straws are out.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
I concurr!
8 years ago on Introduction
hi thanks . for what all can I make out of this ?
di
8 years ago on Introduction
straws are left IN??
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
No, I should fix my write up to explicitly say that though!
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
No, they're just to give the weave someplace to hold onto till the whole thing is finished.
8 years ago on Introduction
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
using 3 u can make bookmarks
8 years ago on Introduction
Neat! :D
8 years ago on Introduction
Like the idea. I'd probably try it with less straws, making it skinnier.
8 years ago on Step 9
I make wire wrapped jewelry and use this weave all the time. I will have to go to hardware store and get some dowels now hahahaha. ty for sharing
8 years ago on Introduction
@Thunderpance no the straws are slid off when you reach thr desired length,tie off the weaving yarn to its self and leave the end with a long tail, then slide off the straws and tie off the strings that were in the straws along with the weaving strand.
8 years ago
Creative idea. Thanks for sharing.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
you're very attractive, nathan! ;^)
8 years ago on Introduction
8 years ago on Introduction
if you run the end of the yarn thru a very small common metal nut you can just drop that weight thru the straw to thread them; and a crochet hook makes a fine shuttle, too.