Laser Cut Mini Frame Loom Weaving

Welcome to The Interlace Project!

Our mission is to make weaving more accessible by designing open-source weaving looms

The Mini Frame Loom, has been designed to teach the basics of weaving and it's small size makes it ideal for little hands.

Follow our video tutorial or our step-by-step photo instructions to learn how to use the Mini Frame Loom to create your own weaving!

What is Weaving?
Weaving is a method of creating cloth from two sets of yarns or threads interlaced at right angles. The lengthwise threads are called the warp and the sideways threads are called the weft . Cloth is usually woven on a loom , a device that holds the warp threads taut and in parallel to each other while weft threads are woven through them.

Materials for the Loom

• 3mm MDF 15x20cm (6x8")

Materials for Weaving

• Wool
• Scissors
• Large eye wool needle

Video Tutorial

The Mini Frame Loom can be cut from a single piece of 15x20cm (6x8") 3mm MDF.

Step 1: Make a Slip Knot

Step 2: Secure the Beginning of the Warp

Step 3: Warp Up the Loom

Step 4: Secure the End of the Warp

Step 5: Weave the First Heddle Stick - Alternate Each Warp Thread Under or Over the Stick

Step 6: Push the First Heddle Stick to the Bottom of the Frame to Tension the Warp Threads

Step 7: Slide the Second Heddle Stick Into the Gap Created by the First Stick

Step 8: Push Second Heddle Stick Towards the Top of the Frame

Step 9: Weave the Third Stick Alternating the Position of the Warp Threads - the Upper Warp Threads Should Be Placed Under the Stick and the Lower Threads Placed Over the Stick

Step 10: Push the Third Heddle Stick Towards the Top of the Frame

Step 11: Wind the Weft Thread Onto the Shuttle

Step 12: Pull the Middle Stick Towards the Centre of the Frame and Turn on Its Side - This Creates the Gap (or "shed") Through Which to Weave the Weft

Step 13: Push the Shuttle Through the Shed - Make Sure to Leave Enough Weft to Allow a Needle to Be Threaded When You Come to Secure the Ends

Step 14: Remove the Middle Heddle Stick

Step 15: Use the Reed (looks Like a Comb) to Push the Weft Yarn Securely Into Place

Step 16: Pull the Top Stick to the Centre of the Frame

Step 17: Above the Middle Stick Weave the Stick You Have Just Removed, Alternating the Position of the Warp Threads - the Upper Warp Threads Should Be Placed Under the Stick and the Lower Threads Placed Over the Stick

Step 18: Turn the Middle Stick to Create the Shed and Push the Shuttle Through

Step 19: Remove the Middle Stick and Use the Reed to Push the Weft Yarn Securely Into Place

Step 20: Pull the Top Stick to the Middle and Weave the Spare Stick Above, Alternating the Warp Thread Positions

Step 21: Repeat the Process!

Step 22: To Secure the Loose Weft Ends - Thread Onto a Large Wool Needle and Weave Back Into the Cloth

Step 23: If You Run Out of Wool or Want to Change Colour You Can Weave the Loose Weft Ends Back Into the Cloth Using a Needle

Step 24: When You Have Finished Weaving Remove All the Sticks and Tie the Warp Ends Together - You Can Slide or Cut These Off the Frame

Comments

[tamara.olliver]

I've modified the design a little and made a heddle for it, do you want me to post the files and some photos?

[KHHenry]

I'd love to see your heddle design, please!

[TheInterlaceProject]

Hi Tamara

That sounds brilliant! I'd be really keen to see what you've done.

[colleenjordan]

Our makerspace students fell in love with this project! I showed it to them only a day ago and they’re already talking about teaching a class for their classmates! I’m going to use this to teach about patterns and computer science history.

[blawrensen]

Thanks for the great idea and for sharing the files!

I am using this today for our school STEAM Club, co-curricular (after school) activity.

Because I needed to make 24 of these, I moved parts together and deleted the extra cut lines where lines were on top of each other. The first file (with six on a 12" x 24" piece of 2.5mm plywood) took 54 minutes to cut out. By eliminating the extra cutting, the cut time was reduced to 49 minutes, saving 20 minutes total. I have found the bit of extra time to move items together and then delete one of the overlapping lines is far worth the effort, especially when cutting multiple items.

Cut out on a Epilog Helix Laser 50 watt. Settings for 2.5mm plywood: 100 P, 10 S, 400 F.

[TheInterlaceProject]

These look great! I hope your students enjoyed weaving - and thanks for sharing the laser files

[cutelittledevil]

I like that you used all the 'wasted' space very effective. Using the sticks to pre-weave will also make it easier to explain different wefts.

[mrsmerwin]

I like the portable size of this design. You could literally take it with you anywhere.

[TheInterlaceProject]

Thanks!

[Glumgad]

Great mix old and modern technologies!

How many time do you need to weave a pice loke that?

[TheInterlaceProject]

Hi Glumgad

It doesn't take long to weave - about an hour or so.