Super Easy Loom

well, this is how I make my looms! there's a ton of other tutorials out there that'll get you a much nicer loom, but if you want something that's super easy and cheap, you could give this one a shot!

Step 1: Step One: Choose Your Canvas

you're gonna wanna start with a canvas. you can use whatever size you want. The one I'm using is 11'' x 14'' because i think it's good to start small. plus, little weavings make nice gifts for friends and it's nice because the loom is small enough to use on your lap!

The weaving you make is going to be smaller than than the canvas you use. The weavings I've made on a 11'' x 14'' frame end up being around 7'' x 11''

Step 2: Step Two: Remove the Canvas

What you really want is the wooden frame.

You can use a exacto or pocketknife to get the canvas off, or you can just rip it.

super simple stuff!

Step 3: Step Three: Make Some Measurements

you're gonnna want to make measurements along the top and bottom of your frame. since you're going to be driving nails into the wood, it's a good idea to stagger the nails to help prevent/ minimize splintering or cracking in the wood.

as you can see, I spaced my nails 1/2 inch apart, alternating up and down.

Step 4: Step Four: Nails!

I've found that this is a bit easier to do with smaller nails. I had a mixed bag of a bunch of medium nails (hence, the variation in the photo). You can see in the photo what I meant by staggering them.

There's a chance the wood will crack or splinter, and you'll want to be careful. You can fix this with spackle or wall filler and/or apoxie sculpt. I've tried filling in cracks with wood glue, also, but didn't have much luck.

Also, forgive me for the crookedness of the nails. I didn't wanna look for the hammar, so I just used the hilt of a butterfly knife, lol.

Step 5: Step Five: Warp Strings

alight! now add your warp strings.

There's probably some material that's better to use than other. Here I am using cotton twine, but I've used string before and haven't had any problems with it.

You can see in the upper and lower corners where I've tied off the twine. Again, there's probably a more effective or proper way to do this, but this is just personally how i've done it!

Also, make sure you keep it relatively tight!

Step 6: Step Six: a Heddle

the heddle is the thing that separates the threads of the warp thread. this is a super simple version of a heddle: cardstock folded into thirds. ultimately, it'll help you weave a lot faster on this loom. on larger/ more complex looms it has more purposes, but I am not workin on anything too large or complex, personally (at least not yet)

Step 7: Yay!

yay! you've done it!

go forth and make some textiles