Weaving is intriguing, but can you weave a blanket without an expensive loom? You've seen floor looms, and though they're beautiful, you're not sure you want to make that sort of investment for a new craft. We've compiled thoughts from our experts and have some ideas on how you can weave a blanket without a cumbersome loom.
Here are some ways to weave a blanket if you don't own a loom:
- Weave smaller squares and join them together.
- Build a DIY blanket loom.
- Use easy-weave large threads to weave a loose blanket.
- Instead of weaving, try hand knitting a chunky blanket.
Let's look more closely at each of these ideas. Please keep reading because we'll discuss whether weaving is hard to learn, talk a bit about the best yarns to use, and share other tips of the trade to get you started with this craft.
Ways To Weave A Blanket Without A Loom
Though traditionally woven blankets are made on looms, there are other ways to weave blankets. Let's take a look at each of the techniques mentioned above, so you'll know how to get started on your woven blanket without a loom.
Weave Smaller Squares And Join Them Together
Floor looms are large, cumbersome, and costly. Many people who love to weave and would love to make larger projects don't have space for this equipment. But, much like quilting, you can weave smaller squares and sew them together to create a larger blanket. And because small looms are less costly and you could even make one yourself (more to come on how to make a DIY loom), this is a great alternative if you want to weave a blanket.
Build A DIY Blanket Loom
Blanket looms are as large or slightly larger than the blanket you want to make. But maybe it's worth it for you to build one with simple building materials. You'll need some lumber, brackets, wood glue, and basic tools. For in-depth directions on how to build the loom, click here.
Use Easy Weave Large Threads To Weave A Loose Blanket
If you don't need a very tight blanket weave, you can lay your warp on a table and slowly, carefully weft between them. You'll need a space the size of your blanket to lay things out, and we suggest taping down the ends of your warp yarn. You could make a large cardboard loom as we describe later in the post, especially if you're not worried about achieving a super tight weave. Chunkier yarns will work best for a project like this.
Chunky chenilles are a great place to start looking for the right yarns for a project like this.
Click here for this skein on Amazon.
This yarn has a soft velvety texture.
Consider Hand Knitting As An Option To Weaving
Another great way to make a soft chunky blanket without a loom is handweaving. Make this cuddly, large loop blanket using only your fingers and the right yarn. It requires no loom. It's not exactly weaving, but it will give you a similar outcome. You create a chain pattern using loops and your hands. Voila, a beautiful blanket!
This soft looped yarn is made specifically for finger knitting blankets and comes in many different colors.
Click here to see them on Amazon.
Is Weaving Hard To Learn?
Weaving, like any craft, does have a learning curve. There's a new vocabulary to learn and new materials for you to play. How deep you want to pursue the craft is up to you. But if you're looking for a simple hobby to do while watching television, there are easy ways to weave simple projects.
Potholder looms are a great way to get the hang of the concept of over-under-over-under, of working with a warp and a weft. This simple craft project is a great intro to the art of weaving. Best of all, it's simple! And once you have the hang of making a simple weave, you can move up to larger projects like blankets.
Click here for this kit on Amazon.
How Do You Make A Simple Loom?
You can make looms from everything from a piece of cardboard to a tree branch to an empty picture frame. Let's take a look.
Cardboard looms are created by cutting a piece of cardboard to size. Then measure marks down two opposite sides. Cut slits along those marks to thread your warp. Next, weave your weft thread on the loom. Cardboard looms are an easy way to make smaller items like potholders and coasters. You could make a larger piece, but it might be challenging to get a tight warp on cardboard.
Branch weaving is so cool and is a way to weave interesting things to hang on your wall. Find a strong branch with a V-shape, then use each side to create your warp. When the warp is in place, weave a gorgeous design. You'll create original art to give us gifts or to decorate your home.
Picture frames are great DIY looms. Buy a wooden frame in the size of your choice and remove all backing and the glass. Then measure off two opposite sides and use a coping saw to cut slits to thread your warp. This DIY project creates a sturdy and inexpensive loom.
What Type Of Yarn Is Best For Weaving?
When thinking about weaving, there are two types of yarn to consider. The right choice for the warp (the base that you weave through) might differ from the right choice for the weft (the thread that creates the pattern). Most weavers recommend beginners use a thin cotton warp thread.
Click here for this thin cotton warp thread on Amazon.
For the weft, cotton yarn is the easiest to work. Cotton yarns are soft and absorbent and less expensive than more expensive fiber yarns. They also dye beautifully and come in an array of colors. Rayon is another great choice for ease. It's soft and feels like silk, though it is easier to weave than silk yarns. Our third favorite is wool. Wool yarn is forgiving, has a slight stretch, and packs down beautifully. Plus, it makes really warm blankets.
Click here for an assortment of wool worsted yarn on Amazon.
What Kind Of Fleece Do You Use To Make A No-Sew Blanket?
A no-sew fleece blanket is another fun way to make a unique handmade blanket without the need for a loom. This project utilizes two microfleece blankets or microfleece fabric cut to the same size. Using scissors and a knotting technique to weave, it's super simple to create a unique and thoughtful blanket. We found a great YouTube tutorial for you below:
This adorable fleece fabric is available in 60" widths and sold by the yard. Get exactly the size you want this way.
Click here for this fleece on Amazon.
In Summary
It is possible to weave a blanket without owning a large and bulky floor loom. You'll need some flexibility and some creativity, but we're sure you're able to achieve this goal. Remember, it's easy to create your loom out of household building materials or even out of your recycling bin with a little ingenuity. Plus, think of the fun you'll have to find all sorts of wonderful yarn to create blankets.
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