Your Guide to Craft Techniques and Projects You Can Do and Make With a Loom
There are many different types of looms, and many different loom crafts. Let’s explore the various loom crafting techniques you might want to try.
Weaving
When someone says “loom crafts,” weaving is probably the craft that comes to mind first.
To weave, the weaver creates a framework to hold multiple vertical threads or yarns in place; these are called the “warp” threads or yarns. Then, the weaver uses horizontal threads are yarns, often crossing each other in a repeating pattern, to create fabric, or sometimes to create a finished object like a belt or table runner.
Many different weave structures are possible. The simplest of these is known as “plain weave,” in which the threads cross each other in a simple pattern of over, under, over, under, which is repeated across the entire length and width of the fabric.
Weaving Looms
Weaving looms can be small, simple and low-tech, but they can also be sizable and complex.
When I worked in the textile industry, one of the teams I managed designed multicolored upholstery fabrics that were woven using sophisticated electronic jacquard looms.
However, electricity isn’t necessary for weaving on a loom; weaving is an ancient technology that substantially predates electricity.
The simplest looms can simply be small squares that have nails or pegs for holding loops or threads. You can use an uncomplicated loom like this to weave small projects like friendship bracelets or potholders.
A backstrap loom is one where the weaver’s body weight is used to create tension that holds the work in progress taut. Backstrap looms are simple and low tech, and you can use those for weaving long projects like belts and straps. This sort of loom allows you to easily weave long pieces, but the width of these projects may be limited, depending on the capabilities of the loom you’re using.
You can also use a table loom for weaving projects like placemats, table runners, and a variety of others.
If you want to weave lengths of fabric that can be used for virtually any purpose, a larger floor loom is ideal to have.
Loom Knitting
Loom knitting is substantially different than loom weaving. As with hand and machine knitting, you can use a knitting loom to create rows or rounds of fabric using loops of yarns or threads.
Knitting looms can be various shapes and sizes. They are typically made in configurations intended for producing useful projects like hats or socks.
Round Loom Knitting Books
Flower Loom Crafts
There are looms intended just for helping crafters make flowers out of yarn. These flowers can be used on their own, or combined with other fiber art techniques like crochet. They can be joined together to form just about any kind of project.