Setting up the loom

Project 2 - Weaving a Circular Placemat

Setting up the loom

First, we need to add the warp strings to the frame.

Make the loom

STEP 1: Tie the end of the warp string onto the circular frame with a secure knot.

STEP 2: Take the warp string through the centre of the circular loom to the opposite point on the frame. Go over the top of the frame and back in through the middle.

STEP 3: Bring the warp string to 0.5 inches to the right of your starting point and then loop it over the top of the frame and under it. Take it once more through the centre of the loom to reach to the opposite point.

STEP 4: Place it 0.5 inches from the first point on the opposite side, this time on the left, and continue the process moving around the loom.

STEP 5: The spacing can be done by eye, as you can adjust it later. Just make sure you end up with an odd number of warp strings. It's also important to keep the tension as tight as you can without bending the frame.

STEP 6: Once you've finished and are happy with the number of warp strings, tie the end of the warp string to the edge of the frame with a strong knot so that it's secure.

STEP 7: The warp strings intersect in the middle of the loom. Manipulate this intersection so that it sits as centrally in the frame as you can. Alternatively, you can move it to be off-centre, if that suits your design.

STEP 8: Cut a length of the warp string and thread it onto the needle.

STEP 9: Guide the string under the centra intersection to catch as many of the warp strings as possible. Gather them together and make a tight knot.

STEP 10: Repeat this several times until you have gathered all the strings together into a neat central meeting point.

STEP 11: When you're happy, secure with a tight knot using the loose end of the string. This will now be the back of your loom.