How to Weave on a Cardboard Loom

Diane Gilleland, contributor

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Weaving like this can be the basis for so many projects: place mats, coasters, bags, hats—use your imagination.

All photos by Diane Gilleland

Keep your edges a little loose, and they'll stay nice and straight.

An ordinary salad fork makes a great tool for keeping your weaving snug.

Weaving like this can be the basis for so many projects: place mats, coasters, bags, hats—use your imagination.

Photo: All photos by Diane Gilleland

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Weaving is such a meditative, relaxing craft—and at the end of it, you have fabric! You don't need a lot of expensive equipment to take up weaving. Here's how to build a simple loom on a piece of cardboard.

I like to re-use cardboard shipping envelopes for my simple looms. They're very sturdy, yet easy to cut with a pair of strong scissors. You can also use a sheet of cardboard, but I don't recommend corrugated for this project.

A sturdy cardboard shipping envelope makes a great loom.

Begin by deciding how wide you want your weaving to be. Are you making a bookmark? Then you only need a few inches of width. If you're making something larger, like a sunglasses case, you'll want to weave wider. Mark your preferred width onto your cardboard.

Mark 1/4-inch increments along both sides of the cardboard.

Next, measure and mark every 1/4 inch along the edge of your cardboard, working between the two width marks you made in the previous step.

Draw a line 1/2 inch from the edge of the cardboard. This will serve as a cutting guide.

Cut into the cardboard at each 1/4-inch mark.

Use a pair of strong scissors to cut a series of slits in the edge of the envelope, 1/4 inch apart. Use that guideline you drew in the previous step to help you keep all these slits about the same depth. (But don't worry about being too precise, as you can see in this photo.)

Repeat these steps on the opposite edge of the cardboard.

Wedge the yarn into the first slit, leaving about a 3-inch tail.

Time to string your loom! I like to use worsted or sport-weight yarn. Leave it attached to the skein while you're stringing, and cut it off when you're done. Begin by wedging the end of the yarn into the first slit in the cardboard. Leave about a 3-inch tail hanging, as you see here.

Stretch the yarn over the cardboard and wedge it into the first slit on the other side.

Next, draw the yarn across the surface of the cardboard, and then wedge it into the first slit on the opposite side.

Wrap the yarn around the back of the first slit, and through the second.

On the back side of the cardboard, wrap the yarn around and wedge it into the second slit, as shown.

Stretch the yarn over the cardboard again and wedge it into the second slit on the opposite side.

On the front side, draw the yarn over the cardboard and then wedge it into the second slit on the opposite side.

Continue until the loom is strung. You can string it with one color or more.

Continue like this, stringing the yarn back and forth over the cardboard, using those slits you cut to anchor it. Your yarn should be strung snugly over the front of the loom, but not so tightly that it bends the cardboard.

This is the back of the loom. If you decide to change colors while stringing, be sure to leave a 3-inch tail of each color yarn hanging at the back.

Here's a shot of the back of the loom. You can see that I've used two colors in stringing my loom. You can do this if you like, or not. (If you weave loosely, you'll be able to see the color change in your weaving. If you weave tightly, you won't.) If you do change colors while stringing, just leave a 3-inch tail of each color of yarn hanging at the back of the loom, like you did when you started stringing.

By the way, in weaving terms, these vertical, parallel strings are called warp yarn.

Begin weaving by threading a long strand of yarn on a tapestry needle and passing it over and under the warp threads.

Ready to weave? Here we go. Cut about 48 inches of yarn. You can weave with sport, worsted, bulky, or novelty yarns—each one produces different effects. Thread one end on a tapestry needle. Pass the needle over and under the warp yarns, pulling the strand through as you go.

Leave a 6-inch tail of yarn at the end of the first row of weaving.

Here's the first row of weaving. I've left about a 6-inch tail of yarn at the end of the row. We'll deal with it later.

The second row of weaving should be opposite to the first one.

Weave your needle under and over the warp yarns again to create your second row of weaving. Make sure that your weaving in this new row is opposite to the weaving you did in the first row.

See what I mean? The second row should pass under the warp where the first row passed over it. And vice versa.

The second row of weaving should be snugly placed under the first.

Pull the strand through to finish the second row of weaving. And then, keep repeating those steps to continue weaving. here are a couple fine points to keep in mind as you go:

Be careful not to pull your edges too tight—your weaving will grow narrower as it progresses.

Watch your edges very carefully as you weave. If you pull them too tight, as shown here, you'll end up pulling your weaving out of shape.

Keep the edges a little loose so they stay nice and straight.

If you leave your ends just a little loose, as shown here, you'll end up with nice, straight edges.

As you weave, you'll also want to keep pushing your work up toward the top. A salad fork is an excellent tool for this!

To change colors while weaving, just leave a 6-inch tail of each color hanging at the edge.

If you want to change colors while you weave, just leave a tail of the old color, and then start a new color, leaving a tail of this as well. We'll deal with those tails in a moment.

Keep loose ends out of your way by taping them to the cardboard.

As you weave, those loose ends might get in your way. You can always twist them loosely together and tape them down to the cardboard with painter's tape.

To finish the edges, thread each loose end on a needle and pass it under the edge of the weaving.

When you're done weaving, then it's time to weave in those loose ends. One at a time, thread each one on your needle and pass it under the edge of your weaving.

Then, cut the remainder of the loose end close to your work.

Remove the weaving from the loom by bending the cardboard tabs and pulling off the loops.

Once all the loose ends along the sides of your weaving are tidied up, you can remove your weaving from the loom. Carefully pull the warp threads off the cardboard. You may have to bend the tabs in order to do this, as shown.

Cut each loop of warp yarn and tie the ends in a double knot.

To finish off the top and bottom edges of your weaving, it's best to have loops of yarn at each end that are at least 1 inch long. The loops at the top of your weaving will likely be shorter than this because you've been pushing your work upward as you wove. No problem—just take each loop in your fingers and pull it firmly. The warp will slide through the weaving and the loop will lengthen.

Next, cut each loop, and tie the two ends into a double knot.

Once you've knotted all the loops, you have a secure edge. Do the same thing on the opposite end of your weaving. This edge can act as a fringe, or you can sew this edge to the inside of your work, like a selvage.

That's the process! Now, go enjoy some weaving time.

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Comments (42)

CraftyIvy writes: I have a question... Can you do this with embroidery floss or other string? My hand loom recently broke and I'm trying to find a new way to weave cloth. Oh, and this tutorial is amazing: clear, precise, with tips and everything. Thanks!
Posted: 10:16 am on December 27th

weeblprebish writes: This is awesome! Great instructions. I'm using this for a project, it's really a lifesaver. :)
Posted: 12:28 pm on October 14th

lovestuff writes: this is a great idea. i like the idea of using pins instead of ctting
Posted: 10:05 am on May 11th

elsayedelymanu writes: The idea of ​​the loom is simple and beautiful, which gives any user to do like you very much
Posted: 12:20 pm on January 29th

terisal writes: Great tutorial!!! What if I want to weave something really tiny...like some earrings...how far apart should I make my marks? The finished item I want to be a little less than a 1/2" wide.
Posted: 8:53 am on September 19th

terisal writes: Great tutorial!!! What if I want to weave something really tiny...like some earrings...how far apart should I make my marks? The finished item I want to be a little less than a 1/2" wide.
Posted: 8:52 am on September 19th

terisal writes: Great tutorial!!! What if I want to weave something really tiny...like some earrings...how far apart should I make my marks? The finished item I want to be a little less than a 1/2" wide.
Posted: 8:52 am on September 19th

BlueHazel writes: This project has become a success with the children in my After-school program. I made the looms from leftover sections of picture frame matting and we've been using fabric strips to loom with. The results are beautiful and the children gain an amazing sense of accomplishment. I will post pix soon.
I would like to teach them how to keep it all together without tying the yarn at the ends, if anyone has suggestions (fyi- the kids are ages 4 to 12yrs, so uncomplicated is best).
Thanx from myself and the children :)

Posted: 1:18 pm on April 22nd

tmkrowan writes: I agree that the warp cords/threads should never be cut! I have my students wrap the warp cord four times at the beginning, and at the end of the warping, with the tail tucked to the back of the board. Then, when the weaving is done and carefully taken off the board, they unwrap the beginning and end warp cords. They thread their weaving needle, and tuck these cords vertically into their weaving, first down, then up, then down into the channel that is formed by the weaving/warp. It won't come out, it's like Indian beadweaving - if you bury your yarn, using this zig-zag method,it will stay secure, and the warp cords have made a selvedge edge on the top and bottom of the weaving. Neat.
Posted: 11:29 am on April 5th

FlaTriwvr writes: Thanks. I enjoyed your write-up. I learned to use cardboard from my grandmother back in the early 50's; and Grandpa showed me how to do circle rag rugs on a wagon wheel rim. I use pinking shears for easy/even notches; then snip at bottom of notch to hold warp threads in place in my weaving kits. So much fun and easy to carry, also. For a bag with a flap: warp one side and fold up 1/3 of the way (with the warp string on the outside). Start weaving from the bottom until you finish the bag part, then weave only on the back-side of your loom. This will give you a bag with a small flap. Happy weaving!
Posted: 10:31 pm on February 17th

Mork_the_Dork writes: This lady knows some amazing things, I always look on her contributions page first before going anywhere else for family gifts. She can always find a use for my scraps. She even taught me how to make a scrap bag for my scraps.
Posted: 8:04 pm on October 31st

MonDou writes: I remember this from third grade. They taught it to us as a class project. I've always loved it though. Very easy to do and relaxing. I actually have an idea for a big project like this of making a blanket by using the same technique only securing the strings to nails or thumbtacks on the wall. I have a large blank wall that could use some purpose. Good article though.
Posted: 4:45 am on July 3rd

writerinfact writes: OK, *THIS* one makes it past the "oh, how cute" or "wow, neat" stage - I just HAVE to actually try this!! Finally, a loom that doesn't take either a huge bankroll or a room of its own! Thank you, from the bottom of my yarn stash.
Posted: 7:15 pm on June 26th

seamsoeasy writes: fantastic! thank you for the ideas. Ihave been playing about with weaving with t shirts cut up to make other bits and pieces and will link with this as a how to and post back.

Posted: 3:58 am on May 28th

samsstuff writes: Great tutorial! I remember doing this, as a child, but had forgotten some of the details. As an alternative to cutting the cardboard, you can use strait pins (in a thick piece of cardboard). When you are done, just remove the pins, to remove the piece, from the cardboard. Thanks for posting this.
Posted: 10:33 am on May 6th

nottoolate writes: Excellent idée pour utiliser mes restants de laine
Amitiés de Paris
Posted: 2:10 am on May 6th

gailete writes: I have been working on a weaving project since Threads magazine featured one a few months ago. I'm using yarn, perle cotton, embroidery floss in plain and variegated colors. I'm having some great results and have to limit what I do with it because I get carried away and I end up hurting after too long a session with the weaving (due to arthritis, not the weaving itself). Using variegated yarns and threads lends a surprise element to your weaving. I even have been combining plain and variegated threads on the needle at the same time for an even different look. This is certainly not just a project for bored kids.
Posted: 12:37 pm on May 5th

knitwithjudy writes: Wow. Just what I was looking for. I teach knitting in New Paltz, NY, and am looking to branch out into more art-related projects. I think this will perfectly adapt to the more freeform designs I'm doing now. Thanks.

Judy
Posted: 12:35 pm on January 21st

CraftyMamma86 writes: Here's a video I came across that I thought would be cool to share. I'm definitely going to try this but a little neater on the edges. :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPpYivXfZWA
Posted: 1:20 am on January 16th

xlntthreadz writes: Great photographs of a good beginner's project but c'mon--it isn't that much harder to do it the right way. Real weavers secure their loose ends as they go along. There are two different methods depending on whether you are beginning or ending a new color or continuing with a previous color. The only threads you should have to sew back in at the end of the project are the beginning and end of the warp. (Knots and glue are no-nos. They actually weaken the weaving.)

Since tapestry weaving (which is what this is) is almost always weft-faced (meaning you don't see the warp after you're done) Knit-Cro-Sheen, Speed-Cro-Sheen or similar very strong, tightly spun threads are a much better choice for warps than the too-soft knitting worsted or sport weights.

Also, if you pack the weft threads down as you should there is no need to cut the warp ends and try to knot them together. Knotting like this is difficult, time-consuming and counter productive. Just pack that weft down until it is impossible to do it any more and when you take your project off the loom, the weft will just sproing back up into place, with your warp threads doing neat little U-turns around the top and bottom edges.
Posted: 2:05 pm on January 10th

AngelaA writes: Love this! This is a great idea to do with my niece. She is facinated with how things are made lately. I will def. do this with her.
Thanks for the creativity boost!
Posted: 11:00 am on November 13th

brotherseraphim writes: may i add may other contributors contribute ideas and projects. i appreciate reading the different ideas and how to make projects using cardboard.
Posted: 1:39 pm on October 29th

brotherseraphim writes: what a wonderful idea. wonderful to be able to weave projects without an expensive loom. i can do a project in less than i hour- i am making a chair cover. i want to experiment in trying to tapestry. thank you sister diane
Posted: 1:35 pm on October 29th

Kokorozashi writes: Awesome tutorial! I just finished moving and have a number of huge boxes lying around -- I think I'm going to try making a large-scale cardboard loom and create some fabric to use for shopping bags.
Posted: 1:34 pm on October 9th

Anej writes: You can also do a round one w/a sturdy paper plate. If you pull it really taut as you go, you'll end up w/a dish shape. It's very cool & so easy!
Posted: 10:10 pm on September 27th

SpecialKRJ writes: I have to disagree with nikkiking. The little looms you pick up at the store with the t-shirt loop material that can only make potholders -- THAT'S a craft for bored kids. This is a neat craft that you can do inexpensively. Would buying an expensive loom to do the same thing be a craft for 'bored rich kids'? Of course not. This is a way of making your own fabrics for scarves, bags, blankets, and so so much more. Please respect the age-old craft that created the blue jeans you wear.

AWESOME tutorial. I grabbed an old box lid and made it in a few minutes, and now I'm off to steal my mom's thread and some pretty yarn to make some gorgeous... something.
Posted: 8:27 am on September 22nd

adwoa1997 writes: That was marvelous.I have really enjoyed reading this. It is easy to do. I am teaching my seven year old son how to do that.Could be used as a place mat.


Posted:8:16 pm on march 15 from Ghana
Posted: 4:19 pm on March 15th

mtdewmum25 writes: I love this cardboard weaving,is other projects besides potholders to make? Where can I find more patterns for using this weaving cardboard?
Thanks
Posted: 4:35 pm on March 9th

Sister_Diane writes: SelenaEon, what sounds awesome! I hope you'll post the finished product in the Gallery so we can all see!
Posted: 9:45 am on January 24th

SelenaEon writes: Yay! I am going to try and make a larger version of this to weave with plastic bags. :)
Posted: 10:47 pm on January 23rd

nvmany writes: Wow! Thanks so much for sharing this technique. I work with marginalized, low income men and women in Zimbabwe, Africa and I am always looking for simple, cheap ways for my artisans to earn a living for themselves. I cannot think of an easier project. Here I was wondering where to buy a loom, how much it would cost etc.. etc.. and you so generously shared this tutorial with us. Thanks again & watch my blog for implementation of this project - http://tashanda-africa.blogspot.com/
Posted: 7:59 am on January 17th

Beckj28 writes: I have started looking at a lot of weaving sites. So far this is the best one. Thanks for showing the back of the card lol . I was confused about that. I also like the fork idea for beating.


Posted: 10:10 pm on January 16th

eveh writes:
I need a little rectangular, carry all bag with a shoulder strap that will hold just my glasses, cell phone and change purse. That way, the next time my DH calls and says there's a garage sale down the road, I'll be ready in a hurry. LOL
So, I think I will try making that with this method. It looks like fun. Maybe torn demin strips with red yarn.
Posted: 5:45 pm on January 16th

kimWarrior writes: My 10 year old neice and i used divided embroidery string so it was thinner than yarn. she put hers in a picture frame with her pic for a mothers day present. it looked so neat. the best part was is that she made it instead of just buying a frame. thanks so much for the idea.
Posted: 4:38 pm on August 17th

SITSBYHERSELF writes: THINKUNG ON IT MORE, YOU COULD USE ANY SIZE OR SHAPE CARDBOARD TO WEAVE AN UNLIMITED NUMBER OF THINGS, IPOD AND PHONE POUCHES, CALCULATOR CASES ETC,,,,THE POSSIBILITES ARE MIND BOGGLEING! THANK YOU FOR SHAREING THIS WITH US
Posted: 1:57 pm on August 1st

SITSBYHERSELF writes: WONDERFUL CRAFT WEAVING PURSES BY JUST WEAVING ALL AROUND THE LOOM IS AN EXCITING IDEA, ONE COULD WARP THE LOOM AND LEAVE LONG TAILS AT THE TOP AND THEN AFTER WEAVING COULD KNOT OR WEAVE THE TAILS INTO A STRAP!
Posted: 1:46 pm on August 1st

nikkiking writes: normally i don't register to add a comment but i must say this is a great craft idea for bored for kids. i am in the Society for Creative Anachronism and we have weekly fighter practices. it's so HARD to keep the kids that come out with the parents busy and the dreaded song of "I'M BORED!!!!!" i think this is a great idea for the kids and the non fighting populace

Thank you again
Posted: 7:30 am on July 27th

reika writes: HI, I'm reika from brisbane australia. i just bought plastic loom kit this morning from craft shop, aud$19, and your email just come in, what a coincidence topic. now i'm beginning more like it this craft. Thank you so much. I'm going home to indonesia 16 july, i'll send my projects to share from there.
Posted: 3:37 pm on July 3rd

Learnernc writes: Thank you for the excellent tutorial. This would be very relaxing to do, easy to store, no clean up.
Posted: 2:55 pm on July 3rd

paperrain writes: Oh, this is so funny! When I got my email alert and saw the title of this, before clicking on it I thought: I wonder if Diane has seen this?

Great tutorial, as usual! I'm using it.
Posted: 1:12 pm on July 3rd

Candie_Cooper writes: These are so fun to do... We made them when I student taught and kids of all ages love them and weaving. I liked "Icampb"'s pouch thought. iPod cozy anyone?
Posted: 11:26 pm on June 28th

lcampb writes: Great tutorial! I did a weaving project like this in grade school and became obsessed with cardboard loom weaving for a few months - it's so fun and easy to do! If you loop all the way around the cardboard and weave on both sides it is easy to make purse/pouch shape using these techniques as well.
Posted: 4:47 pm on June 25th

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