The wonderful thing about weaving on The American Peg Loom is that you can use so many different materiels such as yarns, threads, cloth strips or rovings. Only your imagination will limit you. Weaving is the process of crossing threads over and under each other to form cloth. Warp threads run vertically l l l l l l and weft threads run horizontally _ _ _ _ _ _.
Possibilities for Weft Threads
First you will prepare your warp. You don't need to weave on all the pegs. Use only as many as you need for the width of your piece.
Each peg has a loop at the bottom to thread with a warp thread. I have used materiels from laundry line(thickest) to chenille (most delicate). There is no tension on this thread, so fine threads are a possible choice.
Figure the length of your piece plus fringe (allowing for shrinkage after washing) and then double it. Cut as many of these as you need for the width you want. Fold your threads in half and attach them to the peg loops as you see in the pictures on the right.
Choose which set of holes you want to used based on the thickness of your yarns. The thickest yarns need more room so use the holes that are 1" apart. For thinner yarns use the holes 3/4" apart. You will learn as you weave a few pieces how tight you want your threads. Looser weaving adds softness and drape. Tighter weaving makes strong, durable items such as rugs.
To start weaving, put the thread around the first peg and twist the end around itself. Weaving is easy. Bring your yarn to the front of the 2nd peg and behind the 3rd peg. Continue to alternate in front and back of the pegs until you reach the end row. Then return in the opposite pattern. See the pictures below. To check your work just look at the row below and do the opposite!! Easy, right????
Continue until you reach the top of the pegs.
Slip the doubled end through the loop
Return the cut end through the yarn loop
Warp is ready to go!
Twisting yarn to start
Weave yarn front to back of pegs
Weaving the second row
Now you can see your weaving start to develop before your eyes.
Holding your weaving with your left hand draw the peg up and out with your right hand. Don't worry if it is a little tight, just go slow. Your left hand will securely hold the remaining pegs in place. Now replace the peg in the hole from which it came. Proceed to remove and replace all the pegs unitl you reach the end.
Don't worry because all your weaving is safely held in place on the warp threads.
Now you can start to compact your weft threads as you like. The closer they are, the tighter and firmer your woven piece will be. Tighter is great for rugs, looser is wonderful for scarves. Sometimes you want your warp threads to disappear and sometimes you want your lovely warp threads to show. Your choice. Be creative.
Pulling peg out - warp follows
Hold weft in place as warp is pulled through
Peg returned to hole
Continue filling and emptying your pegs until your weaving looks like the size and compaction you want. Keep your weaving close to the pegs so the tension remans the same when you are emptying your pegs. As your work progresses slide your weft threads down on the warp threads, adjusting as you go. Remember to leave enough warp for your fringe on each end.
You want to be certain that your weaving stays the way you want it, so to finish your piece, you will need to knot the ends of your warp threads so the weft threads don't slide off. Below is a sample of tying knots. There are some wonderful knots you can use to embellish your piece. Sailors have a wide variety of knots they use. The possibilities are endless. Just be certain to split your warp threads apart and tie one to each of his next door neighbors to lock everything in place.
Remember to have fun and use your imagination.
Our piece is beginning
Starting again - remember where you left off.
Weaving a scarf
Now show all your friends the wonderful things you have woven. Remember weaving on The American Peg Loom is easy and fun. Let your imagination do the work!!!
If you are unclear about any steps feel free to contact us.
