WEAVING TECHNIQUE: Simple Tapestry

Lovely tapestry can be created by simply laying a differnt colored weft in among the warp fibers. The intent can be to create a specific design or just to add color to a project in an abstract manner.

The technique could hardly be simpler. Pick yarn of different colors and textures and lay them in with selected rows of the cross-ways fibers, called weft. They can be trimmed off with each row with the ends hanging in back of the work. To create a better finish, the inlay yarn can hang loose until the next row needed carried in back of the work much like knitting. When the end of the design is reached, the yarn can be broken off and worked into the project again much like yarn ends in knitting or crochet.

To learn this technique do a simple project that can be done on a frame loom. A child's pot holder loom works just fine. Pick a simple design for your first project. A Christmas tree works well and makes a good gift.

Just wind a warp and begin weaving a plain weave. To work on a frame loom, thread several needles with your inlay yarns. When you reach the row you wish to begin your design, weave across as usual. Then weave in the inlay color to the location you selected. Either clip the yarn, or let it hang for use on the next row. Proceed in this manner with each row until your design is complete. Finally, break off the yarn and weave the end into the work.

Weave the rest of the project in plain weave. Voila! You have created an inlay tapestry mug rug. Now that you know the basics you can advance to bigger projects!

To see just how avanced this can be check out Peruvian Textiles.

Enjoy your weaving!

Lili

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