Tablet Weaving – From Wine Boxes to C-clamps and Beyond!
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A few years ago I was inspired by a member of my Viking group to try tablet weaving. My first loom was made from a wine box, which was surprisingly successful. The flap at the front even provides tension adjustment. I played with different patterns and yarn types on this loom and found that there is actually some logical sense to this seemingly incomprehensible collection of threads and cards! Threading the cards is the most complicated bit, but once that is done it is really a matter of keeping your place in the pattern. I use a knitting row counter for this. If I have a pattern sequence of 4 forward and 4 back, I use 1-4 forward and 5-8 back on my row counter.
I also experimented with a table setup using pencils, C-clamps and weights, to do a longer piece. The resulting chevron strip is now the strap for my sounding horn. The weave is a bit loose in places, but it does the job.
Then my mother got me a proper wooden loom for Christmas, the Ashford Inklette. It is tiny and portable, but can do a really long strip! I absolutely love it. She also got me some Lacis weaving cards and a book about tablet weaving. The first piece from this loom now marks my faire mug. My favourite piece so far was actually for a friend (in exchange for help with the leather portions of my Valkyrie Wings). The design is nested Thor’s Hammers, and I used a fingering weight wool yarn.
Create your own!
How interesting! I have never heard of this, but the end product is beautiful.
These are beautiful. I always loved weaving. Thanks for inspiring me to start again.
I’d love to see what you make!
This looks intimidating to me! I’m so impressed.
How cool is that! I’m not a very crafty person but my mom is and this would be something she would probably enjoy. I’ll be sure to pass it along to her
I am loving this! I used to crochet pretty heavily until I started having autoimmune issues that affected my fingers. I feel like this might be a bit more agreeable!
It probably would be better. The only thing you might find fiddly is threading the cards, but even that is easier than crochet!
Wow! This is awesome! I might have to look into this for a new hobby! And your pictures are great!
It’s really easy once you get the basic concept. And you end up with some really nice, colourful and strong straps!
This is so cool! I had no idea you could weave like this. This would be a fun summer craft/activity to learn with my kids!
OK, the wine box is genius 🙂
Your creations are so beautiful! I’ve never tried weaving, but I love the results!
Oh my how fun! never heard of this, your creations are beautiful.
I’m a crafter myself but I’ve never tried weaving before. Your wine box idea was so clever!
I wish I could take credit for the wine box idea, but I found it on Pinterest. It really is genius though!
Those are beautiful! You are very talented!!
That is very cool, neat! I have no idea if there is a special tool for the weaving, we usually use our toes, lol
I have also done this without the loom. You tie it to your belt and then either something solid in front of you or a toe, depending how long it is!
this is so cool! I have never heard of this
I love yarn crafts, but I have never braved an attempt at weaving. Beautiful work!
They came out so nice. Love the wine box loom. Now I must buy some wine 😉
What a great summer project for kids! I’m tucking this away for next summer. Are the straps only as long as the thread? Or are you able to make them longer, like a belt?
I can do from about 18 inches up to 40 something, depending on how I wrap it on the loom.
What a wonderful project! I am not very crafty, so this impresses me to no end! And the finished projects are so cool!
Never heard of this but it looks so pretty!
Talk about being creative! This is awesome. Great job. I used to do some weaving when I was younger, but haven’t in ages. Love what you’re doing.
I really am going to send this to my Mom. She is a knitter and a crafter who is running out of usable space. Your wine box creation may be the answer.
That’s fabulous! I’d love to see what she makes.
Oh the webs we weave. These are beautiful, nice work!
What an interesting craft!
How artistic! wish I knew how to weave.
This looks so cool! I love the finished products!