Woven Pouches

Weaving is when you make cloth by interlacing warp and weft threads on a loom. WARP - The threads stretched lengthwise on the loom. WEFT - The threads crossing the width of the warp.      

A loom is a machine or device for weaving thread or yarn into fabric A loom is a machine or device for weaving thread or yarn into fabric. Looms can range from very small hand-held frames, to large free-standing hand looms, to huge automatic mechanical devices. The loom we will be using will be handmade out of cardboard.

So Let’s Talk History!!! Back in the day people had to weave in order to make clothes and blankets for themselves and their families if they did not want to use animal hides. The exact date of the first hand-woven work is a mystery. Nevertheless, there is evidence of cloth being made in Mesopotamia and in Turkey as far back as 7000 to 8000 BC. Some people think that humans probably learned how to weave by looking at spider’s webs and bird’s nests.

Not only do some people have to weave their own clothes and blankets--- but those people also create their own yarns/threads to weave with. Yarns and threads are made out of fibers. So, what is a fiber??? Here are some clues…

Once you have the fibers you have to spin them in order to create a yarn. So how does someone ‘spin’ a fiber to create a thread or yarn? The first known spinning device is the hand spindle. It was used for thousands of years. Then the spinning wheel was invented around 1000 years ago. Spinning Wheel Hand Spindle

Here are some examples of textiles from different cultures- China, Peru, Egypt

Italy, Navajo, Mayan

Japan, Persia, Spain

This is a tunic woven for an Incan King…

Now it’s yo turn to be a Masta Weaver! In this unit : You’ll get to learn about the history of weaving. Say fancy art words like “warp, weft, and loom.” you’ll create a woven pouch by using various weaving techniques. You must include Tabby (plain) weaving technique along with 2 other techniques of your choice. Think about what kind of patterns you’d like to create using color and techniques. You will be creating a functional piece of art that can be used to store your phone, iPod, jewelry, coins, or anything you’d like.

Do you notice the sweet details that these purses have Do you notice the sweet details that these purses have? The one on the right has beads on it!!

If you have some super cool yarn at home that you want to use you need to bring it in to class SOON. You could also look for things like buttons, feathers, and beads. So here’s the Deal---

You could even add Tassels and Pom Poms…. OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Last but not least- we will teach you how to make a strap for your bag if you want. We will show you how to braid one, or weave one using straws.

For your project, you will be weaving a pouch for either your cell phone, Ipod, MP3 player, or even school id. The first thing we need to do is MEASURE out our loom onto the cardboard of a cereal box. Pouches are made up of two sides, so we need to double the length, PLUS account for the top flap. You will need your cell phone or Ipod for this, so YES, you may bring them to class tomorrow (regular school rules DO APPLY!) 

17 lines/slits PLUS each edge! Then, using notebook paper, we need to make an ODD # of lines. These will be turned into slits, which is where the warp thread will go. On this example, I used 17, but you will use whatever number fits into the size you want your pouch. Next, you will carefully cut out your loom and make the slits. 17 lines/slits PLUS each edge!

Fold cardboard, keeping one side longer for the top flap. Try to find a balance between not too tight and not too loose! This is a REALLY important step so take your time on this!!! Thread warp yarn. Tape end of yarn to one side of the cardboard, then thread the yarn through a slit and down to the other side. Wrap around and through next slit and bring yarn back to the top. Keep all of your warp yarn on one side of the cardboard. When you finish, cut the yarn and tape to the inside of the loom. Fold cardboard, keeping one side longer for the top flap.

Now we can start weaving Now we can start weaving! To change colors, just leave a little tail and begin with your new color. Leave a little tail out of the new color (we can clip it later). You can also tie a small knot between the old color and the new one if you want. This makes it a little more secure, however you may still be able to see the knots. The longer you choose to cut your weft yarn, the more chances for getting it knotted. Once you get the hang of weaving though, you’ll be better at this and able to use longer wefts.

This is what you are going for!!!

We are going to watch a quick video tutorial to get you started, so PAY GOOD ATTENTION! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCRWn4P50fs & http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbtKnvc_9No

Step by step instructions: http://www.craftstylish.com/item/2546/how-to-weave-on-a-cardboard-loom