If you want to start weaving, without spending any money, this DIY cardboard loom is a must-have! Easy to make and completely free – all you need is cardboard.
Cardboard loom weaving reminds me of drill loom weaving in many ways. It’s easy to do, making it a creative option for kids and adults. it is fun! And it doesn’t take much time to produce something nice/useful in the end. But the two most obvious things that a cardboard loom has over any other type of weaving loom are its accessibility and affordability! We all have a little piece of cardboard hanging around our houses from time to time, don’t we? Or maybe even daily if you’re like me.
Since you probably already have them, you can start making your own cardboard loom using some extra supplies (which you probably already have).
How to make a loom out of cardboard
1. Cut the cardboard
Cut a piece of cardboard larger than the size of the fabric you wish to create.
2. Create a line at the top and bottom
Using a ruler, measure 1/2 inch from the bottom of the cardboard and draw a line all the way around. Do the same thing at the top.
These lines are a guide for where you will cut slits as well.
3. Measure and mark the notches
Next, measure in 1/4-inch increments along the bottom of the cardboard.
Then do the same thing at the top – making sure to use the ruler in the same direction to make sure the lines at the top and bottom match.
4. Cut slits.
Cut slits on both ends, stopping the cut at the horizontal line on each side.
5. Add strips of cardboard.
(Optional) Once you have cut slits on both ends, you can add strips of cardboard (or popsicle sticks) immediately after the horizontal lines you drew (in Step 2) to lift the threads off the cardboard base when weaving, if desired.
You can use glue or tape to attach one piece to each end.
Honestly, I usually don’t do this because it’s an extra step that I don’t feel is necessary at all. But if the fabric is more comfortable for you with that extra lift, this is a great/easy way to do it.
Stringing a cardboard loom
Now it’s time to thread your loom. Also known as torsion creation.
What does the term warp mean?
The warp consists of the vertical threads that form the base/foundation of your fabric.
start
1. To start stringing the loom, you must first tie the end of the thread to the back of the loom and secure it with tape. Then pass the thread through the first step to the front.
*I usually keep my thread on the roll and unroll it as I go to make sure I always have enough thread to finish this step.
2. Then go to the first step at the top and insert the thread into it.
3. Next, instead of going around back and forth again, pull the thread to the next notch at the top and then back to the next notch at the bottom.
4. Then bring the floss around the next lower notch before moving forward again. Do this over and over again until your loom is threaded.
5. Then cut off the excess thread and glue the end of the thread to the back of the loom.
Note about the chain: One thing to note is that you want your chains to start and end at the bottom notches. So, if you need to leave an empty slit at the end of the loom to get this work done, do so. No big problem.
Weaving on a cardboard loom
Now that the loom is hung, you can start weaving and creating the weft.
There are many different weaving techniques you can use to create weaves on any loom, whether it’s made of cardboard or some other material. So, here I will share a basic/simple weaving technique to get you started.
What does the term weft mean in fabric?
In weaving, the term weft refers to the horizontal material that begins to be woven through the warp.
start
1. You will start toward the bottom of the loom. But you want to leave extra room at the bottom to make sure that the threads are long enough, when you finally cut the whole thing off the loom, to tie them off easily.
I like to go 2-4 inches from the bottom. But with really small cardboard looms, like the one in the picture, they only rose about an inch from the bottom because they were so small – which made it difficult to attach them at the end, but it worked out fine.
To start weaving, determine how much thread you will need and then cut the thread to that length. For example, if you know you want to make 4 rows of yellow, move the yellow thread back and forth over the loom threads (crosswise) 4 times to get the length you will need before cutting. And be sure to add a little extra on each end too, just to be safe.
2. Next, you will tie one end of the thread to the first warp thread on the left with a double knot or let a small amount of thread pass through the end of the warp, as shown in the picture above.
3. Decide whether you want to use a weaving needle or something from around the house, such as a popsicle stick, or simply use your hands to weave the thread through.
If you are using a needle, pass the other end of the thread through the needle.
If you are using a popsicle stick, wrap the remaining thread around the popsicle stick in the middle.
If you are only using your hands, it may be helpful to fold the end of the string back over it and pull it all the way through, to avoid splitting the end of the string.
4. Now that you know that, you can start on any type of weaving pattern you want. The most common way to start weaving is also the simplest. This weaving technique is known as “tabby” or “plain” weaving.
Usually, at least a few rows of tabby or plain weave are worked to create stabilizing rows that help keep the fabric secure when it is removed from the loom later.
Tabby and plain weave are two names for a very simple technique. So you go above the first string and below the second string. Then above the third string and below the fourth. And so on, all the way.
5. Once you reach the end of the row, gently pull the thread all the way across/through.
Many weavers create a small bow with the thread as they pull it through. This will help ensure that the thread is not pulled too tightly and will prevent your weave from becoming wonky or uneven.
6. Use a fork, comb, or texture paddle to push the bow down in a straight line, as shown in the photo above.
7. Now you have to return the thread in the opposite direction, doing the opposite of the previous row.
So, if your chain is under the last twist chain at the end of the first row, it will go over that twist chain to start the second row and then continue down, down all the way.
8. Continue this alternating pattern for as many rows as you want.
9. Once the weaving is complete, you can tie tassels on the lower end, to give it more interest.
10. Now it’s time to remove the fabric from the loom. Start at the bottom right – cut only two strands at a time and knot them together two or three times.
Then go to the next two lines and move down the line until each string is clipped and knotted.
11. Then it’s time to remove the top of the loom. The easiest way is to tie a dowel or hold onto the rings at the top while removing them. Do not cut the upper strings if you choose this method. You want the loops to remain as they are for hanging.
There is a more advanced method of attaching the upper loops to the dowel rod below. In addition to two other options for commenting.
12. Finally, weave any tails left on the sides into the back to tuck them in.
You can do this quickly and easily with a small tapestry needle. Or by hand, which is easy but takes a little longer.
Hang your textiles
There are a few options for hanging the tapestry on the wall when complete.
1. The most common method is to use a dowel rod and attach the top strands of your weave to the dowel and hang it on the wall from a nail below the dowel. There are several ways you can do this, but this technique seems to be the best of all. You can also clip the strings together over the dowel, which is easier, but looks kind of messy.
You can also add leather straps to each end of the dowel and hang them that way. Similar to my idea for wooden curtain rods.
2. Another option (which I really like for small tapestry) is to frame them, like I did with the tapestry I shared in my 6 DIY Art Ideas Under $20. I think it looks really nice. I would just skip the glass, that way the texture has plenty of room to show.
3. Textile hangers and rug hangers are another great way to hang your handmade textiles. Well Made makes some very simple things, in a variety of sizes.
And that’s all about weaving on a cardboard loom. I hope you find this tutorial useful. Weaving can be a fun and relaxing activity for adults and children. And with a cardboard loom, you can get started right away without any fancy tools.
However, once you’ve mastered weaving on a cardboard loom, you may want to upgrade to a (budget-friendly) DIY weaving loom that you can make yourself. I have a tutorial there for a larger loom and a smaller lamp loom as well.
