| Thought to have
been brought to Europe by the Crusaders, weaving sticks were also used by
Early American settlers. Stick
weaving is very versatile. You can use as few as two sticks or as many as
you desire to weave the width you like. You can weave flat or in a circle
(for a tube). The weaving sticks fit in your pocket so you can take your
weaving with you anywhere you go.
Weaving sticks can vary in width and
length. a 5/16" weaving stick is easy for learning, whereas a 1/4" weaving
stick will give a finer weave. |
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Cut your warp (lengthwise) yarn at least twice the length needed for your
weaving plus the ends desired (tassels, braids, etc.) Draw the end of your
warp yarn through the hole in the end of the stick to the mid point of
these strands. Pull the ends even and tie the ends of the doubled warp
yarns into a knot. Repeat this step on each stick you will use. The warp
will not be seen unless it is used for fringe on the ends of your project. |
| Line up your
sticks side by side in your hand. If you are holding a lot of sticks, then
it is easier to hold them in a U-shape in your hand while you are weaving.
Tie one end of the weft (the crosswise weaving) yarn to the first stick.
Start wrapping yarn (the weft) over stick 1, under stick 2, over stick 3,
and so on in a over/under process. Wrap the weft around the last stick,
then under and over (the opposite of the previous row) until you are back
at the starting point. Pull the yarn taut at the end of each row. |
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| If you want to weave a tube, use an odd
number of sticks. When your weave gets to the last stick, continue weaving
with the first stick as your next stick. You will be weaving in a circle
instead of back and forth. |
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As
the weaving gets to the pointed end of the stick, don't try to push the
material off the end of the stick with the warp. Take each stick and twirl
it gently, while pulling it forward. Do this about 1/2" at a time. In the
process the beginning of your weaving will slide onto your warp threads.
Continue weaving, adjusting the spacing on
the warp as necessary, until you reach the length you need for your
project. To finish, tie the end around the last stick. Gently twirl each
stick, while pulling it forward, until all of your weaving is on the warp
threads and you have enough warp thread for your finished ends. |
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Tie the warp threads to one another across each of the weaving. Finish off
the ends by braiding, tying, making tassels, weaving the warp back into
the weave, or connecting a buckle or other item |
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Shown is a
finished vary simple basic belt done for demonstration. Create a flat
belt, sash, or necklace. Weave a circular tube and close the end to create
a small purse. Attach them together to make larger items such as afghans,
blankets, pillows, rugs, or wall hangings. |
                 
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