WeaveZine Article Archive

This is where you can find the archived articles from WeaveZine, the one-time online magazine for weavers. WeaveZine is no longer in production, but as weaving is timeless, so is the content within this archive.

Color: The "WOW!" Factor

by Barbara Walker on July 26, 2009

Each time you sit at your loom, there's the desire and expectation that the end result be sensational—a piece you're proud to show off at the next guild meeting, or enter in a exhibit or fashion show.

Often, though, it looks great, but you're left with the nagging feeling that it needs something, some element that would automatically elicit a "WOW!"

What is that elusive something? Maybe it has to do with color. Perhaps a subtle nudge is needed, or even a jolt. Read more >>

Designing for Summer and Winter and Taqueté

by Lillian Whipple on July 24, 2009

Designing your own weave drafts is fun and rewarding. It lets you express yourself creatively through the cloth. You can weave pictures, words, abstract designs…almost anything you can imagine! Read more >>

Flowing Curves: Overshot and Weaving as Overshot

by Bonnie Inouye on July 15, 2009

Cloth is woven on a grid of vertical warps and horizontal wefts. But, with a bit of knowledge about designing weaving drafts, you can use these rectilinear elements to create smoothly flowing lines in your woven fabric. Read more >>

Mitered-Loop Keyhole Scarf

by Noreen Crone-Findlay on July 9, 2009

The mitered loop is a technique I developed to work with the narrow bands of fabric that can be woven on small rigid-heddle looms.

This technique works well with any narrow length of fabric that has been woven on any size loom.

Creating a mitered loop is a bit like cloth origami. You fold and stitch a long, thin strip to create a textile that is twice as wide and half as long as the original band. Read more >>

How to Weave Glass

by Sally Eyring on July 3, 2009

We all take things for granted, at least I do.

Nothing points this out more than trying to do something familiar in a new way, or with new materials.

Weaving is an art that assumes the materials used are flexible. Yarn and thread bend easily. People who weave baskets and cane chairs soften the fibers by soaking them. With enough force, metal can be bent and woven. But how does one weave something that is not flexible at all and, if stressed, will break?

Actually, it’s not difficult if you think about weaving in a different way. Read more >>

Basic Bobbin Lace: Two-Color Bracelet

by Laura Fry on June 25, 2009

Bobbin lace is an off-loom weaving technique that uses a dense pillow, pins, and bobbins to create delicate laces. It was popular in the 17th and 18th centuries, especially in England and Europe.

Using bobbin lace techniques, you can create beautiful bands and appliqués to decorate your handwoven textiles. It's also a great way to use up thrums and odd bits of leftover yarn. Read more >>

How to Buy a Used Loom

by Kathryn McMahon on June 18, 2009

What can you do if you're ready to buy your first loom, but can't afford the cost of brand-new?

You might consider buying a used loom.

Purchasing a used loom can be a positive experience if you know what to look for and what to avoid. Read more >>

Triangle or Rectangle?

by Jana Trent on June 11, 2009

Should a shawl be shaped into a triangle or rectangle? That is the question.

The drapey diamond at the back of a triangle shawl is lovely for showing off a pattern. But the length of a rectangle stole is wonderful to wrap around in front, and you can knot or fling it over your shoulder for dramatic effect.

This shawl takes advantage of the modular nature of frame-loom weaving to create a V-shaped shawl which incorporates the best of both shapes! Read more >>

Weaving Software on the Cheap

by margcoe@coeprod... on June 4, 2009

Readers of WeaveZine share some common denominators: we use computers and are interested in weaving. As the economy struggles, what better time to explore frugal ways to indulge both of these interests?

The intent of this article is not to review program features in detail, but to present a variety of intriguing weaving-related programs that are either free or available for a nominal fee. Read more >>

Getting Creative with your Weaving

by Karen Stromberg on May 27, 2009

I first learned to weave by following directions. Magazines and books presented gorgeous projects that were fun to replicate...for a while.

Then I fell in love with color and that started me creating my own designs. Read more >>