Weaving is one of the oldest art forms, and it's easy to see why it stands the test of time. The allure of a soft, handwoven creation is hard to deny. Sadly, very few of us have access to a proper loom. With a much more common material, however, weaving a small project is possible.
This easy DIY projects shows how you can make a small loom out of a simple cardboard cereal box. Use your creation as a coaster, or stitch several together to form a hot pad or even a scarf if you're really committed to creating something special.
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Materials
- Empty cereal box
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Yarn in different colors
- Painter's tape
- Empty cereal box
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Yarn in different colors
- Painter's tape
DIY Everywhere
Instructions
1. Cut an 8-by-8-inch square from the front of the cereal box.
2. Measure and mark 1/2-inch increments on two opposing edges of the square.
3. Make a cut less than 3/8 inch deep at each pencil mark. Cut an odd number of slots into the cereal box.
4. Secure yarn into one of the slots, and pull the yarn across and through a slot on the opposing side. Pull the yarn through the slot next to that end, and pull it across the cardboard to a slot next to the first slot on the opposite side.
5. Repeat this step until lines of yarn run parallel across the entire piece of cardboard.
6. Tape loose ends in place on the back of the cardboard with painter's tape.
7. Cut a long piece of yarn, and begin weaving it through the lines of yarn on the square. Take turns going over and under each line of yarn, and continue for at least a few rows.
8. Create a pattern by using yarn in different widths and colors for a few rows. Scrunch the yarn down every few lines you add, so no gaps remain.
9. Once the loom is full, gently remove the yarn creation from the cardboard by unhooking the loops through the slots at the top and bottom.
10. Pull the looped ends gently, so they're all on one side.
11. Tie all the loose ends using a square knot as close to the woven piece as possible.
12. Cut the looped ends, and tie square knots close to the woven piece. Trim any excess as close to the woven piece as possible.
13. Cut the yarn on the remaining two sides, so it is all the same length and forms a decorative fringe.
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