Weft is Right: Weaving for Elementary and Up

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1 Weft is Right: Weaving for Elementary and Up MAEA Fall 2016 Conference Mick Luehrman, Weaving is a great activity for students at all levels. Even Kindergarteners can learn to weave. Weaving is inherently interdisciplinary and there are many links that can be made. Basic mathematics understandings related to pattern can be reinforced. There are many cultural and historical connections that can be made connecting to Social Studies. Science can be included by looking at the nature of different types of fibers, both natural and man- made. In regard to Social Studies connections, take care not to lump ethnic groups together and attribute the same traditions to all. Do some research to make sure you are coming from an informed position. For instance, across the myriad of American Indian traditions there are many differences. Among the Navajo, weaving is traditionally done by women, whereas among the Pueblo, weaving is primarily done by the men. Basic terms (source: Weaving, A Handbook of the Fiber Arts, Shirley E. Held, 2 nd edition) Spinning- The process of drawing out and twisting loose fibers to form a continuous strand of yarn. Loom- What you weave on. Any device used for weaving that performs the minimum function of holding the warp yarns taut and in their proper positions (Held, p. 379). Warp- The lengthwise element in a woven construction. A set of yarns that are parallel to one another and to the selvedge (longer) dimension of a woven fabric. Weft- The set of yarns that is perpendicular to the Warp. Generally, the weft goes from left to right to left, etc. Shed- The space between separated warp yarns through which the weft yarn is passed. Shed Stick- A flat stick used to raise a group of warp yarns, creating a shed. A ruler or a tongue depressor can work for this. Shuttle- carries and leads the weft yarn through the shed. A tongue depressor or a popsicle stick can work. Carefully drill a hole in one end or just masking tape the yarn to the shuttle. Shot- One passage of the weft yarn through a shed. Tapestry Weave- A fabric in which the weft yarns are discontinuous; usually decorative or expressive. A tapestry weave involves the use of multiple weft yarns within a single shot across the warp. In terms of the weaving process, here are some basic tips for success: Use stiff corrugated cardboard for cheap and easy looms.

2 Make sure the corrugations in the cardboard run lengthwise, the long dimension of the cardboard (the direction that the warp will go). Use marked measuring templates to locate slots in the ends of the cardboard. Older students can use rulers instead to integrate math skills. Ordinary kite string can be used for warping the loom. Regular yarn works as well, especially if you want to utilize the visible parts of the warp in a decorative or functional way. Have children measure and cut weft string an arm s length at a time (the amount in a full wingspan of arms extended. This helps cut down on tangles and endless amounts of weft to pull through each shot. The younger the students.... o... the fewer the warp strings (No more than 6 for Kindergarteners) o... the more space between the warp strings (allows for easier finger weaving). o... the larger the weft yarn (use Jumbo commercial size yarns, or tear strips of fabric) Woven Doll Tips: (Supplement to attached illustrated instructions on following page) Loom size- 12 by 5 is a good size for your cardboard. Again, make sure corrugations run parallel to the long dimension of the loom. Slots for warp- you need eight on each end. 3/8 apart is a good spacing This project will utilize tapestry weaving techniques. You will be operating three or more weft weavers simultaneously in a single shot (trip through the warp). Use plastic forks to pack down the weft as you go. Keep it tightly packed for a more solid and less floppy doll. Follow the illustrated instructions on the next page. Embellish dolls with stitchery, buttons, and/or beads Concept: Making Meaning: Group students in teams and create dolls to represent specific characters in a self- written or adapted story. Create dolls that represent historical characters. They can function as stick puppets quite easily. Create scenery or a diorama to house the doll(s). Create and use doll as a pin, or applique for wearable art. Epilogue: Weaving, when designed in a developmentally- appropriate way, is a soothing activity that will often serve to calm down overly excited classes once they have grasped the process and immersed themselves in the project. Feel free to contact me with questions.

4 Tabby (plain) weave--over 1, under 1. (It does not matter if you start over or under.) Pay attention to the bottom example because it shows that you should keep the weaving yarn straight. Basket weave--over 2, under 2. Use a double strand of weft.

5 Vertical bars--tabby (plain) weave with two colors. Dovetail--to change color within the shot. Don t forget to overlap the yarn within the warp.

Twill weave--under 1, over 2. This is how jeans and khakis are woven!

6 Manipulated weft--to create curves and organic shapes. Tabby one shot, then push into place. Add more shots to fill in. Twill weave--under 1, over 2. This is how jeans and khakis are woven! You'll see the diagonal rows emerge. Create a new shed for each shot from the same side you started.

Tapestry Techniques with Claudia Chase A CraftArtEdu Class

Tapestry Techniques with Claudia Chase A CraftArtEdu Class 1 Definitions Tapestry: a weft-faced fabric (in other words, the warp yarn is completely covered); a fabric consisting of plain weave (under and over every other warp thread) and some discontinuous wefts