Design Your Own Projects at Swedish Weaving

Are you ready to unleash your creativity? If you have a passion for weaving or are simply curious about this beautiful craft, the studio at Swedish Weaving is the perfect place for you. Here, you can design your own projects and bring your ideas to life. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced weaver, this studio offers a welcoming environment to explore your artistic side.

In this blog post, we will explore the various aspects of designing your own projects at Swedish Weaving. We will cover everything from the basics of weaving to tips for creating unique designs. Let’s dive in!

What is Swedish Weaving?

Swedish weaving in our studio refers to the weaving that is done on Swedish style floor looms. (It is not huck weaving, which is sometimes also referred to as Swedish weaving).

Getting Started with Your Project

Before you start designing your own project, these are things you'll need:

• Weaving loom: We will have 16 Swedish floor looms in our studio. They will be available to rent on a weekly basis. They come in various widths, so that you can find one that suits your project, both good for smaller widths, like you'd want for a shawl or a baby wrap, or a wide one, for larger rugs and blankets.

  
  

• Yarn: Select yarn that is suitable for weaving. We love natural fibers, and wool is definitely a favorite for many. It is so forgiving and easy to work with. That being said, alpaca is fantastic as well, and cotton strips are also popular choices. Linen is also a possibility.

  
  

• Scissors: Keep a pair of scissors handy.

  
  

• Measuring tape: You should have your own set. You will use it very frequently to see that you are making the pattern you want.

  
  

• Reed hook: Each student will need their own. We will provide these for our students, but if you lose yours, you can buy a new one from us for a small fee

Designing Your Project

Designing your own project can be one of the most exciting parts of the weaving process.

This is what we will cover in our WEAVING PLANNING WORKSHOP:

1. Choose the type of project you are making

Are you making a baby wrap, a shawl, or a rug? Or a table cloth? Are they supposed to go with anything you already own? Are they supposed to fit in a certain room?

2. Choose a pattern

You'll want to pick a pattern that is fitting for the type of project. You'll also want to consider difficulty level, what loom you'll be working on, if it has the complexity you desire, etc.

3. Select Your Colors

Choosing the right colors is such a fun part of the process! Consider how different colors work together. You can use a color wheel to find complementary colors or experiment with different shades to see what you like best. You'll want to think about contrast and sometimes you can pick several similar colors to make a more interesting warp, for example. You'll need to think about if you want a combination of different fibers, or all the same. Some projects do well with a mix, others with the same.

4. Lots of math

Don't worry, we will help you every step of the way. From figuring out how wide you can make the project, what loom you will use, how long you want the finished project to be, allowing for shrinkage, what thickness thread to use, what reed to use, and preparing the counts for your warp. This math is necessary so you can make sure to have enough materials for the project you are planning!

5. Place order for materials

We will help you figure this out as well! Sometimes it will involve preparing materials you already have, or scrounging up old sheets, going to thrift stores, etc. Easiest is typically to order some yarn from our suppliers.

Learning Techniques at Swedish Weaving

At the Swedish Weaving School, you will have the opportunity to learn various techniques that will enhance your weaving skills. Here are some popular techniques you might explore:

1. Plain weave

Plain weave is the simplest form of weaving.

Tabby plain weave, a beginner's project, a lovely shawl

2. Twill

You can use the same threading for both plain weave and twill, but the pattern on the treadles will be different. Most beginners might want to do two projects, one in plain weave, and one in twill. You can use the same colors, but it will end up looking different.

3. Rag rugs

   
   

A lot of weavers enjoy making rag rugs. They will take an old sheet or a curtain, and make long cotton strips, and weave with the strips. The process of making the cotton strips isn't very quick, but the strips make the actual weaving go quicker than when you're using thin yarn.

A student with her finished long rug project

4. Finishing Techniques

Once your project is complete, it’s important to know how to finish it properly. This includes techniques like hemming, fringing, or adding embellishments. We'll talk about washing and how you might go about washing your finished project.

Finding Inspiration

Sometimes, finding inspiration can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you spark your creativity:

• One of our favorites is browsing weaving books! We have some on hand for you to look at! Many of them are in Swedish, but weaving is largely a visual art, and we can help when it becomes a language issue!

  
  

• Visit Local Craft Stores: Browse through yarns, fabrics, and other materials. You might find something that inspires you.

  
  

• Join Online Communities: Engage with other weavers on social media platforms or forums. Sharing ideas and projects can motivate you.

  
  

• Attend Workshops: Participating in workshops at Swedish Weaving can expose you to new techniques and ideas.

  
  

• Explore Nature: Take a walk outside and observe the colors and patterns in nature. This can provide a fresh perspective for your designs.

  
  

Showcasing Your Work

Once you have completed your project, it’s time to showcase your work. Here are some ideas on how to display your creations:

• Wear: If you have woven a shawl or a wrap, or a fabric for sewing, wear it with all the legit pride of having made it yourself.

  
  

• Home Decor: Use your woven pieces as decorative items in your home. Hang a wall hanging or place a table runner on your dining table. Or put the rug on your floor!

  
  

• Gifts: Handmade items make thoughtful gifts. Consider giving your woven creations to friends and family for special occasions.

  
  

• Social Media: Share your work on social media platforms. This can help you connect with other weavers and gain feedback on your designs.

  
  

• Exhibit: Weavers who want to sell their finished goods will often put them on display at an exhibit, where people can buy the goods. We can put a picture of your finished good in our web shop at Swedish Weaving to assist with selling as well! Contact us if this is something you're interested in doing.

Overcoming Challenges

Every creative journey comes with its challenges. Here are some common obstacles you might face while designing your own projects and how to overcome them:

1. Lack of Confidence

It’s normal to feel unsure about your skills, especially when starting a new project. Even weavers who have been weaving for decades learn new things when they try a new idea. It gets easier to figure out the kinks in your project the more you weave, and we have experienced weavers here to help you!

2. Creative Blocks

If you're having a hard time coming up with your project idea, it can be good to keep browsing for a bit, look at other people's projects, and see what you like. Look at the color patterns you like, which ones speak to you, which ones make you happy. Feel the fibers before you decide, if possible.

3. Mistakes

Mistakes are a part of the learning process. If you make a mistake while weaving, don’t be discouraged. Learn from it and use it as an opportunity to improve your skills. Sometimes a problem can be fixed so it's barely noticeable, other times, you may just have to live with it being imperfect. Chances are that few others will notice it.

The Joy of Weaving

Designing your own projects at Swedish Weaving is not just about creating beautiful textiles. It is also about the joy of the process. Weaving can be a meditative experience, allowing you to relax and focus on the task at hand.

As you weave, you may find a sense of accomplishment and pride in your work. Each piece you create tells a story and reflects your unique style.

Join the Community

One of the best parts of Swedish Weaving is the community. You will meet fellow weavers who share your passion for this craft. Collaborating with others can lead to new ideas and friendships.

Consider joining a weaving group or attending events at our studio. This can enhance your learning experience and provide support as you embark on your weaving journey.

Final Thoughts

Designing your own projects at Swedish Weaving is an exciting adventure. With the right materials, techniques, and inspiration, you can create beautiful woven pieces that reflect your personality.

So, come to one of our weaving planning workshops, and join a group to start weaving. The world of Swedish Weaving awaits you, and your next masterpiece is just a project away.

A student working on a Christmas table cloth

This student is admiring her finished project, a shawl