People weave using many different types of looms. One simple hand loom is called a rigid heddle loom. These looms are portable, and easily used. Rigid heddle looms are easily made using Popsicle or craft sticks. Popsicle heddle looms work for making narrow woven pieces that are about four inches wide. Finished woven pieces make excellent scarves, belts or fabric for quilts. Make a rigid heddle loom out of Popsicle sticks, and try weaving some small projects.
Things You'll Need:
- Craft Knife
- 30-Foot Piece Of String Or Yarn
- School Glue
- 12 Popsicle Sticks
- Pencil
- Drill With 1/8-Inch Drill Bit
- 2 To 4 Foot Pieces Of Nylon Cord
Drill a 1/8-inch hole through the center of each Popsicle stick. Line up the Popsicle sticks on a flat surface with the narrow ends facing you. Leave a 1/8-inch gap between each Popsicle stick.
Put a dot of glue 1/8-inch from the tip of each Popsicle stick on the edge facing away from you. Put a Popsicle stick across the dots of glue. Repeat this procedure on the end of the sticks facing you. Let the glue dry thoroughly. This makes the rigid heddle.
Pick up another Popsicle stick, and drill a 1/8-inch hole on each end. This makes holes for hanging the stick.
Turn the Popsicle stick, so the sides with the holes face left and right. Draw a mark with a pencil every 1/4 inch, and cut a groove in the edge facing away from you on the marks. This helps the strings stay in place as you work.
Thread two four foot pieces of nylon cord through one of the holes on the Popsicle stick. Pull the nylon cord 4 inches through each hole. Tie a knot at the end of each side of the cord. Tie the cord on any stable object on the flat surface.
Lay the last Popsicle stick on a flat surface with the narrow ends facing left and right. Tie the end of a 30 foot piece of string or yarn to the left side of the Popsicle stick.
Put the rigid heddle between the tied Popsicle stick and the last Popsicle stick. Thread the other end of the 30 foot string or yarn through the opening on the left. Loop it over the notches cut in the hanging Popsicle stick. Thread it through the slit between the first two Popsicle sticks on the rigid heddle. Loop the string around the last Popsicle stick. Continue threading the string or yarn through the holes and gaps on the rigid heddle until you go through all of the openings, and get back to the last Popsicle stick. Once the rigid heddle is threaded, start weaving.
