How to Weave a Potholder

2. Weaving the weft.

Next you will create the horizontal part of the weaving. This is a good time to switch colors if you want to create a pattern.

Start by attaching a new loop to the top horizontal peg (on either the left or right side) and go over the first vertical loop and under the next. Then over the next loop and under the one after that.

Keep up with this process until your loop reaches the end of the row. Then, attach the end of the loop to the peg. And you’re ready to start your next loop.

3. Continue the process, alternating under and over.

For the next loop, you will start opposite whatever you did in the first row. So, if you started the row going over the first loop in the previous step, you will now go under the first loop in this second row.

Then, go over the next loop, under the next. Over the next loop, under the next. Just like in step 2. And attach the end of the loop to the end peg.

4. Taking the weaving off the loom.

Repeat this process of steps 2 and 3 all the way down the frame of your loom. Once the weaving is complete, it’s time to remove it from the loom.

Starting in one corner, (let’s say top right to make it easy) remove one loop from the peg. Then remove the loop right next to it off the peg and put that through the first loop.

Keep this process going for that whole side, which will form a braided edge / chain stitch.

5. Continue this process.

When you get to the end of that side, continue on with the next side, putting each loop through the one that came before it.

Repeat that process all the way around and when the final loop has been pulled through you can stretch any areas back out that are wonky or uneven.

Looking for more DIY weaving inspiration? Try these…

• You can make a potholder with just your hands (no loom), for a different look.
• Grab some yarn and make a quick cardboard loom using scrap cardboard from your recycling bin. Fast, easy, and works really well for creating weavings (of any size).
• Make a more traditional large-scale weaving loom on a budget.

How to Dye Loops for Potholder Weaving

The process of dyeing potholder loops is the same as dyeing large items, like clothing. The main difference is you only have to boil a fraction of the water you would normally use. Which makes it faster and more manageable.

• To use natural dyes (like avocado and onion skins, check out this tutorial for how to dye clothes naturally.
• For a different look, you can lighten the color or dark loops with a reverse tie dye process, also know as bleach tie dye.
• If you’re loops are made of natural materials, like cotton, and you want to use traditional dyes, check out my tutorial for dyeing fabric with rit dye.
• And last but not least, if you are dyeing synthetic materials, like polyester, try my step-by-step guide for synthetic fabric dye.

Above and below are some loops that I dyed using Rit Dye. The process was easy and pretty quick too.

How to Make a Potholder

Brittni

Last time I mentioned weaving on a potholder loom, I went through the history of potholder weavings, all the ends of outs of what you would need to get started, the various types of looms available, etc. But today, I wanted to share how to actually make a potholder weaving for one of these looms.

I taught a couple of classes on this very subject to elementary school kids recently (age 4-12) and they were able to grasp the concept pretty quickly. So you know the process will be easy-to-follow. But more importantly, its fun, only requires two items to get started, and you can have a completed potholder weaving in less than an hour.

So, if you’re looking for a way to keep your hands busy and try out a different creative activity, or just a project to zone out on while  watching tv, click through for the tutorial.

 

• Slip your first loop over the first peg at the top left and stretch it down to the first peg on the bottom (bottom left) of the loom. Repeat this process all the way across the loom, making sure there is one loop for every set of pegs. And that all the loops run parallel to each other.
• Next you will create the horizontal part of the weaving. This is a good time to switch colors if you want to create a pattern. Start by attaching a new loop to the top horizontal peg (on either the left or right side) and go over the first vertical loop and under the next. Then over the next loop and under the one after that.
• Keep up with this process until your loop reaches the end of the row. Then, attach the end of the loop to the peg. And you’re ready to start your next loop.
• For the next loop, you will start opposite whatever you did in the first row. So, if you started the row going over the first loop in the previous step, you will now go under the first loop in this second row. Then, go over the next loop, under the next. Over the next loop, under the next. Just like in step 2. And attach the end of the loop to the end peg.
• Repeat this process of steps 2 and 3 all the way down the frame of your loom. Once the weaving is complete, it’s time to remove it from the loom. Starting in one corner, (let’s say top right to make it easy) remove one loop from the peg. Then remove the loop right next to it off the peg and put that through the first loop.
• Keep this process going for that whole side, which will form a braided edge / chain stitch. When you get to the end of that side, continue on with the next side, putting each loop through the one that came before it.
• Repeat that process all the way around and when the final loop has been pulled through you can stretch any areas back out that are wonky or uneven.

Just a heads up that this post may contain affiliate links. I make a small commission when items are purchased through my link.