Potholder Loom Weaving

The author explains that meeting this popular little pin loom as an adult meant she had no preconceived ideas that it was only a child’s toy, seeing it as having unlimited design potential allied with low-tech equipment and virtually no yarn waste.

The content of the book is divided into three main sections: Getting Started, listing equipment needed; Techniques, an introduction to the actual weaving; and finally Projects. She offers detailed step-by-step instructions, accompanied by excellent photographs of each step in creating basic squares or triangles in plain colours, simple stripes and checks. There is advice on how to design using colour, pattern, and texture using different yarns and stitch combinations, followed by suggestions on finishing methods for edges with fringes, crochet edges and lucet cords.

A chapter on tapestry weaving takes the reader through creating a sampler using a drawing underneath the weaving; how to create shapes such as faces following a drawing is explained clearly. Projects for the home include, of course, potholders, but also larger projects where individual modules are joined together for table runners, pillows, and square baskets and boxes. Final chapters offer ideas for wall hangings and fashion accessories.

For someone keen to experiment with textures and yarns using inexpensive equipment which takes up little space, this book offers an excellent introduction, and offers links to suppliers and how-to videos.

Noreen Crone-Findlay is a fiber artist, author, designer, weaver, YouTube video-tutorial diva with 13,000 subscribers, loom designer, workshop facilitator, crocheter, doll maker, and knitter. Over the last 35+ years, her designs have appeared in many magazines. She lives in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.