On larger looms, the weft thread is usually wound onto a bobbin or shuttle, however, on this small cardboard box loom, a shuttle would be too big use. Instead, you can wind the weft thread into small skein or “butterfly”. Butterflies are often used in tapestry weaving as well.
How to Wind a Butterfly
- To start winding the butterfly, place the end of the yarn between your index and first finger.
- Wrap the yarn around your thumb, forming a loop.
- Then wrap the yarn around your little finger, and back around your thumb, forming a figure 8.
- Continue back and forth, wrapping the yarn between your thumb and your little finger, forming figure 8’s.
- This forms a “cross” in the middle of the 2 loops of yarn that are around your thumb and little fingers.
- When you have wound sufficient yarn,
- (usually 10 – 15 revolutions)
- break the end of the yarn.
- Then wrap the end of the yarn around the centre of the 2 loops (at the cross) a few times.
- At the last wrap, slip the end of the yarn through this loop and pull the end until it is snug.
To weave with the butterfly, you can pull gently on the starting end and it should slip out of the butterfly.
Tapestry Weaving
Weaving Tapestry on a Spears Childs Loom
Tapestry Pillow
Twill Tapestry
Tapestry Weaving
Tapestry Weaving Books
Small Loom & Freeform Weaving: Five Ways to Weave
Tapestry Handbook
Tapestry Weaving
Tapestry Weaving
Tapestry Weaving: A Comprehensive Study Guide
Tapestry Weaving (Search Press Classics)
Tapestry Weaving: Design and Technique
Contemporary International Tapestry
The Complete Book of Tapestry Weaving
EBAY Tapestry Looms
USED TAPESTRY LOOMS – UK
USED TAPESTRY LOOMS – US
Categories: HAND WEAVING, How To, Tapestry Weaving