TabbyandTweed Blogs - hints, tips and weaving ideas

We write regular weaving blogs with the aim of answering FAQ frequently asked questions. Most of our blogs detail techniques and include hints and tips to help weavers improve their skills and their weaving. Our most popular blogs include details on warping a rigid heddle loom or small frame loom, hemstitching and on changing the weft thread.

Hands weaving pink and yellow threads on a wooden loom atop a wooden table. The setting is indoors with soft, natural light.

What is the best beginners weaving loom kit for me to learn how to weave?

In this post we will explore the best weaving kits for beginners, covering what makes a great starter kit and our top picks to kick off your journey into weaving.

Emma and Gillian

Aug 55 min read

Colorful yarn in shades of green, pink, and purple is woven on a wooden loom, with spools in the background on a wooden table.

Understanding weave structures: Warp-faced, weft faced and balanced weaving.

This blog article explains the difference between warp faced, weft faced and balance weaving with examples including belt weaving, Krokbragd weaving and colour and weave on a rigid heddle loom.

Emma and Gillian

Jul 105 min read

a woven blue striped belt on a wooden surface

Mastering the art of weaving a belt or strap with a belt weaving heddle loom: a beginners guide.

A belt weaving kit is a fun way to learn to weave and this blog outlines the key steps to starting to weave with the kit. Included are some handy hints and tips to help you perfect your weaving technique.

Emma and Gillian

Jun 235 min read

Colorful woven fabric on a loom, featuring pink, white, and blue rows. Wooden shuttle rests above. Bright, intricate patterns.

Using a pick up stick to create different textured weaving patterns on a rigid heddle loom

Using pick up sticks on a rigid heddle loom allows for the weaving of different textures and patterns. This blog shows you how to weave warp and weft float patterns.

Emma and Gillian

Jun 115 min read

Hands weaving pink, gray, and blue threads on a loom. Pattern contrasts with polka-dotted background, creating a calm, focused mood.

My journey into rigid heddle weaving: from making a loom to learning how to create my first handwoven scarf

This is a guest blog written by a visiting student as she learnt to weave on a rigid heddle weaving loom.

Emma and Gillian

Jun 56 min read

an orange bag with a circular label and a green thank you card

Embracing Sustainability: Making our UK small business creating weaving loom kits as eco-friendly as possible

This blog post highlights how we are adopting sustainable methods by focusing on eco-friendly packaging, utilizing solar energy, sourcing local materials and using British wool in our weaving kits.

Emma and Gillian

Jun 14 min read

Creating a handwoven British wool cushion on a rigid heddle weaving loom using a 4 shaft extension kit

This blog discusses the steps of a project to making a handwoven cushion using British wool using one of our rigid heddle looms.

Emma and Gillian

May 194 min read

A wooden loom weaves a multicolored fabric with blue and yellow threads. Tools and fabric strips are on a wooden table beneath.

Reuse and recycle your waste fabric to create a stunning sustainable coaster using a rigid heddle weaving loom

Sustainable weaving - creating a handwoven coaster by reusing and recycling fabric scraps

Emma and Gillian

Apr 244 min read

Hands weaving on a loom with pink, red, and green yarn against a wooden background. The mood is creative and focused.

Learn the mindful craft of weaving: Create a handwoven wall hanging using a large frame loom weaving kit.

In this blog, we will walk you through making a stunning wall hanging and highlight the calming benefits of weaving whether you are a beginner or more experienced weaver.

Emma and Gillian

Apr 164 min read

a wooden rigid heddle weaving loom and a bright plaid patterned fabric

How to weave double width fabric with a 4 shaft extension kit on a rigid heddle weaving loom: Tips and Hints

It is possible to weave a double width fabric on a rigid heddle loom. This blog details how this can be achieved with some hints and tips.

Emma and Gillian

Apr 24 min read

twill and patterned weave on a rigid heddle loom in yellow and pink

Extending the design possibilities - converting a rigid heddle loom to enable weaving on 4 shafts.

This blog discusses how a 4 shaft extension kit can be used with a rigid heddle weaving loom to extend the weaving possibilities.

Emma and Gillian

Mar 16 min read

handwoven fabric on a loom in orange and turquoise colours

7 practical tips for the perfect selvedge: A weaver's guide when weaving a scarf on a rigid heddle loom

This blog discusses the causes of an uneven woven selvedge and provides some suggestions and hints on how to perfect your technique.

Emma and Gillian

Feb 184 min read

a pink, white and purple intricate patterned weave on a wooden rigid heddle weaving loom

Tips for weaving the selvedge edge of a log cabin design when using a rigid heddle loom - how to manage the two shuttles.

This blog discusses a range of strategies that can be used to address a number of issues when weaving a log cabin design.

Emma and Gillian

Jan 195 min read

a row of brightly patterned woven bookmark weaving looms on a grey table

7 hands on weaving loom workshops - a guide to different types of inspiring workshops for you to learn to weave.

Want to know about different types of weaving loom workshops? This blog outlines different workshops and types of weaving looms.

Emma and Gillian

Nov 7, 20244 min read

a christmas present wrapped in red and beige snow flake patterned paper

6 weaving loom kits that you can use to weave beautiful woven gifts for Christmas, birthdays or other events.

If you are thinking of weaving a gift for Christmas this year then this blog outlines a few suggestions of unique festive gifts.

Emma and Gillian

Oct 10, 20243 min read

a wooden bookmark loom with spool of bright yarn and an example of a woven patterned bookmark on a white surface

8 of the best weaving loom kits to give as a creative Christmas gift for the person who loves yarn crafts

If you are looking to purchase a gift for someone who enjoys craft then this blog details a selection of 8 weaving loom kits.

Emma and Gillian

Sep 25, 20244 min read

woven wool flowers in red and green colours with buttons in the middle

Crafting a sustainable and reusable Christmas yarn wreath as a door or festive home decoration.

Steps to creating your own sustainable festive wreath for your Christmas home using either a kit or your own resources.

Emma and Gillian

Sep 9, 20244 min read

a wooden square frame loom with TabbyandTweed branded on the side with a pink and lime tartan weave on it

8 steps to designing and weaving your own tartan with a square frame weaving loom kit.

Find out how we used a square frame weaving loom kit to design and weave a Tartan fabric.

Emma and Gillian

Sep 9, 20243 min read

handwoven christmas runner in red and green colours on a table with gifts and a wine glass

Weaving a Christmas runner on a rigid heddle loom - create a touch of festive handmade charm.

Interested in weaving a handwoven Christmas runner? This blog details our latest kit with some weaving tips.

Emma and Gillian

Aug 20, 20243 min read

a wooden rigid heddle loom with a pink, blue and lime green weave on it on a wooden table

5 key tips for weaving a stash of hand spun yarn to weave a beautiful luxury scarf on a rigid heddle loom

This blog outlines the weaving of yarn from a stash. Waste yarn is put to great effect with the creation of a stunning handwoven scarf.

Emma and Gillian

Aug 10, 20243 min read