For the kids first adventure with weaving I thought I would have us try straw weaving.
I was able to use things I already had around the house.
Straws (I had bendy straws so I just them them cut off)
Yarn scraps (for the base of the loom and for weaving)
Scissors
Tape
Tapestry needle (optional)
To start with you will need equal pieces of yarn to go through each straw. These will need to be slightly longer than you want your finished piece to be. I found that to get the yarn through the straw sucking on it really helped and the kids thought it was fun to try. Once all the yarn pieces are through the straws knot them.
To keep the straws in place when you are starting I found it helpful to tape them all together. I also thought it was easier to put the yarn on a large tapestry needle for the weaving. Once our loom was set up I had Oldest Twin and Littlest wind the yarn over, under, and around the straws.
Once we had finished a few rows I removed the tape from the straws. Then as we got to the bottom of the straws I would slide them down so we could keep working.
When we wanted to change colors I would knot the new color to one of the outside straws before beginning to work with it. Then when we were finished I used the tapestry needle to tuck in all of the loose ends.
Our finished straw weaving piece! You can vary how wide your finished piece is by how many straws you use. We used 6 and I’m not sure I would really want to use more than that. You could make bookmarks or bracelets, Littlest even asked if we could make him a scarf like this!
Have you tried straw weaving? What about weaving on a cardboard loom, I think we want to try that next!
Liz Mays says
This brought back all kinds of fuzzy feelings from having done this as a child. I’m totally pinning it!
Julie is Coco and Cocoa says
I’m kind of sad that I don’t ever remember doing this as a kid! Thankfully I’ve taken care of that for my kids 😉 Thanks for the pin!
Crystal says
How cute is this?!?! My kids are about to start their spring break, so I’m stock pilling ideas to keep them happy and entertained. This would be perfect!
Julie is Coco and Cocoa says
Thanks, Crystal! And have fun on spring break!!
Michelle F. says
That looks like a lot of fun. I would definitely do that with my daughter when she is a little older.
Julie is Coco and Cocoa says
It was beyond what my 5 year old could do by himself. But he liked ‘helping’ and seeing it get made. I’ll try again with him by himself in the future 😉
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
What a fun idea. My kids would love this.
Julie is Coco and Cocoa says
Thanks, Robin! I think I see some more loom/weaving projects in our future 🙂
Debra says
I had forgotten about this! My daughter would love it!
Julie is Coco and Cocoa says
This was a new craft for me, but I’m amazed how many people did it as kids! Hope your daughter enjoys it!
Rosey says
What a fun craft. I bet my teen would like to do this too!
Julie is Coco and Cocoa says
It’s a great teen craft (even for boys)! Thanks!
Rowan says
This is so great!
Julie is Coco and Cocoa says
Thanks, Rowan!
suzettevalle says
Oh how my daughter used to love doing this. So pretty!
Julie is Coco and Cocoa says
Thanks! I think I’ll be doing this again with my kids pretty often 🙂
Mistee Dawn says
This looks like a lot of fun. I will definitely have to do this with my daughter.
Julie is Coco and Cocoa says
Thanks, Mistee! It was fun to do with my kids, so I hope your daughter loves it!
Jaime says
What a great, kid friendly craft! It came out adorable!
Julie is Coco and Cocoa says
Thanks, Jaime! Happy Friday!
debi says
Very cool project! I love it. I’ve pinned it to make with my niece when she’s a little older. Thanks!
Julie is Coco and Cocoa says
Thanks, Debi! And thanks for the pin!
Next Door Painting says
So cool! My boys love crafts, I will add this to our list!
~GINA
Julie is Coco and Cocoa says
I hope your boys have fun with it! Thanks, Gina!
Holly @ Woman Tribune says
What a cute craft! This would be so much fun for bracelets.
Julie is Coco and Cocoa says
Thanks, Holly, these would be perfect for bracelets! I would probably use 3-ish straws for that 🙂
katrinagehman says
very cool! I wouldn’t have thought of doing this. love it
Julie is Coco and Cocoa says
Thanks! And happy weekend!
Kristin says
What a fun little project! I would love to try this with my kiddo!
Julie is Coco and Cocoa says
Hope you have fun with it! Thanks, Kristin!
Caitlin says
This is a super cool craft. I taught arts and crafts at a camp one summer and I feel like this would have been a great craft to do!
Julie is Coco and Cocoa says
Thanks, Caitlin! And this would be perfect for a summer camp craft activity!