In-progress (at least 4 inches)
due: Tuesday, Sept. 22
Finished Tapestry Weaving
due: Tuesday, Sept. 29
Tapestry Technique Resources (below)
This assignment will build upon your weaving experiments you created for your last assignment, Improvisational Weaving. With this weaving you will learn some traditional tapestry weaving techniques and use more traditional weaving materials: yarn! (You are also welcome to integrate other non-traditional materials into the weaving.)
A tapestry is a weaving in which weft threads are woven to create imagery on the weaving. Here the weft covers the warp threads, creating a weft-faced fabric (meaning that you cannot see the warp threads).
For this assignment, you will create a weaving sampler exploring several tapestry weaving techniques. Refer to the attached ‘Visual Glossary’ or other books and resources on weaving for guidance, ideas and inspiration.
1. Construct your cardboard loom (see reverse) and set your warp threads (making sure that you have an even number). Limit yourself to 5 colors in the first half of your weaving. Utilize the techniques below.
2. Horizontal lines: Weave several rows of one color for practice covering the warp and keeping even selvage. Then weave several rows of another color. Arc or bubble the filling across the warp to allow for take-up of weft as it interlaces over and under the warp ends. Pack the weft well using your fork. Repeat.
3. Vertical lines: Weave two contrasting colors to produce vertical lines. Do this by weaving a row of dark and a row of light, alternating for several rows.
4. Weave any shapes that utilize interlocking, dovetail and slit techniques. Try a shape that involves diagonal lines.
5. Experiment with a weaving technique that creates pile, such as soumak or rya knots.
6. In the second portion of your weaving, continue your experiements and trying ideas. You are welcome to incorporate alternative materials or other types of yarns into the weaving. Experiment with yarns/threads/filaments of differing textures and weights.
7. For our critique on 9/29: Remove your sample weaving from the loom and finish the ends. (You will be shown techniques for this in class).
*** Weave at least 4 inches by 9/22 and upload an image of your in-progress weaving to share in class. Categorize your post under “Tapestry Weaving”.
***Record approximately how long it took you to complete this (record it in your journal/notebook). As you proceed with your weaving, reflect on whether you enjoy the process, or not, what aspects you find pleasing, or challenging. You may wish to record your thoughts in your journal. Enjoy!
TAPESTRY WEAVING RESOURCES
Tapestry Technique Online Resources:
- An awesome resource for beginner weavers! Fibers and Design
- Another technique resource: The Weaving Loom
- Very fundament weaving technique covered: Schacht Weaving
Tapestry Technique Demo Videos (from class):
- Weft Technique Video – part 1 – interlocking wefts
- Weft Technique Video – part 2 – Rya Knots (Pile)
- Weft Technique Video – part 3 – Leno (basic lace technique)