I have recently learnt how to do weaving on a table loom in my textile class and have enjoyed the technique a lot. I found the process to be really simple and easy to use once it had been explained and I like the samples I produced.
The health and safety for using the loom was to be careful when moving the leavers/hooks because they can unhook fast and you could get your fingers trapped. Be careful and aware when others are around you as you wouldn't wish for them to get hurt and finally don't get anything stuck in or on the loom.
Below is a diagram of the looms most important features, the reed, warp, weft and shuttle.
Diagram of a loom
The warp is the most important part to create your weave each piece of the warp moves up and down when you select a pattern of weave by moving the leavers/hooks at the side. The shuttle then goes through the middle of the warp with the weft diagonally to create the weave. You then use the reed to pull the weave tight so it doesn't unravel. After this you continue to select your pattern and follow the same steps to continue your weave.
Eventually you will come to point where you have finished your weave so you would then cut it from the loom and tie the ends of the warp off so it doesn't unravel.
Below are a few images of me weaving:
That was my first go on a loom and it was a great experience. I experimented with different yarns and colours, the one I was most intregued to use was the plastic wire this was very hard to use and I didn't like the texture it created.
My weave before it was finished
Finished weave
Once finished my weave looked quite nice, it had different patterns of weave and patterns through the use of colour. It wasn't too big of a weave but it was a good start, hopefully next time I will be able to weave it a lot quicker.
