Weaving classes are funny things. You think you’ll learn one specific skill, but you often walk away with a whole new set of weaving hacks you didn’t even know you needed! This has been our experience with our Live at the Loom series. What started as a fun way to spend time together has become an ongoing discovery of new techniques and tools.

In our latest Live at the Loom, Janet introduced us to some of her favorite “doo-dads” while setting up her Lunar New Year warp.

Here are the top three surprisingly affordable items she recommended to make warping easier:

Weaving Hack Doo-Dad #1: Loopers

Remember those elastic loops from children’s potholder looms? Available in craft stores, Janet prefers the thinner nylon ones in various colors. These loops are perfect for anything that needs to be quickly and loosely secured, like:

• Tying the warp around the cross to keep it intact.
• Color-coding parts of your threading (e.g., using different colors to mark threads that go over or under the lease stick).
• Securing your rattle to the beater and looping over the beater to keep warp ends in place.

You can also chain loopers together for longer ties, or add S-hooks, beads, and weights for additional uses. In a pinch, cut up an old stocking or a single sock if you’re out of loopers—they won’t last as long, but they’ll do the job!

Weaving Hack Doo-Dad #2: Boot and Shoe Laces

These are readily available at most stores. Opt for the longest ones you can find. You can also use nylon paracord from hardware or outdoor stores, but it won’t have the nicely secured ends that boot laces do (though paracord comes in fun colors).

Boot laces are fantastic because they don’t stretch, hold knots securely, and are easy to untie. Plus, their thickness and color make them easy to spot in a room full of yarn and thread and they aren’t easy to cut through if you need to pull the scissors out. Janet uses them for:

• Suspending lease sticks for threading.
• Holding the beater upright while threading, using one lace secured to the loom around the beater bar, and the another lace through the front beam, holding the beater in equal tension.

Weaving Hack Doo-Dad #3: Hook-and-Loop Cable Tie

These are game-changers! You can find them at office supply, gardening, and hardware stores. They’re available as rolls of double-sided hook-and-loop (Velcro) tape or as pre-cut ties in various colors. Be sure to cut them to size before you need them

Cable ties are ideal for securely attaching things to each other, like a rod holding your warp ends to the apron rod before beaming. You can also use them to mark and locate your treadles.

Tip: Ensure the soft (loop) side faces outward to prevent the hooks from catching on sweaters or collecting studio lint. Toss out old ties as soon as they lose their “stick”. If they loosen or come off while beaming or weaving, the tension of your warp will go out of whack.

Alternative: you could also use plastic cable ties, but they will need to be cut off after use, and they have the little pokey end that sticks out.  However, they will stay very secure and won’t stretch or come off.

These budget-friendly doo-dads can make all the difference in your weaving experience!

Read about more Make it Work Moments from our Live at the Loom Series in our Blog.

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