Tapestry weaving has amazing possibilities. Although it requires some skills, this shouldn’t stop you from trying your hand at the tapestry weaving. These skills can be learned quickly. These amazing possibilities are even more exciting!

Two basic facts about traditional tapestry are: it is weft-faced, meaning that the weft yarn covers all the warp threads, and it’s plain weave (meaning that you cover one thread and then under the next, alternately in each row). You can either create realistic images or weave abstract patterns. It is possible to create the colors and textures you love, depending on what you see, what you think, and what your heart desires. You don’t have to be an artist. All you need is to enjoy the tactile sensation of yarn in your hands and the joy of watching the tapestry unfold.

The Cartoon

Are you ready to weave? A template or pattern can help guide your work. This is a pattern or a cartoon in tapestry weaving. It allows you to sketch out the elements of your design on paper and their relationships before you start to weave.

Avoid Disappointment

A cartoon can be very helpful in keeping you on track. However, you may want to change your original plan as you weave. Tapestry police are not available!

You are the creator of your creation and may be able to revise it as the weaving progresses. Be careful! Be aware! A cartoon can be a great way to avoid disappointment regarding the overall balance of colors or shapes in your design.

Marking the Warp directly

You can transfer your design to the warp yarns using a permanent marker if you prefer to attach the cartoon to the fabric. However, this practice has a few drawbacks. The warp threads can move or twist as you mark them. This means that lines drawn on the Warp may be visible on the sides rather than the front. If you decide to change the design of the weaving, it can be difficult to see the lines you have drawn on the Warp.

Tapestry Design: Keep it Simple

Planning your own woven tapestry design is a very important tip. Keep it simple. Avoid creating complicated designs, which can be dangerous for beginners. (Ask me how I know!)

Whole volumes provide resources to help you understand and use the many elements of a good design. You are encouraged to explore them and have some fun.

Get started: “Catch the Wave” Printable Cartoon

“Catch the Wave”, a simple design that is enhanced by the use hand-dyed yarns or tapestry techniques that add texture, is called “Catch the Wave”. The cartoon shows only the basic shapes of the design: the beach, the sea and the sky.

I have provided the cartoon “Catch the Wave”. Print it and trim around the edges of gray box.

You can also make a cartoon by measuring and cutting a piece of paper to the exact size you need for your finished weaving. Once you’re happy with your design, draw it in pencil. Then, use a heavy marker to highlight the lines. You can color the basic shapes with colored pencils, markers or watercolors if you like.

To create a foundation for the tapestry, weave several rows. Next, pin or sew your cartoon to the underside. Align the sides and bottom so that the cartoon is square with the Warp. Allow the cartoon to roll behind you as you weave. It doesn’t have to be creased; let it flop gently out of your way. Smoothen the cartoon behind the unwoven Warp as you go. Refer to this guide for direction and color changes. It’s almost like painting by numbers! Once you have woven 2 or 3 inches more, pin or sew the cartoon back to the woven area. After the weaving is completed, remove the pins and carefully snip the stitches. ).