Swedish Weaving Class

I learned how to do Swedish weaving a few years ago and have enjoyed it immensely ever since. I've found it to be the most relaxing, satisfying, and pleasurable craft I've ever taken up and, although it looks difficult, it's so darned easy to do. I've taught quite a few people how to do it and they never believe me when I tell them they only need to do 2 rows of weaving and then they can do anything.

We use monk's cloth (1/2 yard for a table runner or 2 1/2 yards for an afghan). The cheapest place to buy the fabric is at Walmart in the States (about $6 a yard) and then zigzag stitch the ends, leaving a few rows for a fringe. The cotton fabric is then washed in hot water and put in the dryer to shrink before starting the weaving design. 4 ply polyester yarn is used and the colors and combinations are endless.

I usually teach at my trailer but this year started teaching at our craft class in the clubhouse every Wednesday in February. After only 1 class, one of the students had finished her table runner on her own and started her afghan. Everyone learns at a slightly different rate and another student is not too far behind. The craft really is simple to do and addictive because of it's simplicity and beauty.

Today I'll teach #1 student how to do the lattice work which fills up the center of the afghan...the weaving is done on the ends and the center so the lattice work joins the 2 most detailed designs. #2 student will have finished a few rows of her table runner and be thrilled to realize she now knows it all. #3 student is doing fine even though she started out a little shakily on her own. #4 student sort of started on her own and now needs just a bit of touch up help. #5 student will be dubious but willing to learn and learn she will.

What fun!