A DIY loom that’ll have you up and weaving in no time (Image: Maya Marin | ehow)

IN THIS ARTICLE:
why weaving is good for the anxious soul,
making your first weaving loom

As the anxious sort, I’m well aware that I should start meditating. Everyone tells me so — friends, acquaintances, wellness experts, my mother. And I want to — oh how I want to. It’s just so freaking HARD. Can’t even begin to count the number of times I jumped on (then promptly fell off) the meditation wagon. I’ve got the meditation audiobooks, I subscribe to meditation podcasts, I’ve got no shortage of guided meditations loaded on my iPhone. Yet, have I been able to keep it up for more than 3 days at a time? (*Head hung in shame*)

Though I haven’t given up, I’ve found that certain crafts are good meditative stand-ins for now — especially those that involve repetitive motions like plain knitting and crocheting (no fancy lace or cables). And though I’m very new to it, I’ve discovered that simple weaving lulls me into a relaxed, zen-like state. Best thing about this craft is that there’s really no steep (anxiety-producing) learning curve in order to get started as is often the case with knitting and crochet for most. Simply pick an easy-to-make-and-use loom, like this frame loom I made for eHow, and you’ll be up and running.

I did a good deal of research trying to figure out what method was going to be the easiest for first-time weavers.

The online resources that I found most helpful were The Weaving Loom and this terrific Creativebug.com course taught by Annabel Wrigley. My final tutorial was very much inspired and informed by these sites, so I owe them a debt of gratitude.

Watch the video below and visit eHow for my full written instructions.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Very strong yarn (I recommend a fine to worsted-weight cotton like Lily Sugar n’ Cream or acrylic)
•  Any additional yarns of your choice (I recommend worsted weight wool or acrylic)
•  Tapestry needle (I highly recommend this Clover bent tip tapestry needle)
•  A 1/4-inch – 3/4 inch dowel or chopstick (to be used as a “shed stick” — see Weaving Terminology below)
• Fork
•  Scissors

If you make one, please let me know how you fare!