Matchbox Loom

Read below to use the GWIC's mini matchbox looms!

GWIC Matchbox Loom Kit (includes loom, warping thread, wefting thread, match, darning needle)

Scissors

Pen

Ruler

Use a pen to mark out where your notches will go on each end of the inner matchbox. Make sure that you have an even number of notches (you’ll need to tie the strings off in pairs at the end) and that the notches are cut at even intervals. Use a sharp pair of scissors to cut a notch at each of your marks.

Begin warping your loom with your warp string starting at one end, securing the string in each notch as you go until you reach the opposite side. Warp across the back of the loom—this allows you longer ends to weave into the rest of the weaving later. Tie your ends off at the back.

Thread the 3D printed needle with your wefting thread. Weave the yarn through the loom, alternating over and under each string. Make sure that you leave a small tail of yarn at the beginning (you’ll weave this end into the rest of the weaving later). Use a match to push the yarn down every so many rows (in real weaving, this tool is called the beater).

You can leave your weaving on the loom at this point, or remove it to reuse the loom. To remove your weaving from the loom, first cut across the center warp threads along the backside. Remove the threads from the notches in pairs, tying them off with a double knot. Once you’ve tied off all of the threads, use the needle eye end of the needle to weave the threads down into the weaving to hide them. Do the same with both yarn tails at the beginning and end of your weaving. The matchbox looms are reusable, so just warp them again to create new weavings.