Curricular Resources > 1987 Volume VI > Unit 5 (87.06.05) > Section 4

Science, Technology, and Society

CONTENTS OF CURRICULUM UNIT 87.06.05

Unit Guide

A Stitch in Time

Pamela M. Fowler

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Phase III: Weaving-Hands on Experience

At this point in the unit the students have the opportunity to experience the fine art of weaving thread into cloth and material. To begin, the three basic weave styles are introduced followed by and exposure to the vocabulary used by expert weavers.

Objective:

To instill in the students the vocabulary of expert weavers.

Strategy:

The vocabulary is learned by watching the weaver, the teacher, work on a loom and listening to what he/she is saying as the instructions are spoken and the vocabulary is defined.

Lesson 3-1

Preparation:

List of the following vocabulary, dictionary, encyclopedia handmade loom, blank diagrams of looms learned, and yarn

Discussion Topic:

Weaver’s vocabulary

Topic Outline:

I. Introduction of Vocabulary 1. woof 2. weft 3. warp 4. shuttle 5. dress (the loom) 6. beater

A. Definition of vocabulary 1. Using handloom teacher dress the loom, introduce warp 2. weave the woof/weft 3. introduce the shuttle 4. weave the weft/woof 5. uses the beater

B. Label the appropriate parts of 1. Hand loom 2. Powerloom

C. Homework 1. Materials for handloom project a. shoebox top b. paper clips c. pencil d. ruler e. yarn

Objective:

To know how to create and use two simple looms from household materials. To demonstrate the three basic weaves and patterns for weaving.

Strategy:

Using the following materials, each student will make two simple looms and use them for future projects.

Lesson 3-2

A. Introduction

1. Cardboard Handloom

2. Shoebox loom

3. Three basic weaves

a. Plain Cloth

i. thickness

ii. weave style

iii. cloot

iv. applications

v. uses

b. Twills

i. use

ii. formation

iii. weave style

iv. simple vs. fancy

c. Satins-Sateens

i. bulk

ii. appearance

iii. feel

iv. difference (from twills)

v. weave

B. Backed and Reversibles

a. Compound

i. material

ii. design and coloring

iii. weave

iv. difference

C. Piled Fabrics

a. chenille

i. operation

ii. thread s

iii. intention-carpets

b. Velvets and Plushes

i. weave

ii. cuts

iii. coloring

D. Cross Weaves

a. Plain gauze

i. twisting

ii. weave operation

b. Leno-muslin

i. number of picks

ii. texture

c. Fancy gauze

i. crossing threads

ii. twisting threads

iii. combining

E. Shoebox Loom

a. construction

b. dress

c. weave

F. Cardboard Loom

a. construction

b. dress

c. weave

To Make a Simple Loom

Materials

shoebox top

paper clips

yarn

blunt-end needle

popsicle stick

hammer

small nail

Directions

1. Tightly fasten a row of paperclips on the two opposite narrow ends of the shoebox top. Make sure the clips touch each other.
2. On the bottom inside of the box top label each clip Tom left to right, beginning with the numeral zero (0).
3. Do the same to the opposite side. DO NOT turn the box top around. Label each clip so that both sides coordinate.
(figure available in print form)

Dressing the Loom

1. Tie the end of the yarn to one paperclip at the end of the row which begins with the numeral zero (0).
2. Wind the yarn around the paperclip Which is directly across Tom the one you began with.
3. Return to the side in which that yarn was tied and wind the yarn around the paperclip labeled (1).
4. Go back to the opposite side and wind the yarn around the coordinating clip.
5. Continue to wind the yarn back and forth Tom one side to the other going around the paperclips. (A)
6. At the end tie the yarn to the last clip in the same manner that the first clip
7. Measure the remaining yarn to three feet, then cut it at the end
8. Prepare the shuttle by threading the longer piece of yarn attached to the
9. If you choose to use a popsicle stick, puncture a hole in the end of the stick.

Cardboard Loom

(figure available in print form)

Materials

1-8 1/2“ x 11“ piece of cardboard

ruler

scissors and/or razor

Directions

1. One half inch from the top and bottom of cardboard draw a straight line from one end to the other.
(figure available in print form)
2. Place the ruler along the edge and mark every 1/4“.
3. Use the ruler and draw slanted lines from the 1/4“ mark to the edge of the cardboard.
4. With the razor, cut along the lines stopping at the straight edge.
5. Thread the shuttle and set it aside.
6. Label each point on the cardboard in the same manner that is described in the simple loom directions.
7. Follow the a same instructions for dressing the loom omitting steps six (6) nine (9).

Objective:

To be able to recognize basic weaves and patterns in every day materials.

Strategy:

Each member of the class will Choose a piece of clothing and identify it in accordance to the weaves and patterns they have learned.

Lesson 3-3

Preparation:

Assorted worksheets of patterns and swatches of material. Clothing articles.

Discussion Topic:

Three basic weaves and weave patterns

Topic Outline

A. Introduction
1. Review of weaves
2. Review of patterns
B. Weaves
1. Comparison
2. Contrast
C. Patterns
1. Comparison
2. Contrast
D. Identification
1. Swatches
2. Clothing
E. Homework
Design an article of clothing or a set that would use two of the patterns and weaves learned.

Objective:

To be able to follow written instructions for weaving projects.

Strategy:

Ss will A) watch the teacher as he/ she works through the weaving project on a handmade loom and B) work along with the teacher on their homemade looms and C) follow directions written on paper. (The projects may later be taken Tom art books.)

Lesson 3-4

Project to follow lesson outline.

Preparation:

Written instructions, looms, yarn.

Discussion Topic:

Following instructions and the importance of . . .

Topic Outline

A. Introduction
B. Teacher Demonstration
C. Teacher Instruction
1. Read the instruction out loud
2. Weave on the loom as instructions read.
D. Students Activity
1. Silently read the instructions
2. Weaves as instructed.

Making a scent cushion

1. Choose the colors
2. Dress the loom and thread the shuttle (to dress the loom see lesson 3-3).
3. Beginning on the right side of the loom, take the shuttle and beg in weaving under the first piece of warp then over the second.
4. Continue under one over one until you have come to the end of the first row.
5. Turn the loom around and begin the second row going Tom right to left.
6. Use the basket weave for the second row: Take the shuttle under the first warp then go over the next two warps.
7. Continue under one and over two to the end of the row.
8. To beg in the third row, turn the loom around again so that you will always work Tom right to left.
9. Repeat step numbers 3-8 until the cloth is five inches (5“) long.
10. Carefully remove the cloth from the loom by using a popsicle stick to push one side of the cloth to the top of the pins. Turn and duplicate the process on the other side. Place the cloth aside.
11. Dress the loom again and repeat steps 1-9 for the second piece of the cushion.
12. Carefully remove the cloth Tom the loom when this piece is five inches long.
13. Place the two right sides of the cloth together. (That is the two sides of the cloth that you want on the outside of your cushion.)
14. Handstitch three sides together. REMEMBER Leave one side open.
15. Carefully turn the cushion inside out so that the right sides are now on the outside of the cushion.
16. Stuff the cushion with any of the following items:
a. pine needles
b. cotton balls and herbs (Tom the kitchen)
c. nylon stockings and herbs (from the kitchen)
d. cotton balls sprinkled with perfume
e. nylon stockings sprinkled with perfume
17. Hand stitch the open side closed with small hem stitches.

Objective:

To make a simple weaving square and to dress the square.

Strategy:

The weaving square can either be bought Tom a hobby store in a kit or made by hand with materials found in the Industrial Arts Department in school. Once the loom is made the teacher can slowly take the class step by step through dressing the weaving square.

Lesson 3-5

Preparation:

Materials for the weaving square, directions for the weaving square.

Discussion Topic:

Construction and use of weaving square

Topic Outline

A. Introduction
B. Weaving Square
1. Construction
2. Dress
3. Weave

Making a Weaving Square

Materials:

1-8 inch square Tame

(can be larger)

small pins

hammer

long blunt end needle

black felt tip pen-fine point

ruler

yarn

Directions:

1. Using the pattern, mark the frame with felt tip pen. Mark all points, arrows, and numbers. On the side mark each side A,B,C. or D.
2. Hammer in pins on each point marked
3. Lay ruler on top of the pins and even them out.
4. Dress the square

Dressing the Weaving Square

Layer One

1. Holding the loom with the numeral one (1) in front of you (the arrow should be pointing away from you), label the square as follows:
(figure available in print form)
2. Hold the end of the yarn in your left hand.
3. Beg inning at the numeral one (1) pull the yarn on the inside of the pins along side C.
4. Wind the yarn around the first two pins on side B.
5. Return the yarn to Side A.
6. Go in between the second and third pins of side A then tie the yarn into a knot.

(figure available in print form)

7. Pull the yarn to the right and wind it around the following two pins on side A
8. Bring the yarn to side B going to the right between the third and fourth pins.
9. Return the yarn to side A going between the third and fourth pins.
10. Continue this sequence Tom side A to B to A until you reach the curved arrow marked numeral two (2).

Layer Two

1. Now turn the loom so that side D is facing you.
2. Wind the yarn around the first two pins on side D.
3. Return the yarn to side C.
4. Go between the first and second pins and wind the yarn around the second and third pins.
5. Return the yarn back to side D.
(figure available in print form)
6. Continue this sequence from side D to side C to D until you come to the end of the row marked with the numeral three (3) and the arrow.
(figure available in print form)

Layer three

1. Return the Tame to the initial position with side A facing you.
2. Pull the yarn around the last pin in side C and around the fir st pin of side B.
3. Pull the yarn between the two pins on the end of side B by the number
4. Bring the yarn toward you to side A.
5. Bring the yarn between the first and second pins.
6. Wind the yarn around the next two pins.
7. Go between the third and fourth pins and return the yard to side B.
8. Wind the yarn around the third and fourth pins of side B and return to side A.
(figure available in print form)
9. Continue this sequence to the end of the row.
10. Wind the yarn LOOSELY around the outside of the pins about four and one-half times.
(figure available in print form)
11. Cut the yarn.
12. Unwind the yarn Tom the outside of the pins and thread the shuttle with the free end of the yarn.

To Weave on the weaving square

1. Beg in at the numeral two (2) from side D (on the right) to side C (on the left).
2. Start Tom the first and second pins on side D.
3. Go over the first thread, under the second, over and under to the end of the row pulling the yarn all the way through.
4. Turn the square so you are able to weave back.
5. Go between the two pins and repeat steps three and four.
6. Use your beater to keep pushing the woof threads tightly against each other.
7. At times you may need to poke and prod the yarn in both directions to keep the weave even.
8. Do NOT pull the woof too tightly as you weave. If you do you will end up with a woven piece narrower in the center than at the ends.

**IDEA** Try using multi-colored yarn.

**IDEA** Try dressing the loom with one color and weave with another.

Objective:

To encourage creativity in the students use of looms.

Strategy:

See following projects.

PROJECT IDEAS

eye glass case 3-4“ squares

patchwork pillow cover 12“x12“, 9-4“ squares ( different weaves and colors)

coaster 4“x4”, 1 -4“ square

doll blanket 12“x16“, 12-4” squares

scarf 8“x72“, 12-8“ squares (or more if desired)

quilt 80”;80“, 20-8“squares

**IDEA** Decorate each project with embroidery stitches

Directions for all projects above

1. Weave the number of squares you need on the loom.
2. Carefully remove the square from the loom and place it in a safe place as you weave the rest of the squares.
3. Once the number of squares you need are complete, one place the RlGHT sides of the first two squares together.
4. Hand sew the two.
5. To attach the rest of the squares remember to always have the right sides of the material together.
6. Hand sew each piece until the final project is complete.
7. Lay your completed work on a flat CLEAN surface and hand press the cloth.

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	1.	Cardboard Handloom
	2.	Shoebox loom
	3.	Three basic weaves
		a.	Plain Cloth
			i.	thickness
			ii.	weave style
			iii.	cloot
			iv.	applications
			v.	uses
		b.	Twills
			i.	use
			ii.	formation
			iii.	weave style
			iv.	simple vs. fancy
		c.	Satins-Sateens
			i.	bulk
			ii.	appearance
			iii.	feel
			iv.	difference (from twills)
			v.	weave
B.	Backed and Reversibles
		a.	Compound
			i.	material
			ii.	design and coloring
			iii.	weave
			iv.	difference
C.	Piled Fabrics
		a.	chenille
			i.	operation
			ii.	thread s
			iii.	intention-carpets
		b.	Velvets and Plushes
			i.	weave
			ii.	cuts
			iii.	coloring
D.	Cross Weaves
		a.	Plain gauze
			i.	twisting
			ii.	weave operation
		b.	Leno-muslin
			i.	number of picks
			ii.	texture
		c.	Fancy gauze
			i.	crossing threads
			ii.	twisting threads
			iii.	combining
E.	Shoebox Loom
		a.	construction
		b.	dress
		c.	weave
F.	Cardboard Loom
		a.	construction
		b.	dress
		c.	weave