Hi all!

When I look at weaving books online, there seems to be at least a few that are written for children. Have any of you looked at any such books, and have any comments? I wouldn't want to buy one, and be completley disappointed. I don't teach children to weave (yet) but I have plans to work with my daughters kindergarten when she's a bit older (shes 2 1/2 now), and I like to plan ahead.

Thanks!

Manicgirl

Comments

Mary C. Stock (not verified)

Hi!  I don't know of any books but I did start most of my grand children and some home schoolers on weaving.

Here is one thing that worked well.

We made our own book.

I had a Dorothy  table loom and the levers are different colors; so, we color coded the pattern .

we used a folder with pockets and did a draft for mug rugs in twill that could be done longer into small bags too.

I used rug warp and Sugar and Cream for weft--put out several colors and  we designed it together '

Matt was pre-school , attention time was short but in time he wove off 41/2 yards . Today he is grown and although not weaving now can adjust and tie up any of my looms and understands what need to be done.

Give it a try!

Mary

Manicgirl (not verified)

Thanks! I'll definatley do that - I'm now trying to find a small loom suitable for children. I really look forward to try and teach these small children to weave.

 

Thanks again for your input, I really appreciate it!

Cynthia

Manicgirl, what I've found in working with preschoolers is that they need a sturdy loom.  I have a two harness Lily table loom that is just great -- the shed stays open by itself, so they can concentrate on getting the shuttle through.  I think a rigid heddle loom or any sort of tapestry loom would be pretty frustrating for 3 & 4 year olds.  My kids have used my inkle loom successfully, but only after a fair amount of experience on the table loom & my floor loom, so that they know what is supposed to be happening.

 

As for books, Sarah Swett's Kid's Weaving is a good one, but better for older kids imo.  There are a couple of back issues of Handwoven that focused on weaving with kids that are very good resources but I don't think they are still available.  I don't think there's much out there about weaving with really little ones -- which is too bad.  I've really enjoyed it.

pamslu (not verified)

I have seen books written on teachung weaving to kids. I'll try to look up some names when I get a chance. I taught weaving to third graders and used a book from the library. I've also worked with 4th-6th graders. My dd became very frustrated with one of the potholder looms when she was around 4-5 yrs. She's 7 now and wants a crack at mommy's loom. I'm hoping to put something together to do at my daughters' school for spinning and weaving week in Oct. It's on my summer to do to send off a letter to the principal!

astroweaver (not verified)

One of my Guild members loaned me a book with kids weaving projects.  I liked it enough to buy my own.  It's called "You can Weave!"  by Kathleen Monaghan, and Hermon Joyner.  It has lots of projects using very inexpensive equipment, like popsicle sticks glued together.   I haven't used any of the ideas yet.  It's kind of geared toward kids that have fairly good motor skills, so 4th grade give or take.  

I figure we'll dive into it after our county fair is over in 2 weeks.  I don't think I can through anything else into their project baskets.

 

Take care,

Kathy 

costlycolours (not verified)

I'm a classroom teacher (3rd and/or 4th) and I try to include knitting, weaving on cardboard looms, and rug punching  (and cooking) in with what I have as curriculum.  I find it helps students forge  better connections with the world around them, and helps them understand more about the processes that create the goods they use.  I find that the wider basis I help them develop--their background knowledge--the more invested they are in finding and holding to connections between the world they live in, and broader society.  Yesterday I was searching the web for a smaller floor loom, and chanced upon this curriculum, http://www.harrisville.com/woolworks.htm , which I'm going to purchase to supplement my teaching. I would also suggest the following books as read-alouds/shared reading to foster understanding of cloth making processes---Calico Bush by Rachel Field which gives insight into home weaving in the late 1700's, and Amasa Walker's Splendid Garment by Emily Chetkowski which follow the making of a single garment in 1811.  Kids love knowing the how and why, and then being able to make something themselves. They get so excited.

Have fun and good luck!

 

ajdg (not verified)

I would be interested in finding some books for weaving with kids, too - (I have found some story books - but I ususally don't have enough time for reading as well as working) - I go into one of the local schools every year and do some weaving with different age groups - I usually take several Dorothy looms warped for cotton or wool mug rugs (as Mary mentioned the levers are different colours - helps the kids follow the patterns).  It gives them a taste - but it would be nice to be able to give a more comprehensive workshop for those that are really interested. 

WormSpit (not verified)

I haven't gotten this book yet, but Sara Lamb recommends it, and that's good enough for me!

http://www.amazon.com/Kids-Weaving-Projects-All-Ages/dp/1584794674

Kids Weaving by Sarah Swett. 

costlycolours (not verified)

Would you mind sharing the titles of the books you know?  Having a classroom, I can "indoctrinate" in certain subjects--weaving would be a great focus. Thanks.

kmcmaster (not verified)

 Thanks for the information on the books, especially the link to Harrisville.  I can't wait to get my copy.

crosstownshuttler (not verified)

 I'm afraid I don't know anything about kids weaving books but I highly recommend the Structo loom for kids. I had one set aside on the floor for some project or other and my friend's three year old made a bee line for it. She thought it was made just for her because it was just the right size. She had a grand time weaving and was able with a little help to take home a doll house rug.

I've since taught various age kids on Structos and rigid heddle looms and I'm happy that two of the ten year olds continued to weave, if only sporadically, into college!

Here's to future weavers!

Carie

SaoriSaltSpring (not verified)

Saori makes a wonderful children's loom.  It is a 2-harness floor loom that is adjustable in height to two settings.  I have children as young as 3 and as old as 7 work on the loom.

You can see a picture on my blog post here.

It works just like a regular Saori loom, but in miniature.

Happy Weaving,

Terri

LouFrench (not verified)

"The Weaving Adventures of Edgar and Rita."  While it is not a how-to book for kids, it is a warm weaving story for children and an inspiration for them.    See my post on the For Sale or Trade Forum.

Mary C. Stock (not verified)

Hi!  I don't know of any books but I did start most of my grand children and some home schoolers on weaving.

Here is one thing that worked well.

We made our own book.

I had a Dorothy  table loom and the levers are different colors; so, we color coded the pattern .

we used a folder with pockets and did a draft for mug rugs in twill that could be done longer into small bags too.

I used rug warp and Sugar and Cream for weft--put out several colors and  we designed it together '

Matt was pre-school , attention time was short but in time he wove off 41/2 yards . Today he is grown and although not weaving now can adjust and tie up any of my looms and understands what need to be done.

Give it a try!

Mary

Manicgirl (not verified)

Thanks! I'll definatley do that - I'm now trying to find a small loom suitable for children. I really look forward to try and teach these small children to weave.

 

Thanks again for your input, I really appreciate it!

Cynthia

Manicgirl, what I've found in working with preschoolers is that they need a sturdy loom.  I have a two harness Lily table loom that is just great -- the shed stays open by itself, so they can concentrate on getting the shuttle through.  I think a rigid heddle loom or any sort of tapestry loom would be pretty frustrating for 3 & 4 year olds.  My kids have used my inkle loom successfully, but only after a fair amount of experience on the table loom & my floor loom, so that they know what is supposed to be happening.

 

As for books, Sarah Swett's Kid's Weaving is a good one, but better for older kids imo.  There are a couple of back issues of Handwoven that focused on weaving with kids that are very good resources but I don't think they are still available.  I don't think there's much out there about weaving with really little ones -- which is too bad.  I've really enjoyed it.

pamslu (not verified)

I have seen books written on teachung weaving to kids. I'll try to look up some names when I get a chance. I taught weaving to third graders and used a book from the library. I've also worked with 4th-6th graders. My dd became very frustrated with one of the potholder looms when she was around 4-5 yrs. She's 7 now and wants a crack at mommy's loom. I'm hoping to put something together to do at my daughters' school for spinning and weaving week in Oct. It's on my summer to do to send off a letter to the principal!

astroweaver (not verified)

One of my Guild members loaned me a book with kids weaving projects.  I liked it enough to buy my own.  It's called "You can Weave!"  by Kathleen Monaghan, and Hermon Joyner.  It has lots of projects using very inexpensive equipment, like popsicle sticks glued together.   I haven't used any of the ideas yet.  It's kind of geared toward kids that have fairly good motor skills, so 4th grade give or take.  

I figure we'll dive into it after our county fair is over in 2 weeks.  I don't think I can through anything else into their project baskets.

 

Take care,

Kathy 

costlycolours (not verified)

I'm a classroom teacher (3rd and/or 4th) and I try to include knitting, weaving on cardboard looms, and rug punching  (and cooking) in with what I have as curriculum.  I find it helps students forge  better connections with the world around them, and helps them understand more about the processes that create the goods they use.  I find that the wider basis I help them develop--their background knowledge--the more invested they are in finding and holding to connections between the world they live in, and broader society.  Yesterday I was searching the web for a smaller floor loom, and chanced upon this curriculum, http://www.harrisville.com/woolworks.htm , which I'm going to purchase to supplement my teaching. I would also suggest the following books as read-alouds/shared reading to foster understanding of cloth making processes---Calico Bush by Rachel Field which gives insight into home weaving in the late 1700's, and Amasa Walker's Splendid Garment by Emily Chetkowski which follow the making of a single garment in 1811.  Kids love knowing the how and why, and then being able to make something themselves. They get so excited.

Have fun and good luck!

 

ajdg (not verified)

I would be interested in finding some books for weaving with kids, too - (I have found some story books - but I ususally don't have enough time for reading as well as working) - I go into one of the local schools every year and do some weaving with different age groups - I usually take several Dorothy looms warped for cotton or wool mug rugs (as Mary mentioned the levers are different colours - helps the kids follow the patterns).  It gives them a taste - but it would be nice to be able to give a more comprehensive workshop for those that are really interested. 

WormSpit (not verified)

I haven't gotten this book yet, but Sara Lamb recommends it, and that's good enough for me!

http://www.amazon.com/Kids-Weaving-Projects-All-Ages/dp/1584794674

Kids Weaving by Sarah Swett. 

costlycolours (not verified)

Would you mind sharing the titles of the books you know?  Having a classroom, I can "indoctrinate" in certain subjects--weaving would be a great focus. Thanks.

kmcmaster (not verified)

 Thanks for the information on the books, especially the link to Harrisville.  I can't wait to get my copy.

crosstownshuttler (not verified)

 I'm afraid I don't know anything about kids weaving books but I highly recommend the Structo loom for kids. I had one set aside on the floor for some project or other and my friend's three year old made a bee line for it. She thought it was made just for her because it was just the right size. She had a grand time weaving and was able with a little help to take home a doll house rug.

I've since taught various age kids on Structos and rigid heddle looms and I'm happy that two of the ten year olds continued to weave, if only sporadically, into college!

Here's to future weavers!

Carie

SaoriSaltSpring (not verified)

Saori makes a wonderful children's loom.  It is a 2-harness floor loom that is adjustable in height to two settings.  I have children as young as 3 and as old as 7 work on the loom.

You can see a picture on my blog post here.

It works just like a regular Saori loom, but in miniature.

Happy Weaving,

Terri

LouFrench (not verified)

"The Weaving Adventures of Edgar and Rita."  While it is not a how-to book for kids, it is a warm weaving story for children and an inspiration for them.    See my post on the For Sale or Trade Forum.