On the Road? Take an Easy and Portable Project

There’s nothing like throwing a shuttle and watching handwoven fabric grow to relax a weaver’s mind. Don’t you wish you could carry that bliss wherever you go?

Of course, we’re not suggesting that you drag along a multi-shaft loom when you travel. We want you to think much, much smaller! Here are some ideas.

Backstrap Bands

No loom needed! Photo via Long Thread Media video

Need a few bands for all those towels that await finishing? Add a handful of thrums and a small backstrap kit to your carry-on, and you can weave those bands without fuss at the pool, in the car, at your campsite...

Long Thread Media’s Kate Larson shows how to make plain weave bands in this short video. If you’re ready to add some pick-up patterning to your bands, follow the links in this piece to Kate’s video course.

Download the free project for weaving the Andean pick-up bands shown at top. Weave them on a backstrap loom, or use an inkle loom.

Inkle Bands

Inkle pouch by Amy Abbott Amy Abbot’s inkle pouch is woven in one piece. Make yours with or without a front pocket.

What about an inkle loom? Full-size versions are often collapsible for easy packing, and smaller models can still be capable of weaving bands that are a yard or two long.

Plain weave bands are easy to warp and weave. If you’re ready to try something new, learn to weave Baltic pick-up.

Download the free project for the cheery pouch above.

If you plan to use one of the adorable miniature inkle looms, before you head out the door confirm that the band you want to weave will fit on it—both in length and in width.

Tablet Weaving

201007 LLSummer21-658-mullarkey-graves Spend some vacation downtime weaving the Astounding Shoelaces, designed by John Mullarkey. Photo by Matt Graves

Maybe this is the summer you should dive into tablet weaving! A pack of cards, some yarn, and an inkle loom are all you need, and John Mullarkey is the guide you’ll want. Learn more about John and follow the links to his video courses.

Download the free project for John’s Astounding Shoelaces, shown here.

Pin Loom Weaving

Christina Garton’s Flower Fascinator uses four pin loom squares. Photo by Joe Coca

If you haven’t woven on a pin loom yet, you’re missing out—especially if you’re looking for portable weaving! Pin looms come in a host of shapes and sizes, and you can use them to weave everything from flowers or stuffed animals, to bags and scarves—or even full-sized throws.

Angela Tong has video courses teaching the fundamentals and how to weave patterns and textures.

Download the free project for Christina’s Flower Fascinator, shown above.

Kumihimo Weaving

Learn to make kumihimo braids. Photo by Angela K. Schneider

If you’ll be spending time away from your looms this summer, consider carrying along a small foam disk so you (or a child in search of something fun to do) can learn to make kumihimo braids.

That link includes a free video by Angela K. Schneider that will have you weaving a kumihimo braid in 10 minutes, plus three bonus braid patterns.

Even More Little Ideas

Easy Weaving with Little Looms is brimming over with ideas for weaving with small looms such as these—as well as projects to make on rigid-heddle looms, tapestry looms, and frame looms!

Visit online, or sign up for your own subscription. You won’t regret it!

Show off your travel weaving! Please tag your posts #handwovenmagazine so we can all enjoy your work.