Are you brand new to tapestry or bead weaving and not sure what you need to get started? This post goes over what you need to begin weaving tapestry or beads on a Mirrix Loom.
Tapestry Weaving:
What you need to begin weaving:
-A Loom. If you're serious about learning to weave tapestry, we recommend one with a shedding device like our 16″ Big Sister Loom. If you're looking for something a little simpler and more portable, our Saffron Pocket Loom is a great choice. If you aren't sure which loom is best for your needs, we can give you a personalized loom recommendation. All you have to do is fill out this form here.
-Heddles. You only need these if you are using the shedding device. You can either purchase pre-made ones, or make your own. We have instructions on how to this on this page.
-Warp. Warp can come in a variety of different fibers including cotton, linen or wool. Your warp is going to be under extreme tension and therefore has to be very strong. You should not be able to easily break it just using your hands. We love Bockens Seine Twine and Wool Warp.
-A Tapestry Beater. Tapestry beaters are available in wood, metal or a combination of the two. We sell a wooden version here. You can also grab a fork from your kitchen and use that!
-Weft. The most important quality in a tapestry yarn (which is the weft) is beauty. It doesn’t have to be warm or soft or have any of the yarn qualities you would want for making a sweater. It just has to be beautiful and available in whatever colors you want. If you were to spin your own tapestry yarn you would use the fleece from a sheep with long, lustrous locks. You would not use the fiber from something like a Merino Sheep which has short fuzzy fleece. Short fuzzy fleece is warm, but it does not usually make for pretty tapestry yarn. Check out the wool and warp section of our store for some tapestry yarn options like Colonial Yarn and Array.
Optional:
–Tapestry bobbins
–A tapestry needle (especially if you are not using the shedding device)
You’ll also want some basic supplies like a good pair of scissors and a measuring tape.
Loom Accessories for Tapestry Weaving
No loom accessories are necessary to get started weaving tapestry, and you can always add on accessories at a later date, but here is a list of some accessories that you might be interested in:
These combs essentially turn a Mirrix Loom into a simple frame loom (read: very simple to use) but with the amazing Mirrix tensioning system and the ability to use the Mirrix shedding device. The combs are not meant to replace our current warping system, which offers the advantage of putting on a warp that is longer than the loom itself as well as a variety of warp setts, but to provide an additional warping method that is very fast and simple. The Shasta Combs can also allow one to weave a tapestry/fiber piece (of limited lengths) with no warp-ends to finish.
Worried about wasting warp? This kit gives you an extra warping bar, eliminating warp from the back of your loom. It also allows you to more easily get your hand behind your weaving since there is only one layer of warp.
Loom Extenders
If you have a 12″, 16″ or 22″ loom and want to weave something longer than is possible on that loom, loom extenders are the perfect solution. From belts to guitar straps, these nifty extenders add between 13″ and 24″ of length to a loom.
The Electric Spencer Treadle
To make tapestry weaving even faster on a Mirrix Loom, you can adman electric treadle which allows you to change the shed with your feet, making the process faster.
The Mirrix Stand
Although the stand is not necessary to use with the treadle, combined the stand and treadle can turn your Mirrix Loom into a tapestry floor loom. You can even put more than one smaller loom on a stand at one time.
Extra Shedding Device
Adding a second shedding device to your Mirrix will allow you to use techniques in your tapestry weaving such as twill weave, basket weave and tabby weave. These fancy and fun techniques will take your tapestry weaving to the next level.
Starter Packages & Kits
Looking to get everything (or almost everything) you need in one place? Try a starter package! You can find all of our starter packages here.
Bead Weaving:
What you need to begin weaving:
-A Loom. The 8″ Lani Loom is a very popular size. If you aren't sure which loom is best for your needs, we can give you a personalized loom recommendation. All you have to do is fill out this form here.
-Heddles. You only need these if you are using the shedding device. You can either purchase pre-made ones, or make your own. We have instructions on this page.
-Beading Thread. Here at Mirrix Loom we love C-Lon size D beading thread because it is specifically designed for use with beads. It doesn’t fray easily, it’s strong and it comes in many beautiful colors. Other people use Fireline. Almost any beading thread you have that is strong should work.
-Beads. Delicas, Tohos… almost any bead works!
-A Beading Needle. A strong beading needle like a Tulip Bead Weaving Needle is perfect for weaving beads on a loom.
You’ll also want some basic supplies like a good pair of scissors and a measuring tape.
Loom Accessories for Bead Weaving
No loom accessories are necessary to get started weaving beads, and you can always add on accessories at a later date, but here is a list of some accessories that you might be interested in:
The No Warp-Ends Kit
The No Warp-Ends Kit was developed as a way to weave beads without having to weave back in or knot all of the warp ends! It is perfect for bead weaving (especially jewelry) and can also be used to weave with a wire warp.
Watch a video on how to use the No Warp-Ends Kit here.
Extra Warping Bar Kit
Worried about wasting warp? This kit gives you an extra warping bar, eliminating warp from the back of your loom. It also allows you to more easily get your hand behind your weaving since there is only one layer of warp.
Loom Extenders
If you have a 12″, 16″ or 22″ loom and want to weave something longer than is possible on that loom, loom extenders are the perfect solution. From belts to guitar straps, these nifty extenders add between 13″ and 24″ of length to a loom.
The Mirrix Stand
Although the stand is not necessary to use with the treadle, combined the stand and treadle can turn your Mirrix Loom into a tapestry floor loom. And, of course, the Mirrix stand can just be used with a loom and no treadle and for either bead or tapestry weaving. You can even put more than one smaller loom on a stand at one time.
Add-On Bottom Beam
If you want more space between your front and back warps (note: not a larger shed), this accessory is for you. This is perfect for those who weave wide bead pieces using the traditional method because you can easily get your hand behind the warp to hold the beads in place.
Starter Packages & Kits
Looking to get everything (or almost everything) you need in one place? Try a starter package! You can find all of our starter packages here.
Looking for a project to help you get started? Check out our kits here and our free projects and tutorials here.
