Weaving Basics: How to Set up a Warp on a Frame Loom

The Oxford Weaving Studio founder, Cassandra Smith, demonstrates how to wind on a warp on a frame loom. Setting up a warp on your frame loom correctly is the first step in creating even and consistent woven projects.
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The Oxford Weaving Studio is a textile design studio supporting weavers and fibre arts enthusiasts (of all abilities) to discover their style of weaving. Cassandra shares her vast weaving and materials knowledge through a variety of videos, BLOGs, weaving kits and she teaches workshops online and from her studio in Oxford, United Kingdom. The studio carries a growing selection of colourful yarns & fibres and supplies for knitters, crocheters, weavers, and spinners looking to expand their textile art knowledge.
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[@michellekeller3630]

This was so helpful! Thank you!

[@TheOxfordWeavingStudio]

You’re welcome! I’m hoping to add more videos soon, but Christmas is such a busy time! 😉🎄

[@HibiscusHigh]

So helpful to watch as I am starting my second small woven piece ever. Also, good to know about even and odd warping. My Instructions are for an odd number. I see why now, as the shape in the middle is of a heart.

[@TheOxfordWeavingStudio]

Glad it helps!! ☺️

[@manaskhanna]

Thank you for guidance

[@TheOxfordWeavingStudio]

You're welcome! And happy weaving! =)

[@kishmish64]

I’ve just ordered your Oxford xtra large loom . The spacing between the warps are closer than my current loom by Milward , which I’m much happier about . I currently restore antique Kelims & dye silk , wool and cotton myself . I’ve purchased your loom in order to weave unique weavings using , silk and gold to name just two . Very much looking forward to reviving my loom .

[@TheOxfordWeavingStudio]

Hi! I’ve just seen your order and I hope you enjoy weaving on it! It comes with a few videos to show you how to get the most out of the loom, which I’ll be adding to over time. Happy weaving! Cass

[@mountainsage45]

This was so helpful, thanks a million! Cheers from Canada! 🌲

[@TheOxfordWeavingStudio]

I’m so glad! I hope you enjoy weaving... i am planning to add more videos, I just need to be in my studio, not working from home, home schooling and juggling my business all at the same time! 🤪 Is there something specific you want to learn?! 🧶 🇨🇦

[@mountainsage45]

@@TheOxfordWeavingStudio oh bless you, I have 5 kids and juggling pandemic life is so hard, take your time and do take care of yourself! When it suits you, I just tried double warping for the first time doing a colour gradient and my selvedges were very uneven and I also struggled with doing the double warp itself, pretty sure there’s mistakes! I would love to understand more about epi and choosing the right yarns in relatship to the warp. Only if you have time though!! 💛

[@TheOxfordWeavingStudio]

@@mountainsage45 Wow! I grew up in a family with 3 siblings... but now only have 2 children. How do you ever find time to practice a slow craft like weaving! 😁👏

[@mountainsage45]

Its desperation!! I stay up really late when the kids are in bed, I’m an introvert and the weaving is precious recharge time, making something beautiful is so healing 🌿

[@pollyfoofoo8703]

Thank you! Very helpful!

[@TheOxfordWeavingStudio]

Glad it is helpful!

[@jenniferbrighty5120]

Hi , thankyou fir showing how to warp a frame loom so that you have an even tension. Thanks again .Jen

[@TheOxfordWeavingStudio]

I love that you're getting something out of my videos! Have you got anything specific you'd like to learn about? Let me know! Cass

[@heidiwills4259]

Thank you! The book I purchased to go with my hand loom, doesn't use a notched loom. I thought I'd warped it wrong at first. I did it right, but I think I'm coming to your videos to learn now.

[@TheOxfordWeavingStudio]

Thanks Heidi! Watching videos is a far easier way to learn. ☺️

[@norelleholgate8930]

Do you have a video on how to establish a double warp on a loom?

[@CASSANDRASMITH-wj9uy]

Hi Norelle, thanks for your question. When you say 'double warp', that can mean different things. A double warp is usually used when wanting to create a 2 sided cloth on a table loom. However my design of frame loom, 'The Oxford Frame Loom', can have both sides of the frame set up with a warp (a similar or different type) to achieve a similar effect. I have a video of this, however it's shared with those who have purchased the loom. But I can see about sharing one on KZbin if you think it is helpful? And if this is indeed what you mean by double warp? =)

[@norelleholgate8930]

@@CASSANDRASMITH-wj9uy Hello Cassandra. I have enclosed pics of my first ever attempt at weaving on a cardboard loom... for now. (Yes, that is a chopstick to beat down on). Checkerboard tutorial advised separate rows then stitch together for crisp squares. However, one row is shorter than the other two due to tension so wondering if it is best NOT to disjoint the pieces? I temporarily tied new yarn to a warp string rather than having a loose end, prob not correct. This is the loom I will eventually be working with. Your advice appreciated, Norelle.

[@garylane1920]

Hi Cass Just out of interest , I’ve noticed from basically all the Utube videos seen so far talk about weaving wall hangings ; occasionally on scarves and place mats etc Like to know of the practical sides of making a jumper ( or pullover if the term means the same ) as I’ve an old handmade one in a natural colours somewhat shrunk on me so want to reuse the wool by shortening the arm sections to elbow length and re use the spare wool to lengthen the body part to cover my lower back when bending down . Looking at a peg loom I’ve made for such use but like to know if you or others watching your videos if and how best to use these type of looms for such a process Not into knitting etc and wife eyes not to good these days but like out of interest to have a go on a loom weaving myself I guess the wool for the warp would be best to use as same as the weft to offer more stretch compared to stronger and stiffer warp. Thanks from Tasmania ( Australia )

[@TheOxfordWeavingStudio]

Hi Gary! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. You are correct in that most KZbin videos about weaving talk about wall-hangings as they are a current trend. But it’s also important to point out that wall-hangings are a great introduction to weaving because they are ‘easy’ to weave. You don’t have any of the practical concerns of making something that will be used. And there are many!! To create a cushion, scarf, jumper etc, you not only require weaving knowledge and techniques, but you must have fibre knowledge, understand weave structures, shaping, pattern design and draping… many other skills other than simply weaving. You also need to understand how something will wear when you sit against it (cushion), if it will shrink when caring for it (jumper) or if it will stretch with time (scarf)… you get the picture!! With regards to your specific question of re-using your yarn to weave a jumper, I’m sure it can be done, but sadly I’ve never tried! If I were to guess, your challenges would be deciding if you were simply going to weave a square cloth and sew it into a jumper, or try and design AND weave it on a loom… a challenging task! You would require a wide loom (or understand double cloth), be confident with shaping, understand the drape of your jumper… As you can see, weaving a jumper is best reserved for a confident weaver. If that’s you, then I wish you luck!! I hope this helps you to understand the complexity of weaving a jumper (or most practical fashion or interior products) and if I ever get around to having a go myself, I will share my finds!! All the best, Cass

[@devyanianand3035]

What is the width of this frame? I didn't understand the 4, 8, 16 ends per inch bit.

[@TheOxfordWeavingStudio]

Hi! The width of this frame loom is approx. 30cm x 37cm. The 4, 8 and 16 ends per inch describes how close together you can set up your warp on this loom. If you are a beginner weaver, then you will likely set up your warp at 4 EPI, the wider spacing. As your skills grow and if you want to experiment with creating finer cloth, you can set up your warp at 16 EPI. If you’re still a bit confused, I’ve created a video explaining EPI on my Instagram channel. You can see it @oxfordweavingstudio on my IGTV channel. Hope that helps!! Cass

[@cynthiagreber8655]

Do you have videos showing how to remove your project and finish/ secure/close the bottom of your project?

[@TheOxfordWeavingStudio]

Hi Cynthia, thanks for asking! I am working on new videos and it looks like it’s time to add how to remove your work from the loom. Stay tuned! =)

[@JanisGagliardi]

What kind of string for warp?

[@TheOxfordWeavingStudio]

Hi! I’ve used a cotton yarn for this warp. It is a 4-ply of 2/16s cotton, meaning it is a fine, 2-ply yarn, plied again (x 4) to create a thicker yarn. You can use many different types of yarn for a warp, but it will depend on what you are trying to weave. But cotton is usually a safe bet for beginners as it doesn’t break easily and is a good base for other yarns introduced in the weft. Hope this helps! ☺️

[@ryzoid7097]

Are you from Canada?

[@TheOxfordWeavingStudio]

Haha! What gave me away?! 😉 Did I say ‘aboot’ or ‘eh’ to much?! I’ve been living in the UK for almost 20 years, so when I’m in Canada some people think I’m Irish or South African! 😂

[@ryzoid7097]

@@TheOxfordWeavingStudio just a twang I suppose. I was pretty confused at first 🙂😂

[@TheOxfordWeavingStudio]

@@ryzoid7097 You’re not the first! I’m British in Canada and Canadian in Britain. 🤷‍♀️

[@lorrainedaniels6357]

I have smashed the big fat subscribe button and smashed the big fat like button to and smashed the big fat turned on your notification's to l got the same as you for Christma's and l am trying my best whit it to l really love your beautifull work love from lorraine ann Daniel's whit special needs and l am autistic and I suffer from depression and anxiety to KZbin video's God bless you and be really safe from this nasty virus what's going on in the world l hope you have a really good Christma's to l whis you a really good new year to❤💙💚💛💜🙏🙏🙏😙😘😚🙏🙏🙏💜💛💚💙❤

[@TheOxfordWeavingStudio]

Hahaha! Thanks Lorraine! Merry Christmas to you too! Cass 🎄