(Soda) Straw Weaving Tutorial

Even though it's not a "Make It Monday," since we've taken such a long hiatus, thought we would return with a fun, easy family fiber arts tutorial. Where have we been? College visits, History Day competition preparation and lots of good ol' Whidbey Island winter storms.

It feels good to be back on a semi-schedule and to indulge in fiber arts relaxation again. :)

Now for the tutorial....if you have these three items, you can weave!
Soda straws (3 to 5), yarn, duct tape.

Cut soda straws to 2/3 length. Measure approximately 18" pieces of yarn and run a piece of yarn through each straw. (You can choose either a 3 straw or 5 straw project.) After running the yarn through the straw, bring approx. 1 inch of the yarn over the top of the straw and use the duct tape to firmly wrap around the yarn/straw. Tie the yarn hanging out of the bottom of the straws together into a knot. You now have your WARP (a weaving term for the horizontal threads/yarns.)

For your WEFT (a weaving term for the horizontal pieces of yarn), take a ball of yarn and start weaving in front of a straw, then behind the next straw, then in front of, then behind, then in front of (for a 5 straw project) turn the yarn and come back the opposite direction.

You'll have to hold the straws for the first few rows, but then the weaving will hold the straws together. Keep weaving until the straws are covered with yarn, then gently push the weaving down to make more room. Eventually the completed woven yarn will be down to the knot at the bottom of the straws. Take off the duct tape and tie the warp/weft threads together at the top. Voila...you have an AWEsome bookmark!

Other project ideas with longer warps? Belts, headbands. Add more straws and create wider projects, including mug mats or wall hangings.

This fiber art craft is great for age 5 and up. Older kids and adults can create patterns by changing weft colors/yarns.

With skinny straws and embroidery floss, your teenager can create friendship bracelets for all of his/her friends!

EnJOY!

(We're doing this with our fiber art elementary youth tomorrow, so will post pictures after class.)