Branch Weaving

I’ve been wanting to weave on a branch for years. That might sound strange to an ordinary person, but for this textile design geek it’s a perfectly normal dream! Since my windows of making-alone-time are far and few between, I didn’t spend a whole lot of time finding the perfect branch. I literally took this one out of the kindling box that was next to the fireplace. Speed of execution was more important than perfection for a change!

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Supplies:

~ a branch that has a “T” shape

~ gold tempera paint (I used this one which I got at my local art store, but this one is cheaper on Amazon, it’s just a little bit yellower)

~ yarn (I chose about 8 colors but you can do anything you want!)

~ plastic needles

~ pony beads (optional – I used pearl ones)

~ pom-pom maker– smallest size (or just use your own preferred technique)

~ good scissors

~ masking tape

Process:

~ First, paint your branch.

~ Next, wrap thread around to create your warp. I twisted then looped through to secure. It was still a bit loose and wobbly, but it fell into place once I starting making the weft (which is the yarn that weaves through the warp).

~ Then start weaving. Over and under. When you want to change colors, just cut it at the bottom and start again. I wove a few beads on one side. I thought maybe I should play up the asymmetry of the stick.

~ Tape loose threads as you go to the back. They get annoying when they are hanging out all over the place.

~ Make pom-poms. I did a half-half thing with mine. Make sure to leave the tail.

~ Lay them across the top of the branch to figure out the order. Now tie them to the top and trim the tails.

~ I wrapped some yarn around the point on the bottom and tied knots in the back.

Here is a short video which shows the process. It will help in seeing how I tied the warp, and how I dealt with the loose ends (weaving them back through).

~ Lastly, I tied a piece of yarn as a hanger (and added a few more beads to complete my asymmetry)!

This was a deeply satisfying craft for me. I want to make 20 and open an Etsy shop! I won’t, but I want to. Follow me on Instagram to see more of my new obsession!

xo, Bar