Do you remember weaving potholders in 2nd grade, usually as a gift for Mother’s Day? Well, this project takes that basic weaving concept and expands on it a little. This scarf is handwoven, not as in knitting or crochet, but actually weaving fabric, using a homemade loom. It’s fun, but it’s a little bit time-consuming, depending on the length you’re shooting for.

You’ll need: different lightweight fabrics, scissors or pinking sheers (if you choose to cut rather than tear strips), nails, 2x4x8 board, long strand of yarn or thin ribbon

1. Make a “loom”, using a 2x4x8 board and hammering 5-7 nails at each end (I eyeball it, but you can measure between nails, if you like)
2. Choose 3-5 fabrics that work well together and make sure they’re lightweight, for a flexible, comfortable scarf.
3. Tear with grain of fabric (will fray faster, untreated) or cut (with pinking shears) them into approx. 1-2″ strips.
4. Run a strong piece of yarn (cotton is best) or thin fabric ribbon around the nails, back and forth, across length of loom (the more nails you use, the wider your scarf will be). You can choose a yarn to blend in with the fabrics or one that stands out because it WILL show here and there throughout your handwoven scarf.
5. Now, put a placeholder of scrap fabric at each end (loosely weave or just stuff it under the yarn, so that when you’re finished, you will have the free yarn ends to easily tie and finish the scarf.
6. Start weaving fabric strips ~ over, under, etc, each strand of yarn, then double back (opposite: under, over – each time you do a new row, you have to do the opposite of the previous row), until you only have  4″ left, then you may tie on to continue your same strip or start with a new fabric, in which case, you will want have your dangling ends (end of previous strip next to beginning of new strip) next to each to tie off later. I like to weave loosely, but it’s really up to preference.
7. Weave the fabrics of your choosing until you get to the end of the scarf, then remove your placeholder fabric and snip the yarns free. Tie them firmly in square knots and you can leave them hang for a more primitive look or you can snip them off.
8. You’re done! Tip: At any point during your weaving, you can add beads, but they must have large enough holes to accommodate the fabric. Also, I only recommend them near the ends, not in the middle, as that part will be draped around a person’s neck and can become uncomfortable or snag in their hair. Anyway, happy crafting!

NOTES: Fray Stop can be used to help stop the fraying of torn edges, but I like to let them fray. Sheer fabrics can fray pretty bad, though and I would recommend treating them lightly with it.