Radial Weaving
Lesson by Jenny Mathys, Plano, Texas
(Elementary to High School)
Scroll down for the lesson, or download lesson PDF here
Radial weaving is an easy, fun way to introduce students to the weaving process. This lesson will give you information on how to weave on a circular loom, as well as extensions that incorporate the radial weaving into two additional ideas: a radial weaving mandala, and placing a radial weaving into a constructed environment for an installation approach. The video resources show a variety of materials that can be used for the radial weaving loom: cardboard, paper or Styrofoam plates, CDs, embroidery hoops, and information on making a clay loom! Radial weaving is perfect when you have odd bits of yarn in your stash, as the process requires a minimum of materials.
- Students will practice weaving on a radial loom
- Students will design their weaving through the choice of color and texture of yarns
- Students will incorporate their radial weaving into an additional artistic form like a mandala or small sculptural installation
- Combine ideas to generate an innovative idea for art-making
- Create personally satisfying artwork using a variety of artistic processes and materials.
- Repurpose objects to make something new
- Create works of art about events in home, school, or community life
(Note – this lesson is more general and includes many resources that would alter the tools and materials you might need. Listed here are a general set of tools and materials for you to consider. You can tailor this list to the specific direction your lesson takes.)
- For loom: cardboard circle, heavy paper plate, Styrofoam plate, CD, 45 record, large record album, embroidery hoops, hula hoops, etc.
- A variety of yarns in different colors, thicknesses and textures
- A variety of papers that could be twisted into yarn-like pieces
- Old t-shirts cut in yarn-like strips
- Fabrics cut into yarn-like strips
- Ribbons
- Scissors
- Pencils
- Tape – scotch or masking tape
- Plastic tapestry/weaving needles (optional)
- Additional art supplies for lesson extensions such as markers, paints, brushes
- Glue guns & glue sticks for assembly
- String and paper clips for connections and hanging
- Radial – of or arranged like rays or the radii of a circle; diverging in lines from a common center.
- Loom – an apparatus for making fabric by weaving yarn or thread.
- Fiber – a thread or filament from which a vegetable tissue, mineral substance, or textile is formed.
- Weaving – make fabric by interlacing threads on a loom.
- Manadala – a geometric figure representing the universe in Hindu and Buddhist symbolism.
- Installation – an art exhibit constructed within a gallery.
A wide variety of similar projects, extensions or equipment.
YouTube circle loom weaving tutorial videos:
- Weaving on a cardboard loom – Weaving 101: Round Weaving – Mrs. Belzer
- DIY: Circle Loom Weaving on an Embroidery Hoop – Cassie Stephens
- A Messy Art Room: Hula Hoop Weaving Demonstration – A Messy Art Room
- How to Weave on a CD – Artist Education
- Using a Paper Plate – Weaving with Children: Circle Loom Weaving Part 1 – Cassie Stephens
- Using a Paper Plate – Weaving with Children: Circle Loom Weaving Part 2 – Cassie Stephens
- Using a Paper Plate – Weaving with Children: Circle Loom Weaving Part 3 – Cassie Stephens
One Radial Weaving Installation
There are many ways a radial weaving could be incorporated into an artistic extension lesson or an installation! Kimberly Paser created a wonderful installation in a school library. The radial weavings were created on old CDs, 45 and 33 records. This high school installation remains up seven years later!
There are MANY ways radial weavings could be incorporated into other art expressions! We hope we have gotten your creative juices flowing about how your students could work their radial weavings into other artworks. You could design the extension lesson after the weaving’s complete, or plan the weaving to flow into the extension! This lesson is great for student voice & choice!
The drawing can be developed to incorporate the design, color and texture of the weaving.
Sculptural environments can be created to incorporate the radial weaving design.
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