adminNegative space weaving creates a striking wall hanging by leaving parts of the warp visible as part of the design. This beginner-friendly project uses chunky yarn or jersey yarn to build bold texture without filling every section of the loom. With a simple triangular pattern and a few careful finishing steps, you can make a decorative piece in about an hour.
Materials for Negative Space Weaving
- A loom, such as a Lap Loom Model A
- Cotton yarn for the warp
- Chunky yarn or jersey yarn
- A cut copper pipe or wooden dowel
- A tapestry needle with a large eye
- Scissors
If you do not have a loom, a sturdy piece of cardboard with notches cut into the top and bottom or a plank of wood with nails at opposite ends can serve as a simple alternative. Make sure the warp is evenly spaced before you begin; consistent spacing makes the geometric pattern easier to follow.
How to Weave the Wall Hanging
1. Add the fringe and foundation rows
Warp the loom, then cut 30 jersey-yarn strips, each about 20 inches long. Attach two strips to each bottom loop to form the fringe. Thread the tapestry needle with jersey yarn and begin the first woven row about one-quarter of the way in from one side. Pass the yarn over and under the warp strands, leaving a 4-inch tail beneath the weave. Press the row gently toward the fringe.
Weave about four rows across the bottom before starting the pattern. These foundation rows add support and help prevent the heavier jersey yarn from pulling the piece out of shape.
2. Build the triangle pattern
For the fifth row, weave across three warp strands and turn back to create the first triangle point. With each row moving toward the center, include one additional warp strand. Count the strands as you work so you can identify the center. If the warp has an odd number of strands, the center can fall between uneven counts on either side; consistency matters more than perfect symmetry.
After reaching the center and returning, begin the next section three strands in, then increase the number of strands by one with each row toward the center. Press the rows down gently as you go. When a yarn strip runs out, leave a tail long enough to stitch into the back and continue with a new strip.
3. Join the sections and finish the top
At the top of the third triangle, weave a row across to the opposite side, then work back down. Leave the remaining upper space until the lower sections are complete. When the two sides meet at the top of a triangle, use a weft interlock: pass the working yarn through the loop formed by the yarn on the opposite side, without wrapping around the warp. This joins the sections. Repeat at the top of the lower triangle.
Continue in a mirrored pattern, adjusting rows as needed so they line up. Finish with the same number of rows as on the opposite side, leave a tail at the back, and add three more woven rows across the top in the same color.
Secure the Weaving and Add a Hanger
Turn the loom over and thread each yarn tail through the tapestry needle. Stitch it down through the backs of two or three loops, then trim the excess. This helps secure the yarn without creating a bulky knot. Adjust the rows so the pattern looks balanced before removing the weaving from the loom.
If there is about 1/2 inch of space between the top row and the pegs, unhook the warp one peg at a time and thread a copper pipe or dowel through the loops, following the over-and-under pattern. If there is not enough room, unhook the warp and sew the rod or pipe in place with cotton yarn. Avoid pulling the warp tightly while removing it, as the pattern may shift. Thread cotton yarn through the hanger and knot the ends to create a hanging loop.
Display and Care Tips
The raised texture and open warp pattern stand out against a contrasting wall. Before hanging the piece, check that the rod is level and that the loops are secure. Keep the wall hanging away from damp areas, and handle the fringe gently when dusting to help preserve its shape.
Negative space weaving is a practical way to explore pattern, texture, and visible warp strands in a relatively quick project. The open sections are an intentional part of the design, so focus on keeping the woven rows even rather than trying to fill every gap.
By Rachel
