Hand weaving is a most fascinating and often profitable pastime, which by no means is confined to girls alone. Yes, I am guilty, I confess that I have tried my hand at it while still a student of arts and crafts. You will find that there is no end to the pretty things you can weave by hand.

The design I have given is for a small hand loom; the outside dimensions are 10"x13". Of course, you can make a larger size if you wish.

Use an easy to work wood such as white wood for making the bottom frame. Make this from 3/8" thick lumber, the two side pieces 1" wide and the ends 11/2" wide. Fasten the corners together securely and glue.

Method Of Procedure

Step No. Is Cut three cross pieces out of three-sixteenths inch thick plywood. Make these cross pieces 11/4" wide and the full width of the frame, that is 10". Every 1/4" apart, make a fine saw cut 1/2" deep on the two end pieces and 5/8 " deep on the center piece. Leave a 3/4" space at both ends.

Step No. 2: On the two end pieces, cut a notch to receive an 1/8" rod. A notch is also cut on the ends of the center piece, but this is cut in a horizontal direction, not vertical as was done on the two end pieces.

Step No. 3: Securely nail the cross pieces to the frame from the bottom side. Space the two end strips about 3/8" from the end of the bottom frame. The center piece is not nailed; this must be free to move back and forth.

Step No. 4: Make a needle out of white wood thick, 1/2 wide and 12" long; point the one end and make an 1/8" hole in the other end to receive the thread, worsted or what not.

Step No. 5: It will be well to give this entire frame, needle etc., a liberal coat of stain in a dark color to preserve the wood and to prevent a soiled appearance after usage.

The two rods should be 1/8" in diameter and 13" long with an eye bent on the one end to prevent the needle from pulling out and at the same time, to give you a grip when you want to withdraw the needle. Brass is good to use for these rods, but any metal rods will do.

If you are not familiar with hand weaving, you will find many good books on the market or in the library that will give you the help you need. It will be well for you to look up something about weaving before attempting to make this hand loom as you will then comprehend more clearly the construction of this project.