11 Fun and Straightforward Books About Weaving

This book is part history, part handbook, and all fascinating. Lynn Huggins-Cooper takes readers on a trip through the history of spinning and weaving, beginning in prehistoric times when our ancestors created blankets from natural fibers. She talks to modern day artisans to find out their inspirations and gain an insight into how they have adapted traditional techniques to 21st-century artistry. For readers influenced by all of this, the book offers a helpful resources section and list of the best courses and suppliers to help you become the weaver of your dreams.

A peg loom is a basic weaving tool where users weave the fabric in and out of pegs, providing a strong and simple starter base for beginners as well as the chance to level up with more complicated patterns. Fiber artist Stephanie Fradette's introduction to weaving with a peg loom is accessible and fun, and perfect for users of every level. It won't take you long to pick up this satisfying art and make your own projects (this book has 17 different ones for you to try out).

The origins of weaving are rooted in using natural materials, such as wood, rattan, and leather. Master basket maker and willow grower, Jenny Crisp, wants modern weavers to try their hand at these talents and help to keep alive crucial practices from our past. Willow includes some of the key weaving techniques to make 20 simple willow projects without the need for complicated tools. It's a beautiful and creative way to try out sustainable crafting, especially in an age of plastic and fast fashion.

Sure, you could weave some blankets and quilts, or you could make adorable little creatures like zebras, giraffes, and kangaroos! Pin looms can be used to make so much more than square-shaped patterns. In this book, Margaret Stump shows how you can make a veritable Noah's Ark of animals with a 2" x 2" and 4" x 4" loom and some yarn. She offers detailed instructions that will guide you through what might seem daunting at first but will soon have you filling entire rooms with a zoo's worth of beasts!

If you don’t want to invest in potentially pricey tools then never fear, for weaving can be done with nothing more than your hands! Put aside the loom and needles and see what finger weaving can do. With this illustrated and step by step guide, you can learn how to make 18 different projects, including scarves and wraps of all styles and sizes.

Archaeological expert Doris Fischer specializes in the history and techniques of traditional fiber arts. Her book, Fiber Craft Heritage, combines history and craft to give users an insight into the incredible lineage of weaving as well as ways to try it out yourself. You can learn to make threads, fabrics, and more, all through sustainable all-natural materials, and see how our ancestors used the same methods in their everyday lives.

This book is handy for beginners but also those who have been weaving for a while and want to step up their work. Andreia Gomes includes both easy and challenging techniques, including learning looping, open slits, and tabby weaves. Follow along and you too could learn how to make wall hangings, bracelets, and pillows that are easy to start and can be finished in just a few hours.

Weaving can make finished works that are just as modern as any other art form, and Maryanne Moodie can prove it. Her book brings together ancient technique and up-to-date aesthetics, all compiled in a step-by-step guide with beautiful photographs and detailed tutorials. You can learn how to do basic stitches and gain the skills to upgrade to lush, unique, and thoroughly modern loom work.

Quilting seems so daunting, but through Anna Faustino's book, you'll find that it's far easier than you ever could have imagined. Through weaving techniques that look tough but are actually simple to master, you can learn how to do everything, from weaving blankets to making checkerboard patterns to blending together all the colors of the rainbow! It won’t be long before you’re snuggled up under your own handmade woven quilt! 

Canadian artist Allyson Rousseau is renowned for her weaving and has exhibited her works worldwide. As a self-taught weaver, she puts her talents to good use in this book, offering all of the advice needed for beginners who want to start weaving on a frame loom. This book includes projects that use bold colors and textured yarns so that you can make beautiful accessories and homewares for your own space and in your own style.

If you're looking for a guide that's intended for someone with zero weaving experience, this book will be perfect for you. It offers a very basic introduction to tapestry weaving, with tips and tricks offered by a self-taught weaver. It even guides you through making your own weaving frame from an old picture frame!