We are wrapping up weaving in 3rd & 5th grade. 3rd grade is doing circle weaving (one of my favorite projects of the year!). 5th grade is doing a tree weaving (which is a basic back & forth AB pattern, but done on a warp in a wedge shape).
When finishing circle weavings, I have my students create a pattern/design on the white surface of their loom, and color it using markers that match their yarn colors.
For the tree weavings, I had my 5th graders add beads for fruit(added as they were weaving..limit 10 beads), and then use tempera paint sticks to do a simple landscape background.
There are many ways to do these projects. These are the ways I do them, but there are wonderful variations you might want to investigate to see what is the best fit for your school/students.
I’m thrilled with the circle Weavings my third graders are making! I’ve been doing this lesson for 24 years…it never gets old! I’m as excited as the kids.
I’ve you’ve not tried this lesson…you can check out my blog(search circle weaving) or my YouTube channel!
My 3rd graders are a class or two from finishing their circle weavings. Over all, this has been a pretty good year for circle weaving. A majority of my students did a great job on their work, and made few errors. I was a bit concerned. This year has been a struggle with basic direction following and focus on work (I think connected to the pandemic & online learning prior to this school year.).
In general, students have lost the ability to tie knots. Even the simple knot that most know from learning to tie their shoes(They don't really tie shoes much any more?!?). I use that one to start the radial/circle weaving. I will say...this knot I'm about to show you is a bit different(but simple). I want my students to use this knot because it is easy, strong, and cuts down on wasted yarn. I put this video on repeat for my students during the class. Yesterday...no one asked me how to do it...they just watched the video! Hope it helps you out!!
I have been so incredibly impressed by my 3rd graders this year!! Their circle weavings have been AMAZING!!! Here are a handful that finished their backgrounds completely. There are so many ways that you can "finish" the background/looms for circle weavings. I like having my students create patterns in the background and color them (using marker) with the colors they used in their weaving. I do this after they are done weaving...because you never know how big they will be, and I'd hate for students to work extremely hard on the background and then cover it up with the weaving. This method has "morphed" over the years. I was first introduced to this project 24 yrs ago when it was a part of the first curriculum we used in Metro Nashville Public Schools. It has changed for the better over the years, and is one of my favorite lessons.
We are wrapping up our circle weaving project. I have my students create a design after they have completed their weavings. They then use marker to mimic the colors of their yarn so the design looks like it carries on to the end of the plate. (I use the cardboard circles that are white on one side..usually around $15 for 100.) This is the first group to finish up. So expect to see more weaving posts over the next week or so!
As most of you know...I have three children (6, 8, & 11). My kids are pretty "artsy", and love to try the projects I've been creating videos for. My older two are TOTALLY into the circle weaving. My 11 yr old already has plans for her "next" circle weaving and the colors she wants to use! ha ha
Come weave with me! Here is the being steps for how to do a circle weaving. The video will take you through the process, but I will also have written directions and pictures to help you out as much as possible. Once you get it...you won’t want to stop! Please feel free to comment or contact me if you have any questions.
SUPPLIES: paper plate or cardboard cut in a circle,
pencil, scissors, yarn, and tape
VOCABULARY: loom- the structure you weave on (the plate/cardboard in this case), warp- the string you weave through, weft- the string you weave with
On the back of your circle, make 11 marks evenly spaced around the rim, and label them 1-11. Try your best to have them an equal distance apart.
Next you will “warp” your “loom”. You will want to have just a small tail of yarn hanging on the back at the 1 spot. The majority of your yarn for the warp will be on the front of the circle. Follow the formula below to finish warping your loom.
Here is the "formula" for warping your loom!
1 to 6 (across the loom)
6 to 7(hello neighbor)
7 to 2(across the loom)
2 to 3(hello neighbor)
3 to 8(across the loom)
8 to 9(hello neighbor)
9 to 4(across the loom)
4 to 5(hello neighbor)
5 to 10(across the loom)
10 to 11(hello neighbor)
11 to 5
(the number 5 will have to strings sharing the space)
After you have warped your loom, tape down the ends on the back so they do not come out of their spots.
Feed your “weft“ string underneath the warp strings from the 3ish to the 9ish place. You want to capture all the warp strings in the middle with the smallest knot possible. Cut off the small “extra” piece of string from your knot....but be careful to not cut the knot or any warp strings.
NOW TO START THE ACTUAL WEAVING
Begin by going around the circle (I go counter clock wise..not sure why?). OVER UNDER OVER UNDER. I will go over/under about half of the stings and then pull my yarn all the way through. If you do not do this...it can get tangled up, and cause some problems for you.
At the end of each string tie the new one to the old one. You can trim the "bunny ears" off at the end. Tying knots & double(triple..or more) jumping is the biggest problem young artists have once they get started. They just have to make sure to go over or under each of the warp strings...they can not go over over..or under under.
To finish the weavings, artists can create a pattern in pencil on the rest of the plate(the background...not the back) & then use the same color of markers (as their yarn) to color their pattern.
I WILL MAKE A PART 2 TO CIRCLE WEAVING TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU ALL ARE "GETTING IT"!
The finished product can look something like this!
It has been that most wonderful time of the year....
CIRCLE WEAVING!
If you've followed me for some time you will know I love to circle weave with my 3rd graders. They love it, I love it, their work looks amazing.....it is just good stuff! I will link some previous "HOW TO" posts so you can take a look at that info if you are in need or want of it!
I always feel like the second nine weeks goes way too fast! With the holidays & time consuming(but fun) projects to complete....I just wish I could slow down time!
Circle weaving truly is my favorite project of the year!! The kids LOVE it!! They are excited to get to art, come in early, try it out at home on their own!!! I feel circle weaving is that project over the past 21 years that has never gotten "old".
Here are some links to circle weaving "how-to's" if you are wanting to see how I teach this lesson. Feel free to leave comments or email me if you have any further questions.
HOW TO DO IT!
http://www.artwithmre.com/2012/12/circle-weaving-step-by-step-guide-tips.html
ALL MY PAST POSTS ON CIRCLE WEAVING!
http://www.artwithmre.com/search/label/Circle%20Weaving
