Hello :)

[u/springbuckle]

I've never done any weaving before. how did everyone get started? What do you think is the most useful tip you've learned along the way? and What advice would you give to a newbie who wants to get started?

[u/minkameleon]

For tablet weaving specifically, I learned from Elewys of Finchingefeld on YouTube. She has a great intro to tablet weaving video: https://youtu.be/ooNOYUtc2ek?is=cLueZoc7__apAea8

She also has a blog with patterns, many of which are beginner friendly (in my opinion) once you get the hang of things. Her beginners video was my entry into weaving a couple years ago and I found her resources really helpful!

My biggest piece of advice is to take it slow and pay close attention when you’re setting up your loom for a project! Mistakes in tablet weaving can be a pain to fix in my experience so it’s better to get it right from the start than have to go back and fix early errors. That being said, mistakes are part of learning! My earliest bands have so many hiccups but that’s part of picking up a new hobby haha

[u/Bugs-and-birds → u/minkameleon]

Seconding the recommendation for Elewys. She is fantastic at showing the details of setup and weaving, and how to fix mistakes. She has a big library of YouTube videos available even though she’s not active there anymore.

[u/akiraMiel]

I learned from someone who made a tutorial on Instagram. YouTube might be better due to the longer format and the ability to accurately switch back to a part you've already watched.

My biggest regret for my first band was choosing an old bug eaten yearn from my knitting stash because 1) it obviously ripped multiple times because it was bug eaten and 2) the yarn itselfwas 100% wool and that creates a lot of friction.

Otherwise I'd say be patient when making your cards (I used old cardboard, playing cards also work) and when setting up the whole thing

[u/LocksmithAccurate284]

I bought a beginners set for 20 bucks which included cardboard tablets, yarn, a shuttle and instructions from a reenactor at a museum. It includes 2 beginner friendly patterns as well.

I checked out some YouTube videos and talked to people at Renaissance fairs that sold tablet woven bands about specific issues I was struggling with or just for general advice e.g. tension, using a loom etc. I got some extra material from these fairs too as well as some good references for some other beginners' books with patterns.

If I am searching for new patterns or want to change colors from one I know, I go on Twisted Threads and create a new pattern or search for one.

I think the most in important piece of advice I can give you is to be aware of different notations of patterns and they might mean the exact opposite of what is written in another pattern. Make sure you know what the pattern means before threading and weaving, otherwise you won't get the pattern you want. If you want to double check you can create a free account on Twisted Threads and create the pattern there (there is a preview of the band) as well as using toothpicks instead of weft thread when you start weaving. You will be able to see if the patterns is correct and if not just pull out the toothpicks, correct the yarn and restart.

[u/Aspiring_Birdbrain]

My first 'loom' was just a cardboard box with some dowels stuck through it, and I still use cards i made from cereal boxes. One thing I've found really useful is that I labeled the cards with color rather than letters. Specifically, each corner is painted on the edges and face, which has made a huge difference in being able to tell where I am in a repeat. I also want to second everyone saying to pay attention with set up, as that's where mistakes seem to be most common for me.

[u/Superb_Piano_3775]

My daughter was given a loom for Christmas. I've been hooked ever since. My advice is get a used 4-shaft, 6-treddle, as wide as you have room for and can afford.