What are fiber arts?
Fiber art (also known as textile art) is an art style that uses natural or synthetic fibers to create artwork. There are many ways you can use textiles to create works of art (and even art you can wear)! Do you want to learn more about the different kinds of fiber arts and how you can do your own fiber art at home? Then read on for a list of books where you can learn more about fiber arts and even step-by-step instructions on how to make your own loom with things you can find around the house!
So what art styles are fiber arts? Here’s a list of some of them!
How many of these have you ever heard of? Have you ever tried any of them? Remember, these are just some of the many forms of fiber arts out there! There are more you can find and try. See what cool things you can create!
Some of these styles use a tool called a loom. A loom is a tool that fiber artists use when weaving. It holds the long parts of their thread straight and stiff so that the artist can weave the shorter threads between them. This creates fabric. You can do this at home by following these steps to make your own loom out of cardboard! After that, we’ve linked a tutorial you can follow to make some cool beads out of wool!
Make Your Own Cardboard Weaving Loom
Materials Needed:
Step 1: Cut your cardboard into an 8 by 10-inch rectangle. You want to use a piece of cardboard that is thick and sturdy. Cutting cardboard can be difficult, so you may need the help of an adult.
Step 2: Cut two thin strips of cardboard about ½ inch wide and the same width as your cardboard rectangle. Using craft or hot glue, attach them about 1/2 from each end of the cardboard, so one at the top and one at the bottom. Let these dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Using a ruler, find the middle of your cardboard and then start marking off every ¼ inch across the top of your piece. I like to leave at least 1 inch free of marks on both sides of the loom for stability. You will do this for the bottom as well.
Step 4: Next, you will cut each of your marks ¼ inch deep on both the top and bottom of the cardboard.
Step 5: Now, it is time to warp your loom. Use your 100 percent cotton yarn for this step. To start, tape the end of your string to the back of the loom. Bring the string up and slide it into the first slit at the top. Turn the loom so the front is facing, bring the string down and slide it into the matching slit at the bottom. Wrapping the string around the back again, repeat the process until the string is through all the slits. As you warp your loom, tug on the string periodically to be sure it’s staying snug. When you’re done, the string on the front should make straight, vertical lines. Cut your string, leaving a small tail, and tape it to the back.
Step 6: Now you are ready to weave!
Make your own felted beads
Try this fun tutorial to make unique beads from wool.
Book Picks:
Cool Fabric Projects: Creative Ways to Upcycle Your Trash into Treasure by Pam Scheunemann
Get crafty and help save the planet, too! With easy step-by-step instructions, Cool Fabric Projects offers kids a chance to get creative by turning their trash into handmade treasures.
Stitch Camp: 18 Crafty Projects for Kids & Tweens – Learn 6 All-Time Favorite Skills: Sew, Knit, Crochet, Felt, Embroider and Weave By Nicole Blum & Catherine Newman
In today’s thriving maker culture, kids are hungry for hands-on guidance in creating stylish wearables and practical objects or hacking and customizing existing ones. Authors Nicole Blum and Catherine Newman get them started with complete instructions for mastering six favorite fiber crafts. Step-by-step photos teach kids ages 9-14 how to sew, knit, crochet, felt, embroider, and weave.
Textile Art Skills Lab by Sarah Hodgson
This colorful art book is not just a source of inspiration for children, but also a valuable resource for parents and educators. It guides children to unleash their creativity, teaching them how to use various tools, media, and processes to create original works using a variety of textiles and fibers. Mini-bio sections highlight the work of well-known artists, providing a rich learning experience. The book also encourages readers to consider the artist’s use of the elements of art and design principles, fostering a deeper understanding of art. Skill-building projects support readers as they create their own fabric works of art.
Wool by Nomad Press
Introduces relevant vocabulary to explain where wool comes from, its uses, and its unique characteristics as a fabric.
You Can Weave!: Projects for Young Weavers by Katleen Monaghan and Hermon Joyner
Children can learn and practice basic weaving processes by hand and on cardboard, frame, back strap, and other wooden looms. Hooray! A weaving book for kids with projects that actually work. Some of the projects are small pouches, mug rugs, rag placemats, two tapestry samplers, and a fabulous ikat-dyed belt. There are beautiful photographs throughout. You Can Weave! Students of any age could easily enjoy it.
Finger Knitting for Kids: Super Cute & Easy Things to Make by Eriko Teranishi
Finger Knitting for Kids shows young crafters (and their parents) how to make cute and easy-knitted pieces using only their fingers and a bit of yarn. Clear and straightforward step-by-step lessons guide them through delightful projects, ranging from simple knitted hair ties and headbands to braided scarves and caps.
We Love to Sew: Gifts: Fun Stuff for Kids to Stitch and Share : 23 Projects By Annabel Wrigley
Embark on an exciting journey into the diverse and creative world of fiber arts and crafts with this engaging activity book. Packed with over 70 projects across a variety of fiber arts, including knitting, felting, knotting and braiding, spinning, weaving, crocheting, and dyeing, there’s something for everyone to get excited about.
Knit, Hook, and Spin: A Kid’s Activity Guide to Fiber Arts and Crafts by Laurie Carlson
Dive into the wonderful and creative world of fiber arts and crafts with this easy-to-follow activity book packed with over 70 projects across various fiber arts, including knitting, felting, knotting and braiding, spinning, weaving, crocheting, and dyeing.
Finger Knitting Fun: 28 Cute, Clever, and Creative Projects for Kids by Vickie Howell
Learning to knit with your fingers is the best way to start crafting without cumbersome needles! All you need is some yarn and your hands to create modern and sophisticated knitted strands that you can use in any project around the house or in everyday fashion. From jewelry and wearable accessories to wall art, gifts, and room decorations, Howell includes step-by-step instructions for projects that use yarn and other exciting materials such as paracord and leather.
Kids Knitting by Melanie Falick
Provides step-by-step instructions covering the basic stitches, knitting tools, and finger-knitting, with directions for twelve easy projects.
Way To Crochet!: 20 Cool, Easy Projects for Kids of All Ages By Sherri Haab
Introduces the equipment needed and stitches used for crochet and presents patterns and ideas for crocheting objects such as best-friend bracelets, belts, headbands, and pillows.
