On this page
- About the Backstrap Loom Kit
- Kit Contents:
- Borrow a Backstrap Loom Kit
- How to use the Backstrap Loom:
- FEEDBACK
- STEAM Kits
About the Backstrap Loom Kit
Recommended age: 9+ years old
Learn the centuries-old art of backstrap loom weaving to make colourful belts, straps, wristbands, or bookmarks!
Your project is yours to keep.
Donations for supplies are gratefully accepted
Kit Contents:
- Wooden Clamp
- Plastic heddle
- Shuttle/beater
- Yarn for weaving
- Instruction booklet
Borrow a Backstrap Loom Kit
The Backstrap Loom Kit can be requested from the SamePage Catalogue.
Once available it can be borrowed for 3 weeks.
How to use the Backstrap Loom:
Watch a Video Tutorial:
Getting Started
- Attach the warp to the wooden clamp by loosening the black knobs, separating the clamp, and placing the short knotted end of the warp between the pieces of wood. Tighten the black knobs to secure the clamp and warp.
- Using the white cotton string, feed one end through the free end of the warp, in front of the knot, and then fasten the white string to a heavy, stationary object like a table leg.
- Wrap the weaving yarn around the shuttle/beater.
- Take the cord attached to the clamp, unhook the side attached with a small screw, bring it around your back and re-hook the cord to the clamp. The clamp should be about 6 to 8 inches away from the front of your body.
- Ensure correct tension in the warp by slightly leaning back, whether sitting or standing, until the warp is pulled tightly.
How to Weave
*Refer to the included Instruction Booklet or video for step-by-step photos*
- Make a space (referred to as a “shed”) with the warp yarn by pulling straight up on the rigid heddle. You should have a triangular-shaped space in the warp yarn.
- Pull the shuttle/beater through the shed, leaving a 1 inch “tail” on the side on which you started.
- Tap the weft yarn into place by using either the shuttle/beater, or the rigid heddle. The shuttle makes a narrower, firmer end result, while the heddle is more wide and loose.
- Push the rigid heddle down to make another shed. You should notice that the yarn strands have switched positions.
- Tuck the yarn tail into the weaving, then bring the shuttle/beater through to the other side.
- Tap the weft yarn into place as in Step 3.
- Continue these steps until you’ve reached your desired length.
FEEDBACK
We’d love to hear from you! Please provide us with your feedback by filling out the feedback form included in your kit, or by filling in our online survey.
STEAM Kits
Frequently Asked Questions
What is STEAM?
STEAM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, art, and math. It is an approach to learning that uses these subjects as a guide to problem-solving, inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking.
What are STEAM Kits?
STEAM Kits contain hands-on activities that support STEAM-based
learning.
How do I check out a STEAM Kit?
For how long can I borrow a STEAM Kit?
STEAM Kits can be checked out online through the Cape Breton
Regional Library website (www.cbrl.ca), or in person at any of our
branch locations.
STEAM Kits can be borrowed for up to 3 weeks.
How do I return a STEAM kit?
STEAM Kits can be returned to any of our branch locations. Please
bring the STEAM Kit to the circulation desk. Do not leave in the book return dropbox.
Who do I contact for more information?
If you have any questions or need assistance with your STEAM Kit,
please contact your local branch or email us at STEAM@cbrl.ca.
