Simple Weaving
To develop fine motor skills and pattern-making through simple weaving on card or wire frames.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Expressive Arts & Design
- Learning area: Expressive Arts and Design
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Attempts over-under weaving
- Selects colours for pattern
- Shows concentration and persistence
- Creates a textured artwork
Materials
- Simple card looms with pre-cut slots
- Wide fabric strips in varied colours
- Ribbon and wool
- Paper strip weaving
Instructions
Prepare simple looms by cutting parallel slits in a piece of stiff card (about 2cm apart). Thread warp threads (long strips) through the slits so they're secure.
Demonstrate weaving with a wide strip: over... under... over... under... across the whole loom. Then push the strip down to the bottom. 'Now you have a go! Over... under... over... under... well done!'
The over-under pattern is cognitively demanding for twos and threes — expect errors and support gently: 'You went over twice in a row — let's go under now.' Correct without discouraging.
Use varied materials for the weft: ribbon, wool, paper strips, strips of fabric. The varied textures create an interesting tactile and visual result.
Build gradually: after mastering the over-under, some children will create complex colour patterns. 'You used two rows of blue, then one red, then two blue — you made a pattern!'
Leave looms to work on across multiple sessions. Weaving is slow and the satisfaction is in the growing, cumulative pattern.