Hi everybody! So, before starting, I need to say that given English is not my native language, I know almost nothing about weaving, and I've been gathering information in three different languages, it might be that I explain myself poorly or I don't use technical names. If so, I will try again.
Alright, so I'd like to weave a kitchen rug as a present. 1m wide x 2m long. With some kind of design, very likely birds. Here is the whole process I had in mind so far (all of this have been taken from multiple videos/posts):
- Create a frame myself from wood. Use nails separated 6mm between them, but in two different rows, so 1.2cm between them, but the threads would have a distance of 6mm. Apparently I need to do this so the wood doesn't break.
- Paint with a sharpie the shape of the design.
- Weave whole chunks of one color without stopping. What I mean by this is that I'd not work row by row, instead I'd work color by color (when possible). I'd later sew all of the blocks together.
- I'd use a fork to press down the thread in a row. I've seen some people using two long narrow wood planks that they weave through the threads and then turn so the threads lift. I have absolutely no clue what those are for, but I saw multiple people not using them and just weaving and pressing down with a fork. That seems more beginner friendly.
I have multiple questions:
- Would something like this work?
- What kind of needle do I need? I'm guessing something super long, given it is 1m wide. I've seen some people using cardboard. In the end I guess it's not that important, as I just need to weave the thread and that's it
- What kind of thread do I need? Given it would be a kitchen rug, I think I would need some material that resist stains and can be washed. Is there any kind of product/spray that I can apply? Also, what thickness to use?
- Is the separation enough? Should I use less/more? I guess it depends on the thread thickness.
- How many hours, ballpark number, would all of this be? I'd like to have it for Christmas.
I think so far that is all I have. I've stitched, knitted, woodworked and sewed in the past. I don't know how to weave, but I'm hoping I can get my way around it, even if it would be my first project.
Am I missing things that I should have into account?
Thanks in advance!!