Sometimes the simplest materials are the most fun to work with. This small dollhouse or mouse house rug is made on a wooden loom with scraps of fabric—and believe me, it's wonderfully relaxing. An ideal craft project for a rainy afternoon or just to get your hands dirty.
What do you need?
- A small wooden loom, for example , this beautiful, compact loom from Creative Company . On this site, you can also find videos of weaving and weaving on a loom.
- Thin strips of fabric (old tea towels, worn-out blouses, or scraps of cotton work perfectly)
- Pair of scissors
- Possibly a needle or weaving needle
- Glue or needle and thread to finish the rug
By the way, my little rug is inspired by a rug from an older Maileg collection – you might recognize this one, with the soft hues and that sweet, simple pattern.
Sadly, they're no longer made, and I secretly find that a shame... But it's precisely those kinds of old items that I love so much. Things with a bit of history, a bit of charm. I adore them. And I love giving those favorites a new life – by recreating them myself, with my own twist.
So if you're also homesick for that one dress that you can't find anywhere anymore: just make one yourself!
Getting Started
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Preparing the loom
First, stretch the warp (the vertical threads) onto your loom. You can do this with strong yarn or twine. Make sure the threads aren't too far apart to create a nice, dense weave. -
Cutting fabric strips
Cut or tear strips of fabric about half a centimeter wide. They don't have to be perfectly straight—that messy edge actually adds a touch of charm to your mini dress. -
Let's weave!
Thread the first strip of fabric over and under the taut threads, alternating. Start the next strip in the opposite direction so they interlock nicely. Use your fingers or a needle to press the fabric firmly into place. Alternate colors or patterns if you like! -
Finishing
Once you've reached the desired length, carefully remove the fabric from the frame. Knot the ends of the warp threads or neatly weave them in with a needle. You can also lightly coat the edges with glue or secure them with a few stitches to prevent fraying.
And there it is: your very own hand-woven mini rug!
Some more tips:
- Also try weaving with wool or ribbons for a different effect.
- Let little hands help – it’s a wonderfully simple craft for children.
- And the best part? Each dress is unique, just like the dollhouse you're making it for.
Have fun weaving!
-xxx- Carolien
