How to weave: Weaving for Primary 5

Welcome, young learners! In our last lesson, we learned about weaving and its importance. Today, we’ll have fun learning how to weave using two simple methods: weaving with paper and weaving with yarn using a frame. Let’s get started!

🎯 Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Learn how to weave using paper strips.
• Understand how to weave using a simple frame and yarn.
• Create your own woven designs using the two methods.

🧵 Method 1: Weaving with Paper Strips

Let’s start with an easy and colorful weaving project using paper or cardstock. Follow these steps:

📘 Materials Needed

• Colored paper or cardstock sheets (A2 or A1 size).
• Scissors (with adult supervision).
• Glue (optional).
• Ruler and pencil.

🔧 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Take a large sheet of paper or cardstock and fold it in half.
2. Draw straight lines across the folded part, leaving about 2-3 cm between each line.
3. Cut along the lines carefully to create slits. Do not cut all the way to the edges!
4. Take another sheet of paper and cut it into long strips, about 2-3 cm wide.
5. Start weaving by sliding one strip over and under the slits in the folded paper.
6. For the next strip, do the opposite: go under and over the slits.
7. Repeat this pattern until the entire sheet is filled with woven strips.
8. Flatten the woven paper and secure the edges with glue if needed.
9. Ta-da! You’ve made a colorful woven design!

🧶 Method 2: Weaving with a Frame and Yarn

Now, let’s try weaving with yarn using a simple frame. This is fun and lets you create patterns like real fabric!

📘 Materials Needed

• A simple wooden or cardboard frame.
• Yarn or wool in different colors.
• Scissors.
• A blunt needle or a plastic weaving shuttle.
• Masking tape or clips (optional).

🔧 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Stretch the yarn vertically across the frame to create warp threads. Tie the ends tightly.
2. Choose a yarn color for the weft (the thread you will weave through).
3. Thread the yarn through the blunt needle or weaving shuttle.
4. Start weaving by passing the yarn over one warp thread and under the next. Repeat across the row.
5. For the next row, do the opposite: go under and over the warp threads.
6. Push the yarn tightly into place with your fingers or a comb.
7. Change colors to make patterns by tying a new yarn color to the old one.
8. Keep weaving until the frame is filled, then tie off the ends securely.
9. Remove your woven piece from the frame and admire your work!

🌴 Method 3: Weaving with Palm Fronds (Hand Fan)

Let’s try weaving with palm fronds to create a hand fan. This method is common in many cultures and is a fun way to make something useful!

📘 Materials Needed

• Fresh palm fronds (ask an adult to help you gather them).
• Scissors.
• Thread or twine for securing.
• A flat surface to work on.

🔧 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Choose fresh, flexible palm fronds. They are easier to weave than dried ones.
2. Trim the fronds to the desired length and remove any rough edges with scissors.
3. Start by overlapping two fronds to form a cross shape and tie them together tightly at the center with thread or twine.
4. Weave the fronds over and under each other, moving in a circular pattern to create the fan’s base.
5. As you weave, adjust the fronds to ensure the fan’s shape is even and sturdy.
6. Once the base is complete, use additional fronds to create a handle by tightly wrapping and weaving them at one end.
7. Secure the handle with thread or twine to keep it strong and steady.
8. Trim any excess fronds for a neat finish.
9. Your hand fan is ready! Wave it to cool yourself on a hot day.

📝 Evaluation Questions

Test your understanding of today’s lesson:

1. What materials do you need for paper weaving?
2. What does “over and under” mean in weaving?
3. How do you prepare the paper for weaving?
4. What tool do you use to pass yarn through the warp threads?
5. What can you use to create patterns in yarn weaving?
6. Why do you need to tie the yarn tightly on the frame?
7. Can you name two differences between paper weaving and yarn weaving?
8. What is the final step after weaving with yarn?

📚 Conclusion/Summary

Weaving is a fun way to make colorful designs using paper or yarn. With paper, you can make quick and simple projects. Using yarn and a frame allows you to create patterns like real fabric. Try both methods and show off your creativity!