Artist- Evelyn George and Navajo Weavers

We will learn how to weave on a loom inspired by Navajo weaving.  They will learn about Navajo traditions, how wool is used, and how the designs are created.  Students will learn that weavings are a type of functional art.  Functional art is art that can be used, like blanket or a rug.

The Toadlena Trading Post helps keep Navajo traditions alive.  This video introduces us to Navajo Master Weaver, Evelyn George.

We will learn how the geographic location of the Navajo Nation helps the weavers create their artworks.

Did you ever wonder how sheep help make weaving?

Here’s a student example, still on the loom.

2010-10-14_14-59-25_577Watch the video and follow these steps to create your weaving: 

Day 1: Write your name on a piece of masking tape, put it on the back of your loom. Use two colors of string to create your warp lines. Tape your ends on the back of your loom. If there’s time, begin to weave! Over then under, keep repeating those steps. Do not flip over your loom, stay on ONE SIDE.

Day 2: Weave! Over then under, keep repeating those steps. Do not flip over your loom, stay on ONE SIDE. ***When you finish one color, tie your end to your next color yarn. This is different from the video. Keep weaving and fill your loom, don’t pull too tight. Keep pushing your weaving up to make more room.

Day 3: Keep weaving! Over then under, keep repeating those steps. Do not flip over your loom, stay on ONE SIDE. Keep weaving and fill your loom, don’t pull too tight. Keep pushing your weaving up to make more room.

Day 4: Follow these steps (like the video) to take your weaving off your loom:

  1. Flip over your loom, so you see the diagonal lines.
  2. Cut the diagonal lines.
  3. Tie the first two ends together, make sure the knots are close to the weaving.
  4. Go to the next two warp lines, tie them together.  Keep going!  You may have an uneven number of warp lines to tie, you might need to tie three of them together.
  5. Do steps 3-4 to the bottom of your weaving. This makes sure none of your weaving falls apart.
  6. Trim any loose ends. Be careful not to cut the knots you just made!
  7. Write your names on masking tape and stick it to the back of your weaving.  You don’t want to lose your beautiful artwork!