A Beginner’s Guide to Tapestry Weaving

Beginner’s kit for tapestry weaving. Image credit: West Plum Studio©

Why tapestry weaving?

For the past 5 years I’ve been experimenting with tapestry weaving.

Here are my top 3 reasons why tapestry weaving is a great craft.

1. There are very few rules you have to follow to successfully create a wall hanging

2. You don’t need much specialist kit to get started (more on that in a moment)

3. It’s really easy to give something a try without it ruining your wall hanging.

Tapestry weaving is a brilliant craft for exploring ideas and letting your creativity flow.

Beginner’s tapestry weaving. Tabby weave technique. Image credit: West Plum Studio©

What does a beginner need to get started?

There is very little essential kit you need to get started creating wall hangings with tapestry weaving.

Tapestry weaving beginner’s kit. Image credit: West Plum Studio©

Absolute essentials

1. Thick piece of cardboard 

     (part of a delivery box works well)

2. Yarn

3. Scissors

4. A small piece of dowel to hang your wall hanging

     onto (a small stick or pencil works just as well)

Nice to have kit

1. Wool embroidery needle

2. Ruler

3. Pencil

You can, of course, buy yourself a kit with all the equipment if you wish, but this is my list of basic supplies you can get started with.

What would you say to someone who is nervous about getting started?

It’s short and sweet but I would say go for it. You really don’t have anything to lose with tapestry weaving.

If you try something and it doesn’t work, or doesn’t look how you’d like, you can just take it out and try something else.

If you’re not sure what colours to use, start with your favourite. Or you can find lots of colour palette inspiration online. My personal favourite is Pinterest but even a Google search will bring you some ideas. I love to share colour palette inspiration in my newsletter. If you’d like to receive that you can subscribe using the button below.

Pick a technique to try. I’d suggest starting with tabby weave.

And, remember, no one is good at anything to start with. Everyone needs to practice to improve. Give yourself the time and space to learn and most of all have fun with it!

I’d love to see what you create. Do tag me in any photographs you share.

About me

Sophie at West Plum Studio. Image credit: West Plum Studio©

I am a lifelong crafter, workshop tutor and creative mentor at West Plum Studio.

I am passionate about breaking down barriers to crafting and encouraging more people to discover the joy of crafting.

I have been weaving wall hangings for 5 years now. I love experimenting with colour and texture. I enjoy working with British wool from as close to home as possible.

I run beginner weaving workshops. I love sharing my craft and seeing attendees joyful faces when they’ve finished their first wall hanging.

If you’d like to hear updates from me, including new workshops dates, you can sign up to my mailing list by clicking the button below.