New
New
Year 8

Exploring weaving

I can design a pattern to weave with paper.

New
New
Year 8

Exploring weaving

I can design a pattern to weave with paper.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Weaving has been used throughout the centuries, using various techniques, for both functional and artistic purposes.
  2. You can create patterns and simple designs, like stripes and checks, when weaving.
  3. You can apply understanding of colour theory in weaving.
  4. Artists can take inspiration from cultural or natural motifs and apply these in their work.

Keywords

  • Weave/weaving - joining threads by passing them over and under each other

  • Warp & weft - warp threads go up and down; weft threads go across

  • Loom - a frame that holds threads tight so you can weave them into patterns or fabric.

Common misconception

Weaving is simply a way of creating fabric for clothing and has no connection to colour or culture.

Weaving goes beyond just making fabric; it’s a powerful form of art that can reflect cultural heritage.


To help you plan your year 8 art and design lesson on: Exploring weaving, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

When preparing a cardboard frame for the basic ‘over-under’ weaving pattern, demonstrate the importance of leaving a small section uncut at the bottom of the frame. This "anchor" helps keep the warp threads stable, making it easier for pupils to weave without the threads slipping out of place
Teacher tip

Equipment

Card, paper strips, tape, glue, scissors, pencils, squared paper

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is weaving?
Drawing lines that look like thread
Stitching layers of fabric together
Correct answer: Interlacing threads at right angles to create fabric
Tying knots to make decorative patterns
Q2.
What is a loom used for in weaving?
Correct answer: To hold thread in place while weaving
To cut fabric into strips
To dye yarn different colours
To sew woven fabric into clothes
Q3.
A pattern is a decorative design with elements such as colours or shapes that ...
Correct Answer: repeat
Q4.
Weaving is joining threads by passing them over and each other.
Correct Answer: under, beneath
Q5.
What role does a loom play in weaving?
Correct answer: It holds the threads tightly so you can weave them
It adds colour to the threads using natural dyes
It helps to spin wool into threads
Q6.
Which of the following is not a functional example of weaving?
A blanket made from wool
A basket with a handle
A bag for carrying shopping
Correct answer: An expressive wall hanging

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What are the two main types of threads used in weaving?
Correct answer: Warp and weft
Fabric and yarn
Strands and fibers
Q2.
A loom is a frame that holds threads tight so you can __________ them into patterns or fabric.
Correct Answer: weave
Q3.
Match the following weaving techniques to their descriptions:
Correct Answer:Twill,Weave in a diagonal to form a diagonal design

Weave in a diagonal to form a diagonal design

Correct Answer:Circular,Weave in a spiral over and under

Weave in a spiral over and under

Correct Answer:Plain,Over and under to create a simple grid pattern

Over and under to create a simple grid pattern

Q4.
Why do artists design their weaving on paper before actually using threads to weave?
To make it look neat
Correct answer: To test out ideas and explore structure
To choose the right materials
Q5.
Weaving can be both functional and , allowing for creative expression through patterns.
Correct Answer: artistic, decorative, creative
Q6.
Which of the following statements are true about weaving techniques?
All weaving designs must be perfectly neat and symmetrical.
Correct answer: Mistakes can add character and meaning.
Correct answer: Artists can use weaving to express ideas using colour, texture and pattern.
Weaving can only be used for making clothing.

Additional material

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