- Stick weaving is ideal for constructing a scarf.Pixland/Pixland/Getty Images
Stick weaving crafts can range from basic to elaborate and can produce scarves, belts, dish rags, purses -- even plant hangers. All crafts ideas are produced in the same manner; it's merely the different lengths, widths, and color preferences that alter any given pattern. Various types of yarns and colors can be interwoven simply by tying one end to another during the weaving process. - Specialized weaving sticks can be purchased or are easily crafted using dowels of varying widths, according to your preference. The larger the stick, the easier for learning and the bulkier the weave. Smaller, thinner sticks create a finer weave and are recommended for the more advanced weaver. Very accomplished weavers often use large weaving needles that resemble embroidery needles. These create a very tight weave.
- If constructing your own sticks from dowels, you'll want them to be about 8 inches long and not too thin for starting out. Begin by sharpening one end of the dowel into a dull point (similar to a knitting needle). On the opposite end, drill a small hole (large enough to thread your yarn through) and sand it down to narrow the rounded edges, creating a flat end with a hole; this makes for easier threading.
- Many different gauges of yarn can be used for stick weaving.Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
Using the thread of your choice, determine how long you want your chosen craft to be and double that length. Decide how many sticks you'll be using, and thread each one with the doubled measurement of yarn. This is like threading a large needle. Tie the ends together in a knot. Hold your sticks together, in a fan like manner, and weave your chosen yarn in a figure-eight design, in and out of each stick. Repeat the process, over and over. As the woven yarn grows longer, consistently push it off the sticks onto the hanging threads. Keep at least half of the stick's tops exposed while weaving. - As you reach your desired length, make certain to have some of the initially threaded yarn remaining for tying off. Take each doubled thread (from the initial threading), and tie them together in a knot. Repeat the process for each stick's thread, and then tie them all together to end the weave with a sort of pyramid-shaped ending.
