1. Start with any cardboard container. Oatmeal canisters are perfect. But so are almost any cardboard canister of any size. And of course – don’t overlook the possibilities using cardboard cereal or cracker boxes! Any size or shape.
Note: Small containers like tea boxes can be embellished with a bit of weaving and filled with candy or cookies or a small gift! Or threads! Or embroidery floss! A pretty way to “wrap” a gift and make the “wrapping” re-usable!
Kids would love making these – for storing all their secret treasures. We tend to weave very tight – but it is not necessary – as long as most of the graphics disappear. (Or glue plain paper to the surface before weaving if the graphics bother you!)
2. Use an ice-pic to make holes in your canister or box as shown. One row near the top and one row near the bottom. (If you are sharing this craft with a child – we recommend YOU take care of hole punching).
We usually place the holes about 3/8 inch below the rim so the yarn won’t interfere with the lid. We leave the same allowance at the bottom.
If you are using a cereal box (or something similar) – make your holes about 1/2″ from the bottom and top. Draw a pencil guideline so the holes pretty much line up.
Because cereal and cracker boxes are not quite as sturdy as cardboard canisters, before making the holes, we recommend placing a couple layers of shipping box cardboard cut to size on the bottom. Glue into place if you like but not necessary. (For small boxes, the added support is not necessary.)
Your row of bottom holes should be made right above the cardboard. And once the warp is in place, it will hold the cardboard at the bottom.
3. Warp your “looms” using a tapestry needle threaded with worsted weight yarn with very little give. (Some yarns are quite stretchy and are not a good choice.)
When you run out of yarn, simply tie on more using a square knot.
The images below show the warping process!
4. Once warping is complete, begin weaving! This process can be done with fingers. Also, use a tapestry needle as it seems to go much faster.
5. Change yarn by tying a square knot. If you like texture, cut the ends about 3/8 to 1/2″ and let whatever happens – happen! If you don’t want the knots to show – cut the ends about 3/4″ long and lifting the weaving slightly with your needle, tuck them behind the weaving.
6. Finish off the top of the cereal box with a whip stitch around the top edge – using the holes already in place. Then weave several strands of bulky yarn through the whip stitch yarns.
This adds a bit of strength to the top edge and makes it look much prettier! Adding more rows than needed to fill the space will result in a “buldge” which will cover the holes quite nicely. (Compare the paper storage container to the pink and green container to see what we mean.)
7. The bottom edge! The bottom edge of the canisters look just fine – as you can see!
