How to warp a loom!

I remember the first time I had to warp my loom ... it certainly was interesting!  I looked up every website that Google enabled, studied and studied the pictures and videos and then tentatively took my first steps.  It took a couple of turns, but I eventually got the hang of it.

So, I thought I would share and take another tentative first step and post instructions to help you through this process.

This is a standard loom, there are many types and variations out there - but most have a spring bar at both ends.  I line mine with a bead mat.  For this exercise I have used Nymo size D thread.

The back and front of the loom has some small nails in the tension bar - a small tack will suffice if you don't have this as a feature on your loom.

To start I tie the thread around the nail.

Depending on the size of the piece you are looming, for a cuff - I usually start about a third of the loom across.  Pull the thread up over the top of the spring bar, across the loom to the other side.

Here is a view of the other side, secure the thread around the nail to create a nice clean wrap.  Make sure you do this at both ends of the loom for each warp.

Pull the thread so that it is not too taut, to create a nice even tension.  For more information about tension, check out Beads, Beaded, Beading Warp Tension

This is about half way the loom warped, notice the tension is not too tight!

This is the completed warped loom. Notice the white threads on the end, this is Fireline and for more information about this technique click here.

An example picture of how the warps will look on the spring bar.

Voila - the finished warps.  If you have adjustment bolts on the side of the loom - remember to use them to adjust the tension as you go along.  Here is another fabulous link outlining some great bead techniques including how to check your tension.