Monday 26 September 2011

1970's raffia flowers.

 

I remember making these (guess that gives my age away) we used to use nails in wood for a loom. I still think they are great, this tutorial is from www.cathyofcalifornia.typepad.com please resect her wishes at the bottom of the page. 

flower loom tutorial - here's how to make a basic flower

Tutorial

For this how-to I’m using a vintage Studio Twelve “Multi-Fleur” loom. It’s about 3 ½” across and has 2 rows of pegs. The pegs are numbered 1-12 going counter clockwise. When you are first learning it’s probably a good idea to follow the numbers but honestly once you get the hang of it you don’t really need to.
You can use yarn, ribbon,string and even wire on a flower loom - but for a real 60s-70s look you'll want to use raffia. I love the look of the vintage swiss straw–especially the colors and textures . But the synthetic raffia now marketed as gift ribbon is basically the same thing. The raffia I used for this tutorial is from Rafft Ribbons. Paper Mart offers a less expensive option. Just make sure it's synthetic and not paper raffia as paper raffia tears. Natural raffia I have found is too thick. Try experimenting with different materials- you never know what you'll come up with!
STEP 1
Start with 36” tail and secure material in the notch near peg #7. Working counterclockwise wrap your material around each of the outer pegs. You work in a "figure 8" as you wrap the material around opposite pegs (1 to 7, 2 to 8, 3 to 9, 4 to 10, 5 to 11). Each time all the way around the loom creates 1 layer. Go completely around 2 to 3 times (i.e. 2 - 3 layers). Secure end in notch leaving an 8” tail.
Photoone
How to wrap the material around the pegs in a "figure 8".
Two
The first layer


STEP 2
Repeat step 1 except do the inner pegs with a different color. 1 - 2 layers is good. This time you only need to leave 8” tails.
Three
The second layer.

STEP 3 - THE BACK STITCH
Using a long sharp craft needle w/ a big eye and thread the 36” tail (from step one). Come up at space 11 and down through space 12, up space 1 down space 12, up space 2 down space 1, up space 3 down space 2 and so on until you go all the way around. Make sure you go in between the petals and do not pierce the material.
Four
Detail of back stitch.
Five
Completed back stitch.

STEP 4 - SLANT STITCH
You should have ended up at space 1 from your previous step. Go over 3 spokes to the right and go in between the petal and come back up at space 12 (2 petals to the left), over 3 spokes and down through the petal. Repeat all the way around and complete the final stitch by going under the first slant stitch to create a continuous look.
Six
Detail of Slant Stitch
Seven
Completed Slant Stitch

STEP 5
Turn loom over and secure by knotting tails and snip off excess. Gently remove flower from loom.
Eight
This is what the flower looks like right after you take it off the loom.

STEP 6
Fluff the petals as desired.
Nine
Fluffed flower!

Hope you enjoyed this tutorial! This shows you how to make a basic flower. I think it's always best to get the basics down first. You will then be ready to play around with different ideas and have some fun. There are many ways to use a flower loom and tons of options and variations.
I would also like to point you in the direction of the amazing Knitting -and website where you will find some more advanced flower loom tutorials that should be of help.
PLEASE NOTE: I have studied and read many vintage books on the use of flower looms. I have written this tutorial based on my knowlege and the way I use my flower looms. The words and photography are mine.
This tutorial is intended for PERSONAL USE ONLY. You are more than welcome to make copies of it for yourself. PLEASE DO NOT MAKE COPIES TO SELL ON EBAY. Thanks!

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