When I think of weaving, I think of the shuttle gliding back and forth through the warp. I think straight lines, even beat, and smooth texture. Even when I use pick-up sticks the lines are crisp and clean…and the weaving flows! But if you are willing to slow down and use your fingers (and a few extra tools that you probably already own), you can add curves and texture and dimension using only your rigid heddle loom.

Finger-manipulated techniques allow you to use your hands, shuttle, and a few tools like crochet hooks, chopsticks, or knitting needles (instead of only the loom’s heddle) to manipulate the warp or weft threads. And the results are truly amazing!

What Makes Finger-Manipulated Weaves Special?

Unlike regular weaving where the shuttle glides straight across the loom, finger weaves demand that you get your hands right into your work! You will use your fingers to twist, wind, wrap and pull the warp and weft to make curves, loops and angles.

Here are a few examples:

Leno – twisting warp threads to create a lacy, open effect.
Brooks Bouquet – wrapping the weft around bundles of warp to form little “bouquets.”
Soumak – wrapping the weft across the warp for a braided look.
Medallions – using the weft to wrap around previous rows, forming rounded, jewel-like shapes.
Loops – pulling weft up into soft raised loops for a very tactile experience both on and off the loom.

Each method adds detail or texture that transforms even the simplest project. They can edge a tea towel with a decorative border, bring life to a scarf, or become the focal point in a cushion or table runner and even throw mats and garments!

Why Try Them?

Finger-manipulated weaves force us to slow down. It’s easy when weaving a plain weave project to send the shuttle through, zip, zip, zip, and not really pay attention. Weaving medallions or shaping loops brings our full attention to the loom. We feel the yarn in out hands: the texture, the strength, and the density in ways we don’t normally. We learn about the yarn and how the warp and weft intersect. If you want to practise mindfulness in your weaving, this is the perfect way to get started!

Bringing It Into Your Weaving

I have no written patterns that use finger-manipulated weaves on my website…yet! But I’ve been playing with them all summer and I know I’ll be writing some up as patterns. But in the meantime, try adding Medallions to the edge of a plain weave tea towel. Try some Brooks Bouquet or Leno Lace on the edge of a scarf. Or weave a sample piece using all the techniques and sew it into a pillow cover. The possibilities for these techniques are truly endless: let your imagination and creativity loose!

Also, check out Little Looms Spring 2025 for Tropical Sea Soap Savers (one is a loopy bag) and Spring 2020 for the Forest Floor Mat.