3rd Graders Weaving Their Way Through Art

The third grade class has started off the new year in art class by embarking on a new project: taking on the task of weaving. The third grade artists learned that a loom is the structure on which a weaving is created and excitedly added warp, or vertical, threads to their loom to begin their creations.

As a class, we discussed the importance of choosing a thoughtful color palette, to give a sense of design and consistency to our pieces. The students brainstormed different color families, like warm and cool, which they could use, or how they could create contrast using complementary colors. The third grade artists imagined the possibilities of using rainbow colors or limited color palettes, selecting two to three colors to repeat.

The third graders then began selecting their weft threads, which they began weaving into their looms using a simple AB pattern of under-over. As they continue to work on their weavings, they will be introduced to a new technique each class which they can add to their weavings, including the block technique in which smaller sections of warp threads are woven to create a pattern of blocks. They will explore more complex weaving patterns like AABB. They will also get the chance to add more complex shapes such as triangles, and decorative motifs like fringe to their weavings. When their masterpieces are complete, they will learn to transfer their weavings from their looms and add fun flourishes like handmade pom-poms.


Weaving helps to reinforce fine motor skills and gives students the opportunity to practice their knot-tying and needle-threading skills. There are many connections to math as students use division to plan out their block weaving and create and follow patterns.