Where do you begin looming?

As I shared in an earlier post, I have strung my Mirrix so I can complete a split loomed necklace, using warp weights. I have just completed my first few rows.

I prefer to begin my first rows of bead looming at the 'top' and work my way 'down'. Others have mentioned they like to start at the 'base' and work their way 'upwards'. When you are planning a design to include increases and decreases, you must start the first row at the widest part of your pattern. Once that section is complete, you can then work upward, from the top and downwards towards a finish.

Notice how the warp weights are being used to hold the upper half of my looming. At this time, I need the warps to be stabilized for looming my widest base, but once I begin decreasing and creating cut work designs, I'll be moving these warps. That is where the 'weighted warp' idea will hold merit.

In one of my earlier posts, I attached the warp weights to the bottom of my looming. In this pattern, I attached them to the upper section of my loom, keeping the base of the warps secured, or tied to the loom. It has to be one way or the other, but not both. In this design, again, I am working my techniques to the upper sections. I'll include more photos as my design progresses!