Some clouds early will give way to generally clear conditions overnight. Low 67F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.

Insomnia provided many opportunities to watch YouTube videos and study Pinterest in the wee hours to learn the ins and outs — or overs and unders. This winter and spring I taught some 75 teens how to branch weave and shared my newfound passion with friends. All found it relaxing.

Branch weaving is similar to loom weaving, only the loom is a Y-shaped branch and the weaving stays attached to its organic loom which is then hung or laid artfully on a flat surface. Warp and weft threads are interlaced with each other per loom weaving, the warp being the stationary threads that provide the structure and the weft being the threads that are woven through and wrapped around the warp.

But the warp runs horizontally, instead of vertically, from one side of the branch to the other, filling the negative space of the Y. There are endless ways to weave, wrap, knot and tie the weft threads through and around the warp.

Directions follow, but there are quite a few tutorials on YouTube if my explanation leaves you wanting. It is difficult to go wrong. Though a pattern — or several of them — keeps the final product from looking like a mess, the process leaves a lot of room for improvisation.

Y-shaped branch, yarn, plastic tapestry needle or bobby pin, plastic fork, optional embellishments like buttons, beads, pom-poms, tassels, and needle and thread for small buttons and beads. Note, you can even weave in strips of paper, fabric or plant material.

Note: “Knotting” refers to tying a square knot: right over left, left over right. Always leave tails that can be woven in on the back (my preference) or cut short after ensuring knots are secure.

Step 1: Find a branch with one or more Y-shapes and plan to weave in one or all. Acute angles work best because as the angle nears 90 degrees, the warp threads are likely to slip down. Attached lichen, acorns, cones and twigs add character, though warping takes longer as the yarn wants to snag. But the extra effort is worth it.

Step 2: Choose a yarn color for your warp. Knot one end to one side of your branch near the base of the “V.” Estimate how much you will need to crisscross back and forth up your “Y” with warp threads about a pencil width apart. Wind yarn into a mini-skein so it is easier to handle. Then stretch it over to the opposite side of the “Y,” wrap around the branch 1½ times starting around the top, come up through the center, stretch to opposite side, wrap 1½ times, again, starting at the top, come up through the center, and continue.

Make sure that the warp threads create a figure-eight, i.e. cross in the center, as you work your way up. If you run out of yarn, knot a new length to the existing warp and keep going. Try to have an even number of warp threads if you can and knot to either side once you reach the top. The warp should be taut and springy, but not bowing the branches.

Step 3: Weave. Choose your first color and cut a length that is easy to work with. Feed one end through a plastic tapestry needle or bobby pin and knot the other end to either side of your branch near the base of the “Y.” Begin weaving up the same side, back down, and continue. When you get to the top warp, simply wrap around without pulling too tight or you will bow the warp.

The tabby stitch is the most basic: over and under one thread at a time. Have fun varying this stitch: over two, under one; over two, under two, etc. You can even weave with two threads at a time for a basket weave look. Plan to weave several rows of each stitch so that the pattern is visible. If your weave looks like nothing and seems to have no tension after the first couple of rows, don’t worry and keep going. Google tutorials for soumak stitch to create a braided appearance and for rya knots to create a fringe. Both are easier to learn when demonstrated than described. Use a plastic fork — or your fingers — to slide the weft threads over and tighten the weave.

When you are ready to change colors or type of yarn, or simply need more yarn, just knot the ends together and keep going, tucking the tails to the back side. To “wave your weave,” weave a few rows of any stitch and then use your fork to nudge the section into the shape you want. To fill in negative space, make warp rows progressively longer or shorter.

Step 4: Finish. Flip your branch weaving over, thread knot tails onto your needle, run under three or so threads on the back, and trim off for a back as neat as the front. Or just trim ends. Embellish with buttons, beads, pom-poms or tassels if desired, add a yarn hanger, slip it over a nail or picture hook, stand back, and admire your work.

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We strive to be fair and accurate in our reporting. In turn, we ask that you remain civil and open-minded in your responses. Comments should be relevant to the topic at hand, factual and thoughtful. The comments section is like a letter to the editor, not a chat room. Please read the full commenting rules before posting.

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