10 best weaving books: Books on weaving techniques and projects for beginners and up

Weavers-in-the-making and curious fiber artists can find loads of inspiration and technical guidance in weaving books. In addition, there are beautiful editions that will look absolutely stunning on your bookshelf!

Books on weaving are relatively easy to come across, but it is important to find an option to complement your goals and needs depending on where you are in your weaving journey.

Looking for new weaving designs to test out? Starting from scratch? Want to get a glimpse into how professional artists create textile magic? Here are our top picks for the best books on weaving!

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Best books on weaving

Whether you want to hone your technique or find inspiration in fellow weavers, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of our favorite and best weaving books you can find!

Learning to Weave

If there’s a weaving book classic, this is it. A fantastic pick for beginners and experienced weavers alike, Learning to Weave by Deborah Chandler combines weaving essentials and a handy set of tips to guide you as you evolve in the craft.

This 232-page book contains everything from illustrated step-by-step warping instructions, fundamental weaving techniques, basic weave structures, guidance on reading and designing drafts, and more.

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Here you’ll find a compilation of guidelines for newbies, as well as an entire section devoted to seasoned weavers: it really is the perfect book to have no matter your background as a fiber artist.

And being a classic craft book makes it a special item to add to your collection. Note that there is a paperback and hardcover edition of this book; therefore, prices will vary.

On the Loom: A Modern Weaver’s Guide

On the Loom: A Modern Weaver’s Guide by Maryanne Moodie will give you an insider’s look into the ancient art of weaving through the lens of the modern-day crafter. Perfect if you’ve been searching for inspiring books on contemporary weaving!

Comprised of 144 pages brimming with impeccably photographed step-by-step tutorials, this book covers a wide variety of unique, stylish projects every home decor weaver will love. I love this option for a gift; it’s absolutely beautiful.

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However, it is more of a technical guide, with an overview on basic stitches, tools, and even instructions on building a loom from scratch. In addition, the book is organized by loom type, supporting all weavers and toolsets.

This is a well-rounded resource for ambitious weavers searching for ideas and support to create quality, one-of-a-kind pieces, whether vintage-inspired or with a modern twist. Kindle and hardcover editions of this book are available on Amazon.

CrazyShot- Creative Overshot Weaving for the Rigid Heddle Loom

CrazyShot — Creative Overshot Weaving on the Heddle Loom is an introductory book to the world of rigid heddle loom weaving: one of the most popular methods learned by home crafters.

While one of the shorter weaving books listed, this 50-page beginners book includes step-by-step instructions to weave 14 designs, guidelines on the single heddle overshot technique, reading charts, and tips to achieve the best results.

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Because this book is specific to rigid heddle looms, it’s best advised for weavers starting off with this tool for the first time or experienced crafters transitioning into other methods. Note that this edition is only available in paperback.

Once you’ve got basic rigid heddle warping and weaving skills down, we suggest complementing your weaving book collection with the author’s comprehensive charted designs guide: Crazyshot Companion: Charted Designs for Overshot Weaving on the Rigid Heddle Loom.

Inventive Weaving on a Little Loom

Another book focused on weaving on a rigid-heddle loom is Inventive Weaving on a Little Loom by Syne Mitchell.

This is wildly more comprehensive than the previous book, with almost 300 pages on rigid-heddle looms, techniques, and projects; it’s one of the most complete options you’ll find on these popular tabletop looms and suited for beginners.

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Content covers everything from setup to creation, supported by step-by-step photographs. Tapestry, bead weaving, and basic and complex weaving techniques can all be found in this book — available for Kindle and paperback.

Curtains, bags, shawls, cushion cases, and jewelry are only some of the projects you’ll find here, perfect for the enthusiastic weaver ready to experiment with different textiles, including silky threads, rayon chenille, and wire.

The Weaver’s Idea Book: Creative Cloth on a Rigid Heddle Loom 

The Weaver’s Idea Book is the ultimate guide for any fiber artist looking for books on weaving with a loom and mastering new patterns and designs.

Available for Kindle, as well as in hardcover and spiral-bound editions, this classic book by Jane Patrick presents an array of patterns for the simple rigid-heddle loom and variations such as multishaft looms. Talk about books on weaving with a loom!

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Throughout 240 pages, you’ll find different chapters focusing on weaving designs, demonstrated by photos of swatches to illustrate techniques. Some include leno, soumak, Brooks bouquet, and embroidery on fabric.

The author also includes ideas for functional woven projects, from wearable pieces to decorative elements for the home. Although suitable for novices, this is a better choice if you’re already familiar with the basics and lingo and equipped to start taking on more elaborate works.

The Art of Tapestry Weaving

Released in 2020, The Art of Tapestry Weaving by Rebecca Mezoff is a comprehensive guide to mastering tapestry-making for fiber artists of all skill levels.

While many weaving books cover techniques for making images with yarn, this 320-page book revolves around enthusing fiber artists with contemporary, trendy tapestry creations with a thorough guide to everything you need to get started.

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Also, Rebecca Mezoff is a renowned teacher of contemporary tapestry weaving, so you’ll be guided by someone who is not only an artist but knows how to navigate the complete beginner from the perspective of a professional instructor.

You’ll learn every part of the process, from developing color palettes and choosing yarn to warping a loom and weaving designs. This is more of a technical guide than a tutorial on weaving patterns. Hardcover editions can be purchased on Amazon (for Kindle, too) and Woolery.

Weaving: A Modern Guide to Creating 17 Woven Accessories for your Handmade Home

Looking for the best books on weaving for beginners that go beyond technique-honing and your typical weaving project?

Weaving by Mary Maddocks features 144 pages filled with detailed, easy-to-follow tutorials supported by lifestyle photography to teach you the fundamentals, along with 17 stunning projects to put to the test.

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The paperback book includes trendy designs and step-by-step instructions to complete a collection of store-bought-looking projects, from wall hangings, bags, and lampshades to cushion covers and even jewelry!

This is the perfect pick if you’re searching for new home decor ideas or for handmade gifts. Or are simply motivated by the idea of creating impressive pieces that are both aesthetic and functional. If you prefer a digital edition of this book, it’s also available for Kindle.

Weaving: Contemporary Makers on the Loom

Recently released (2020), Weaving: Contemporary Makers on the Loom is a 224-page book anyone with a sweet spot for fiber art, weaver or not, will appreciate.

This book is by Katie Treggiden, a design expert and journalist who has beautifully documented a close-up look into professional weavers’ lives, studios, and works. It comprises in-depth essays on weaving, the history of the ancient craft, and where it’s headed today.

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Unlike some of the other books on weaving listed, this edition is all about celebrating contemporary weaving and its makers and is not so much a technical reference for beginners. It is, however, filled with personal, inspiring stories that will bring you closer to the world of weaving.

Stunning photography fills the pages of this book, making it an incredible gift for anyone who collects craft books or has a love for weaving. There is only a hardcover edition of the book; you can find it on Amazon and Woolery for roughly the same price.

Amazing Circular Weaving

When searching for books on weaving with a loom, it’s always good to be as specific as possible and know how you want to approach the craft. That said, if circular weaving is your jam, this is the perfect beginner’s book!

Emily Nicolaides is the author of this 144-page book, released in 2022, and focuses on the art of circular weaving: it provides an extensive, detailed guide on techniques, project types, materials, and more. It’s ideal if you’re discovering circular weaving for the first time.

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To support this content, you’ll find an array of stylish photography in every section, demonstrating over 30 techniques throughout. I also love that it includes guidelines for creating your own handmade cardboard looms and shuttles — quite the treat for DIYers.

This is a fantastic pick if you’re curious about the potential of circular weaving; there are many projects to learn here. The book is also very straightforward and easy to follow, making it especially newbie-friendly. Know that besides paperback, a Kindle edition is available on Amazon.

Woven Together: Weavers & Their Stories

Last up is one of my favorite books on weaving! Published in 2020, Woven Together is a wonderful take on real-life weaving stories that come from the heart.

This 224-page book features the stories and experiences of 20 DIYers, artists, designers, and craftspeople who have incorporated weaving into their work. You’ll get a privileged look into their creations, backgrounds, passion projects, and more.

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You’ll get an eclectic overview of different references and inspirations, the production process, and, best of all, detailed patterns for projects. These include DIY textile weaving designs, like wall hangings and rugs, to rattan and basket weaving ventures with bamboo and grass.

That said, this book also appeals to both fiber artists and basket weavers. If you’re curious about basket weaving, we’ve written a guide on the best online basket weaving classes! You can purchase this book on Amazon, which is currently available in hardcover only.

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That’s it for this list of the best weaving books you can buy. Do you have any other recommendations? Drop them in the comments below!