As you know, I spent the month of February doing a paper weaving every single day. During that month, I heard about a German paper weaving tool that school children in Germany use.
I eventually ordered this German weaving tool, but I was reluctant to order it for a long time because the tool is $6.95 and the shipping is $7.50. That said, I'm so glad that I did. It's a total game changer. It comes with no instructions because it's pretty intuitive to use. It's like a long skinny pair of reverse-grip tweezers. I think of it like a needle for paper weaving. Watch the video for more:
The reason I finally ordered the tool is because people said it made the weaving process a lot easier and faster, especially in tight areas. And, oh my God, it really does. I can tell you just from that very first row I wove, it made an enormous difference. I actually can't believe how much easier this tool made the paper weaving process. It's kind of like as if you were sewing with a needle instead of just pushing the thread through a hole with your fingers. Even in the spots that are tough — like the final strip — this tool made it so quick and simple.
Paper weaving is time consuming. Don't let anybody tell you otherwise. But this tool definitely makes the weaving faster and less stressful. I don't know why they don't sell these tools at art supply stores all over the US. The only place I could find the tool was Washi Arts and they're currently sold out.
I rarely sing the praises of a tool so absolutely and unequivocally. I have no qualms about recommending it to anyone who wants to weave paper. This is such a simple genius little thing. It's a tweezer for weaving.
Thanks for stopping by!
It’s sort of amazing how brains work differently. You immediately attached the paper and pulled it through, my first thought was to weave the tool through, then attach the paper and pull. I’d been immersed in crochet for the past month so now I need to go back and look for the work you did with paper weaving.
You did such a good job of promoting it, it is now out of stock at Washi Arts. Hopefully, they will get more in soon.
When you set out to explore a topic you go hands on, immersive, bordering on obsessive. I love love love it!!!! And that is such a cool tool. I can see you ordering dozens and teaching classes.
The added packet of Washi papers helps even out the price of the postage! Cool paper tool! Thanks for sharing!
Terry – my brain followed the same process as yours: weave first then clip and pull through. Then I saw Julie do it and thought “oh, duh, that’s much smarter”. Hopefully you and I would have the same epiphany if we were actually using the tool – but I wanted to let you know, you weren’t alone in your thought process! 🙂
Thank you – I have woven paper and yarn for decades! This is great! I agree, I hate when shipping is more than what you are purchasing!
Thanks♥️
Can’t find this tool – went to Washi Tape Shop. I couldn’t find it.
Can you help?
Thanks- kathleen
As I said in my post, its sold out. And I don’t know anywhere else that sells it.
Fingers crossed!
Go big or go home!
Isn’t this a specialized bodkin? Could you use this type of bodkin? https://www.amazon.com/Needles-Threader-Tweezers-Elastic-Casings/dp/B07LD7HS3C/ref=sr_1_10?crid=38BH9HGHULEDX&keywords=bodkin&qid=1648583200&sprefix=bodkin%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-10
I dont know. It looks pretty fat for getting through the small spaces — especially at the end of a weaving. But you could always try it.
Thank you Julie for posting about the paper weaving tool, and to everyone who has contacted me this morning. I have been waiting for my order of these tools to arrive for about two months now and I should finally have them in the next few days.
I have updated the website so you can go ahead and order and I’ll ship to you as soon as they arrive. I’ll include some paper strips to weave with along with your order.
Linda / Washi Arts
Hello Cheryl. I’ll have them back in stock next week — I’ve been waiting quite a while for them. International shipments remain slow. You can pre-order and I’ll ship to you when they arrive.
https://www.washiarts.com/tools/long-metal-needle-tool-for-paper-weaving
I’ll include some paper for you to weave with.
Linda / Washi Arts
I must say Linda / Washi products is TRULY a customer (artist) service GEM!!! I too watched the fab video from Balzerdesigns demo….. and jumped right into the Washi site.
So glad I did!
Linda is the bomb.com with getting that tool into our hands!
Definitely will be shopping with Washi in the future!
Yeah!!
Cannot wait for your online class on paper weaving!