Art for Adults: Exploring Circular Weaving at Salem Public Library

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of leading a hands-on Circular Weaving class as part of our ongoing Art for Adults series at the Salem Public Library. This program was inspired by the beautifully accessible book Amazing Circular Weaving: Little Loom Techniques, Patterns, and Projects for Complete Beginners by Emily Nicolaides. Nicolaides’ approach to weaving—playful, meditative, and beginner-friendly—offered the perfect foundation for a creative afternoon of fiber exploration.

Art for Adults is a free, once-a-month program at Salem Public Library designed for adults 18 and older to explore beginner-friendly or unique art forms and techniques. Inspired by the creative aging principles championed by the Lifetime Arts organization, this series introduces a new medium or method each session in a welcoming, hands-on environment. Advance registration is required to ensure space and materials for all participants.

Programs like Art for Adults are more than just creative workshops—they’re vital opportunities for older adults to explore new skills, connect with others, and engage in joyful, low-pressure learning. By offering hands-on experiences like circular weaving, the library provides a welcoming space where participants can try a new art form without the barrier of purchasing supplies or committing to a long-term class. This accessibility is especially important for older adults who may be on fixed incomes or hesitant to invest in materials before knowing whether a craft resonates with them.

Creative programs like this also support brain health by encouraging participants to learn something new, use their hands in novel ways, and make aesthetic decisions—all of which stimulate cognitive function. The social aspect is equally valuable: sharing materials, admiring each other’s work, and chatting during the process fosters a sense of community and combats isolation. For many attendees, these programs are a chance to reconnect with their creativity in a relaxed, supportive environment.

To make the class as smooth and welcoming as possible, I pre-wrapped each participant’s metal ring loom with 5mm cotton cord to give the weaving a framed appearance and 1mm cotton cord for weaving. This allowed us to dive right into the fun part: choosing materials and weaving. I did provide verbal instructions for those who might want to try wrapping their own ring at home (see below for full instructions).

We worked with a variety of textures, thicknesses, and colors to create rich, layered designs. Materials included:

• 10-inch diameter metal rings
• 5mm cotton cord
• 1mm cotton cord
• Silk sari yarn ribbon assortment
• Crochet yarn
• T-shirt yarn
• Wool roving
• Tapestry needles
• Scissors

This mix of materials allowed for a wide range of visual and tactile effects, from bold and graphic to soft and organic.

For those who’d like to try this project at home, here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Wrap the Metal Ring

• Measure and cut about 3½ yards of 5mm cotton cord.
• Wrap the cord onto a card to manage it more easily.
• Tie a knot around the ring to start; a bull clip can help hold it in place.
• Flip the carded cord with each wrap to keep the coil even.
• Adjust wraps as needed to ensure even spacing.
• Tie the beginning and end of the cord together when finished. You can leave a loop for hanging if desired.

2. Add Warp Threads

• Measure and cut about 13 ½ yards of 1mm cotton cord and wrap around a card.
• Tie 1mm cotton thread to the ring and stretch it across the diameter.
• Wrap the thread around the opposite side and return about 1 inch from the starting point.
• Continue wrapping around the ring, spacing threads about 1 inch apart.
• Maintain even tension—tight enough to hold shape, but not so tight that the ring distorts.
• Finish by tying off the thread at the center back of the ring.

3. Weave Your Design

• Start at the center and work outward.
• Use thinner materials near the center and thicker ones as spacing increases.
• Weave by alternating over and under the warp threads.
• Choose between concentric circles for a geometric look or blocks of color for an asymmetric design.
• Tie off ends on the back side of your work.
• Use fingers for thicker materials; use a tapestry needle for thinner ones. You can double or triple thinner materials.
• ‘Comb’ or compress your weaving as you go to avoid gaps—unless you want intentional negative space.
• Add roving last, as it can obstruct other materials.
• Embellish with knots or decorative stitches if desired.

Beyond the finished artwork, participants often leave with a sense of accomplishment, inspiration, and connection. Several attendees mentioned they planned to give their woven pieces as gifts or had already chosen a special place in their home to display them—small but meaningful indicators that the experience resonated. Others expressed excitement about continuing to explore fiber arts on their own, empowered by the skills and confidence gained during the session.

While we don’t use formal evaluations, we pay close attention to the informal feedback we receive during and after each program. Success often looks like a room full of focused hands and relaxed conversation, or a participant lingering afterward to share how much the experience meant to them. When someone says, “I didn’t think I could do this, but I love how it turned out,” or asks when the next session will be, we know we’ve hit the mark. These moments affirm the library’s role as a place not just for books, but for lifelong learning, creativity, and connection.

Circular weaving is a wonderfully meditative and forgiving craft. It invites experimentation, rewards patience, and results in a beautiful, tactile piece of art. Whether you’re looking to explore fiber arts for the first time or revisit a familiar medium in a new format, this project offers a satisfying creative outlet.

-Theresa Baga, Senior Library Assistant, Salem Public Library