This is a semi-tutorial on using thick-and-thin art yarn on the pin loom. (Usually I’d use a Wunderwag loom for these photos, but couldn’t readily lay hands on an available-for-use one.)
I lay in layer one (L1) as usual, which can be a bit tricky when the yarn is exceptionally fluffy; just fiddle with it to get it between the pins.
On L2, I lay in approximately every other weft row, wrapping five pins (instead of two) between rows.
Before I show how to finish preparing the loom, the following photos show some things to consider when choosing the supplemental yarn to complete weaving the square.
I figured the two Lion Brand Bon Bons were safe colorwise, but neither of them is wool, so I opted for the lavender . . . at first.
![](https://i0.wp.com/windsweptmind.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/SAM_7038-YRS.jpg?resize=300%2C300)
I tried the lavender yarn, but decided it was too thick and competed too much with the art yarn. Instead I chose a very thin homespun yarn in a subdued color.
I’d forgotten that the supplementary yarn needs to be thin in order to enhance the star of the square—the art yarn. I’m really pleased with the result.
![](https://i0.wp.com/windsweptmind.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/SAM_7040-YRS.jpg?resize=300%2C245)
Now that the loom is initially warped (with the same art yarn), I’ve laid out several options for the supplementary warp and weft. Which do you think I should choose?
![](https://i0.wp.com/windsweptmind.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/SAM_7041-YRS.jpg?resize=300%2C300)
A close-up view shows that any of these yarns would work, so I have to imagine the outcome.
I’ve already used the turquoise; while it was a good choice for the previous square, I don’t think it belongs in this one.
I’m also rejecting the yellow. It’s not a great match (a more intense yellow might have tempted me) and I think it would give the square a very pale overall look, which is not what I want.
Purple is the next to go. I think it would make the square look too purple; it would overwhelm the art yarn.
I rather like the orange, but again, I think it will give the square a too-orange look, and won’t complement the rest of the yarn.
I’m going with the pink on this square. I think all the art yarn colors will be enhanced by this.
I tied the pink yarn to a lower edge pin and warped L2 as usual. Yes, some of the rows will end up with a weft of pink plus a weft of art yarn.
![](https://i0.wp.com/windsweptmind.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/SAM_7047-YRS.jpg?resize=300%2C250)
As you weave, exit each row UNDER the long L2 loop outside the pins.
Enter each row through the outer loop as usual.
In case you’re wondering about the art yarn I plied last night . . .