How to Create Rya Knots: 3 Tips for Weaving Rya Knots

The rya knot (or rya loop) is a knotting technique in basic weaving that results in a row of fringe in a composition. While typically used at the ends of a weaving project to create a fringe along the edge, you can also weave rya knots into other parts of a loom project to create a textural fringe or a densely packed pile weave within the composition itself. Rya knots originate in Sweden and Norway as a variation of the Ghiordes knot. They are so widespread in loom weaving that traditional knotted pile Scandinavian rugs are often called “rya rugs.”

Rya knots are a part of loom weaving, a centuries-old practice of interlacing yarn or thread together on a loom to make woven pieces of fabric. You can weave textiles and home décor projects such as DIY woven wall hangings, dowel wall art, tapestries, rugs, baskets, and jewelry with a loom.

Here are a few ways to help rya knots achieve the right fringe look for your particular project:

1. 1. Use stabilizing rows. Rya knots tend to shift around on a loom if they don’t have adequate support rows above and below them. To prevent your rya knots from becoming loose or uneven, weave at least two rows of plain weave or another supportive weave above and below each row of rya knots.
2. 2. Experiment with varying thicknesses. Rya knots will change dramatically depending on how many types of yarn you use, what type of yarn you use, and how many warp threads you weave them around. Using multiple yarns or a thicker yarn for each rya knot will result in a thicker, denser weaving pattern; wrapping your rya knots around more warp threads will make the rya knots look much larger and wider.
3. 3. Alternate the warp threads for a thicker pile. Rya knots can be used alone as simple accents, in a single row for a thin fringe along the edge of a project, or in multiple rows of rya knots for a shag or pile rug look. If you want a thicker pile weave (like a rya rug) for your project, alternate the warp threads that you loop your rya knots around for each row, so they fill in the gaps of the previous row to create a denser feel.

Here’s a step-by-step weaving tutorial for adding rya knots to your frame loom project:

1. 1. Weave a stable foundation. Rya knots are most stable when supported on top and bottom by at least two rows of plain weave or another supportive weave. First, weave at least two rows of plain weave (also called tabby weave) over your warp threads on the weaving loom.
2. 2. Begin your knot. Take a piece of cut yarn (separate from your weft threads) and use a tapestry needle or your fingers to thread it between two warps threads, from front to back.
3. 3. Loop your knot. Loop the end of the cut yarn around the left warp thread (bringing it to the front of the loom), cross it over the two warp threads, and thread it around the right warp thread to the back of the project.
4. 4. Finish your knot. Take the end of the cut yarn and pull it between the two warp threads so that it returns to the front of the project between the same two warp threads that it threaded.
5. 5. Tighten and continue weaving. Once your rya knot is in place, pull on the ends of the cut thread to settle it down closely over your plain weave rows, and try to make the ends match up to reduce the need to trim (unless your project requires uneven rya knots). Add as many rya knots as you’d like in your row.
6. 6. Stabilize the knots. Once you’ve added your rya knots, stabilize them by adding at least two rows of plain weave or another supportive weave on top.
7. 7. Trim the knots (optional). If some of your rya knots are uneven or too long for your desired project, use a pair of scissors to trim the cut ends to the right length.

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