How to Make Velvet

Assemble the loom according to manufacturer's instructions. Loom design can vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer -- and in most cases -- is a complex undertaking, so strict attention to detail and accurate assembly is required.

Select weaving material. Traditional velvet is made entirely of silk fiber, but modern velvet can be woven from a variety of natural or synthetic warp yarn. Materials such as cotton, nylon, acrylic, rayon and polyester are often used.

Thread the loom and shuttle. Threading the loom can be one of the more challenging aspects of the weaving process, which consists of tying the warp yarn to the loom and tensioning all of the threads. Thread the loom according to the manufacturer's instructions to insure proper thread tension and distribution. Wind thread evenly onto the bobbin of the shuttle.

Weave the fabric. Pass the shuttle through the warp yarn; this is called throwing. Tug the shuttle thread to tighten any slack, and then slide the beat down -- to firm up the weave. A steel rod is inserted into the threads and beat, then thread is thrown again with the shuttle and beat. A second rod is inserted, and then thread is thrown with the shuttle and beat.

Slide the blade the width of fabric, along the top of the first steel rod. This creates the fray -- or nap -- that gives velvet its texture. Release the steel rod and beat. Insert the loose rod into the threads and beat. Throw thread with shuttle and beat. Repeat this process until the desired pattern and size of the finished product is achieved.

Lay fabric on a flat surface. Position shears in your hand, so that they are sideways; the rivet or screw in the blades should be facing the flat surface -- and trim the velvet so that the nap is of a uniform height.