#Weaving on a backstrap loom how to#
#Weaving on a backstrap loom free#

Here is an interesting simplified schematic drawing of the basic parts to a backstrap loom (the image and description I found at this helpful site):Ī = A cord or rope is used to tie the loom to a tree or post. B = End bars are used to hold the warp (vertical threads) to the upper and lower ends of the loom. C and D = Shed rods maintain the crossing of the warp’s threads. E = The heddle rod lifts alternate threads of the warp. F = The batten helps to separate alternate threads of the warp to allow the bobbin (G) to pass through them. In order to try and give an idea of how much work and creative design go into this process I want to share some pictures and a video of a couple of my friends, Ixil-Mayas from Ilom, Chajul, setting up their looms and weaving.īut first the basics. Preparing the thread, setting up the loom, designing a textile, and executing the weaving are not so simple however. It is also highly portable–you just need someplace to anchor it. The loom itself is quite simple, basically a collection of different sized and shaped sticks. Weaving textiles on a backstrap loom is ancient practice in Mesoamerica (and all over the world!). I hope this post was helpful to you, if you have any comments or questions, I would love to hear from you in the comments section below.Antonia starting a new faja, a type of belt, while chatting about design ideas with Juana and Magdalena. I also recommend the book Card Weaving by Candace Crockett if you’re just starting out. With step by step instructions and over 4.3 hours of video content, multiple printable PDF’s and links to additional resources, you will be weaving beautiful bands in no time. My Tablet Weaving on an Inkle Loom course is the perfect learning tool. In Australia, I purchase my cotton from Thread Collective. I almost exclusively use Maurice Brassard 8/2 cotton because it’s reliable, affordable and comes in a fabulous range of colours. The final thing you need is some yarn! There are a variety of yarns you can use to weave bands, my favourite all purpose yarn is 8/2 cotton. In Australia, you can purchase Lacis cards from Knit, Spin, Weave. At this stage of my tablet weaving journey, I am ready to add on another pack (for wider bands). They come in a pack of 25 and can be a bit pricey, but one pack is all you need to get started.

I haven’t actually tried making my own cards, and I think part of the reason is that I’m just so smitten with the ones I have! The Lacis cards have a smooth coating that allows for easy turning and they have just the right balance between being strong but slightly flexible. My inkle loom came with a belt shuttle, but if yours didn’t, you will need one.įor my tablets, I use Lacis cards. I can get great tension while warping and threading my tablets and then fine tune with the tensioning peg when I’m ready to weave or advance my warp. The tensioning is excellent on an inkle loom and it’s purpose built for band weaving. I love that I can use my inkle loom as a frame for organising and threading my warp as well as to weave on. Schacht have a handy tablet weaving kit available that includes an inkle loom, belt shuttle and cards. If you’re unfamiliar with inkle looms, I’ve written many articles but you could start with this one. To tension my warp, I use an Ashford inkle loom. If you are in a position to invest a little more, I’ll take you through the equipment I personally use for tablet weaving, and why. For more information, please see my disclosure policy. Making your own cards is also an option and very budget friendly. For this style of weaving, all you really need is a couple of strong clamps and your cards/tablets. One of the most basic ways to set up is to use backstrap style weaving, using your body, rather than a loom to tension your warp. You can get started in tablet weaving for for a tiny to moderate investment, depending on how you choose to set up. If you strip tablet weaving (also known as card weaving) right back to the basics, you actually need very little to get started. Ask Kelly – How sturdy is hemstitching?.New to rigid heddle weaving? Start here!.

#Weaving on a backstrap loom free#

Free Rigid Heddle Weaving Projects and Patterns.

Easy, frugal, bread, onion and tomato bake.

#Weaving on a backstrap loom how to#

How to make bread – my No Knead Whole Wheat Bread Recipe.How I use free content – article for Teachable.Business from the heart – Article for Teachable.Handwoven Magazine, September/October Issue, 2023 – “Photography Tips for Weavers” article.