This workshop is suitable for beginners and those with experience

 

Rigid heddle looms are designed primarily to produce plain weave (over one thread and under the next). They are an excellent choice for new weavers, as they are relatively inexpensive and straightforward to set up and use. Despite their simplicity, rigid heddle looms are capable of producing a surprising range of patterns and textures.

 

In this workshop, students will explore the variety of patterns that can be woven using just two colours, gaining an understanding of how colour placement and weave structure affect the finished cloth.

 

Participants will spend half of the day weaving on a loom threaded at approximately four threads per inch. In this setup, known as weft-faced weaving, the warp threads are completely covered by the weft. This structure is commonly used for weaving rugs, wall hangings, and simple pictorial designs, and allows for bold colour and pattern work. The other half of the day will be spent weaving on a loom set up for balanced weave, the structure most often used for fabric. In this case, the warp is threaded more closely together (approximately twelve threads per inch), allowing both the warp and weft to contribute equally to the design and surface pattern.

 

The techniques required to work with two colours in the weft are the same for both weft-faced and balanced weave structures. Therefore half of the students can begin by experimenting with balanced weave while the other half work with weft-faced weaving, swapping looms at lunchtime so that everyone has the opportunity to experience both approaches.

 

A four-shaft loom will also be used to explain the origin of the term “rigid heddle” and to demonstrate a selection of additional patterns that can be woven using this system. Students will also be shown how manipulating the warp on a rigid heddle loom can create patterns, as well as techniques for weaving simple scenes and imagery on a loom set up for weft-faced weaving.

 

Skills & Techniques Covered

• Weaving without pulling the warp in
• Achieving neat edges when using two shuttles
• Beating the weft down evenly

 

Materials are not included in the booking fee. All materials will be provided by the tutor. The cost of these will be £5 - payable to the tutor on the day.