String Heddles
If you follow me, you know I like to push the limits of rigid heddle weaving, but at the same time, I want weaving to be easy and fun. And I love pick-up sticks!!! Often when I use multiple pick-up sticks they slide over each other so need to be inserted only once. However, I also have patterns where one pick-up stick needs to be reinserted each time it is needed. When I first started weaving with multiple sticks, I didn’t mind reinserting the stick each time.
Let’s talk about string heddles, what they are, how to make them and why you might use them.
If you follow me, you know I like to push the limits of rigid heddle weaving, but at the same time, I want weaving to be easy and fun. And I love pick-up sticks!!! Often when I use multiple pick-up sticks they slide over each other so need to be inserted only once. However, I also have patterns where one pick-up stick needs to be reinserted each time it is needed. When I first started weaving with multiple sticks, I didn’t mind reinserting the stick each time. And really, I still don’t most of the time. I put off using string heddles because I didn’t want to stop weaving long enough to make them. Then I didn’t really like them because they sometimes came untied while weaving. But I’ve learned a few things and now I like string heddles!
What are String heddles?
String heddles are exactly what they sound like…string that acts as a heddle around a single warp end. Your rigid heddle has slots and holes. Each warp end is threaded into a slot or hole and the movement of the heddle determines which ends go up and which stay down. When you weave you will notice that the slots stay level and the holes either move up or down. String heddles will only be used on ends that are in slots are used the same way as a pick-up stick adding up to 2 extra sheds!
How to Make String Heddles
You can make your own string heddles. It really isn’t hard, just time consuming. You will need an extra reed, 8/4 cotton and a pair of scissors.
Sitting in a comfortable chair, rest one end of the reed on the floor and hold the reed between your knees. Wrap the cotton once around the reed and tie a square knot. Cut the ends short. Done, you now have 1 string heddle! I leave the heddles on the reed until I have made them all. I keep them in groups of 10 to make counting easier. So after I have 10, I slide them all together down the reed, then make the next 10, slide them down leaving a space between them and the previous 10. Here’s a video: https://youtu.be/MkjMSigjMOs
As I mentioned earlier, I put off using string heddle because I didn’t want to take the time to make them. And I have a solution for that…texsolv heddles!!!! These are premade heddles for floor looms, but they work great as string heddles and have several advantages: they do not come untied, they do not stick or get fuzzy, they are all the same size and best of all, you do not have to tie them!! They are more expensive, I bought the 9.5” heddles from LeClerc for about $27/100. They come as a single long “string” so do need to be cut apart. Be careful when cutting to ensure that you are cutting in the right spot. Switching from handmade cotton heddles to texsolv has definitely improved my weaving life! If you have a choice, buy the shortest heddles available. (Bonus, you can use these on your inkle loom too!)
Inserting String Heddles
If you can insert a pick-up stick, you can insert string heddles. You will need 2 pick-up sticks or shuttles a little longer than the warped width in the reed, string heddles, and painter’s tape.
Insert the pick-up stick as usual. The string heddles will go around the warp ends that are on top of the pick-up stick. Count these ends and count out the right number of heddles (this acts as a check at the end). Starting at one end, add the first string heddle. Put it under the warp end, then fold the heddle up and place both ends on the second pick-up stick. I usually wait until I have a number of string heddles inserted and on my fingers before putting them on the second stick. Here’s a video: https://youtu.be/zw3FRtq5yQ4
Work your way across the loom. If you counted out the right number of heddles before you started, you should have no heddles left. As a second check, place the heddle in neutral and flip the pick-up on edge. Every end on the pick-up should have a heddle. Flip the pick-up flat and pull up the stick with the heddles: it should lift all the ends off the pick-up stick. You can now remove the pick-up stick.
Use painter’s tape to tape the heddles so they can’t slide off the pick-up stick (now called a heddle rod). I run one strip from end to end then wrap tape around each end.
Here’s a few things to note when using string heddles:
If you are using a pick-up stick and string heddles, the string heddles must be inserted in front of the pick-up stick.
When you are using the pick-up stick, the heddle rod will slide forward to the back of the reed. This won’t cause any problem with the shed.
Remember to slide the pick-up stick back to the back of the loom when using the string heddle rod.
If you are getting a small shed in the plain weave sections check to make sure that the string heddles are all moved to the back of the loom.
Why Use String Heddles?
String heddles are best used when there are multiple pick-up sticks in a repeating pattern. You will see in many patterns that when 2 pick-up sticks are used, one is inserted and remains in the project for the entire weaving process. The second needs to be replaced each time it is needed. Every time you inset a stick, there is opportunity for error. Using string heddles means you only need to do it once. I will often weave the first repeat with just pick-up sticks. After examining the cloth and confirmed the pick-up stick is correctly inserted, I will add the string heddles. It’s easier to correct a misplaced pick-up stick than a misplaced string heddle.
It takes time to insert a pick-up stick. We aren’t running a marathon, and weaving should be fun, not time driven, but some patterns can mean more time is spent inserting the pick-up stick than weaving! Once we switch to string heddles things move a little faster.
Finally, string heddles open a whole new range of possibilities for you and your rigid heddle! Complex lace work suddenly becomes very possible!
Looking for some projects to try out string heddles? Check out these patterns:
Fringe Twisting
Fringe twisting is just one more step in finishing your weaving. And just like every other thing in the weaving process, you need to think about your fringe before the project ever gets on the loom. Let’s look at fringe generally first.
Why twist? The most important reason is because it looks nice and stays looking nice. An untwisted fringe looks great when it is freshly trimmed and pressed. After that the yarns begin to unravel, shred, tangle and, let’s face it, start looking a bit ratty. If you are making something for baby, a blanket for example, long thin threads can wrap around little fingers and cut off circulation.
Fringe twisting is just one more step in finishing your weaving. And just like every other thing in the weaving process, you need to think about your fringe before the project ever gets on the loom. Let’s look at fringe generally first.
Why twist? The most important reason is because it looks nice and stays looking nice. An untwisted fringe looks great when it is freshly trimmed and pressed. After that the yarns begin to unravel, shred, tangle and, let’s face it, start looking a bit ratty. If you are making something for baby, a blanket for example, long thin threads can wrap around little fingers and cut off circulation.
There are times you may decide not to fringe twist. Sometimes the yarn is so beautiful you want the colours to shine (I can’t bear to twist Handmaidens’ Maiden Hair) Or the fringe will look too heavy for the item. When I make loose gauzy mohair wraps, I don’t twist. And of course, there are other ways of finishing a fringe that don’t require twisting…various types of knots for example.
As I said earlier, fringe begins before the yarn goes on the loom. Fringe is made with the loom waste. That means when you are calculating warp you do not have to add extra for fringe but on the other hand, when you tie on, you want to leave enough waste to have the desired length of fringe. This is never and issue for me, I always have enough! Also, be sure that when you cut your work off the loom that you have left enough for fringe.
Having a fringe requires a hemstitch. Well, you could do it without a hemstitch, but it will look much better if you have hemstitched. So, when you hemstitch, think about how many ends you want in each bundle and hemstitch accordingly. Fingering weight I usually hemstitch in bundles of 4 and do a 2x2 fringe twist.
And now, what you have all been waiting for…the actual fringe twisting, step by step!
You will need: t-pins, something to stick your pins into (foam blocks work well) a ruler and sharp scissors.
1. Trim your fringe (remember that it will be shorter after twisting so don’t over trim) I use a rotary cutter and mat for this step.
2. It works best if you have your work anchored. Pin the edge of your work to the foam blocks…don’t skimp on the pins!
3. Clip the yarn into your fringe twister (I love my Leclerc quad) If I’m doing a 2x2 fringe I’ll take my first bundle of 4, divide it into 2 groups of 2 and place each group of 2 in one clip. With my quad twister I can do 2 bundles at a time.
4. Start twisting! Count the number of turns (this will vary depending on the yarn and the length of the fringe. Counting will ensure your fringe looks uniform across the work.
5. Hold the ends of 2 bundles and unclip. Tie a knot in the bottom and release. Gaze in awe as the yarn twists around itself.
6. After the first bundle is twisted, have a look. Is it twisted enough? Not enough? Do you like the length? Adjust as needed, then continue across the work . Repeat for the other side. Keep your ruler handy to make sure you are making the fringe the same length. Knotting a little higher or little lower can have a big impact!
7. Check to be sure the fringe is even and knots are tight. Trim close to knot.
You now have a lovely fringe that will keep your scarf, or blanket or table runner, or whatever you have woven, looking beautiful for years of use!
Hemming
A good hem starts on the loom. I think about my hem before I ever start weaving. I want both hems to took the same so the first thing I think about is colour. If my weft is all one colour, it’s easy, my hems will be the same colour. If I’m using multiple colours, I need to choose a colour. If I’ve used a border colour that will become my hem colour. Otherwise, I use the darkest colour, or white no particular, reason, just because.
I make a lot of tea towels and dish cloths. That means I also sew a lot of hems! This post will take you through my steps to making hemming easy so those towels don’t languish in the “need to be finished” pile.
A good hem starts on the loom. I think about my hem before I ever start weaving. I want both hems to took the same so the first thing I think about is colour. If my weft is all one colour, it’s easy, my hems will be the same colour. If I’m using multiple colours, I need to choose a colour. If I’ve used a border colour that will become my hem colour. Otherwise, I use the darkest colour, or white no particular, reason, just because.
The next thing I think about is cotton weight. Most of my towels use 2/8 cotton doubled. For my hems, I use 2/8 single even if the main weaving will be 2/8 doubled. This makes for a lighter hem that does not add a lot of bulk. My sewing machine thanks me! When I use chenille or boucle or slub I will still use 2/8 cotton if I have the right colour. I also press my weft in tightly…usually 15 threads for each inch woven. I weave 2-2 1/4” per hem. I do not hemstitch my towels ever.
I never warp just 1 towel, I always warp for at least 2, sometimes 4. Usually 2 because I can get bored with 4! Doing more than one towel means I need to know the end of one and the beginning of the next. I just weave in 2 picks of a contrasting cotton.
When I take my work off the loom, I take it straight to my sewing machine. I sew a straight stitch at either end to secure the weft. Then I will sew a straight stitch on either side of the contrasting threads. I’ll cut all ends leaving 1” or so hanging and trim the extra warp again, leaving about a 1” fringe. I do not cut my towels apart yet.
Next, it’s bath time. Tea towels and dish cloths are meant to stand up to hard wear. They get thrown in hot water and soap for a regular cycle, then dried on high.
Next comes pressing, which can be a whole post on its own. Pressing is literally pressing the iron on the work, hold for 15 seconds or so then pick up the iron and move it to the next spot. Don’t iron as normal, sliding the iron back and forth across the work, as you may distort the weave (straight lines may become wavy). While pressing, trim all remaining ends flush to work and remove any remaining fringe. You won’t want to, but press both sides. Cut the towels apart by cutting between the 2 contrasting threads and remove those threads.
Now finally we get to the actual hem! Flip towel to wrong side. Turn end over about a ½” and press. Turn again and press so that the raw edge cannot be seen. I try to line up the hem so it just hits the beginning of the actual towel. Press firmly. Repeat for the other side of the towel, being sure you are working with the wrong side up. Make sure your threads line up, particularly at the colour changes.
Sew hem with a straight stitch and press once more. I love my walking foot for this task. Alternatively, you can hand sew your hem with 2/8 cotton. Give your towels a final press
Hemming is a lot of work, but a well sewn hem can make or break a towel.
Lessons Learned from Yarn
As many of you know, my 2020 weaving challenge was colour. I needed to use more of it, particularly the bright colours. I didn’t just want more colours though, I wanted confidence to put colours together. I made a ridiculous number of tea towels. 2020 became the year of tea towels. Tea towels act as a perfect palette for mixing colours and if I wove an ugly tea towel, well, that would be one more tea towel for my kitchen! As it turned out, each one was my favourite, until I wove the next one!
As many of you know, my 2020 weaving challenge was colour. I needed to use more of it, particularly the bright colours. I didn’t just want more colours though, I wanted confidence to put colours together. I made a ridiculous number of tea towels. 2020 became the year of tea towels. Tea towels act as a perfect palette for mixing colours and if I wove an ugly tea towel, well, that would be one more tea towel for my kitchen! As it turned out, each one was my favourite, until I wove the next one!
Challenging ourselves is good. There were times however, when I needed a changeI needed something simple yet beautiful. Something I could do without thought and just allow my mind to be filled and soothed by the softness of the yarn and the richness of the colour. The kind of weave that allows me space to think, to process and to just be at peace in the moment. And that’s what we are looking for in our crafts isn’t it? Our craft grounds us so that when we go back into the world we can go peacefully, and bring that peace to others. We may not like what is happening around us but we can face it with calm determination knowing that our outward circumstances cannot rule our hearts. Whatever happens in the world, we can march out and meet it with the same patience we untangle a stubborn knot.
Which leads me to today’s post. I’ve learned a lot from yarn. In fact, weaving, or any craft involving yarn, can teach us much about how to live life.
1. Never fight the yarn
Knots happen. They seem to happen most often in the really expensive yarns. You know, the skeins you bought because you loved them so much but now you’re afraid to use? Those ones, they love to knot. Also, mohair. Untangling knots is a slow, sometimes tedious activity. But we all know that the looser we hold the yarn the easier it is to untangle. Once a knot gets pulled tight to can be impossible to untie. The best way to sort a knotty problem is to patiently, gently, tease the threads apart and always move in the same direction as the yarn. Gradually work away at the little knots, one at a time and the big snarl goes away. Keep your hands and your heart soft.
2. A little tension is good…too little and you create a mess, too much and things begin to crack.
Tension (or stress) is good, but not too much. A yarn under tension will not tangle. That’s why we warp and weave under tension. Just the right tension and everything works the way it should. Let things relax too much and you get a tangled mess; too much and things begin to break. Don’t be afraid of a little tension in your life. It will help keep you moving forward. And when things get to be too much, take a hot bath…hot baths relax everything!
3. Listen to the yarn…you cannot expect yarn to be what it was never meant to be.
Some yarns are stretchy, some are fuzzy, some are a little prickly. Some yarns work as warp and some just won’t. Take time to get to know your yarn. A prickly yarn will always be prickly, don’t try to make it be a soft neck warmer. Definitely don’t make a loose bulky yarn act like warp. Forcing yarns out of their comfort zones a little might yield some fabulous results…taking them too far can ruin something that might have been beautiful. Approach each project with an open mind, willing to listen and try something different if need be.
4. Don’t write off a yarn because of one bad experience.
Some yarns require a little more patience than others. Mohair for example. Mohair makes for delicate, airy wraps but many avoid it as warp. It is sticky, it is a challenge, but treated with just a little extra care it can work. A wider sett and just a little extra patience brings out the best in even the stickiest mohair. Then there’s boucle. Winding boucle on a rigid heddle requires a little more attention: even under tension it likes to tangle. But winding can be done easily by slowing down and “snapping" small bouts of warp as you crank and yank. Just a little bit of the right attention at the right time can make all the difference in the world!
I believe we all learn life lessons from whatever crafts we engage in. What are some of the things you’ve learned from your chosen craft?
Pick-Up Sticks will Explode Your World
I’m a big fan of plain weave. It is perfect for so many projects…hand painted warps shine, stripes in tea towels stand out and for a purely meditative weave, nothing beats plain weave. But have you tried pick-up sticks? They will explode your weaving world!
Pick up sticks weaving
I’m a big fan of plain weave. It is perfect for so many projects…hand painted warps shine, stripes in tea towels stand out and for a purely meditative weave, nothing beats plain weave. But have you tried pick-up sticks? They will explode your weaving world!
What are pick-up sticks? Essentially, they are just like stick shuttles except they have rounded ends, or a point. The pointed end makes it easy to pick up some threads and go under others. When inserted pick-up sticks create an extra shed (or 2) so it’s possible to do more than plain weave. (If you don’t have any pick-up sticks shuttles work too)
There are 2 ways to insert pick-up sticks.
1. Place the heddle in the down position, this brings all the ends in slots to the top. Stand behind the loom slide the point over and under the threads as the pattern directs. It might be over 1, under 1; over 2 under 1; over 5, under 5, or any other combination.
2. Place the heddle in the down position. Working in front of the reed place the pick-up stick as the pattern directs. Turn the pick-up stick on its edge to raise up the threads on top, slide a second pick-up stick under the raised threads behind the reed.
I always use method 1 but my books all use method 2. Method 2 works well for those with back or neck problems who don’t want to lean over the back of their loom. Here’s a video because it’s so much easier to see than write!
Sometimes it can be difficult to see exactly which threads to go over and under. If the warp is dark, slide a white piece of paper in the shed after placing the heddle in the down position. If the warp is light, use a dark piece of paper.
Now that the stick is in place you have 2 new sheds to use! (Remember the shed is the space the shuttle slides through).
Weft floats
1. Place the heddle in the neutral position. Slide the pick-up behind the heddle and flip it on its side. When the yarn goes through this shed you will see weft floats.
2. Place the heddle in the up position. Slide the pick-up stick behind the heddle leaving it flat. This will create warp floats.
And that is all there is to weaving with pick-up sticks! And this is only the beginning! You can use multiple pick-up sticks to create incredibly complex patterns. Patterns using only 1 pick-up stick are simple, the stick can stay in place the entire weave. With multiple sticks they usually need to be removed and replaced each repeat. That’s when you might want to start using string heddles. (But that’s for another post!)
If you think you’re ready to try pick-up sticks, here’s a link to a pattern I use to teach beginner pick-up weaving complete with video links. https://www.therogueweaver.com/new-products/malabrigo-waffle-weave-scarf
Happy Weaving!
New Year, New Weavers
Welcome to a New Year! From what I’ve seen on social media many are embarking on weaving! I know you won’t regret it!! As a weaving instructor I see many new weavers and weavers who want to improve their weaving. There is lots of advice I could give, but today I’m going to keep it short and sweet: don’t beat so hard! That’s it.
Welcome to a New Year! From what I’ve seen on social media many are embarking on weaving! I know you won’t regret it!! As a weaving instructor I see many new weavers and weavers who want to improve their weaving. There is lots of advice I could give, but today I’m going to keep it short and sweet: don’t beat so hard! That’s it.
This is a weft-faced fabric-meant to be dense with no warp showing
Experienced weavers know that what they see on the loom is not the fabric that will come off the loom and is not the fabric that will emerge after finishing. New weavers try to make the fabric on the loom look like the fabric they want when it comes off the loom. So they beat. Really hard. The weft is pressed so tight that nothing is getting through that fabric. When it comes off the loom and is finished a very dense stiff fabric results (and they have used way more yarn than they anticipated, or the pattern called for). I know this from personal experience!
Here’s the non-technical theory behind weaving. When you weave, the warp is under tension (stretched out). This allows the fibres to move up and down easily and create nice sheds for the shuttle. When the fabric (it’s actually called a web at this point) is cut off the loom, all the tension is released. So if you wove 80” on the loom, it might only measure 72” off the loom as the fibres go back to their natural relaxed state. This will vary depending on the fibre.
Weaving on the loom-note the holes
After you have taken the work off the loom, it takes a hot bath. This relaxes the fibres even more, and with agitation, fulling can occur. Fulling draws the fibres closer together creating a stable fabric. So now your 72” piece might only measure 65” (again, this will vary depending on the fibre)
In order for this to happen, the fibres need to have room to relax and move.
A ruler works too!
Here’s a couple tips to help you out:
1. Keep a tape measure handy. A balanced weave (good for beginners to practice) will mean that you have the same ppi (picks per inch) as epi (ends per inch). So if I am weaving a scarf on a 7.5 dent reed I should have 7.5 weft threads per inch of weaving. Check you work often with the tape measure. Especially when you are coming back after a break.
This is the same project as above after finishing-no holes!
2. Pay attention to how you draw your heddle forward. If the heddle is tilted towards you, you cannot see the weft being pressed into place. If you tilt it a little away from you, you have a great view of what is going on and have a little more control. You should be able to see through your work easily. Here’s a little video https://www.instagram.com/tv/CI6xZN-JWLQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
I hope this is helpful to the new weavers out there! Follow me on facebook or Instagram to find out when new blog posts are out. This year I plan to cover some beginner tips (things like edges, pick up sticks, and project planning) as well as delve deep into double heddle weaving, and, just because I can’t control myself, there will be some inkle weaving, tablet weaving and floor loom weaving. I’d also love to cover topics you are interested in, so if there is something you are looking for, please let me know!
Mohair for Warp?!
I’m on a few weaving groups on Facebook as well as following a number of rigid heddle weavers on Instagram. As I read the posts I learn a lot, some I agree with, some not so much. One idea that seems to be coming up a lot lately is mohair. Specifically, that one should not use mohair for warp. I must disagree!
I’m on a few weaving groups on Facebook as well as following a number of rigid heddle weavers on Instagram. As I read the posts I learn a lot, some I agree with, some not so much. One idea that seems to be coming up a lot lately is mohair. Specifically, that one should not use mohair for warp. I must disagree!
I know why weavers believe this, I’ve experienced why weavers, after 1 attempt at a mohair warp swear never again, but I love the effect of a mohair warp. I love the light airy feel. I love the drape. I love the warmth. I love how far just a little bit can go. So, here are my tips for using mohair as warp, and a free “pattern” to make your own mohair wrap.
Use the right hedd!e. Mohair is sticky. If it is too close together you will have problems. I usually use my 7.5 (for 1000m/100g) or 5 dent (500m/100g)
Place an extra shuttle or pick up stick behind the reed as follows: with heddle in the down position place shuttle in the shed behind the reed. Slide shuttle as far back as possible. This shuttle will stay in the work for the entire project. I find the down shed is usually the stickiest. The shuttle helps and if it is too sticky and you can’t get a clear shed: just slide the shuttle forward, flip it in its edge and voila!
Be prepared to spend extra time. Weaving with mohair does require a little extra patience. You will need to check to ensure the shed is clear before passing the shuttle through. You will probably spend time hand picking some threads apart. You may need a few s hooks to help with tension issues. You will need to be extra vigilant to ensure the right number of picks per inch.
After winding the work forward, place the heddle in the up position and spend a few minutes making sure there are no tangles behind the reed. This will make it easier to keep the up shed clear until you wind forward again.
Finally, have fun, try some lace or finger techniques. Mix and your warp, most of all, don’t be afraid, it is after all, only string!
I promised a free pattern. It’s not really a pattern because it is so easy, but here it is:
You will need a 7.5 dent reed and a mohair and silk blend (I use Zambezi by Fleece Artist/Handmaiden but Rowan Kidsilk Haze will work just as well. (Or any other mohair silk blend that is 1000m/100g)
Warp measures 100” (2.5 meters) Warp as wide as you like or your loom can handle (1000m will warp and weft 100” x 32”) Tie on in small bundles. I like to tie little bows because they are easier to untie at the end. Plus, they are so darn cute!
Weave at about 6 picks per inch. It really looks like a window screen as you are weaving!! (remember the tips above)
Hemstitch the ends in bundles of 4, alternatively, or if you forget to hemstitch, knots in bundles of 4 look like little beads (ask how I know!) Don’t worry about the spaces between bundles…they will wash out, I promise!
Weave until you can weave no more (about 84”)
Cut off the loom and tie fringe in large loose bundles to prevent tangling. Soak in very hot water (I use my washing machine). Spin out the water and dry on high heat for 5 minutes. Untie bundles and press with a hot iron set for steam. Trim ends and enjoy!
PS If you would like to order an already made wrap, please contact me!
Back to Blogging
In my last post, way back in June, I said I was going to take a break from blogging to focus on actual weaving and selling. I took a longer break than I originally intended and here’s why:
In my last post, way back in June, I said I was going to take a break from blogging to focus on actual weaving and selling. I took a longer break than I originally intended and here’s why:
I was enjoying the actual weaving so much that I was having trouble motivating myself to write. It’s true, I love weaving! And I got so much done. You’ll see my work in the next issue of Little Looms and in the fall edition of Handwoven. (I do like writing, I just like weaving more.)
Such an inspiring place to weave!
2. I spent time weaving in public. It takes 4-6 hours to write, edit and publish a blog post, essentially, most of a day. I took that time and wove at Gaspereau Valley Fibres instead. So, on my days off from working at the store, I was at the store weaving, showing people what can be done on a rigid heddle, selling finished items and generally having a great time!
3. I created new patterns. I am not a production weaver and I have no interest in weaving the same thing over and over. I have a few patterns I come back to, but mostly I want to keep trying new things. I did get a couple patterns written, you can find them here: https://www.therogueweaver.com/new-products/summer-lace-shawl-pattern and here: https://www.therogueweaver.com/new-products/multi-purpose-cotton-cloths. I also have a few more to write.
I had some “paws on” help
4. Finally, at heart I am a social person. I like interacting with people. With a blog it can feel one way. Which is ok, I’m good with doing all the giving…if I feel what I’m giving is being received! It’s hard to know on a blog…so if you are out there let me know what you want to read about!
So I'm back. It might not be every week, but I am aiming for at least 1 post a month. I'll let you know what is going on in my weaving life, what I’ve learned, and of course, why weaving is so awesome!
Follow me on Facebook or Instagram to find out when a new post is out or just to see what is on my loom.
Happy Weaving,
The Rogue Weaver
Lessons from the Loom
There is nothing earth shattering about learning life lessons from hobbies but I have been a little surprised by some of the lessons I have learned and am still learning. while weaving. This is the first in a sporadic series of lessons learned at the loom. I wish I’d learned some of these lessons earlier in life!
There is nothing earth shattering about learning life lessons from hobbies but I have been a little surprised by some of the lessons I have learned and am still learning. while weaving. This is the first in a sporadic series of lessons learned at the loom. I wish I’d learned some of these lessons earlier in life!
Mistakes: we all make them. We all hate making them. I hate making mistakes so much that I can be paralyzed. Or, I can be so afraid something might be a mistake that I do nothing at all. I don’t want to offend, I don’t want to hurt and I don’t want to look stupid! So it can be more comfortable to deal with the disappointment of not doing something than taking the risk of making a mistake.
I’ve made mistakes in my weaving. Little mistakes that don’t really matter like colours that didn’t work, beating too hard, poor choice of fibre for personal projects. And I’ve made some bigger mistakes: wrong beat for a piece for publication, forgetting the “checkers” in a checkered scarf, tension issues. Here’s some of what I’ve learned about mistakes.
Change perspective. Sometimes a mistake isn’t really a mistake, it’s learning how not to do something. The long term consequences of these “mistakes” are actually positive so they can hardly be called mistakes. We can’t expect to be perfect when learning new things, so be nice to yourself! A simple change of perspective can have a huge impact on how you feel about yourself. The picture on the right was supposed to be a double weave log cabin. A mistake in threading turned it into houndstooth instead.
This was completely taken apart and rewoven
If you’re walking down a path that is not leading where you want to go, turn around. If you keep walking you *might* get to where you want but it would have been much easier if you had turned back at the first sign of trouble. I am amazed at how far back you can go in your weaving to fix a mistake. I have actually unwoven a completed project, tied it back to the loom and rewoven! The crazy thing is I knew from about the first 6” of weaving that I was in trouble. But I keep going hoping that the finishing would fix the issue. It didn’t (of course). Turning back doesn’t mean giving up, it means recognizing there is a problem, going back to the point it was made, fixing it at the source then moving forward in the right direction.
This might look good in a picture but the tension was a disaster…I cut my losses
Cutting your losses is not failure. Sometimes you can turn a mistake into a positive learning experience, sometimes you can turn back and fix the mistake and sometimes there is nothing to be done but cut the project off the loom. This is not a failure, this is self-care! There may be a sense of sadness over the loss of beautiful yarn, time or money but the sense of relief is greater. In life, cutting something away and tossing it out of your life might be very painful and at the same time the best thing you could ever do for yourself!
Keeping Things Simple
In weaving, as in life, is can be tempting to make things much more complex than they need to be. At least for me. I find keeping things simple can get a little boring. Why do the simple thing when you can do the much more complicated thing? This philosophy has been the primary contributor to numerous unfinished projects in my life. The thing about complicated though, is that as you progress, the complexity can grow exponentially. Especially if you are just working from ideas in your head! It’s taken a long time, but I’m beginning to learn that sometimes, the simplest thing is really the best.
In weaving, as in life, is can be tempting to make things much more complex than they need to be. At least for me. I find keeping things simple can get a little boring. Why do the simple thing when you can do the much more complicated thing? This philosophy has been the primary contributor to numerous unfinished projects in my life. The thing about complicated though, is that as you progress, the complexity can grow exponentially. Especially if you are just working from ideas in your head! It’s taken a long time, but I’m beginning to learn that sometimes, the simplest thing is really the best.
Each summer Interweave puts out a call for submissions for Little Looms, a special edition of Handwoven and a magazine especially for rigid heddle, inkle and pin looms. I’ve submitted a number of pieces and have had three pieces accepted. When I choose which pieces to submit, I think about the complexity of the project. Not because I want to show off but because I want to show what a rigid heddle can do and encourage people push the limits. I was very surprised and pleased to see my Mermaid Wrap on the front cover. Particularly as its’ submission was an after thought.
This past summer I sent in a double weave blanket, a log cabin scarf, a twill poncho and a 3/1 lace checkered scarf. All are rather complex patterns. As I said, submitting the Mermaid Wrap was really an after thought. I love the scarf, it is so beautiful but, I thought, too simple! I didn’t do anything; the yarn did all the work. I was convinced to send it in after seeing the cover of the Handwoven May/June 2018 edition. The front cover features a gorgeous travel wrap by Debra Jarchow…in plain weave. So simple yet so gorgeous. So, I sent it in and was pleasantly surprised when it was chosen (along with my Classy scarf with 3/1 lace).
Quiet Sabri
Lesson: just like people, yarns have voices and personalities. Some yarns want to fade into the background and are happy to let the pattern, texture or another yarn shine. Other yarns have a big personality. They want (or need) to be the centre of attention. This is shown so well in these two patterns. In the classy scarf, the Sabri yarn by Illimani, is lovely. It has an incredible drape but is understated. The texture draws the eye more than the yarn itself. Sabri is a quietly confident yarn, quite content to be the supporting actor to lace. Handmaiden’s Maiden Hair on the other hand, draws every eye as soon as it walks into the room. Trying to pair it with another attention seeker would be disaster!
In a way, a weaver is like a movie director with the yarn as characters. Our job is to cast the right characters and show them to their best advantage so that even complicated looks simple. Sometimes we must be quiet and let the yarn speak.
Maiden Hair steals the show!
How to Nurture a Relationship that Lasts (with your Rigid Heddle) PT 3
We’re continuing my series on How to Nurture a Relationship that Lasts (with your Rigid Heddle). This week we are going to look at attitude and the first thing I want to say is that weaving on a rigid heddle is real weaving! I hear many people say that they have “just” a rigid heddle, like they are somehow “lesser” weavers. This is absolutely not true! A rigid heddle is a real loom that real weavers use to produce real weaving. Never put yourself or your loom down! Now, let’s look at some truths about rigid heddle looms.
We’re continuing my series on How to Nurture a Relationship that Lasts (with your Rigid Heddle). This week we are going to look at attitude and the first thing I want to say is that weaving on a rigid heddle is real weaving! I hear many people say that they have “just” a rigid heddle, like they are somehow “lesser” weavers. This is absolutely not true! A rigid heddle is a real loom that real weavers use to produce real weaving. Never put yourself or your loom down! Now, let’s look at some truths about rigid heddle looms.
1. A Rigid Heddle loom is not a “beginner” loom (although it is perfect for beginners)
While weaving on a rigid heddle may result in you also acquiring a floor loom, getting a rigid heddle because you can’t afford/don’t have the space/want to try weaving before making the investment in a floor loom/ will leave you with a desire that your rigid heddle will never be able to satisfy. Rigid heddles and shaft looms are as different as knitting and crochet. You may love one and hate the other. If a floor loom is what you really want, get one, there is one for every budget and space constraint.
I use both my 32” rigid heddle and my 36” floor loom in a 9’x8’ space.
2. Expect great things from your rigid heddle and it will deliver
This is a double weave using a pick up on the top layer, plain weave on the bottom
Rigid heddles can do far more than plain weave. Add in pick up sticks, string heddles, multiple heddles and varident reeds and the possibilities are endless. A rigid heddle can do patterning that just can’t be done even with a multi-shaft loom as well as twill, deflected double weave, overshot krokbragd, and even tapestry weaving. Additionally, yarns that aren’t suitable for the high tension of a floor loom can work very well on the rigid heddle. Rigid heddles are perfect for single skeins of hand painted yarns as there is so little waste. And you can weave yardage to sew with! Weaving can sometimes take more time than on a floor loom but the ease and speed of warping more than make up for it.
3. Don’t expect the loom to do what you should be doing
Fixing a threading error
It is rarely the fault of the loom when projects don’t turn out as expected. Warped well a rigid heddle has a good shed (big enough to use a boat shuttle with plain weave, though I don’t always recommend using one). Be sure to use the right reed for the yarn (a floor loom allows for flexibility using the reed substitution chart, but not a rigid heddle). If you want nice selvages you will have to practice. Tension is important. Poor tension results in a less than fun weaving experience. As mentioned in a previous post, use the best fibre you can afford…a bad fibre cannot produce good fabric. I’ve only cut off projects before completion twice. Once because I used yarn with too much stretch to get a good tension (because it was cheap enough to experiment with and I didn’t know better) and the second because I had poor tension due to mistakes I made warping. Nothing that has ever gone wrong (fabric too dense, too loose, ugly etc) has ever been the fault of my loom.
To sum up, love your rigid heddle loom for what it is, not what you wish it was. Don’t overlook its’ potential: challenge it and yourself, experiment, and have fun! Below, from left to right: double weave log cabin, plain weave sewn into a shirt, twill sampler using two heddles and rosepath twill using two heddles
How to Nurture a Relationship that Lasts (with your Rigid Heddle) PT 2
Last week we discussed choosing the right loom. This week is about providing your loom with what it needs to thrive. It might be your loom’s responsibility to please you, but it is your responsibility to provide it, and you, with the proper tools and equipment. A new loom package will give you everything you need, except the yarn, to get started with basic weaving.
Care and Feeding
Last week we discussed choosing the right loom. This week is about providing your loom with what it needs to thrive. It might be your loom’s responsibility to please you, but it is your responsibility to provide it, and you, with the proper tools and equipment. A new loom package will give you everything you need, except the yarn, to get started with basic weaving. You will get a loom, a reed (some let you choose the size, most give a 7.5 or 8 dent reed) 2 shuttles, clamps, warping peg and a threading hook.
It can be tempting when starting new hobby to minimize expenses. After all, you may not like it. But I guarantee you won’t like it if you don’t have the right equipment! Trying to weave on a 32” loom without a stand will cause you physical pain and you’ll start to associate weaving with pain. Not getting the size reed to use the yarn you really want to use will leave you feeling dissatisfied with your finished products. And using poor quality fibres can create so many problems that you dread going to your loom. Skimping can sabotage a potentially beautiful relationship. Besides, for most of us it is psychologically less painful to drop $600 in one fell swoop and have everything we want/need than to be continually spending $100-150 while still feeling there is more we need to be really content.
What else should you get?
32” with stand
1. A stand is a must if you are getting a loom bigger than 24”. If you are getting less than 24” I still recommend a stand because it makes warping so much easier. If you or someone you know is handy go ahead and build your own…but remember that the designers of the stand for your loom have had lots of experience and know what height and angle is best and how to balance it so it isn’t prone to tipping!
2. Extra reeds. Think about the yarns you want to use and the projects you want to weave and get the right reeds. The 7.5 or 8 dent reeds that many looms come with are great for dk and worsted weight yarns. 10 dent for sport and fingering, 4/8 cotton, or 2/8 cotton doubled; 12.5 for fingering; and 15 for lace. At the other end, a 5 dent is good for aran/bulky and a 2.5 for super bulky. You might also consider getting 2 of the same size so you can learn double weave to either weave wider blankets, get the sett you want (2 10 dent reeds allow you to weave at 20 ends per inch) or weave twill.
3. Extra shuttles of various sizes. Just because you have a 32” loom does not mean all your shuttles should be 32”. The shuttles should be just a little longer than your project is wide. It’s just more comfortable. Using a 32” shuttle takes a lot of shoulder energy and can be tiring so if you are working on a 12” scarf, using a 14” shuttle is much more comfortable.
Pick Up Stick and Shuttle
4. Pick Up sticks…these are like shuttles except with points on the end. They make it very easy to create complex looking patterns.
5. A couple good books and classes. I’m a fan of in person classes over online classes simply because a live instructor can personalize to you specifically. S/he can see what you are doing and give tips specific to you. Plus you will learn from the others in the class and perhaps meet new, local, friends! That being said, online classes do have benefits…you can do them at your convenience, repeat as many times as you want and have very experienced teachers.
6. Good quality fibres that you love! Life is too short to use ugly yarn. This is your hobby and you should enjoy every moment spent at your loom. Don’t sabotage a potentially beautiful relationship by using poor quality yarn because it’s cheap. Get the best you can afford, something that feels nice in your hands and gives you pleasure just to look at. Even for beginner projects, maybe especially for beginner projects! Your first projects may not be perfect but if you hate the yarn, can’t stand the feel if it or it's a mess on the loom you will begin to associate weaving with negative emotions. First impressions are important!
Fun and Handy Extras
There are always a few things that you don’t really need, but they definitely add to the ease and enjoyment of weaving.
Varident Reed
1. Varident reed: this is pretty cool. It’s a reed with pieces of reeds of all sizes that you can put together in the order you want to use any weight yarn in one project. Great for using up all those little bits of leftover yarn.
Fringe Twister
2. Fringe twister: another very cool gadget. Just clip, turn and tie and you have a beautiful twisted fringe. Untwisted fringes tend to look a little tattered over time.
3. Extra warping sticks: if you plan to weave lots of yardage, these will come in very handy.
4. A portable light that will clamp onto your loom. It’s always nice to have good light!
Just a quick note about buying used looms. This is a great way to get a fantastic deal. Before you buy, make sure all the pieces are there, that the loom holds tension and that you can get parts if you need them (extra reeds, double heddle kit if it isn’t built in, stand if you want one etc). It’s not a deal if you can’t use it.
I hope if you are considering a loom, or are a beginner weaver, you have found this helpful. If you are not a weaver, and you’ve read this far…wow! Thanks! Here’s my words of wisdom for the week: Life is always easier with the right tools (whether it’s a skill to learn or a physical object). It’s worth learning what they are and acquiring them. So many times we “make do” and struggle, but if we used the right tool (or skill) the job would have been done faster and better, with less grief, and we might have enjoyed it! I don’t believe we need to buy everything, on the contrary I believe we should buy less. Borrow when you can, share what you have. But when you do buy, buy the right tool. You will enjoy life more!
How to Nurture a Relationship that Lasts (with your Rigid Heddle)
It’s hard starting new relationships. They take time and effort. You have to set boundaries and learn the other person’s boundaries. It can be a bit of an uncomfortable shuffle during the first little while, then suddenly it becomes an effortless dance, like you’ve known each other forever.
It’s hard starting new relationships. They take time and effort. You have to set boundaries and learn the other person’s boundaries. It can be a bit of an uncomfortable shuffle during the first little while, then suddenly it becomes an effortless dance, like you’ve known each other forever.
Building a relationship with your rigid heddle is the same. It’s hard work learning a new language, new movements and boundaries. And then, after failures, frustration, maybe even tears, everything falls into place and weaving is second nature. Over the next few weeks I’m going to give some tips and advice about how to develop a relationship with your rigid heddle that will last a life time.
Pick the right loom
When choosing a loom, you should do your homework. Just like you won’t like everyone person you meet, you won’t like every loom. While all rigid heddle looms operate in much the same way, they have distinctions. Some fold, some have permanently attached rods, others are removable. Reed sizes vary with the brand of loom. Some come finished in a choice of gorgeous finishes, others are completely unfinished.
Think about what you want to make before you choose your loom.
If all you ever want to do is weave narrow scarves with dk weight yarn a 10” Cricket by Schacht or the Ashford Samplit might be perfect for you. But if what you really want are tea towels and wraps, these looms will bring more sadness than joy. Think about the width and length of what you want to make. Sure, a 16” loom with a double heddle kit can weave 32”, however if you plan to make a 32” baby blanket for every baby born to anyone remotely connected to you, you would be happier with a 32” loom right from the start.
Talk to other weavers and visit your local yarn store that carries looms.
People who weave are a great resource. We love being invited to talk about our passion (we’re used to being asked to stop talking). Tomorrow, April 27, is LYS day, here’s my plug: Local yarn stores care more about you being happy with your purchase than the amount of money you spent. Your local store might have looms you can try. You can ask about why one loom over another. Describe what you want to make and they can prescribe the right loom. If they don’t have the one you want, ask if they can get it (and ask why they don’t carry it, there might be a really good reason!) Ask about the price of accessories. Ask how easy it is to get parts. And when you buy your loom from a local yarn store you can feel great about going back to them for help and advice. In addition they may offer services such as assembling your loom, patterns, help reading patterns, choosing the right fibre for your project and whatever else you might possibly need (including advice about any life issues you might be experiencing completely unrelated to weaving) all free! And we want to see your finished pieces, honestly! We feel a little like midwives, helping dreams come to life. We love to see the end result. Please, come and brag about your projects so we can celebrate with you. And we’ll genuinely commiserate with your *ahem* not so successful projects.
Colour
One of my biggest challenges when it comes to weaving is choosing colours. I know the basics of colour theory. Ok, I know about the colour wheel and how to mix the primaries to create the secondary colours. I even know a tiny bit about putting colours together. Weaving however, adds a whole new element. If my warp is red and my weft is blue, those colours will blend when my eyes see them and it will look purple. My two colours give birth to a new colour. And I’m not always sure how it will look , so I play it safe: I use the same colour way for both warp and weft or pick a variegated and pair it with a solid colour that is in the variegated or I stick to neutrals.
One of my biggest challenges when it comes to weaving is choosing colours. I know the basics of colour theory. Ok, I know about the colour wheel and how to mix the primaries to create the secondary colours. I even know a tiny bit about putting colours together. Weaving however, adds a whole new element. If my warp is red and my weft is blue, those colours will blend when my eyes see them and it will look purple. My two colours give birth to a new colour. And I’m not always sure how it will look , so I play it safe: I use the same colour way for both warp and weft or pick a variegated and pair it with a solid colour that is in the variegated or I stick to neutrals.
I recently tried to be a little more adventurous. Rowan Yarns has a lovely yarn called Felted Tweed. The green, yellow and orange were calling my name. I think it had to do with it being the height of fall and all the trees were yellow and green and orange. If nature can pull off those colours, so can I !
At the same time as getting adventurous with colour I decided to figure out how to use two heddles to create double weave only in certain parts of my weaving. And how to bring different colours to the front. And use an extra pick up stick in double weave to add more pattern. Have I told you I never start easy?
I ended up with fabric that holds together, so I guess that is some success. The rest really didn’t come together well. I'll stick to the colour issue for this post. A few things happened.
First, I used tweed. When a tweed yarn is spun, little bits of other fibers in contrasting colours are added to the wool. So my colours weren’t pure colours, they all had flecks of other colours mixed in. I experienced first hand what it means to have “muddy" colours.
Then, some of my patches have all three colours together. It’s not that using three colours is a bad thing, but add the tweed and it really doesn’t work so well. On the orange, the strongest colour, it works pretty well but using only 1 colour, or 2, works even better.
Proportions are important too. Using 3 colours in equal amounts might be ok for some projects, but using 1 colour sparingly can change ok to fabulous. Note in the first picture the primary colour is green, then yellow, and finally just a little bit of orange. All the colours look more distinct and the orange draws the eye. But use mostly orange (second pic) and it over powers the other colours.
I know that sampling is (part of) the solution to my problem but we all know how I feel about sampling! (Actually, this was a sample! I had no plans for the finished product and was ok if it didn’t work!)
Knowledge is also power. I just received a book about colour. It's not specifically a weaving book, but it tells me about colour, colour theory, gives numerous colour combinations and gives proportions as well as grouping them into families (soothing, neutral, bold, dynamic, powerful etc.). I'm looking forward to experimenting with new colour combinations!
Enjoying Every Moment
I spent many years rushing through life, anticipating the next stage when the current stage had barely begun. Many things got done and accomplished but I don’t ever remember standing back and admiring what I had just completed. Before I had time to catch my breath I was onto the next task. I felt like I was living in fast-forward…some days I even felt like I was eating in fast-forward! And I get it, it was a busy time with 2 young children, a husband and a hobby farm. Life was full and tasks had to be completed.
I spent many years rushing through life, anticipating the next stage when the current stage had barely begun. Many things got done and accomplished but I don’t ever remember standing back and admiring what I had just completed. Before I had time to catch my breath I was onto the next task. I felt like I was living in fast-forward…some days I even felt like I was eating in fast-forward! And I get it, it was a busy time with 2 young children, a husband and a hobby farm. Life was full and tasks had to be completed.
When I started weaving I made a conscious decision to take my time and to enjoy every step…including the learning. This is contrary to my nature. I am impatient, eager to see the finished product, notice every mistake, fear making mistakes and therefore am very cautious. At the same time, I’m too impatient to wait to work up to complicated. I never start simple and I’m not much for slowing down and taking the time to learn slowly. This picture is a double-weave blanket after only 3 months of weaving!
I’ve partially succeeded. I do enjoy every step. I love the feel of yarn running through my hands. Seeing all those orderly lines of yarn and winding them onto the back beam is quite satisfying. Threading the heddle allows me to check for mistakes, think about what will be created and catch issues before they happen. It’s slow and rhythmical. Winding a tightly-packed shuttle. A neat, tidy hemstitch. Then finally, the weaving. Side to side with the shuttle, back and forth with the heddle. Many times, the actual weaving time is dwarfed by the time spent preparing the loom and finishing after the project is removed from the loom. A twisted fringe can take hours. (It’s the one part I haven’t convinced myself to love).
This deliberate decision to enjoy every moment weaving has spilled over into the rest of my life. Life is meant to be lived, enjoyed, savoured. I’ve begun to approach life more slowly, with a deliberate decision to enjoy every moment of it. Even the boring bits…laundry (it’s pretty satisfying to see a pile of neatly-folded laundry, or how about the warmth fresh from the dryer, or the smell when it comes in from the line). Or I look at my coffee table, overflowing with books and appreciated the variety (accounting textbooks, cookbooks, carpentry books, Puritan books, Bibles and philosophy books all mingled together!) I still want things tidied up occasionally but what interesting children I have! Even driving has taken on a new meaning. It’s not just about getting from point A to point B it’s a chance to see the glorious world we live in. (And the speed limit forces me to slow down and enjoy it for jut a little bit longer!)
Even a snowy drive becomes something to exclaim over
Sometimes we need to rush. And some stages will be enjoyed more than others. But your weaving is for you. Enjoy it. Stop every so often and just admire what your hands are creating. Take a deep breath and savour the rhythmic thumps and clicks of your loom. And let that peace and satisfaction permeate your whole life!
The Magic of Finishing
I just finished a project this weekend. The whole time I was weaving I was feeling a little disappointed because it just wasn’t looking the way it ought. I was weaving a traditional hounds tooth pattern for the first time. But the hounds tooth wasn’t looking properly toothy. In my head I knew that once it came off the loom and was properly finished everything would be fine but my eyes were having troubles believing.
Still on the loom…not at all toothy!
I just finished a project this weekend. The whole time I was weaving I was feeling a little disappointed because it just wasn’t looking the way it ought. I was weaving a traditional hounds tooth pattern for the first time. But the hounds tooth wasn’t looking properly toothy. In my head I knew that once it came off the loom and was properly finished everything would be fine but my eyes were having troubles believing.
When a weaver uses the term “finishing” it doesn’t necessarily mean that the project is complete. Finishing (also called fulling) refers to the process of washing/soaking and drying the fabric to allow the fibres to plump up (full) and pull together (this isn’t technically accurate, but a very simple explanation of what it looks like happens). It gives the fabric stability and structural integrity. And it’s a little bit magical. Suddenly a loose weave that your fingers can easily poke through become fabric. A pattern that couldn’t be seen on the loom appears. And reed lines disappear
When I look at my weaving on the loom I can usually see right through the fabric. If the fibres are pressed too tightly in the weaving process then during the finishing process, when the fibres try to move, there is no space and the resulting fabric is very dense and thick. (I discovered this on my very first project). There are times when you want your weaving to be very tight (when making a rug for example) but usually at least a little bit of drape is desired.
When I finish a project I take it off the loom and straight to the washing machine. I fill the tub with hot water, add a little bit of eucalan and agitate just long enough to mix the eucalan. I then very gently add my project and push it under the water to make sure it is fully submerged. Then I leave it alone for about 1/2 hour just to soak. After the 1/2 hour I run the spin cycle. (At no time is the project actually agitated, only soaked and spun—unless I’m using cotton, then I run a regular hot wash cycle) I take it from the washing machine and throw it in the dryer and dry for about 10 minutes. Sometimes it takes a little longer than 10 minutes to get the density I want and I’ll give it a few more minutes.
In the case of my houndstooth scarf, it took 20 minutes in the dryer. Everything pulled together. The teeth are toothy, the scarf is drapy and it was so soft my daughter couldn’t keep her hands off it!
