Rigid-heddle looms are easy to store, quick to set up, and, most importantly, fun to weave on. They’re great looms for beginning weavers and seasoned veterans alike. These little looms are wonderfully versatile and capable of creating exquisite handwoven cloth. If you’re new to rigid-heddle weaving, it can be difficult to figure out where to begin, so here are some favorite resources to help you get warped, get weaving, and advance your skills.
Ideas for Learning How to Weave on a Rigid-Heddle Loom
1. Make warping a rigid-heddle loom quick, easy, and fun.
In her video Slots and Holes, Liz Gipson shows viewers how to warp a rigid-heddle loom using three different techniques. Learn how to warp a rigid-heddle loom in 20 minutes using the direct warping technique and how to create stripe patterns in the warp using a warping board. For those who want to create finer fabrics, Liz demonstrates how to warp a rigid-heddle loom with two heddles.
2. Learn rigid-heddle weaving from start to finish.
Both Hands on Rigid Heddle Weaving by Betty Linn Davenport and Inventive Weaving on a Little Loom by Syne Mitchell are perfect starting points for learning to weave. Both authors explain how to set up your loom to weave a variety of different fabric types, give you the lowdown on tools, and teach you tips and tricks needed to weave on the rigid-heddle loom effectively.
3. Explore rigid-heddle weaving patterns.
Once your loom is warped, it’s time to explore more beautiful rigid-heddle weaving patterns. In her book The Weaver’s Idea Book: Creative Cloth on a Rigid Heddle Loom, Jane Patrick teaches readers how to create a variety of textures and patterns for the rigid-heddle loom using color-and-weave techniques, pick-up sticks, embellishments, and more. The book is full of step-by-step color photographs and includes instructions for making rigid-heddle weaving projects using the techniques and structures she describes. For those who prefer to learn by watching, Sara Bixler has some excellent videos on structure including her latest Huck Lace on a Rigid-Heddle Loom and Color-and-Weave on a Rigid-Heddle Loom. If you want to get the hang of pick-up patterns, Sara Goldenberg White’s video Pick-Up Stick Basics and Beyond is phenomenal and full of tips for any type of rigid-heddle weaving.
4. Create rigid-heddle loom projects.
For those who want “recipes” for projects they can create on their rigid-heddle looms, you can pick up any issue of Easy Weaving with Little Looms and find a variety for every skill level. Whether you’re a beginner comfortable only with plain weave or a seasoned weaver looking for projects that use double heddles or heddle bars, Little Looms has you covered.
Links to Weaving Resources
Warping and Weaving
- Indirect warping with two heddles
- How to switch back and forth between weft colors at the selvedges
- Two rules about color theory in weaving
- How to weave Danish medallions on a rigid-heddle loom
Troubleshooting
- How to fix a broken warp thread on a rigid-heddle loom
- Achieve an even beat, plus how to fix your selvedges
- Avoid draw-in
Finishing
- Instructions for finishing techniques—includes information about how to do twisted fringe, how to hemstitch, as well as instructions for double (Italian), ladder, and zigzag hemstitching.
Helpful Resources
- Master Yarn Chart—this chart tells you how to sett different yarns. For rigid-heddle looms, you’ll want to use the middle number for basic plain weave. Remember, these are suggestions, and all weavers and looms are different, so feel free to sample and do what looks and feels right to you.
Looking for more? Find a wide selection of weaving pattern eBooks as well as videos about innovative techniques and more about how to weave on a loom at our store. We’ve made it easy: Everything you need to know about your loom is right here, so jump right in.
Happy Weaving!
Christina