Rigid Heddle Weaving

Log Cabin is a striking yet approachable weave structure—it looks complex, but it’s surprisingly easy to master. Belonging to the family of Color-and-Weave techniques which creates visual patterns by placing warp and weft colors in specific orders, both multi-shaft and rigid heddle looms are suitable for Log Cabin weavings. In this blog post, Carolyn Heacock provides an overview of how to get started with Log Cabin weaving. 

Some handwovens are too bulky to be hemmed, and some others, a simple knotted fringe doesn't feel quite polished enough. In such situations, a Damascus or Half-Damascus edge is a great option to have in your finishing technique toolkit. In this blog post, Karen G. Krueger offers a tutorial of how to create clean, secure edges using these techniques. 

Rep Weave is a warp-faced technique known for creating bold patterns and sturdy fabric, ideal for projects like rugs, placemats, and bags. Traditionally Rep Weave is woven on multi-shaft looms, but it is easily adapted to rigid heddle looms as well. In this blog post, Carolyn Heacock provides an overview of getting started with Rep Weave on the rigid heddle. 

After Plain Weave and Twill, Color-and-Weave and Shadow Weave are frequently the next steps in a weaver’s journey. This simple technique of manipulating warp and weft color order to create patterning gives extra visual interest to almost any weaving structure. In the first installment of this blog series, Jennifer Leigh explores the key differences between Color-and-Weave and Shadow Weave structures. 

Deflection in weaving happens when (intentional) floats curve around areas of plain weave, and doubleweave is the weaving of two layers of fabric simultaneously. Combining the curves of deflection and the layers of doubleweave creates deflected doubleweave, a common technique in shaft-loom weaving. But with two heddles and, in some cases, two pick-up sticks, the humble rigid heddle loom can also create this stunning structure.     

Choosing the right shuttle when starting your next weaving project can make or break your experience — and sometimes affect your selvedges too! In this article, I’ll be sharing some of the things I consider when choosing what shuttle to use as well as explaining the differences between stick shuttles, boat shuttles, and more.

Warping, sleying, weaving and re-sleying can be tedious when we really just want to dive in to our project. Meet the nifty rigid heddle loom tool that makes sampling a breeze.

Tips for weaving with multiple types of yarn in a single warp.

Learn how to achieve a clean shed when doing doubleweave on your rigid heddle loom.

Learn the functional differences between the direct and indirect warping methods for rigid heddle looms.

Learn the how to prevent tension problems on your rigid heddle loom while warping, and how to fix tension issues while weaving.