Rigid Heddle Weaving

The Clasped Warp technique is a dynamic way to add color play and vertical patterning to Plain Weave on a rigid heddle loom. By interlinking warp yarns at selected points, you create a warp in which one yarn dominates on one end of the loom and the other on the opposite end. In this blog post, Carolyn Heacock offers inspirational design suggestions and a step-by-step tutorial for exploring Clasped Weft on rigid heddle.

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.