Rigid Heddle Weaving, Saturday 4/15 & 22, 1-4pm

Instructor - Karen Sesnon

If you have ever been curious about weaving, but were hesitant to invest in a loom, these classes offer you a way to try the craft using rented looms. In this two-week class, you'll learn how to warp the loom, weave, finish, and get pointers on design. The first class will be warping the loom and learning to weave. You'll be able to take the loom home, and the second class will be removing the woven project. See below for the full syllabus.

The looms are Ashford Rigid Heddle looms. They are the “Knitters Loom” model, which means they fold for transport even with your WIP on them. To weave you simply prop the edge of the loom on a table and rest it in your lap. They are lightweight and easy to use.
I have two looms available for your use: a 12” and a 20”. They fit into a carry bag and I will supply the other tools you need, such as shuttles. I ask that you sign a use agreement and provide a refundable deposit of $25 for use of the loom.

If you have a loom of your own, you’d like to use for class that is great. Please contact me in advance so we can discuss the type of loom you have, and if you are taking Ease into Weaving I’ll need to arrange to get your loom to warp it prior to class. These classes are limited to Rigid Heddle looms.

The best yarn to begin with is a worsted wool or acrylic. It is requested that yarn be purchased from Nitro Knitters for the class. I love Malabrigo Rios, but Nitro Knitters has several great options. If you like stripes, choose a few colors for the warp and a darker or brighter solid for the weft, for a really fun finished project. A solid tone on tone is always classic, and Rios will add color and movement that is stunning.

Class Syllabus:
Rigid Heddle Weaving - 6 hours of class instruction, includes use of loom* for 2 weeks.

Week One: 3 hours
1. Weaving terminology (while winding shuttles).
2. Warp the loom and tension the warp.
a. How to calculate warp and weft.
3. Weave (spreading the warp, hemstitch, how to join weft ends).

Week Two: 3 hours
If finished, remove weaving, if not, continue weaving and troubleshoot if needed.
1. Fringe treatment, finishing the fabric.
2. Next project design warp (student led) .
a. explore pick up stick patterns.
b. Color theory, Fibonacci patterns, plaid.
c. Use of other yarn types.

Materials List:
Worsted weight yarn. See suggested yarns below.
Scissors, tape measure, craft paper/paper bags, scrap yarn, tapestry needle, stitch markers if desired,
paper and pen for notes.
Use of fringe twister, cutting mat and rotary cutter in class.
*If you have your own loom the class fee is discounted by $25. Please contact the instructor with the
type of loom you have in advance.