(108) Weft-Faced Weaves and Tapestry on Rigid Heddle Looms

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Weft-faced and tapestry weaves create beautiful one-of-a-kind textiles that are perfect for bags, pillows and wall hangings. We will warp our looms using the direct-warping method and learn best practices for tying on and for creating good selvedges. Learn to create solid stripes, color-and-weave patterns, clasped weft and then begin to explore the beauty and freedom of tapestry weaving.

We will start with gradations (demi-duites) and then settle into the slow rhythm of weaving a tapestry using techniques such as meet-and-separate and dovetail to create diagonal lines and slits, dovetail and weft-interlock for vertical lines. All these techniques greatly expand the possibilities of what can be woven with a simple rigid heddle loom. A reference sampler will be created in this class.

Instructor:

Donna Foley

Experience Level:

Beginner

Maximum Class Size:

16

Materials fee:

$15 covers wool warp yarn, and a folder filled with handouts on the various techniques being taught

Equipment required

Rigid Heddle Loom

Student Supplies:

  • A sturdy Rigid Heddle loom (No Beka looms as they are too lightweight) at least 10″ wide, with a 5 dent reed (a 10 dent will work as well).
  • Warping pegs and clamps
  • Heddle hook
  • Stiff paper to wind the warp on
  • Scissors
  • Tape measure
  • 3 -4 colors of worsted weight yarn (approximately 14 – 16 oz total), I prefer Brown Sheep Lamb’s Pride single ply yarn

Homework:

No homework