I have a 24" Ashford 8-shaft table loom, which I do enjoy but am often frustrated with. I don't have issues with needing to work the levers by hand, but I have to advance the warp very often and the shed is not very big so getting shuttles through can be a pain. I'm dreaming of a floor loom like the Baby Wolf, but I also am wary of buying hobby equipment if I if won't actually feel like a big upgrade/make me more inclined to engage in the hobby. I mostly like to make towels, and improvised fabric to sew into bags. But, especially when I have sections of plain weave, I'm just so bored and annoyed by advancing the warp every 2 minutes & fighting the shuttles that it makes me not want to weave 😞

Is the difference in the experience in these areas significant? Or am I grass-is-always-greenering?

Edit: Thank you everybody for your thoughts!! Sounds like I need to start saving up & watching the buy/sell groups

Edit 2: I just drove 8 hours to pick up an Artisat being offered, very generously, for free! I have 8 hrs to drive back tomorrow still 😅

Hi, all. I can't believe October is almost here. I've only recently picked up weaving, and am finishing my 5th project on my RHL. After this, I think it's time to create gifts for friends and neighbors for the holidays. Something quick, simple, worth keeping, and not too advanced! What are some ideas you like for weaving lots of gifts quickly? A set of mug rugs? Dishtowels? (I'm not yet happy with any of the dishtowels I've made.) Small table runners? Dishrags? Please share your ideas and favorites! Thanks!

https://touchgrasstextiles.com/products/swatch-loom-refills

I found these really cool looking swatch cards and thought they would be great for sampling before warping my loom but thinking about it I’m not sure if they’ll be good for testing multi-shaft weaves

Thoughts? Do you think it’ll be a possibility to use these for multi-shaft weave structures or just tapestry/simple weave structures?

I also saw a Dundas portable loom for sale near me but don’t really have the space for a second loom so would prefer small swatch cards if it’s actually possible

Edit: below are some examples that they posted that make me think that it’s a possibility but I still want input from people, especially those who’ve used swatch cards like these or similar for their own sampling

Theres this fabric going around gaining popularity lately called sashiori or sashiko fabric and I was MEGA obsessed with it. Like, trying to figure out how to make it myself and turns out... ITS JUST A BASIC CANVAS WEAVE.

Like its literally just a canvas weave where the weft uses 2-3 thinner strands and the warp was just a thick cord to get that raised effect for breathability.

Please tell me otherwise or otherwise Ive wasted days researching the weave pattern and techniques used.

((Image is my evidence, you can see two thin strands as the weft and a thicker yarn used for the warp))

Hey all - Late diagnosed here and finally realizing that my starting and stopping and so many other obstacles to getting a project on the loom and finished are attributable to the adhd. I am learning good tricks and tips in other parts of my life and would love to learn some related to weaving if anyone has any to share (or just wants support/community).

Heya weavers!

I used to weave a fair amount, made scarves for family and have planned to make a bonding cloth for my upcoming marriage. But I haven't had the inspiration to keep weaving after I spent a lot of time and effort on a gifted scarf only for them to quietly turn up their nose at it and never wear it. Finally have the time and energy again and I want to get back into the hobby but none of my drafts are interesting to me at the moment.

Anyone have a draft for a 2 heddle table loom that is fun and different? I'm tired of plain weave and have done a houndstooth. I'm looking to make some more kitchen towels or something else utilitarian.

Attached photos of my drying houndstooth for tax.

I've had to give up a lot of hobbies because of my disabilities, I can't do tension work like crochet, or precision work like embroidery anymore due to hand pain from hypermobility which can flair to tendonitis. I know I can't do tapestry weaving or manual weaving (I don't know the real term, where you move it under/over the warp yourself) but throwing a shuttle and banging the (was it a heddle? The board thing) might be doable. How hard do you need to bang it? How often does the work result in repetitive stress injuries? I don't want to invest in a loom that I won't be able to use. Thanks for any advice.

Pipe dream here... I recently learned of a mid-19th C technique of corsets being woven on jacquard looms- boning channels and boning included. This is considered a lost art, but was once the economical option before industrial machine sewing.

I know this is way over my head as a beginner in both historic costuming and weaving/sewing, but what can I say, I like big dreams. In my vicinity I have access to jacquard looms as well as some of the software for drafting and such.

Is this in the realm of possibilities as a "someday" project as a hobbyist? Or am I full of hubris and early on the Dunning-Krueger curve? I estimate it'll be some time before I even have enough of a grasp to figure out what I'm doing with both pattern drafting and weaving to understand equipment and materials necessary, but if anybody has any insight as to what might be necessary I would love to bend your ear!

I've been weaving for 3 or 4 years. I have an 8 shaft Baby Wolf, and I generally only use it for classes and conferences. I never think "It would be fun to weave a shawl or a table runner or towels...". I do weave a lot of bands, and that I do enjoy. I like plain weave inkle weaving, pickup, and I love tablet weaving.

I'm taking an Overshot class on Handweaving Academy right now. The instruction is excellent, and I feel like I've really learned how Overshot works, but I find the actual weaving to be... well, tedious. Also, I keep breaking my floating selvedges (I don't have a small enough temple for this project), and my motifs aren't round evem though I beat pretty damned hard. It's just not at all enjoyable.

Before this class it had been months since I pulled out the Baby Wolf. Maybe that should have been a clue. I love my guild, and I have some self identity as a hand weaver, but I'm not having any fun with the floor loom.

Hello Weavers. I have an idea that may be ridiculous, so I’m seeking input. I have some gorgeous roving (alpaca, merino, mulberry silk combo) that I am interested in using as an occasional weft accent. The idea is to do a simple weave with a cottolin warp and churro wool weft. I want to run a pic every so often of the roving as an accent, with the roving as is, not spun. My desire is to accent with texture and keep the fluid color changes of the roving. My vision has the roving pic beginning and ending without weaving into the next pic, that is leaving fluffy edges.
I worry that the roving will wet finish into a shrunken nothing, leaving gaps in the weave. I tested a wet finish with an unwoven strip of roving and it fluffed right back up when dried, but of course it isn’t constrained by a tensioned weave. Additionally, I expect the simple weave to hold the roving secure much as with overshot.
It’s a fun mental exercise to sketch what I envision. It’s rustic and textured. Of course I would run a test weave! but before I take this any further, I’m wondering if any of you have thoughts/experiences.

I wish having a hobby wasn't so expensive! I really want to explore weaving a lot more, but man, it's an expensive hobby! At least it is in Canada. I have a 32" rigid heddle loom (cost me about $400 for the loom), and I can do simple projects on it like scarves and tea towels, but what I want is a 4-shaft or an 8-shaft table loom. A floor loom would be great, but I kinda like the idea of being able to move the table loom around so I'm not confined to just one space for weaving. But a 4-shaft Ashford table loom in Canada is close to $2,000! I looked online and no one in my small province is selling a table or floor loom. I found someone in the next province over, but they wan't $3,000 for a 4-shaft floor loom. Add to that the cost of gas going there and back, and I'd have to rent a truck as it would never fit in my car, and that's another $200 - $300.

But then it's the materials needed. I have some 2/8 cotton cones, but they cost me $12 each, plus shipping. Mohair and alpaca cones are $42 each. Regular wool cones range from $24 - $65 each. I could do the cheap acrylics at Michaels, but a weaving project seems to take double what a knitting project requires.

For someone on a fixed budget, weaving really cuts into my spending allowance. How are you ladies & gents affording this hobby? I suppose materials & looms are way less expensive in the US.

Hi there!

I am newer to the craft (1 finished 80” plain weave scarf, and a couple of test pieces. Rigid heddle loom and I’ve been playing around with a pickup stick this week. Next project are some dish towels) and I would love to find some people to talk to about this craft in Colorado.

I was able to get a few questions answered at the Wool Fest in Estes Park a few weeks ago (thank you to anyone who was there!) and the guild meetings don’t seem to start up again until Sept. Any classes or workshops I’ve looked for are several years old or canceled. There’s an occasional get together at local wool shops but they are often during the workday. I’ve read “Inventive Weaving on a Little Loom” and I have another book on the way.

I am mostly looking for community and ability to get some hands on better understanding of how to feel even warp tension. This craft feels so historical, full of depth, and lovely that I’d really love to be able to talk to other folks about it in person. Thank you for any advice!

I mostly want to know how much of a difference it will make? I did some research that usually it’s not good for the warp and fine for weft but what if I DO want to use it for the warp, how many modifications do I need to make to accommodate the mildly weaker yarn?

Also just wanted to get some insight from people who might have used them before. I saw some really pretty dyed yarn and I just wanted to know before I make an impulses buy on a new shiny object 🤩

I have used strips of paper and ribbon and they work ok but I always wonder if there is something better. Or if I will get better results if I just take the time and use yarn? I do small projects on a rigid heddle loom but feel free to discuss any set-up and any helpful warp-spreading tips you want to share.

I’m returning to weaving after an almost 8 year hiatus (raising our babies and caring for my wonderful husband through the ebbs and flows of chronic illness). Previously, I studied extensively through the Olds College Master Weaver program and taught weaving both to beginners at community guilds and to students in the Master Weaver program. After all these years away from the loom, I have glimmerings of fibre creativity returning. My family has encouraged me to pick up the shuttle once more, and spend time doing what nourishes me. I wish to find out if the endless possibilities of weaving still intrigue me!

About two years ago, I aspirationally acquired a 68” 4-shaft counterbalance, (similar to but almost twice the width of the loom on which I used to weave in previous chapters of my life). I’m interested in getting it warped and exploring who I am as a weaver now. (And I want to save the loom from resigning itself to being an expert towel drying rack 🤣 ).

But I’m at a loss for what to weave! I don’t have time or energy yet to be a part of a guild, so I’m turning to this online community for suggestions. Does anyone have go-to projects to get to know a new loom? What project would you weave if you had a wide loom like this?

Parameters:

Widest reed I currently have: 55”

4 shaft

I have a large yarn stash from which to select (fine cottons, chunky wools, some silk, some linen)

I've only ever woven on a rigid heddle and briefly borrowed a friend's table loom. I'm staring at my 8 shaft baby wolf that I've had for a year and not done anything with because I'm so overwhelmed by the possibilities, and also by really being new and not knowing what's 'too hard' or how to do some things (I really don't understand floating selvedges, for example).

So with that confession, here's the request - I want to make some dish towel gifts because I'm into that, but I really want a set-up where I can warp something gigantic and make a lot of variations so I don't get bored. I have Anne Dixon's Handweaver's Pattern Directory in front of me, so looks like I'm going 4 shaft (though I have a lot of the classics if someone has a better suggestion. And is also why I can't stop spinning in circles).

Can someone please just tell me where to start? like "Dear friend, only look at the twills. That is what you will start with".

It’s on GistYarn site. It sold 300 copies. Looking for feedback, please. Shown as WIP summer of 2024.

I need the wisdom of this community. I have struggled trying to understand how to use iWeaveIt and have consequently ignored it in my apps, now. I just have no idea how to use it. Every time I try, I end up with useless garbage that is super “busy” to the eye and not what I am trying to achieve. Someone tell me there is a resource, a class preferably, to learn how to best use this weaving tool. I really want to learn so that I can do my own designs (which I prefer to do. I weave on a Schacht 25” Flip Loom and have accumulated quite a few heddles and tools. This is one tool I cannot seem to master,

Thanks, in advance, for any resources you may share to help me actually be able to use this tool.😃

I just picked up some heavy duty Texsolv beam cord for my loom. I was planning to use individual pieces of cord on each loop on the beam, so I could more easily drop the extra ones when I'm weaving something narrower--like the pencil dotted lines I drew in here. Is that a bad idea for any reason I am not thinking of?

(edit: typo)

(edit: To clarify--by "loop" I mean the eye hole screw that's screwed into the cloth beam. I want to use a single piece of beam cord through the eye hole screw to the apron rod. I'm not talking about lashing on or attaching the warp at all; the image is from the beam cord instructions. The cotton cord that is currently attaching my apron rod to my cloth beam is dried out and sort of starting to rot, so I'm replacing that with Texsolv. The loom is something like 35 years old, and it may never have had that cord replaced.)

The mods of the spinning community recommended I ask my weird question to the weaving community. I am writing a time travel novel where an agency sends time agents back in time, usually between 440 BCE and 636 CE, to the Mediterranean but also iron age northern Europe.

They also have other, less lengthy missions where they disguise themselves as merchants & bribe monarchs such as Henry II with lost Latin & Greek manuscripts.

There are also job perks like seeing the premiere of Shakespeare's plays, or the premiere of Handel's Rinaldo (1711), or Nicola Porpora's Polifemo (1735)...

Would they be able to save money and time by buying cloth like Handa textiles undyed Hebridean wool Tweed?

Which is undyed naturally dark Hebridean wool (the advantage of using as much undyed naturally dark wool is that it won't show stains but can be washed repeatedly if the fabric gets into contact with gore or 💩. )

or would the machine spun and machine woven textiles (in linen, wool) give people living before 1765 a sense of wrongness/uncanny?

Or do you think it would be a gradient: iron age and mediaeval missions require hand spun and handwoven fabric but from 1600 (modern spinning wheel invented) or 1725 (Basile Bouchon invents punched paper data storage as a means for controlling a loom) can time agents can wear machine spun and machine woven clothing?

The cover story of the time agents will always be travelling merchants.

Hi, weavers. I'm in the US and a family member is traveling from New Zealand in a few weeks. I dream of being able to walk NZ yarn and craft shops since I don't have any good ones near me and I order all my yarn online. Is there anything I should ask him to bring that's small and worth stuffing in a suitcase? I'm a new rigid heddle weaver, have only used cotton so far, but I know there are gorgeous new zealand wools I might want to have someday soon! Or maybe a shuttle or something? Thanks!