Welcome to the warped side of yarn! Many folks who first come into the Yarnworker universe are puzzled by the rigid-heddle loom. What is it? Why should I pick this loom vs another loom? Is it beginner friendly? What can I make on this loom? 

In this course, I introduce you to the types of looms available to you and why I chose this type of loom as my weaving companion. I then gathered up a number of resources throughout the Yarnworker world and put them in logical order so you can see how the loom works, how to set it up, what yarns you can use, and what you can make. If weaving is on your life list, start here!

Skill Level and Requirements:

Rank Beginner. No tools  or supplies necessary.

About the instructor

host Liz Gipson

Sharing my love of the rigid-heddle loom with newcomers is what makes my heart happy. I spend my days weaving, writing about weaving, teaching others to weave, and enjoying this thing called life. From my home in central New Mexico, I dream-up, films, edit, and host these courses. To learn more about this marvelous little loom, visit www.yarnworker.com

Want to know more about which loom is right for you?

Take Why This Loom for free.

Course curriculum

    1. Loom Types and Why I Chose Mine

    2. How the Rigid-Heddle Loom Works: An Excerpt from Weaving 101

    3. Intro to Warping Video

    4. Setting Up The Loom

    5. Frequently Asked Questions

    6. Picking Yarns for Weaving

    7. What You Can Weave on a Rigid-Heddle Loom

    8. An Invitation to Join Me at the Yarnworker School

    9. Resources for Beginners

About this course

  • Free
  • 9 lessons
  • 0.5 hours of video content

What others have been saying about Why This Loom:

5 star rating

Awesome beginning course

R D

Loaded with lots of information and was not overwhelming. As I watched the course I felt Liz was talking to me and in a way that was informative and not con...

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Loaded with lots of information and was not overwhelming. As I watched the course I felt Liz was talking to me and in a way that was informative and not condescending. I can see she loves the rigid heddle loom, which is infectious and that makes me more jazzed about weaving! I can see she had so much more to teach me, too. Thank you for a wonderful first course!

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5 star rating

An Excellent Place to Start

Keith Craig

A truly helpful overview that doesn't take shortcuts on the assumption that you are experienced in other fiber arts. A good introduction for a non-knitter, ...

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A truly helpful overview that doesn't take shortcuts on the assumption that you are experienced in other fiber arts. A good introduction for a non-knitter, with simple explanations and links to other resources. Thanks!

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4 star rating

Short, simple to understand. Informative for a beginner (...

Ginger Koel

Enjoyed reading and exploring all the extras. Looking forward to learning more.

Enjoyed reading and exploring all the extras. Looking forward to learning more.

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5 star rating

No intimidating terms!

Michelle Hatala

I loved this course! It's probably all of the questions you've had, in one place with a friendly face and zero intimidation. Trying to find infomation was ex...

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I loved this course! It's probably all of the questions you've had, in one place with a friendly face and zero intimidation. Trying to find infomation was extremely challenging until I found this, no kidding! I can honestly say I feel prepared and have the information I have on hand to buy the right loom and begin any project with confidence. This is awesome, thank you so much for offering this!!

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5 star rating

Looking Forward To Weaving

Deborah Kelly

I have been researching these looms on the internet and in books for weeks as there are no local resources for weaving in my area and I don’t know any weave...

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I have been researching these looms on the internet and in books for weeks as there are no local resources for weaving in my area and I don’t know any weavers. This mini course explains the rigid heddle loom and weaving process in a way that makes me feel that teaching myself to weave on a rigid heddle loom really is possible. Her enthusiasm is infectious!

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Ready to start your weaving journey?

Students who complete Why This Loom will receive a code for 20% off the $75 registration fee for Weaving 101

What others have been saying about Weaving 101:

5 star rating

The Basics Review

Nancy Bloomfield

Great course, I've learned so much as a beginner, I can't begin to tell you how many tips I picked up along the way. It's great to be able to go back and re...

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Great course, I've learned so much as a beginner, I can't begin to tell you how many tips I picked up along the way. It's great to be able to go back and review as often as necessary. I'm ready to start the next course! Thanks for showing me the way!

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5 star rating

GREAT! GREAT! GREAT!

Barbara Paul

This course was even better than I expected, I was trying to teach myself from online info and some free video tutorials and I was floundering. There are so ...

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This course was even better than I expected, I was trying to teach myself from online info and some free video tutorials and I was floundering. There are so many opportunities for fatal errors in weaving and each one can cause a pile of yarn in the trash......and believe me I know first hand! Not only does Liz cover all of these in her very detailed instructions, but she gives fixes for them. The course has saved me a lot of time (and yarn). I made a great success of the project she picked and have started a second one. Worth every penny! Thanks Liz

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