yarnworker

This course takes a deep dive into the mechanics of winding a warp separately from the rigid-heddle loom, then taking it to the loom to thread the heddle prior to packing the beam. Before the rise of popularity of the rigid-heddle loom, this was simply called warping. The rigid-heddle allows us an ingenious option to thread our heddle and measure our warp at the same time, which is not an option on other styles of looms. This direct method, however, has its limitations. 

Indirect warping, using a warping board or peg, allows the weaver to work in a compact space in perhaps a more comfortable way, and thread multiple colors or complex threading orders without creating any crossed threads behind the rigid heddle.

I cover three ways to get the job done—winding your colors separately, winding your warp in thread order, and using lease sticks. I use three different rigid-heddle loom brands—Ashford, Krosmski, and Schacht—and touch on how loom mechanics can affect your choice of warping technique.

Originally conceived as a free seminar for the Patrons of the Yarnworker School in celebration of the school's second anniversary, this seminar bloomed into a full-fledged course.

This class is my gift to those who made the school possible. It was offered free of charge to all patrons for a limited time before being made publicly available as Weaving 202.

Skill Level

The class is designed for an advanced beginner. I assume that you have already woven a few projects, can warp your loom without assistance, have a basic understanding of weaving terminology, and are ready for a challenge.

It is helpful if you have already taken the Weaving 201: Colorwork class for the weaving skills necessary to weave the project. Those are universal, regardless of the warping technique.

Tools and Supplies

A pattern is provided for you to practice your warping skills.

Yarn

DK weight wool or wool blend, 1,170 yds (1,070 m)/lb in three contrasting colors. Shown in Brown Sheep Prairie Spun (100% wool); 256 yds per 100 g skein.

Warp: 77 yds (70 m) light; 24 yds (22 m) dark; 10 yds (9 m) accent

Weft: 60 yds (55 m) light; 72 yds (66 m) dark; 3 yds (3 m) accent

Equipment

Rigid-heddle loom with at least a 9" weaving width, 8-dent rigid heddle, 3-4 shuttles, warping board or 3 or 4 warping pegs. Optional three flat sticks that are a little bit wider than the width of your loom.

Heddles Up!

Liz