The Confident Weaver’s Guide to Rigid Heddle
Introduction
As the editor of Easy Weaving with Little Looms, few things bring me as much joy as helping a new weaver take their next step into weaving, or, in some cases, helping them to take that very first step. Finding the answers to your beginning weaving questions should be quick and easy, so you can spend less time searching for tutorials and more time weaving.
It’s with this mindset that we put together this resource page, full of tips, tutorials, and other useful advice, starting with basic information on the rigid-heddle loom and going on through warping, weaving, and finishing—as well as all the little steps in between.
- Getting Started – The Basics
- Setting Up and Preparing to Weave
- Weaving
- Tips and Troubleshooting
- Finishing
- Watch and Learn
- More Weaving Resources
Use these links to help you start weaving or skip to the different key topics. Even as an experienced rigid-heddle weaver, I still sometimes need a refresher, and I love how easy this page makes it to find exactly what I need. No matter where you are on your weaving journey, I invite you to let us help you build your skills and your love for weaving.
—Christina
Getting Started – The Basics
Setting Up and Preparing to Weave
Get Set Up with One of Our Favorite Shops
There’s nothing quite like visiting your local yarn and weaving supply shop when you need advice on weaving, help with a specific project, or want to try out a new loom or shuttle. These shops are more than just stores—they’re places where weavers can find community and guidance. When I lived in eastern Kansas, Yarn Barn of Kansas was my local yarn shop, and no trip to Lawrence, Kansas, was complete without a visit to look at yarn and play on the looms.
After moving away and learning to weave, I made sure every trip back to Kansas to visit family included a stop at Yarn Barn to stock up on my favorite weaving yarns, upgrade my weaving tools, and see what new—or at least new-to-me—weaving books could be found. I haven’t lived in Kansas for almost twenty years now, but I still consider Yarn Barn of Kansas my local yarn shop. They have everything I need for my rigid-heddle weaving, and I know I can email or call the shop with questions and get the same cheerful help I’d get in person. I don’t feel like a customer; I feel like a part of their community. And isn’t that what having a local yarn shop is really about?
—Christina
Tips and Troubleshooting
Finishing
Watch and Learn
- Beginning Weaving on the Rigid-Heddle Loom – Start-to-finish learning how to weave.
- How to Direct Warp – Learn this simple way to get started warping quickly and easily (and it’s free!)
- Life After Warping – Learn about the proper tools to use, how to transition colors smoothly, and what to do if you bust a warp thread.
- Wet-Finishing for Weavers – Join expert weaving instructor Laura Fry to learn how to bring your woven cloth to its greatest potential.
Thanks to our page sponsor, Yarn Barn, for their support!
Learning how to weave but need the right shuttle? Hooked on knitting and in search of a lofty yarn? Yarn Barn of Kansas has been your partner in fiber since 1971. Whether you are around the corner from the Yarn Barn of Kansas, or around the country, they are truly your “local yarn store” with an experienced staff to answer all your fiber questions. Visit yarnbarn-ks.com to shop, learn, and explore.