Backstrap weaving is one of the oldest textile-making traditions in the world. Backstrap looms were used by the ancient Maya and Aztec cultures, and the fact that their descendants still use these looms today speaks to their functionality and importance. For anyone with hands that know patience, both plain and complex cloth can be woven with the simplest of tools: just a few sticks, some string, a flat sword of wood and a band of cloth around your back by which you can provide tension to the warp.  

Backstrap weaving is not something to be mastered in just a few hours, but in 8 weeks of two-hour class sessions, we will gain familiarity and ease with weaving plain and patterned cloth in this time-honored and traditional way. 

You will learn how to wind a warp, preserve its cross and set it up on sticks for weaving either a balanced-weave cloth or a warp-faced weave. You will learn how to make and use continuous heddles, key to developing greater ease in weaving. Those who wish will learn how to warp and weave figures on a plain ground in a complementary warp technique called pebble weave. 

You will learn how to read pattern charts and an innovative method that will enable you to chart your own designs in this technique. Hopefully you will weave a sturdy backstrap for yourself that will serve you for many years to come as well as several other sample projects as you explore weaving backstrap style in this class.

You will be expected to work at home on your weaving each week as there will be no open studios for this class. All yarn is provided. Backstrap kits are included in the cost of the class.

No Class on November 24th

Once a weaver has learned the basics in tapestry weaving, it’s a natural next step to learn how to apply them to designs. Project planning, yarn choice, technique application… all of this and more will be covered in this class.

Each week a different weaving topic will be covered, and each student will have the opportunity to explore their weaving plans with the instructor and their group. In addition, small projects will be suggested for students to practice techniques that will take their weaving to a new level.

This is a class that can be taken as many times as one wants, as new issues and questions arise with any tapestry project a weaver takes on. There is also great camaraderie that forms amongst weavers as we expand into this art form.

Pre-requisite: Introductory to Tapestry Weaving or commensurate experience.

Materials needed for this class:

Tapestry loom
Preferred warp yarn
Preferred weft yarn
Weaving tools

If you are building your supplies stash and would like some suggestions on what to purchase, please reach out to fiber@shelburnecraftschool.org

NO CLASS on November 25th.

Inkle refers to the weaving of warp-faced bands, and there are a great many ways to inkle weave, all of them easy and relaxing. This portable mode of weaving is not limited to using a modern inkle loom though that is where we will begin. We'll start by choosing from a host of designs in your choice of colors and soon you'll understand how to create your own color designs.   

Inkle looms may be threaded to create bar patterns if you wish to explore pattern development through simple pick-up techniques. We can provide tablet boards and tablets if you wish to explore tablet weaving and hole and slot heddles and curved shuttles if you wish to explore the fascinating world of Baltic Pick-up patterns.  Explore color and pattern design while creating sturdy and sumptuous straps and sashes, lanyards and much more. No previous weaving experience is necessary.

In this six-week class you will learn different ways to plan and create your warp-faced designs, how to select the best yarns for your intended purpose, and how to warp your inkle loom in a design of your choosing. 

You'll learn how to measure and make your own string heddles if you don't already have them for your inkle loom. You'll learn how  designs are charted for a variety of styles of band weaving, how to read  them, and you’ll be offered time saving tips on warping & to achieve even edges on your bands and be shown several ways to secure the ends of your weaving.

Please bring your own inkle loom and stick shuttle  if you have one, though several will be available on loan for those who don't have one of their own. If you have time to weave at least two hours a week between classes at home, you can expect to weave as many as 4-5  bands over the course of this six week class. All yarns provided.Surely someone on your gift list needs a guitar strap, a camera strap, a bookmark, a small cellphone bag, a zipper purse, or just a greeting card with a snip of your inkle weaving in the window! 

No Class on November 24