Weaving Today Publishes a Guide to Selecting and Using a Weaving Loom

Jan. 12, 2012 - PRLog -- Loveland, Colo.: The weaving experts from Weaving Today have put together an informative eBook, available for download today. This free eBook is dedicated to the needs of experienced weavers and beginners alike.  Weaving experts cover detailed descriptions of different types of hand looms: the table loom, jack loom, counterbalance loom, and countermarch loom.  Each type of handloom and what it does best or what limitations it has is all covered in-depth. In addition, if a rigid-heddle loom is better suited for one’s needs, they can learn rigid heddle weaving with a beautiful free scarf pattern. Rigid heddle weaving is a great way to start for beginners. Also included are instructions on how to make an inkle loom, a handloom every weaver should have, great for start-up weaving projects like belts and bands.

The Free eBook can be Downloaded at: http://www.weavingtoday.com/Weaving-Looms/

Choosing a weaving loom is a big decision for a weaver. The purpose of a weaving loom is to hold the warp threads under tension to facilitate the interweaving of the weft threads. There are many types of weaving looms and several factors to take into consideration when selecting one: the desired weaving project, skill level, how much space is needed, and budget. This free eBook from Weaving Today explores many types of weaving looms, with their benefits and limitations, making choosing a hand loom a lot simpler.

The Free eBook can be Downloaded at: http://www.weavingtoday.com/Weaving-Looms/

Choosing a Weaving Loom:

A table loom takes up less space than a floor loom, but it is limited in weaving width. Table looms are ideal for sampling because they allow any combination of shafts. However, weaving on a table loom is manual and slow.

A jack loom's advantage is that it’s easy to tie up and easy to warp. But jack looms are not ideal for fabrics requiring tight and even tension.

The counterbalance loom is ideal for firm fabrics such as rugs, the treadling is very light and the tension perfectly even on both raised and lowered warp threads. Counterbalance looms are usually limited to two or four shafts and do not always form clean unbalanced sheds.

The Countermarch loom creates even tension on raised and lowered warp threads and light treadling action. Their main drawback is time-consuming tie-up.

Using a Rigid-heddle Loom:

A rigid-heddle loom is just the ticket for small projects such as scarves. The rigid-heddle loom is a great loom for beginners but it’s also great for traveling, weaving with children, and public demonstrations. A rigid-heddle loom is easy to warp and thread, and it accommodates a variety of widths and lengths of cloth. Rigid-heddle weaving projects include placemats and table runners, shawls and stoles, pillows, purses and tote bags, tops, and belts—practically any medium-weight fabric that’s the width of the loom or narrower.

Make an Inkle Loom and Weave a Hatband:

For those who like to DIY, here’s how to construct an inkle loom, warp it, and weave a project all within a weekend. This lightweight, portable handloom is suitable for small projects such as hatbands and bookmarks. It can easily be disassembled for travel when needed! Inkle weaving is a great place to start for new weavers.

Source: http://www.weavingtoday.com

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Weaving Today is an online community for hand weavers who are looking for a place to share, learn, and be inspired. The site offers free weaving loom projects, instructional weaving videos, and weaving techniques from expert weavers.