Beginning Weaving on a Rigid Heddle Loom

WEGO (Weaving Guilds of Oregon) is underwriting this workshop. It will be taught by Patty Huffer.

The Rigid Heddle loom can be an inventive and inspirational loom to weave on. Learning the basics, you can start to see the versatility of this little workhorse.

In this class, you will learn the basics of weaving on a Rigid Heddle loom. From how to warp it, with help from a warping board so you can accomplish this process in a small space, getting the warp on the loom with even tension, to techniques for getting good selvedges. These techniques will help make your weaving very enjoyable.

In this two-day class you will warp the loom twice, this will reinforce the warping process. The first day we will weave a scarf, discussing various yarns that can be used, and finger manipulation of the warp and weft threads. The second day we will once again warp the loom and get another project on it that you will finish at home.

My goal for this class is for you to see the many possibilities the Rigid Heddle loom has for creating many kinds of finished pieces. Weaving is full of surprises, from the way fiber can affect the woven cloth, to color interaction, and the finishing techniques used.

This workshop has a materials fee of $15, payable at the workshop.

Workshop pricing will be based on the number of attendees. If the workshop fills with 8 attendees, the price will be $60. With the minimum of 4 attendees, the price will be $120.

Patty’s Bio

Patty Huffer lives in Washington state and has been weaving since 1981. After graduating from Central Washington University, with a dual education degree in Home Economics and Physical Education, she took a summer weaving class. This began her 40 years of weaving and teaching others to weave and spin.

The love of fibers and teaching others has been a life-long inspiration for her. Starting at a young age with knitting, crocheting, cross stitch and needle point. There are new ideas coming from students, fiber artists and other weavers all the time. She looks forward to the moment when each student, for the first time, understands how a woven piece is constructed resulting in a beautifully finished product.

Patty’s experience and use of many varieties of looms and threading has contributed to her ongoing passion for weaving. It is always amazing what can be achieved with different yarns (natural and synthetic) and woven structures.

Workshop Supply List

Please make sure each item you bring to the workshop is labeled with your name.

The general supplies for the class for each individual will be:

• Rigid Heddle loom with an 8 or 10 dent reed (Portland Handweavers Guild has rigid heddle looms to rent)
• Warping board
• Threading hook, stick shuttles
• Clamps for loom and Clamps for warping board (larger clamps)
• Scissors, tape measure, tapestry needle, pen and paper (any other related weaving items)

The first day we will be setting up the loom and weaving a scarf. The supplies you will need for this are:

• DK/Sport weight yarn (approx. 350 yards for warp and a similar weight yarn for weft approx. 150 yards)
• Paper for the warp beam (this can be sturdy paper from grocery sacks or corrugated cardboard that comes in rolls)

Supplies for the second day will be:

• One or Two colors of carpet warp (Ruthie’s has carpet warp for sale)
• 1” strips of coordinating cotton material
• Fork or hair pick (used as an additional beater)
• Paper for warp beam

I am looking forward to meeting you and teaching at your guild. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me, Patty Huffer    loomroom@gmail.com

If you have any administrative questions, first please read this posting in its entirety.  There are looms to rent FOR GUILD MEMBERS, if you don’t have one.  Any other questions, please email the workshop chair.