Learning to Weave
Nothing takes the place of taking a weaving class. Not only is it easier to learn when someone watches you and makes suggestions, but on your own, it is sometimes difficult to know where to start, or what to weave, or where to find the supplies you need. And if you want to learn about looms, nothing is better than weaving on a few different kinds.
It is best to take your first class someplace where looms and materials are provided. You should not purchase a loom or other equipment until you have had a chance to try at least a couple different kinds of looms and weaving projects. You may not at this time know what kind of weaving to specialize in, but you should be able to do some weaving which interests you. You should learn to tie up the warp, weave plain weave and one other four shaft weave and to use a temple. You should learn basic weaving techniques like weaving weft stripes, using treadles, using a boat shuttle and bobbin winder, planning hems or fringes and doing some finishing techniques.
It is best to do some weaving before you learn to warp the loom. This can be a complete project, or some samples of techniques. The reason for this is that if you have already treadled a loom to produce a pattern, have used the beater, treadles and other parts of the loom, you will already have some vocabulary needed for warping the loom. And you will understand why you are doing the various steps in the warping process.
You should have the opportunity to weave on both a table loom and a floor loom. This will show you how to make a good shed for weaving, how to beat, how to advance the warp and the differences in these techniques when you change from a table loom to a floor loom.
It is also nice to take a second class from some other instructor, either at a conference, or by traveling to another community. You will get a different perspective on weaving and will learn new techniques.
If there is a guild in your area, go to a few meetings. Guild members can be very helpful for answering your questions and getting you involved in weaving projects. You will also see the weavings of other weavers. This will show you the variety of kinds of weavings you could do and it will help you to decide what you may want to weave.
I live in Montana and if you are interested in taking classes here in my studio, you will have a choice of weaving projects and can work on floor or table looms. You will have shelves of yarns to choose from and many examples of weavings suitable for your interests and level of weaving. You can choose a project that is already on the loom and ready to weave, or you can design your own and warp your loom yourself. I have many kinds and sizes of looms to learn about and the class can be designed around your experience and interests. Most weavers who come here find they have to share the studio with only one or two other weavers.
You can also combine a weaving class with a vacation, as we are located between Yellowstone and Glacier Parks. There are opportunities here for hiking, fishing, floating and many other outdoor opportunities. You can even dig for sapphires nearby.
To read about my classes visit
topGlimakra USA... 866-890-7314 or 406-442-0354
update 1/08