Materials for inkle weaving
For inkle weaving, you will need several tools and materials, important to obtain a beautiful result.
Here is a list of the necessary elements:
- Raw materials:
o Threads: When starting out, a 8/4 cotton is quite suitable. Then, choose the type of thread suitable for your project (cotton, wool, mercerized cotton, silk, etc.). The threads can vary in thickness and texture depending on the braid you want to make and its use.
o Beads: Some braids can be decorated with beads to further embellish the piece.
- Weaving tools:
o Inkle loom: A loom helps a lot for weaving braids. Different brands offer inkle looms:
Available in two sizes (maximum warps of 72 and 110 in), the looms are made of solid silver beech to ensure excellent durability. The warp tension is adjusted with an adjustment pin. Its compact size ensures easy storage and transport. The shuttle is included.
Inklette: maximum warp length 72 in. – width 2 in.
Inkle: maximum warp length 110 in. – width 3 in.
Louët inkle looms are available in two different sizes. The star-shaped knob makes it easy to tighten or loosen the tension bar. The tension knob is located in the middle of the warp for more even weaving. Non-slip feet make weaving easier. Rubber stops at the end of the pegs prevent the warp from slipping. A shuttle is included.
Small model: 76 in warp
Large model: 110 in warp
The Schacht inkle loom has an open side for easy warping. The tension is adjusted with the adjustable pin. Schacht makes these inkle looms from hard maple that will stand up to years of heavy use. The shuttle is included with the loom; it has a beveled edge that helps hold the yarn and beat the weft.
Warps can be 4.5 in. (11.4 cm) wide and 8.5 ft. (2.5 m) long.
o Shuttles and Knife: Used to pass the yarn through the warp threads on the loom. They help create patterns and hold the yarn in place.
- Schacht Inkle Shuttle
- Ashford Inkle Shuttle
- Glimakra Inkle Shuttle
- Glimakra Knife
- Texsolv heddles make it easy to create an opening.
o Weaving Reed: Used to separate the warp threads and maintain yarn tension while weaving.
These are essential as you progress to create more complex designs.
- Books
o The Weaver’s Inkle Pattern Directory by Anne Dixon
This pattern book offers 400 clearly illustrated and easy-to-follow designs for use on an inkle loom.
o Card Weaving by Candice Crockett
This classic book takes the reader from the ancient origins of card (or tablet) weaving to finished and complex braids. Instructions on warping and weaving, pattern design, dark and light patterns, structural techniques and finishing will provide you with everything you need to get started. You will discover that there is more to card weaving than just cards and thread.
o A Tablet Weaver's Pattern Book By John Mullarkey, Marilyn Emerson Holtzer, Luise Hoffman, Bonnie White, and Jo Ann Treumann. When the Weaver's Guild of St. Louis found a buried treasure in its library: a handwritten copy of Mary Meigs Atwater's 75 card weaving projects, several weavers joined forces to produce this book.
John Mullarkey and his co-authors transformed these notes into full-color drawings.
o Tablet Woven Accents for Designer Fabrics by Inge Dam. Inge Dam's unique hand-woven fabrics incorporate borders and bands inspired by antique textiles discovered in Danish bogs and burials.
In this book, Inge describes the five weaving techniques she uses and explains her process for incorporating tablet weaving into looms. She shares some unique border treatments and embellishments, and provides patterns and project ideas. The instructions are clear and well illustrated with over 320 photos, diagrams, and drawings.
Weavers who want to expand their design possibilities for decorative and fashion fabrics will find a valuable guide here, as well as exciting new applications.
o The Techniques of Tablet Weaving by: Peter Collingwood (Book in English)
This is a wonderful book to recommend to serious weavers and beginning students alike. No other English-language author has explored a difficult technique so clearly and thoroughly. With photographs of historical pieces, numerous diagrams, and clear text, the author goes so deep into areas such as double-faced twill patterns, unit weaves, brocades, and patterned velvets that you will probably form a study group just to see what some of these patterns look like.
Many black and white photos and illustrations.
Check out our upcoming classes by visiting the classes page on the Tisse et File website or by clicking here: classes
o Scissors or thread cutters: To cut the threads to the desired length and to remove excess threads.
o Tapestry needle: To finish the ends of the braid or to make alterations.
o Ruler or tape measure: To measure the lengths of thread and the dimensions of the braid.
These tools and materials will help you create braids with precision and achieve a high-quality finished product. Be sure to choose the right tools based on the type of braid you want to weave and your skill level.
For more information
Inkle weaving: a historical overview by major periods