Essential Rigid Heddle Weaving Tools & Accessories
We love rigid heddle looms. They are a wonderful entry point into weaving, and they are also loved by experienced weavers for their quick setup and ability to start weaving in no time. While they may seem limited to plain weave, there are many ways to create a variety of weave structures with a rigid heddle loom with only a few extra tools.
New rigid heddle looms usually come with a handful of common tools, while second-hand looms may be missing some of these. Regardless, there are always a few more tools you need to get started. This post will help you gather supplies and begin weaving with confidence.
Also, we will link to helpful resources throughout this post, and at the bottom, you’ll find a Quick-Reference Checklist PDF you can use to keep track of what you have, need, and want!
The Essentials
You cannot weave without a rigid heddle loom and yarn. Let’s look at some of the basics.
Looms
Rigid heddle looms can be propped up against a table, placed on a table, or set on a stand. They come in sizes from 8” to 48” wide.
Rigid Heddles
Rigid heddles are usually plastic grates that sit in the middle of the loom. They move up and down to change the thread positions and predetermine the spacing between threads, known as sett. This spacing creates either stiff and sturdy cloth or soft and drapey fabric.
Yarn
Here at SweetGeorgia, we love yarn. We write about it all the time! We have many articles on yarn covering fibre content, best uses, colour, and more. Visit our Weaving page for a full list of posts to guide you on choosing yarn for your projects.
Items You Need for Warping
There are three common ways to make a warp for a rigid heddle loom, each using different tools. We have How-To articles on each method mentioned below on our Weaving page. Regardless of the method you choose, here are a few items needed for all methods.
Yarn Swift
If you are working from a skein, you need to wind it into a ball or cone. A yarn swift, also known as an umbrella, holds the skein open while you wind.
Ball or Cone Winder
You can wind a ball by hand or use a ball winder or cone winder. If you work from skeins often, this tool is worth considering.
Scrap Yarn
Scrap yarn is useful at many points in the warping and weaving process. From tying to secure your warp, to weaving headers, it is always good to have scrap (waste) yarn on hand!
Kraft Paper or Sticks
When winding the warp onto the back beam, you need to separate the layers of yarn on the back beam for consistent tension.
Heddle or Threading Hook
A heddle or threading hook is used to move the yarn through the small holes in the rigid heddle.
Sleying or Reed Hook
A sleying or reed hook is used to move the yarn through the large slots in the rigid heddle. Often, the heddle and sleying hook are combined into one tool, with different hooks on each end.
Direct Warping
This method creates the warp directly on the loom. Besides the rigid heddle loom and the tools above, you will need:
Warping Peg
To make a warp on the loom, attach the yarn to the back of the loom, then walk it to a warping peg and return to the loom.
Clamps
Some rigid heddle looms come with clamps to secure the loom to a table. This is not always essential, but it makes the process easier.
Bowl, Basket, or Bobbin Rack
When walking back and forth, the yarn tends to roll around. A container or rack keeps it in place and lets the yarn flow freely.
Indirect Warping
This method makes the warp off the loom. You will need to transfer the warp to the rigid heddle loom later. To make the warp, you will need:
Warping Board or Mill
These are most often used to create the warp. Since rigid heddle looms hold less warp than floor looms, many weavers choose a warping board. Some looms have a built-in board underneath.
Lease Sticks
After making the warp, secure the cross with lease sticks (also known as cross or warp sticks).
Hybrid Warping
Hybrid warping is a mix of direct and indirect warping. The warp is made on the loom, but instead of using a warping peg, the yarn is wound through a warping board.
Supplies You Will Need Along the Way!
Yarn Management Tools
When moving the yarn, known as the weft, back and forth through the warp, there are a few options you can use:
Shuttles
These come in boat or stick form. Most rigid heddle weavers use stick shuttles. Since rigid heddle looms create a smaller opening (shed) than multi-shaft looms, when choosing a boat shuttle, look for slim or low-profile options.
Bobbins, Pirns, and Quills
If you are using a boat shuttle, you need either bobbins, pirns, or quills to hold the yarn. Sizes vary by shuttle, so check the recommendations for the boat shuttle you want to get.
Bobbin Winder
If you use boat shuttles, you need a way to wind yarn onto the bobbins. Some weavers use hand drills or spinning wheels, but a bobbin winder, manual or electric, makes the process much easier.
Additional Must-Haves
These small tools and accessories often make weaving easier and are good to have on hand.
Scissors
Small embroidery scissors are handy for cutting weft yarns. Larger fabric scissors are useful when removing a finished project from the loom.
Darning needle
Use a darning or tapestry needle to fix mistakes.
Measuring Tape and Ruler
Soft measuring tapes or ribbons are useful for checking project length as you weave, as well as measuring finished results. A hard ruler is also handy for checking how many yarn threads or ends per inch are in your cloth.
Pick-Up Sticks
Pick-up sticks allow you to create lacy or more intricate patterns on a rigid heddle loom.
Angle Tool
For more complex patterns, like twill, an angle tool helps check 45° angles as you weave.
Wet Finishing
Finishing your cloth ensures your work looks, feels, and performs as you intended.
Basin, Sink, and Soap
Wash the cloth according to the yarn instructions. Cotton towels can be machine-washed with detergent. Hand-dyed wool may need handwashing with a gentle soap like Soak.
Towel or Dryer
Finish according to the yarn’s needs, either air-drying or using a clothes dryer.
Iron or Press
Many fabrics should be pressed while nearly dry to set the structure. Always check yarn instructions first, as not all fibres tolerate heat.
Final Touches
Just the small things to finish off any project!
Brushes
Soft brushes can be used to raise a nap or halo on finished fabric. Each brush creates a different effect. Sampling is the best way to decide on the look you want.
Fringe Twister
Though you can twist fringe by hand, a fringe twister makes the job much quicker and easier.
Sewing Tools
Depending on the project, you may need basic sewing supplies such as a needle and thread.
Final Thoughts
These are just a few of the common tools, accessories, and supplies you will need or want while rigid heddle weaving. There are always new techniques or new items popping up to make our experience easier, but this list should get you started with ease.
Courses to Help On Your Journey
At the School of SweetGeorgia, we have over 100 courses to help you on your fibre arts adventures. From knitting, spinning, crocheting, weaving, dyeing, and more, we are here to help. Here is a list of some of our basic weaving courses:
- Essential Weaving
- Rigid Heddle Weaving Basics
- Clasped Warp & Weft on Rigid Heddle
- Colour & Weave on Rigid Heddle Loom
- Lace with Pick-Up Sticks on a Rigid Heddle
- Two-Heddle Weaving
- Two-Heddle Twills
- Magic in the Water
Join Our Community!
- At the School of SweetGeorgia, we’ve built a vibrant and welcoming community of fibre-loving makers, passionate instructors, and dedicated staff. Whether you’re looking for guidance on a new technique or just need a little creative encouragement, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
- Not yet a member of the School? We invite you to come and see what it is all about! Use the code: EXPLORETHESCHOOL to save 15% on an All-Access monthly membership!
- We welcome you to join us in our SweetGeorgia Community. This is where we share projects that inspire, have fibre-filled conversations, host make-alongs, and participate in a variety of virtual meetings! We discuss all things knitting, crocheting, spinning, weaving, machine knitting, and more!
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Let us know what your favourite rigid heddle tools are. We love talking about handwoven fabric!!
Checklist
Here is a quick checklist you can use to see what you have, need, and want!
The post Essential Rigid Heddle Weaving Tools & Accessories appeared first on SweetGeorgia Yarns.
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