Inkle Loom Weaving

Inkle loom weaving is a good way to make straps, lanyards and bookmarks. You can use a traditional inkle set-up with string heddles or you can warp your loom using tablets for tablet weaving.

Notice the string heddles that allow me to change sheds and weave a pattern based on the color of the warp threads.

You can also simply warp the inkle loom using variegated yarn or thread and allow the colors to make their own pattern.

I enjoy tablet weaving on the inkle loom. I started out with the standard cardboard tablets that are available at a weaving shop in my area and ended up buying some hand-made wooden tablets from Jared. He also makes shuttles.

There are books available as well as some online sights if you want to do a search.

Here are a few of my tablet woven bands:

This was woven on the larger floor inkle loom.

Here is an inkle loom warped for tablet weaving.

This is the view while weaving on the loom. When you want to take a break all you have to do is slide the group of tablets down toward the band and slip the shuttle between the threads to secure it. The loom, tablets and shuttle were all made by Jared Wiechert.

There are sites online where you can find hardware to make lanyards. Just weave yardage and measure what length you need for a lanyard and do a double row of machine stitching to secure the threads between each lanyard section. Cut the threads between the two rows of machine stitching and finish the lanyards with whatever hardware you prefer. They are great for name tags or key chains. You can make wrist bands for small bags or even a strap for the handle of a walking cane.

You can see where I machine stitched this strap for cutting into sections. I used fray check on the raw edge showing at the top in this photo.

This was a sample strap in tablet weave. I knotted the ends and cut fringe then made another knot using both ends together to make a wrist distaff. I put the strap over my left wrist and wind a length of combed top around and around to keep it where I need it for spinning with a hand spindle.

This was made using a small length left over after cutting sections for lanyards. Short pieces can be used for bookmarks. Just stitch across the ends and leave a little fringe.

I keep all my bits and pieces in a clear plastic box that I store on the wire shelving in my work room.