Introduction to Band Weaving - Block 1

This four week introduction to band weaving is taught by Anne Hughes, an experienced weaver and longstanding member of the Oxford Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers.

Block 1, 4 sessions

Session 1: Introduction to Band Weaving

This first session is suitable for non-weavers and those with a little experience.

In this first session we will weave a band in plain weave using inkle looms.  Don’t be fooled, simple woven bands can be anything but plain when you use a good colour combination!

We’ll talk about the equipment and materials we can use for band weaving, how to start and finish a band securely, also pattern design and many other aspects of band weaving.

You will weave a colourful band to take home.

Session 2: Introduction to Pick-Up Weaving

This session is suitable for those who have attended the first band weaving session and for those with a little weaving experience.

In this session we will enter the wonderful world of pattern creation by manipulating the warps as we weave.

Using an alternating pick-up technique we will weave a sample band on an inkle loom and create patterns by raising selected warp threads as we weave.  We’ll explore further patterns with pick-up and drop techniques and talk about how to draft your own patterns.

You will weave a patterned band to take home.

Session 3: Introduction to Baltic-Style Weaving

This session is suitable for those who have attended the first band weaving session and for those with some weaving experience.

Baltic-style weaving has many different names, such as supplementary warp or speckled weaving, and uses contrasting colours and thicker warps to create raised patterns and motifs.

In this session we will weave a band with a selection of motifs and explore pattern creation.

You will weave a patterned band to take home.

Session 4: Introduction to Andean Pebble Weave

This session is suitable for those who have attended the previous band weaving sessions and for those with some weaving experience.

Andean pebble weave is complimentary warp technique that has distinctive dots, or pebbles, and striking motifs.  Pure pebble weave is woven on a repeated set of four rows with pick-up on alternating rows.

In this session we will explore this South American technique and will weave a patterned band on an inkle loom.  We will also look at using a backstrap setup for weaving and how to create string heddles.

You will weave a patterned band to take home.