Introduction to Band Weaving - Block 2

This second block of weaving at Hunsdon House introduces tablet weaving. Sessions are taught by Anne Hughes, an experienced weaver and longstanding member of the Oxford Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers.

Block 2, 4 sessions

Session 1: Introduction to Tablet Weaving
This first tablet weaving session is suitable for non-weavers and those with a little experience.
Tablet weaving is an ancient method of band weaving that typically uses square tablets with four holes, one in each corner. Often known as card weaving it is a versatile technique that offers endless pattern and texture opportunities.
In this first session we will weave a sample band while learning the basics of tablet weaving. You will learn how to securely start and finish a band, how tablet weaving patterns are drafted, and learn some of the history of this fascinating technique.
You will weave on an inkle loom and weave a patterned band to take home.

Session 2: Tablet Weaving – Pictures
This session is suitable for those who have attended the first tablet weaving session and for those with a little weaving experience.
In this session we will explore the joy of weaving repeating images with tablet weaving. We will also look at pattern drafting for creating your own designs.
You will weave on an inkle loom and weave a patterned band to take home.

Session 3: Tablet Weaving – Diagonals
This session is suitable for those who have attended the first tablet weaving session and for those with a little tablet weaving experience.
For many years this technique was known as Egyptian Diagonals when it was believed that the ancient Egyptians used tablets to make their patterned textiles. More recent analysis has shown that this was not the case.
Weaving diagonal-based patterns with tablets requires us to manipulate the tablets in pairs and opens up a world of fabulous patterns.
In this session we will weave a sample band on an inkle loom and learn to follow a simple written pattern.
You will weave a patterned band to take home.

Session 4: Tablet Weaving – Kivrim
This session is suitable for those who have attended the previous tablet weaving sessions and for those with some tablet weaving experience.
Kivrim is a Turkish word meaning curve or bend, and the Running Dog pattern that we will weave in this session comes from the Anatolian region of Turkey. The pattern requires individual card manipulation and builds on the skills learnt in the previous sessions.
You will weave on an inkle loom and weave a patterned band to take home.