2025 Registration

Member Registration starts at 7:00 am on November 17, 2024

Registration for all others starts at 7:00 am on December 1, 2024

Beginning Inkle Weaving

Skill Level

Beginner

Required Skills:

None

Class Schedule

Class Length:

Full Day

Class Times:

Friday, 9 am to 12 pm
Friday, 2 pm to 5 pm

Description

The inkle loom is a simple tool for weaving useful everyday items. In this workshop, students will learn the techniques and artistry of inkle weaving from someone with over 4 decades as an exclusive inkle loom weaver. Students will have the opportunity to look at samples and graphic aids to learn how to use elements of color theory and pattern design to create endless variations on their own. They will also learn two methods of creating patterns using a free online tool and a chart-paper method. They will then warp and weave the designs they create or ones supplied by the instructor. Students will learn tips for warping, making heddles, fixing mistakes, starting and stopping, and keeping selvages straight. They will also learn how to temporarily remove and replace the warp, as well as how to cut the final project off the loom and handle it when it is complete.

Fees

Registration Fees:

For FTWG Members: $170

For all others: $200

Materials Fee:

$5

Materials Fee Includes:

Handouts

Registration Fees are paid when you register to attend the FTWG Conference. Materials fees are paid directly to the instructor at the beginning of class. You should plan to pay the materials fee in cash.

Students to Bring

  • Inkle loom
  • 30 heddles to fit the loom
  • 6" to 8" belt shuttle
  • Sharp scissors
  • Note-taking materials

Instructor Bio

At the age of seventeen, Annie MacHale first discovered the inkle loom, sparking a lifelong love affair. She built her first loom in 1976 with the help of her dad and a library book. Since then she’s woven miles of bands including over 1,100 guitar straps. She loves to play with color and pattern and finds the inkle loom a very satisfying way to do this. Annie is known to many through her blog, ASpinnerWeaver.com. The popularity of her patterns shared there has led to the 2019 publication of a book, “In Celebration of Plain Weave: Color and Design Inspiration for Inkle Weavers”. This was followed by another book in 2021, “Three-Color Pickup for Inkle Weavers: A Modern Look at an Ancient Baltic-Style Technique” in which she shares a rare, older Lithuanian technique that has fallen out of use.

Gallery

These photos were provided by the instructor to demonstrate the experience of taking this class.