Rigid Heddle Looms

Abstract

Learn to Weave Rigid Heddle is a single session individual lesson that introduces the skills needed for plain weave on a rigid heddle loom. The core skills covered in the lesson are: weaving terminology, parts of the loom, the direct warping method, weaving, hemstitching, fringe, and wet finishing. The lessons may be scheduled as you advance at your own pace. No experience with weaving is necessary. This lesson is designed for the absolute beginner, however the instructor may customize the content and pace of the material for those students looking to complete a different project or take it as a refresher course. 

Your homework following the lesson is to complete the scarf project we start in the lesson at home. A brief 20 minute follow up upon completion of the project is provided complimentary to review your work.

Materials

Standardized materials for the lesson series are required to facilitate your learning experience. These supplies must be purchased separately. The fee for this class is only for the instruction. The supplies listed are usually available for purchase in our studio. Please consult the instructor prior to class with any questions. If you are looking to purchase a loom for the class, usually the 15" Schacht Cricket Loom is a good choice and it contains most of the materials you need for the class in the box.

Supplies you are required to bring:  

• Working Rigid Heddle Loom complete with accessories
• Rigid heddle loom with either an 8 or 10 dent reed with a minimum of a 10" weaving width
• Warping Peg
• Threading Hook
• Table Clamps
• Stick Shuttle
• 200 grams of yarn in worsted weight for an 8 dent reed or DK weight for a 10 dent reed.
• Consult the instructor to verify that the yarn you choose is appropriate for the project. 
• Scissors
• Sturdy Ruler
• Tapestry / Yarn Needle for hemstitching
• Flexible or Retractable Tape Measure
• Paper, pencil, post-it notes.
• Project bag and/or cases to organize your materials

If you prefer, a complete material kit with our preferred items may be preassembled for your convenience for a separate fee. Please contact us prior to the lesson for assistance in selecting materials.  

When

Once you complete registration, we will contact you to schedule your lesson and discuss your learning needs. This initial lesson meets for up to 4 hours. Lessons are scheduled within the availability of the instructor. While we make every attempt to be flexible for scheduling, not every request can be accommodated. Please contact Josh with any questions about registration. 

Where

Lessons are held in person at our studio. Icon Fiber Arts is located at 590 Redbird Circle, De Pere, WI 54115. Our conference table is reserved for our use in the store during your lesson time. Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow yourself time to get situated. Lessons will begin and end promptly within the agreed upon times with the instructor as scheduled. Please notify us prior to the class if you need any accommodations in our learning area.

About the Instructor 

Josh Steger began his journey as a fiber artist at a young age when he learned to knit, crochet, and sew. Josh always felt inspired by yarn and what you can make with it. It was a natural progression when he started to dye wool, spin it into yarn, and ultimately, create surface designs. In 2013, Josh formally launched his fiber arts studio, Icon Fiber Arts, as a part buds ‘n bloom. Josh's experience as an instructor is well rounded. He formerly worked for United Healthcare in Green Bay as a Trainer and Learning Specialist. He has taught classes for Traveling Treadlers Fiber Arts Guild and the Bay Lakes Knitting Guild. He also provides one on one instruction for knitting, crochet, weaving, felting, hand spinning, and dyeing.  

Cancellation & Attendance

A refund will be provided to attendees who cancel 24 hours in advance of their scheduled lesson. There is no refund or partial refund for the class for any missed sessions. In the unlikely event of inclement weather that would prevent the class from meeting, the class will be extended and rescheduled as determined by the Instructor.

Additional reeds for your Cricket Quartet. Available in 6, 8, 10, 12, & 15 dent. 13 1/2" weaving width.

Enjoy the best of both worlds! Convert your 15″ Cricket into a 4-shaft loom!
15″ Cricket Loom and optional 15″ Cricket Stand sold separately. 

The Cricket Quartet reimagines our most popular rigid heddle loom, the 15″ Cricket, transforming it into a 4-shaft loom with a 13-1/2″ weaving width. We engineered the Quartet with thoughtful features that help you weave more complex patterns. Closely spaced levers move with smooth action to raise and lower shafts. You’ll achieve clean sheds with help from the extended back beam. The pivot beater maximizes your weaving space. Like all Schacht products, the Cricket Quartet is manufactured in the USA.

• Includes 300 Texsolv heddles (5-7/8″ red) and your choice of 6, 8, 10, 12, or 15 dent reed
• Made of high-quality maple plywood and solid hard maple; left unfinished to match your loom
• Ships flat-packed, with assembly required
• 15″ Cricket Loom and optional 15″ Cricket Stand sold separately
• You will need a warping system (a warping peg set or warping board) for measuring warp chains—try our Warping Peg Set or Warping Board (available in 4-1/2 yard and 14 yard sizes)
• Recommended accessories: 11″ slim boat shuttle, plastic bobbins, bobbin winder, 15″ Cricket Stand, 15″ Cricket Trap

Please contact us with any questions regarding purchasing a loom. We have a complete setup on display in the studio to view and try out. The 15" Cricket Loom frame and stand shown in the pictures are NOT included. The Quartet is a kit to convert a 15" Cricket Loom to a 4 shaft loom. The entire Schacht Cricket series for the 15" model is usually in stock and ready to ship. The Quartet Loom is NOT compatible with the 10" Cricket Loom. We can also assist you in ordering any of the optional accessories that are sold separately, many of them are in stock.

Accessories (Sold Separately)

• 15" Cricket Rigid Heddle Loom Kit (Required to build the Quartet)
• 6, 8, 10, 12 and 15 dent Reeds
• 11" Slim boat shuttles
• Plastic Bobbins
• Bobbin Winder
• Additional 15″  Slim Cricket Stick Shuttles 
• Floor Stand
• 15" Cricket Trap