The rigid heddle loom is often the gateway into weaving for both children and adults. In the beginning, the patterns created are often plain weave and very little of the yarn will be wasted, offerin gthe perfect opportunity to show off hand-spun yarns or yarns to expensive to lose as loom waste. This loom also accommodates the use of knitting yarns so the weaver can fortuitously use stash yarns for creations. Since rigid heddle warping is much easier (and faster!) than that of a floor loom, many weaverys are less fearful to attempt this process. The loom is less expensive, more portable, and offers versatility through the use of pick up sticks and finer-controlled manipulations, such as leno weave.
FGBR rigid heddle weavers meet on the first Wednesday of the month at 10:00 AM in the Robey Room of the Purcellville Library. Meetings have proved to be an open forum where members learn together by sharing our creations, resources, mistakes, and hurdles. Come give us a try!
