Introduction: MAKING a RIGID HEDDLE LOOM
Working with a loom always was one of my dreams as a teenager. I used to think that I should learn as much as possible about the old way of doing things so that I might be able to pass it on to other generations in case there was a cataclysm. Besides, I always had a certain way of building things, and a loom certainly was on my list.
Step 1: Introduction
Now, being over sixty and with a 5-year-old granddaughter, I decided I had to give it a try. And I began small. First I looked for small handlooms to knit scarves. And I made one and tried it with a scarf for my granddaughter.
But the real goal was a larger loom and I spend some time on the internet studying different types of looms and discovered one that is called the Rigid Heddle Loom, which seemed quite easy to make.
The structure of a Rigid Heddle Loom is quite simple: two lateral (62cm x 13,5 cm) 2cm thick boards linked by 2 x 4 cm slats at the bottom part. The lateral boards have two rounded tips ( 13,5 cm in height) to include both cloth beams: one upfront and another in the back.
Almost at two-thirds of the lateral boards, towards the back, we have the heddle blocks, one on each side. These blocks have three indented parts in order to support the heddle in the three normal positions: resting position when it is not working, up position and down position to make space to pass the shuttle with the weft.
Step 2: Drawing All the Parts
After having decided on the type of loom, I had to decide the size of the thing, because there are different measures and the things you can do with them are different as well. So I decided to make one 80 centimetres wide and 60 centimetres long. It would be enough to weave cloth 80 centimetres across.
I found a type I wanted and the photo was a small one. I had to figure out all its characteristics…
First I tried to understand all the details in the photo and then I started looking for bits of scrap wood I could use, without spending much money on it, as I didn´t know if I were able to make it. I drew all the parts needed and started cutting it. I had to make two ratchet gears, which aren´t easy to cut. Then I cut all the lateral parts and put them all together.
On one side ( or both sides if you want to) there is a ratchet gear ( 8 cm in diameter) in both beams in order to maintain the warp stretched when you are weaving, and to roll up the cloth around the front beam.
You create the ratchets by cutting two circles 8 cm in diameter, in a 13 mm thick board, divide it in 16 parts and create the cogs by cutting it perpendicular to the axis, 12 mm in length, and then cutting it diagonally between cogs...
Step 3: Creating All the Accessories
Then I had to make a reed. First I didn´t know how I could go and make it, but then I found some wood sticks, similar to those used for icecream, and I devised a way to make it stand. Then ì made all the holes (eyes) needed to pass the thread. It is a 7,5 dpi.
And I also had to make the pegs to make the loom standstill while warping. And a shuttle as well. Apart from all these accessories I also cut some cardboard stripes to use while warping the thread in the loom.
When you are warping, you need to roll up the thread and you have to put theses cardboard strips in order to maintain the thread well distributed.
The pegs are used to fix the loom while you are warping it. You can watch these two films on youtube. They explain it very well.
And this one, too:
Step 4: Starting to Weave
I put it all together and varnished it. It had a nice look. Now I had to try and weave something with it. I went to a Chinese store and bought some cotton thread to eave a nice cloth. It was the first time for me. And I was excited. On the internet, I looked up for some Youtube films just to learn about all the details I had to pay attention to.
And I started to weave something using dark green and gray cotton thread.
It was my first attempt and it came out very nicely. A little problem with the weft of the thread while changing line.
Step 5: Experimenting With Other Threads
My second attempt was a success because I managed to control the way the weft changed line and the width of the cloth was maintained all through the weaving process.
Here are my finished rigid heddle loom and the two cloths I made so far!
Hope you enjoy it!
13 Comments
1 year ago on Step 4
Hi.
The wood (popsicle stick) rigid heddle will rub and have an abrasive effect on the yarn. It will cause the lint to come off giving a fuzzy feel and may also cause it to break. Been there. Maybe I'll upload some pictures of my loom.
2 years ago on Introduction
Very nice job. What I can't see are the eyes in the rigid heddle. The slots are clear, but have you added eyes? I don't see them and didn't find it noted in your directions. How do you change sheds? Thank you.
Reply 2 years ago
You can try this method also. Very thorough directions!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/602925222/plans-for-building-a-rigid-heddle-loom?utm_source=duckduckduckgoetsyin&utm_medium=api&utm_campaign=api
Reply 2 years ago
I'm so sorry. I have been making these Instructables just for the fun of showing the things that I can make with pieces of scrap wood from other projects. I had no notion that others would come and be interested in my works. But to make amendments, I will try to insert all the information you are asking. Regarding the eyes in the rigid heddle I send a photo.
But I am a novice in weaving and I am learning.
As to the changing of the shed that is accomplished by changing the position of the rigid heddle form the up position to the down position. There is also a resting position. (photos) All these positions are defined by the Heddle blocks on each side of the loom.
I am going to complete my instructable with all the drawings and measurements needed to build one. it is really simple.
Reply 2 years ago
Thank you for your response. It was thoughtful and well reasoned. I can't invision your shed change, but with the eyes, it won't be a problem at all. I like the photo, looks good. Just one thing, the holes should be smooth so the fiber doesn't catch i the hole. I love this! You did a great job and I'll bet many are made by interested folks. Thanks.
2 years ago
Very cool. Thanks for sharing how you made this.
Reply 2 years ago
I have come to the conclusion that I should insert more information about measurements and the different parts.
2 years ago
“I had to make two ratchet gears which weren’t easy to cut”. I LOVE the understated writing as much as the incredibly precise and detailed way you created this functional piece of art. Brilliant. Well done. Lucky granddaughter!!
Reply 2 years ago
Thanks for your kind words. It's been fun building this loom! Whenever there is something that breaks at home my granddaughter already tells her mom "Don't you worry! Grandpa will make another one!" :D
Tip 2 years ago on Step 3
Make sure to sand your popsickle sticks really well, as the up and down motion of the heddles will damage the yarn if it's catching or wearing on it.
Reply 2 years ago
Thanks for your advice, But I have discoverd it the hard way! :D
2 years ago on Step 5
I’ve always wanted to weave as well. This is a great project and your final result came out beautifully! Do you have a pattern for your loom?
Reply 2 years ago
Well, thank you for your kind words. I am still learning about weaving. My pattern is still the simplest one. I am trying different types of yarn, from cotton to wool... But you can change patterns by using different heddles or a heddle with different spaces between threads. There is still so much to learn. I'm a beginner. just a humble beginner who has accomplished his old dream of making a loom. Maybe you find this film interesting. That's how I came to learn how to do it and design my own loom. If you have any doubts about making your own loom, I'm going to draw plans for making one just as the one I made.