Freeform Surface Design on Rigid Heddle

An in-person class with Deborah Jarchow

Nov 12, 9:00am-12:00pm & 2:00pm-5:00pm PST

Learn to make rya knots and soumak and to twine and loop. Discover how these tapestry techniques can enhance many of your woven textiles.

Learn these wonderful techniques that can take your weaving to the next level. Spend time making a sampler that includes simple hemstitch, twining, looping, soumak and rya knots; they can all add textural interest to your weaving projects. During the class, you will learn the techniques, then be encouraged to try different yarns and variations to broaden your understanding of these skills. As you continue to play with these variations, you’ll develop your own style and increase the artistry of your woven pieces.

Supply List
• 300 yards DK- or light-worsted-weight yarn (#4) for the warp and some of the weft. That is yarn A; it should be strong, non-hairy, solid-color, non-stretchy
• 200 yards of a different solid-color, worsted-weight yarn for weft
• 100 yards each of two different bulky-weight yarns. As you can see in my samples, these can be multi-colored or variegated
• 10 to 15 yards waste yarn (acrylic, worsted-weight works well)
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle
• Measuring tape
• 2 brown paper grocery bags
• 2 or 3 tubes from inside a paper-towel roll
• A hair pick or wide-tooth comb plus a metal fork
• Long (13” to 14” straight knitting needles in sizes 7, 9, and/or 13

Optional:
• Crochet hook size E to G is helpful but optional

Required equipment (Bring your own OR rent from Deborah for in-class use for $10)
Rigid heddle loom with at least 8” weaving width
7.5 or 8 dent reed
Warping peg
Threading/sley hook
Clamps
Pick-up stick, a minimum of 8” wide, or the width of your loom
2 shuttles (I used 1 boat and 1 stick)
Note: if you think you might not finish in class, you are welcome to bring your own loom and tools as listed above.