Weaving on a Jack Loom

Personal InquiryCindy DiDonato

Weaving on a Jack Loom

ImmersionKnitterSpinnerSmall Loom Weaving

What I Know

How to create yarn from a raw fleeceWeaving uses up all the copious amounts

of yarn that I havePlain weave using a ridged heddle, inkle,

and tapestry loomWarping simple loomsFiguring yardage of yarn to warp a loom

Questions

What are the physical differences between a simple loom and a jack loom?

How do I thread the heddles?How do I read a weaving draft?How do I wind the warp on a jack loom?

Sources of Information

Traditional Books: The Weaving, Spinning and Dyeing Book; The Key to Weaving

Internet: Videos and Weaving websitesWeavers Guild of RI; Weavers Guild of

BostonWeaving friendsWeaving Workshops at Slater Mill and

Octagon House

Learning-Content

Read texts and web sites about different warping techniques.

Take workshops to learn: Not all yarns can be used for warping. Sometimes a warp string breaks. Removing a warp takes practice. Some yarns are good for the weft. Creating smooth edges takes practice.

Learning Process

Read weaving texts prior to taking workshops.Warp and weave under supervision of a

weaver.Discuss weaving techniques with other

weavers.Attend Weaving Guild of RI meeting

presentations on weaving.Finished weaving projects can be functional or

decorative.

Extracting& RecordingRead information about the physical

components of a loom from texts and websites.

Discuss the best first project for a jack loom with other weavers.

Create a notebook for the weaving project.Choose and enlarge a draft (pattern) and

add to project notebook.Put samples of appropriate yarns for warp

and weft in notebook.Calculate yardage for warp and weft.

Values

Foster the textile arts.Demonstrate the importance of making

things.Teach the art of weaving.Collaborate with the weaving community.

Actions

Make handmade gifts.Recycle yarns.Demonstrate weaving to the public.

Evaluation

Continue: Do more research offline and online. Observe different techniques. Experiment with different yarns.

Change: Practice weaving more often. Tie warps with other weavers present to assist.Experiment with color.