Customer Reviews

The Weaver's Idea Book: Creative Cloth on a Rigid Heddle Loom

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Anyone who thinks that rigid heddle looms are only for plain weave needs to think again! This is the book that rigid heddlers have been waiting for, not that its only for people with some experience of weaving. Jane Patrick starts at the beginning and take you on a journey that not only covers lace weaving, pick-up and simple bronson, but krokbragd, and 3/1 twills with 2 heddles, double weave, honeycomb, block weave, two layer work and more. This pushes the boundaries of what you can do with a rigid heddle loom back further than ever before, and its done with clear instructions, excellent colour photos of the woven cloth, and even instructions for those with 4 shaft looms who don't want to be left out.
Newbies should not be put off by the advanced rigid heddling techniques inside this book. The author starts with a comprehensive description of the rigid heddle loom, and you will find a step by step guide for direct warping at the back of the book. Indirect warping is covered where direct warping is no longer suitable. There are a couple of projects, but this is not a project book as such. If you follow the descriptions of the different techniques and their variations, you will be weaving samplers that will stand you in good stead for future projects. A weaving record sheet is also provided for you to make notes.
If you only ever purchase one book on rigid heddling techniques, this should be it. Its a book of techniques, not projects, and will be referred to time and time again and so deserves a place beside your loom.

I'm rarely moved to submit a review, but this book has certainly done so. The presentation is gorgeous, as well as very clear. And, the content is equally amazing. Starting from basic weave, it quickly moves into variations and more complex techniques and projects. A must for anyone with a rigid heddle loom, and a good reason to go out and buy one!

Many people tout Betty Linn Davenport's book "Hands on Rigid Heddle Weaving" as THE book on rigid heddle weaving, but in my opinion, this book by Jane Patrick is just as informative and gives you more ideas/inspiration. I have gotten a couple books on the subject from my library and none of them, including Davenport's book even compared to this one. I knew immediately that THIS is THE book to own regarding rigid heddle weaving.

A huge plus is the spiral binding that allows you to easily open it, and leave it opened, to any page.

This book is awesome and totally unlike any other book out there. I wholeheartedly second everything said by the first four reviewers. It is a beautiful book, easy to follow and understand. There are a few projects, but mostly the book is about how to create different weave structures (types of fabric) on a rigid heddle loom. For each type of weave structure there are multiple variations in different colors and types of yarn. For some weaving patterns there are pictures of how it will look with similar yarns but in different color combinations. All of the other rigid heddle books that I have read feature beautiful patterns, but unfortunately they are usually for a specific loom, with a specific heddle size, etc. It is so frustrating to find a cool pattern, only to realize that it is designed for a loom that I don't have! This book is different because it gives instructions and inspiration for owners of any kind of rigid heddle loom, even--perhaps, especially--for those looms that are little more than a frame.

It is far and away the most inspiring book I have!

If you are bored with your rigid heddle loom or just want to know how to really use it - get this book! I expected to find some different patterns (like log cabin, etc) in this book, but am truly blown away with the possibilities. There are different lace techniques, patterning with color changes, hand picks, two heddles, etc. Wow. This is a great book for anyone with a rigid heddle loom!

This is a perfect book for those of us learning how to use a rigid heddle loom. I started with a floor loom, 8 shafts, and had the impression that you can't do anything fancy with a rigid heddle, which has a far lower price point to enter into the weaving world. So far, six projects are tagged, and one on the loom!

This is a great book with very clear directions and explanations for beginners. One thing however; on page 83 she just starts using drafting notations and never explains how to read them. I spent several frustrating hours tracking down what the notations meant. If you are a beginner, you'll need to learn how to read the drafting patterns she uses somewhere else. As a new rigid heddle loom owner this has given me lots of ideas for weaving interesting materials.

This is one of the best instruction books I have gotten for rigid heddle weaving. Everything is explained in detail and easy to follow. So many patterns and items to make.

I love this book; wish I'd had it when I first learned to weave, but then maybe I wouldn't have been ready for it. It was on back order, but I received it before the predicted date, which was great. I'm firing up my rigid heddle looms ready to get busy.

This book contains good descriptions and photos for duplicating a wide variety of weave patterns on a rigid heddle loom. Although this books does contain some basic info and a few projects, the majority of the book is taken up with information about different types of weaves that can be done with a rigid heddle and how to do them. This book touches on using 2 heddles as well as using string heddles but does not do an in depth study of the various weaves you can produce with more than 1 heddle. Not a "how to" book for beginners but an excellent source of inspiration for the weaver with a little experience. Definitely a good resource book to have on hand for reference. One of the most useful books on rigid heddle weaving I have in my extensive collection.