Skip to content

Session: Split-Shed Weaving – Five Unique Structures in One Threading

Description: Say good-bye to shaft envy with split-shed weaving. Use continuous wefts on a 4-shaft loom to weave curves and blend colors, with no special equipment. In this split-shed weaving overview, students will learn how to blend weft colors to create shaded imagery in tied Beiderwand (extended summer & winter). This is the same method that Deborah uses to produce her woven portraits. In addition, without threading changes, students will adapt the split-shed technique to weave designs in Bronson/Atwater lace, pique, a ribbed tied weave and extended taquete – a weave structure that allows one to blend 3 or 4 weft colors. Students will also learn how to make and use a cartoon on cloth that advances with the warp and won’t wrinkle when beating.

Class includes PowerPoint lectures about the split-shed weaving technique, Deborah’s artwork and creative process, and tips on how to convert a photographic image into a weave-ready design. Students can peruse dozens of samples showing the extensive variety of weave structures that Deborah has adapted for split-shed weaving.  Students may use table, direct tie-up, or jack looms. (The floor loom weaving process is a bit faster than table looms.)

Instructor:  Deborah Silver

Duration: 2 Day

When: June 17, 18

Level: Beginner

Supplies that students will bring: 

  • Pre-warped 4-shaft loom.
  • Four 10″ and 14″ flat shuttles and one other shuttle of your choosing that will be comfortable to use with an 8- to 9-inch-wide warp.
  • Various weft yarns.

Fee: $15

Materials Included: All cartoon-making materials, handouts, additional wefts.