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Multi-Heddles for Rigid Heddle Looms – Replaced

Note: This class is now being taught by Heidi Bennett. See the new class description here.

In this class students will explore using multiple heddles to expand what their rigid heddle looms are capable of weaving, to a galaxy far beyond plain weave. We will start with two heddles, learning how to warp and thread a double heddle setup.

Students will learn how to weave two separate pieces of cloth at the same time, connect those pieces and weave a double width, and how to weave a tube! Moving on from the double heddle method, we will tackle translating multi-shaft drafts into rigid heddle threadings. We will learn how to read a draft, how to design a threading sequence, and how to execute that weave using multiple heddles, heddle rods, and pickup sticks.

Students will have the opportunity to translate multiple drafts and choose the one that speaks to them.


Prerequisites: This is an advanced class, students should be comfortable direct warping and weaving independently.

Instructor: Kasteyl Lukes
Duration: 2 day
When: Monday – Tuesday
Level: Advanced; Students should be comfortable direct warping and weaving independently.
Categories: Rigid Heddle

Supplies that students will bring:

  • Rigid Heddle Loom
  • Full warping setup (warping pegs, clamps, cardboard sticks/paper, threading hook, etc)
  • 2 Stick shuttles
  • 1-2 Pickup sticks
  • 1-2 Dowels slightly wider than the width of your project (I recommend sticking to 10-12 inches wide)
  • Kitchen twine or fine cotton yarn to make string heddles
  • Scissors
  • Notebook
  • Pen or pencil
  • Yarn Containment Unit (basket, paper bag, something to contain your warp yarn while you warp)
  • Graph paper may be helpful but not necessary

Pick one warping setup and bring the following materials based on 10 inch wide warp:

  • Setup 1
    • Fingering weight wool – Recommendations: Sock yarn, Berroco Ultra Wool Fine
    • 275 yards light colored warp for double heddle
    • Weft can be any weight, enough to weave 1-2 feet
    • 300 yards light colored warp for multi-shaft
    • 400 yards highly contrasting fingering weight weft for multi-shaft (can be multiple yarns for sampling)
    • 2 10-DPI Heddles
  • Setup 2
    • 3/2 Cotton
    • 340 yards light colored warp for double heddle
    • Weft can be any weight, enough to weave 1-2 feet
    • 400 yards light colored warp for multi-shaft
    • 450 yards highly contrasting weft for multi-shaft
    • 2 12.5-DPI Heddles
  • Setup 3
    • Worsted weight wool – Recommendations: Berroco Ultra Wool, Seattle Sky Dyeworks Ville, Malabrigo Rios, Cascade 220
    • 200 yards light colored warp for double heddle
    • Weft can be any weight, enough to weave 1-2 feet
    • 250 yards light colored warp for multi-shaft
    • 300 yards highly contrasting weft for multi-shaft
    • 2 7.5-DPI Heddles
  • Setup 4
    • Worsted weight cotton -Recommendations: Sugar ‘n Cream Cotton, Knit Picks Dishie, Berroco Pima 100
    • 200 yards light colored warp for double heddle
    • Weft can be any weight, enough to weave 1-2 feet
    • 250 yards light colored warp for multi-shaft
    • 300 yards highly contrasting weft for multi-shaft
    • 2 7.5-DPI Heddles

Note: ALL yarns should be wound into center pull balls or on cones, ready to be warped, prior to class. We will not have time or equipment to wind skeins during class.

Our double heddle weaving will be a small sampler we will cut off the loom. Our multi-shaft will be warped for a full 8 feet. You can weave a gamp or continue on for a full scarf. Plan your warp and weft accordingly.

Material Fee: $5
Materials Included: The material fee covers multi-page handouts, many worksheets, colored pencils, painters tape, and sharpies for class and individual use.