Backstrap Basics
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Lean este artículo en español.
Basic, crude, primitive—these are all words that spring to mind when one thinks of the humble backstrap loom—a description that obscures the fact that some of history's most beautiful and complex textiles have been woven on this simple arrangement of sticks.
A simple loom, yet mysterious...the most frequent comment I hear when I pull out my backstrap rods is, "All those sticks! Where do they go and what in the world do they do?" The puzzling collection of sticks and tangle of yarn miraculously springs to life and transforms itself into a loom when the weaver dons the backstrap, attaches the loom bar, tensions the warp, and starts to weave.
Small, portable, and inexpensive—the backstrap loom is ideal for those who lack the space for a table or floor loom, would like to be able to take their weaving "on the road" with them, or simply don't have the means to invest in more sophisticated equipment.
I am fortunate to be currently living in Bolivia, a part of the world where this loom is still very much in use today. Many of its secrets have been revealed to me in the homes, hearts, and hands of my weaving teachers—homes at the end of dusty village paths on the cold, harsh, and colorless Bolivian high plains—an environment which starkly contrasts with the warmth of my teachers' welcomes, their overwhelming generosity, and the rich, intricate, and colorful designs they weave into their cloth.
In this article, I show you the basics of backstrap weaving while teaching you to create one of the fundamental parts of the loom: the backstrap.
After fourteen years of backstrap weaving, I have found that a broad and sturdily constructed backstrap, well positioned around the hips (rather than the waist) allows me to comfortably weave at my loom for hours.
I based the dimensions of this project on a beautiful braided-straw backstrap that was made for me in Peru in 1997. I use this special backstrap at home. When I travel, a strap I've woven rolls up beautifully and goes into my backpack along with my loom sticks.
Project Details
This project is woven in plain weave using a medium-weight cotton yarn, and weaves up very fast. It is a simple and practical project which allows you to become familiar with the workings of your loom without having to think about complicated patterning.
I give instructions first for setting up and weaving on a narrow warp—as an introduction to backstrap weaving techniques—before moving on to the wider warp required for making the backstrap itself.
Equipment
Below is the equipment used in backstrap weaving. Yes, here is the puzzling collection of sticks and string! But bear with me...this jumble is about to turn into a loom.
Forget the fancy labels. A backstrap loom is basically two sticks between which you stretch your warp. Two more sticks strategically placed in the middle allow you to manipulate the warps to create sheds. Finally, the weft, which holds everything together, is carried and beaten into place with two additional implements. And what about that "roll-up stick"? Don't worry, all will be revealed.
Now, what's missing from this picture...? Oh yes, that would be you. Picture yourself there between the loom bar and the backstrap.
So it seems that a trip to the hardware store is in order—not necessarily. Take a look at some home-made options.
While you are weaving this project and making your own backstrap, an improvised one can be made from a pillow case. Broom handles make excellent loom bars—cut pieces 14-19 inches long. A wooden ruler can be used as a beater, pencils can replace dowels as cross sticks and heddle sticks, and simple shuttles can be cut from cardboard.
Warp and Weft Yarn
I use 8/2 crochet cotton for a lot of my projects but, in order to make a firm and sturdy fabric suitable for a backstrap, I have chosen a medium-weight (DK-weight, about 13 wraps per inch (wpi)) mercerized cotton yarn for both the warp and weft. Choose yarn that is not loosely spun or fluffy.
As I am in Bolivia, I am using a local brand and my yarn comes in balls of 219 yds (200 meters). I used almost one ball for this project.
Sett
 This is a warp-faced weave. This means that your warps will be placed very close to each other and will completely cover the weft. My 13-wpi warp yarn yields approximately 1 inch of width per 20 ends. That is, 10 complete revolutions of warp will produce a one-inch—wide band.
I find that measuring like this, when my warps are on the cross sticks, is the easiest way to judge approximately how wide my piece will be. |
Warping for the Backstrap Project
Clamp stakes to a board to measure the warp. Clamp them firmly. They must not be able to move at all while you are warping. I have wound a short warp below as an example.
Wind a 1-yard (90 cm) warp of 92 ends. In other words, 46 complete revolutions around your warping stakes in a figure-of-eight path. This will result in a backstrap 25-1/2 inches (65 cm) long, including the braided ends, and approximately 4-1/2 inches (11.5 cm) wide.
Have two thin dowel sticks ready to preserve the cross, with thread handy to tie them together. If you don't have grooves in your cross sticks to hold the thread, they can be bound together with adhesive tape. Use a length of cotton to secure the end loops.
Your warp will have two sheds: one controlled by continuous string heddles, and the other by a shed rod or shed loop.
Weaving
- Leave the first 6 inches (15cm) of warp unwoven for braids.
- Weave until there are 6 inches of warp remaining.
- Leave the last 6 inches unwoven for a second set of braids.
The entire length of the warp will be used so there is no waste. Cords are passed through the braided ends which serve to attach the backstrap to the loom bars.
Setting up the Loom
The warp is placed on the loom bars as shown below. The loom bar that has the end of the warp with the knots (where the warp started and ended) will be attached to a fixed object.
There are several ways to do this. Experiment and find the way that is most comfortable for you.
Weavers in Guatemala weave with their warps angled steeply upwards. In Bolivia, women weave a narrow warp stretched between their waist and big toe, with the warp angled downwards. I prefer to work on a warp that is slightly angled upwards and I find Option 3, above, the most stable set-up.
The other loom bar will be attached to you by way of the backstrap. I feel most comfortable with the backstrap positioned around my hips.
Weavers come in all shapes and sizes. You can see in the photo how the strap should sit on the body. Bearing in mind that the woven area in this picture is 17-1/2 inches (45 cm) in length, you can make the necessary adjustments to the length of your project to suit your shape and size.
I feel comfortable weaving with the front loom bar posititoned about 4-1/2 inches (11.5 cm) away from my body.
(Note: In the videos accompanying this article, you will see my loom bar is farther than that from my body—this is to provide an unobstructed view, and is not how I normally weave.)
Remember in backstrap weaving you are part of the loom and there are some basic moves and techniques with which you need to become familiar:
- Increasing and relaxing tension on the warp with your body, which allows you to efficiently open the sheds.
- Smoothly opening a shed with string heddles so that there is not excessive abrasion and, therefore, pilling of the yarn.
- Keeping your edges neat and straight.
Practice Project: Weaving a Narrow Band
I recommend weaving a narrow sample band of around 28 ends (14 revolutions on the stakes) to become familiar with your loom before attempting the wider piece which will be used to make your backstrap. At the end of this article, I have provided suggestions for how to use narrow bands to make small gift projects.
Making Continuous String Heddles
Before you begin to weave, you must make continuous string heddles and a shed loop. My weaving teachers in Bolivia use their warp yarn for heddle string and I do likewise. However, in Guatemala the weavers use nylon thread for their heddles as it is smooth and slippery and does not abrade the warp. While nylon definitely has its advantages, I personally don't like it, as it slides around too much and doesn't hold knots well.
Create your heddles and shed loop as follows:
1. Pass your heddle string under the warps that are passing over the lower cross stick.
2. Anchor the string with your left thumb while pulling up more string from between the 1st and 2nd warps.
3. Draw this string up and over your hand. The first warp is now enclosed in its heddle.
4. While anchoring the string with your left thumb, pull up more string from between the 2nd and 3rd warps.
5. Once again, pass the string up and over your hand.
6. Continue like this across the warp.
7. Pass another "tie up" piece of yarn (shown in black) through all the loops that were wound over your left hand and tie an overhand knot.
8. Cut your heddle string. Pull up the starting and ending tails of the heddle string and add them to the "tie up" yarn. Tie two more overhand knots.
9. Make your shed loop by passing a short length of yarn under the warps that are passing over the upper cross stick.
10. Tie this length of yarn in a knot. Remove the cross sticks. Your continuous string heddles and shed loop are now finished.
Now you are ready to start weaving! Is one end of your loom tied up to a sturdy fixed object? Is your backstrap around your hips and connected to the other end of the loom? Ok, let's get started!
You can have a smooth start to your woven piece, rather than leaving warps for a fringe or braids as shown in the video, by passing a steel needle through the warp ends. The needle is then lashed tightly to your loom bar.
When your piece is finished, withdraw the needle, pass the starting weft tail through the loops with a sewing needle, and cut. You can use a length of sturdy coat hanger wire or cut down piano wire instead of a steel knitting needle.
The Backstrap Project
So, you have been weaving your narrow band. Your edges were probably more than a little wobbly at the beginning, but they eventually settled down to give you an even and consistent width. I would guess that your attempts to open the heddles now feel less like you are wrestling with the warp and more like a gentle coaxing. All the movements are progressively better coordinated and feel more natural.
Now you are ready to move on to the wider cloth that will become the backstrap for your loom!
Warp this project with 92 ends.
The methods used to set up your loom and weave with a wider warp differ from those used for a narrow warp in the following ways:
- You will be winding your continuous string heddles on a stick rather than having them tied in a bunch.
- You will be using a shed stick rather than a shed loop.
- You will be employing a different method for opening your heddle shed.
In the following video, you will see how to make heddles on a stick and install the shed stick.
Start your wide piece in the same way as your narrow sample; that is, by inserting a piece of cardboard into the shed. For the backstrap project, this piece of cardboard should measure 6 inches (15 cm). These unwoven 6 inches of warp will be later braided. The 92 ends will make a width of 4-1/2 inches (11.5cm). Keep a ruler handy and check the width of your piece every now and then so that tendencies to narrow or widen can be immediately corrected.
Now you can remove the cross sticks and start weaving. The following video shows how to open the sheds when working on a wide warp.
In this final video, you will learn about joining on a new weft as well as the adjustments that need to be made as you near the end of your warp.
Finishing
Here you can see two finished backstraps. I used 4 warps per strand to make 3-strand braids on one backstrap (upper) and 4-strand braids on another (lower). Through the end loops I passed 3- and 4-strand braided cords made with my warp yarn.
The ends of the cords (in white) can be either:
- Sewn together and wrapped with the join
hidden within the end loops. (Shown in the bottom backstrap.)
- Knotted or wrapped and left loose. This will allow you to tie them around the loom bars and adjust their length when necessary. (Shown in the top backstrap.)
Your first project has been completed and you now have your own hand-woven backstrap!
Now what? Keep practicing those skills! Perfect them by weaving more bands and wide pieces with medium-weight yarn.
Put your pieces together to make bags, belts and straps. Then move on to progressively finer yarns. Get creative, play with stripes. You can find instructions on how to prepare your warp with combinations of stripes and horizontal bars in Laverne's Backstrap Warping Tutorial.
With these basic skills under your belt, and your collection of familiar sticks and string, you are also ready to learn about pick-up weaves and other patterning techniques employed by indigenous weavers around the world.
[Editor's Note: to learn how to do beautiful pick-up designs like the ones shown below, take a look at Laverne's new eMonograph: Andean Pebble Weave.)
Laverne Waddington has been both learning to weave and documenting spinning, weaving and braiding techniques in Bolivia, Peru, Chile, Ecuador and Guatemala for the last 16 years.
She has shared her skills and experiences with many visitors to Bolivia in informal one-on-one classes over the last 10 years. She runs the Backstrap Weaving Groups on Weavolution and Ravelry and has a gallery of her work on Flickr. She also blogs at Backstrap Weaving, where she shares her latest projects and her experiences with indigenous teachers. She is the author of Andean Pebble Weave, a mongraph on how to create pick-up designs in warp-faced fabrics.
Photos and video: Laverne Waddington and Jorge Beyer
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Comments
Backstrap Weaving
This is the best tutorial I have ever seen on backstrap weaving. Thank you, Laverne, for your clear and consise explanations!
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
I have to say that this is the best tutorial on the Internet on backstrap weaving and I've been looking for two years! I think this is the best piece I've seen on Weazine yet. The bar has just been raised with the excellent videos as well. I love how their use addresses both learning styles...folks who learn by watching and those who learn by reading:>. I think I could show this to any of my buddies and have them up and weaving in no time. I can't wait for another tutorial....show us the patterning!!!!! Great Job:>. Keep it coming:>:>:>
Lisa in NC
Backstrap weaving
Wonderful tutorial. The pictures make it really easy to understand. Finally I may actually try doing it! Thanks, Laverne.
Thanks!
What a lovely article, I really like having the videos to reinforce the words. Thanks for sharing your knowledge! Tracy
Awsome tutorial!!!/ Excelente tutorial!!!!
I've been waiting for this articule since you mentioned it in our group in Raverly, and it's way too much better than I expected!!!! Thanks Laverne (Warmi)!!!! I'll give backstrap a try very soon....
Estaba esperando este artículo desde que lo mencionaste en nuestro grupo de Raverly, y es muchísimo mejor de lo que yo esperaba!!!! Muchas gracias Laverne (Warmi)!!!! Seguramente voy a intentar el telar de cintura muy pronto....
alexxland (from Argentina)
Bravo! Thank you for the most
Bravo!
Thank you for the most excellent tutorial I've ever seen on backstrap weaving. The videos are a big help. I guess because weavers are so visually oriented we need every visual clue we can get.
I've enjoyed being on your group at Weavolution. I will be using my backstrap loom more and telling more people about it as I wander the internet.
Thank you again.
Have a good day!
Franco Rios, Sacramento, California
Sweeeet!
A charming but definitive explanation of how to take handweaving projects "on the road." I've heard so much about backstrap weaving, but your article, pictures, and videos really bring it home! Thanks!
backstrap basics
really cool article. i have never seen a tutorial on backstrapweaving that explains every thing so clearly.those videos are great.I am sure that even first time beginners set up a loom and are weaving in a short time.thank you Laverne . i would like to see more of this in the future.
jeannine
Awsome!!
excellent tutorial laverne, the vidios are excellent and much simpler to understand than any of the books i have been thumbing. you make it look so easy and the making a backstrap prodject is genius (i was going to use a tea towel so im very happy about the idear of making my own)
cudos
Davasdu
Brilliant
Thanks Laverne!
I have heard of a backstrap, and seen pictures in books, but never seen anyone weaving on one! Your instructions and video clips were excellent. They made me feel that I could actually gather the bits together and have a go myself. You never know, one day I might even try it!
Amanda H (Online Guild)
congratulations!
!felicidades Verny vimos tu pagina y nos gusto mucho sigue adelante! Beyer-Revollo Family Miami Florida.
Great!
Thanks Laverne for this very clear article. You have given me the inspiration to pick up my bundle of sticks again. Your own woven pieces are great.
Liz C.
Online Guild
Great article!
This is a truly great article, this is why I love WeaveZine. Aside from a home made frame loom which is "almost" done, and a potholder loom, I don't have any weaving equipment. This is a great way to add to my weaving toys. I am truly excited at the prospect at making this backstrap loom and learning how to weave on it.
backstrap weaving
I simply love the way you approach backstrap weaving -- it's contagious! The ideas just kept sprouting as I read, watched and listened! I wondered if you've ever tried "multiple harness" weaving on a backstrap by making various bars of string heddles which would lift every 3rd or 4th thread instead of every other thread..... I wondered if you've ever tried loose, lace weaves on a backstrap loom -- I remember seeing photos of Peruvian lace, and hearing about not only double cloth but many, many layers that folded out to make really wide cloths! ...and I wondered if you would ever be able to make a video of your weaving teachers, the native South American weavers with whom you work. I'd love to see them at work as well. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
My weaving teachers
I have a couple of very short video segments on my Flikr page showing a weaver in Candelaria, Bolivia whom I visited in June. I learned to weave with her cousin 1n 1997. Unfortunately I have been very low tech while learning over the years and got my first digital camera only 4 months ago but I'm about to head out on another ''weaving safari'' and I will try to capture as much as I can on video this time.
One of the weaves I have learned uses two heddle sticks-the technique used to make the set of narrow bands in the last photo. I do install four sometimes but find it rather cumbersome. In Guatemala I learned suplementary weft patterning and was taught to keep the warps needed for the brocading on extra sticks up behind the shed rod.
Laverne Waddington
Please more !!
This article was great!! I hope to read an see more about pick-up weaves and pattering !! I never understood how it works. And I´m very interested to know , if there is a possibility to do this on rigid heddle loom.
Thank you for this and greetings from Germany!
Kristina
Rigid heddle loom
These are warp-faced weaves woven under a lot of tension but there is nothing stopping you from setting up your warp on the frame of your rigid heddle loom and installing continuous string heddles. You would probably need to find a way to clamp down the loom so you can pull up hard on the heddles.
Laverne Waddington
thank you
Thank you Laverne and Weavezine for this superb article. I have read about backstrap looms before, but there were a few things I didn't understand properly, and now I think I do understand, certainly I feel confident to get out a pillowcase and have a go at weaving - first project to make a backstrap!
Dot
Fantastic feature
Thanks for this brillant article - I've printed out the whole lot and can't wait to have a go at it. I love Weavezine & Weavecast but this one has been specially helpful. I think you should write a book next, Laverne.
backstrap
thanks laverne this is a great tutorial and the videos are realy useful in deepening my understanding of leashes and heddles on a backstrap loop. olly onlineguild.
comment AND question
Fabulous tutorial Laverne :) thanks!
A question - the rear warp rod you use is round, but you are inserting your sword into the space it makes to open the rear shed. Would it be practical to use instead a flat (ie sword-shaped) stick for that warp rod? Or is this just crazy talk?
Can you tell you have inspired me to instantaneously turn household sticks into a transportable loom :) it's my big regret with weaving that it's really not doable in coffee shops or my lunch room at work. You've opened up doors! And I'm looking forward to your potential classes this summer in Sydney too...
Your question
Let me see if I understand your question. What I think you are suggesting is using a flat sword-like stick instead of the round shed rod which can be simply turned on its side to open the shed thus eliminating the need to place the sword within. That's actually a really neat idea. Tell you what-I'll try it and let you know!
Laverne Waddington
Backstrap Basics
Laverne,
Thank you for sharing your knowledge in such a clear and helpful. I appreciate how generous you are in helping others. You answered the questions I had that kept me from using my backstrap loom.
cleary from Weavolution
wonderful backstrap weaving
wonderful backstrap weaving site. thank you for taking time to create this site.
khipus
Wonderful, Helpful Article!
Laverne, you've inspired me to try this! Our family likes to go camping, but there is never enough room in the truck for (even my smallest) loom. No excuses, now! Your videos have eliminated a lot of the mystery of the manipulation. Thank you for such an indepth, straight-forward explanation of backstrap weaving!
Hi Laverne, First, thank you
Hi Laverne,
First, thank you for your wonderfully clear instructions, photographs and video clips.
Regarding using the patern sticks as you describe above. I can never work out how these work. If you want to use any further away than the nearest (call it no. 1), doesn't no. 1 hold threads down which you are trying to lift with no. 2, 3 or whatever? Ditto, wouldn't no. 2 hold threads down which you are trying to lift with no. 3 or 4?
I tried five pattern heddles on a very narrow band, at the moment on my table loom where I feel a little more in control (skills learned to be transferred to backstrap when confident). I had the pattern heddles in front of my main shafts carrying base ground (double warp faced a la Adele Cahlender). It is there and sort of works. The trouble is that the heddles get pretty mangled as the waro threads keep passing them up and down, and being tightly packed in a warp-faced band. I'd love to get the pattern sticks working but cant work it out. Watched a woman in Vietnam going like a train with it, but far too fast to see what was actually happening.
Pamela in Dunedin, N.Z.
Pattern sticks and heddles
Hi Pamela,
I am glad you enjoyed the article.
Pick up sticks, pattern sticks, heddles.....it all gets a bit confusing. I know what you are talking about and I would love to help you sort this out. I am a big fan of Adele Cahlander so I am familiar with the book and what you are trying to achieve. I don't have any problems with multiple heddles on my backstrap loom and once you have seen the pick up/pattern sticks in action it will all be clear-I can explain it to you with photos. I would be happy to talk more with you about this and send you photos and give you some tips. Why don't you contact me at Weavolution..........
www.weavolution.com/
-my user name there is ''bolivian warmi'' and we can exchange email addresses.
Laverne
Excellent Tutorial
I think that has got to be the best tutorial I have seen on the internet on any subject.
Now I completely understand the basics of backstrap weaving and am looking forward to giving ita try.
Thank you very much
Giles from England
Balanced Weave
Very easy to understand tutorial! I am wondering if there is a way to weave a balaned fabric on the backstrap loom so you would also see the weft. I think I remember seeing fabrics in Guatamela that looked to be woven that way. Also do you have any tips for weaving wool so that all the warps do not wrap around the heddle strings? Thanks much!
Balanced weaves on the backstrap loom
Hi and thanks for your comments. I have done several balanced weaves on my backstrap loom with and without the use of rigid heddle to space the warps-much easier with one , though! You can see one example in the comments at the end of this WeaveZine article.
When I don't use a rigid heddle on the backstrap loom, I set up multiple crosses behind the shed rod and put sticks in those. They help spread and space the warps.
As for using wool, if it is your own handspun you should spin it extra hard or if you are using commercial wool it nees to be respun. Even so, the stray fibers will mesh a bit and make it harder to get a clear shed but that is to be expected with wool. If it is not spun firmly enough, you can expect it to shred and collect around the heddles and the sheds will be very difficult to clear.
I have a blog and have posted about using a rigid heddle on the backstrap loom for balanced weaves. I hope you will take a look :-)
Laverne
Laverne Waddington
It makes sence
Weaving finally makes sence. I always wanted to weave textile. I weave baskets, but never quite understood certain elements of cloth weaving--incredibly informative and I am ready to start. You made it so simple and understandable. I got it! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!! --Dee
Weaving tuition
weaving tuition
Hi Lucy,
I see that you found me on Weavolution. I will contact you there.
Laverne Waddington
Excellent explanation & video
Thanks Laverne, a great tutorial.
I'd like to point out that backstrap looms are not the only portable looms. Harriet Tidball, in her monograph "Weaving Inkle Bands" gives instructions on making a portable loom, & believe me I have used it in the car, at work & in coffee shops! It bears a great similarity to backstrap looms - both are normally warp faced, & enable a variety of weaver controlled techniques. Tidball's instructions basically require a few sheets of matt board of any size you desire (A5 & A4 are handbag size), & the rest is similar to the backstrap. I must say Laverne's fantastic work may tempt me back to the cardboard loom, & maybe even to try a backstrap loom.
Backstrap Basics...
Hi,
I am immensely beneffitted from the write-up. I belong to a small ethnic community, known as KARBI, from the hills of Assam in the North East part of India. My tribe women use this technique and rural women use their own woven dressing materials (www.karbi.wordpress.com) I have been looking for write-ups on backstrap loom and this one will definitely be great help to me and a lot of people like me who want to know more about this primitive weaving technique which is undoubtedly still in vogue in these days of mdernity. My sincere thanks to you and your team.
Kardom!
DS
Instruction and Video
Brilliant! Thank you Laverne for your teaching skills as well as your weaving skills! We are all of us fortunate to have access to your talent on this ancient method, through the very modern internet . Being a weaver in this age, at this age, is such a privilege!
Shed with Joy, Kati
super cool!
I so want to try backstrap weaving!
Thanks a lot for your tutorial, it is going to be very helpful
valtricot
learning to weave on a backstrap loom
Laverne,
During a six month trip around Mexico I spent a month in Oaxaca. Toward the end of that time I found and took a course at the textile museum in backstrap weaving. I bought a loom there also. The course was given in Spanish which was a little challenging for my ability in Spanish, but I managed. I left Oaxaca in December and didn't touch my loom until I returned home to central Mexico(where there is not much of a tradition of using a backstrap loom) and finally found some time in June to open my loom. At which time I found I had forgotten how to do anything. Your tutorial has been a wonderful help to me. In fact your explanations and methods are much better than what the woman showed me in the class. She also never really had us warp a loom. This was all done for us. With the help of your wonderful demos I warped the loom and made your beginning project with no problem. Now I am trying to do the next project and am having trouble. In all your explanations I have not seen anything about how to keep the warp straight. I warped the loom and made the heddles very nicely after two tries. Then when I started to open the sheds I found that I have threads that are crossed and the sheds don't open correctly. Is there any secret or trick to keeping the warps straight before I take the whole thing apart again and start everything over?
Anita Lee
crossed warps
Hi Anita,
I am afraid that the only solution here is to undo your heddles and start over. Eventhough you were extremely careful, crosed warps only mean one thing - you accidently picked up a warp out of order when you were making the heddles. If you have wound your warp in a figure of eight and correcty created a cross and preserved that cross on sticks, then the problem is simply in the heddle making. I would try to keep some distance between the warp on which you are working to put into a heddle and the rest of the warps. Make your heddle and then slide that warp over to the left far away from the rest of the warps. That way it will be much clearer to you which warp comes next in the sequence and you will be less likely to pick up the wrong one by mistake. When the warps are all bunched together it is very easy to pick up the wrong one. I hope this helps.
Keeping things straight
I've found that keeping the warp straight when laying out the warp is a HUGE help. I use a piece of masking tape to keep the threads in order against the end sticks, then use the cross sticks to 'groom' the warp into good order before I tie in the cross sticks once and for all (I will tie in a pair to make sure I don't screw up the cross, though, and use little sticks to lay everything nice and tidy).
Hope that helps...
onafixedincome from Weavolution
Just finished my first project
I have been crocheting for over 10 years now, but I've wanted to learn to weave for almost as long. I just finished my own backstrap using your tutorial, my first ever weaving project. Thank you for your wonderful tutorial, I'm so glad I found it.
Elizabeth W.
California
Guitar Strap Hardware
Laverne,
I am inspired by your energy, passion and work. I am an inkle weaver who loves warp faced fabrics such as the backstrap and inkle looms create. I saw a picture on this page of the pieces needed to finish a guitar strap. Could you tell me where I could purchase them for the adjustable guitar straps I would love to weave?
Happy weaving new threads of life,
Susan
Guitar strap hardware
Hi Susan,
Here where I live in Bolivia it is easy to pick up these bits in the street markets. However, I have seen them for sale online too. Take a look at this link.
So Excited
Hi Laverne
Just like to let you know I have been wanting to learn this and I find it much easier to watch someone to learn and you have made it so easy and interesting to watch.
I have all the materials in my shed to start and I am truely excited.
Thanks and much happiness to you
Franzesca
backstrap weaving
i am using size three crochet thread, im using navy and white,and trying to do the dragon belt, i have an easy weaver loom, but im trying to learn the backstrap. the design doesnt show up, should i use two strand for the warp? what should i use for the weft? when i pick up a float,do i pick up all the blue,plus the white, or drop the two blue and add on the white. im also using a plastic ridgid heddle, im using my fourteen of each color,still seems pretty big for a belt.thanks denise
backstrap
Dear Laverne,
are you back in warmer temps yet? Just read your post on Williamsburg, awesome.
I looked around for the Reginella yarn in Chile and found some in Temuco, so I warped up some red for a backstap similar to the one in this tutorial. Thanks for the explanation, very useful, the backstrap is just finished, so now I finally have my own...!yay. I only realize now how much quicker simple weave without any pattern is than anything double/pebble etc. Quite satisfying to get something done for once!
cheers
anna
Backstrapping while biking
Hi Anna,
I would love to know how you warped it being on the road as you are. I know you must have come up with something ingenious. Pictures please! You're right, doing plain weave is a nice break every now and then.
Laverne Waddington
inspirational!
Hello Laverne I tried posting a comment a week or so ago but it didn't appear... I just wanted to check that I can send comments as I have been diligently following your tutorial, and applied your Andean Pebble Weave designs to make a backstrap I can be truly proud of. It is almost finished.. How might I send you a picture of my first ever backstrap project? Many thanks for a fantastic set of instructions. Julia PS quick question: I am having trouble keeping the front sticks in a "braked" position once I start rolling up the cloth: I use my body to hold them in place but I notice that you weave with the sticks further away. Help!
Julia, I would love to see
Julia,
I would love to see what you have been weaving. Please leave a comment on my http://backstrapweaving.wordpress.com/ ">blog which will give me access to your email address. Otherwise you will find a contact email address for me on the resources page in the back of my Andean Pebble Weave book. You could write me there and attach a picture. Then we can talk about the problem you are having rolling up the weaving.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Laverne Waddington
Supplementary Weft
Laverne, I am finishing my first strap, the narrow band project, on my backstrap. I am very happy with it and having a good time. My next project will be weaving the backstrap. I hope to warp it up today. After that, I want to try the Supplementary weft. If I continue to use the Royale 3 as a base weave, is Embroidery floss thick enough to use as a supplementary weft? If so, how many strands do I use? Thank you so much for the tutorials. I am having so much fun! My goal eventually, is to try to reproduce some of the Guatemalan designs I see on huipiles with the Supplementary weft. Linda
Embroidery floss as supplementary weft
Hi Linda,
Happy to hear you are having fun with this. With Royale number 3 crochet cotton you can use two complete strands of embroidery floss together and that should balance well. Remember to beat good and hard. There shouldn't be significant gaps between each "line" of supplementary weft. If you notice that there is a bulge developing in the weaving where you are placing your supp weft, that is, if it looks like that part is growing faster than the plain weave on either side, then you can remove a few of the individual threads from one of the strands of embroidery floss.
Come to my blog and keep me posted on your progress. Then you can send me pictures :-)
Laverne Waddington
I can't see the videos - are they gone?
Are your backstrap tutorial videos gone? I can't see them.
Using overspun commercial yarns for backstrap weaving
Hi, Laverne!
It was great meeting you in person and spending a weekend with Janet and you. I do have a question;
Once I overspun commerical yarns like Redheart and/or Wool yarns, then I roll them in a tight ball, is there anything else I need to do to prepare the yarns for warping my backstrap loom?
Should I wait a few days while the balls of yarns wound up tightly before I can start using them to warp my backstrap loom?
Thank You!
Hi Laverne - thank you for this fabulous tutorial. I am a novice weaver and with this tutorial was able to start weaving my first piece very quickly. Thank you for the excellent instruction. -Kateri
backstrap weaving
hello all I have been weaving for a few years now but on a 4 harness loom been trying to learn backstrap weaving I seem to have alot of problems when doing my heddles they dont stay tight its been a mess....then when I finally get them and start weaving i cant get my shad open my yarn gets very fraded and everthing is sticking together and also when i do start weaving there are warp theards that i miss so I will have some woven put there will be strings on the bottom of it that was not woven into it why is this happening to i think i am lefting the heddles up and down right ??. what type of yarn are you using to weave with please really want to learn backstrap weaving please help....please send me a e-mail
thank you Dwayne
Suggestions on teaching
Hi Laverne, (My Mother's name)
I will be teaching 12 people who want to learn backstrap weaving at a fiber festival, Michighan Fiberfest, in Allegan, Michigan, in Ausgust. I have only 6 hours. They'd like to learn basic weaving and pickup techniques and wondered what would you suggest, if anything, to include in a basic/beginner workshop. Definitely want to encourage these weavers. Not make it too difficult and don't have the time to get too detailed. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I will probably have only enough time for them to make one, good, warp. I may have some time to demo other techniques, but that will depend on the group.
Thanks for any info or suggestions you may have.
I would also be interested in talking with you regarding your book. I maybe be able to sell some copies. I have your e-book version, which I've enjoyed tremendously.
Again, any suggestions you may have would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you. Ruthanne Morningstar, in very, very (enough already) warm Michigan!
Hello there. I took a crash
Hello there. I took a crash course in this technique during my volunteer days in Guatemala and am attempting to do it back home... But I am forgetting something. After I have created the warp on the warp frame how do I attach it to the loom sticks? I did'nt notice anything special in the videos, they actually looked just placed on. Is that correct?
Thank you in advance for your help and thanks a million for posting this! So wonderful!
Thank you!
Hi,
I am a spinner/knitter/crocheter and have never attempted weaving as it all looked too hard! I have always wanted to learn how to weave. I looked at looms and just got confused. I'd like to thank you for your easy to follow instructions contained in your videos and look forward to completing my first woven strap. Have a wonderful week. Lynda
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I watched a number of fascinating you-tubes on backstrap weaving but was discouraged...until I found your instructions. They're so clear and easy to follow. I am so looking forward to trying this out now. Thank you !! Beverley
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I wanted to learn to weave, but until now the looms and techniques I have come across have looked either too complex and expensive, or too crude and sloppy. Backstrap is just perfect for me, and your instructions are so explicit and well thought out! Best of all, it is portable so I can take it to all my favorite places. Thank you for putting this out there.
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I try and learn something new everyday. Thanks for the information.
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I have to say that this is
I have to say that this is the best tutorial on the Internet on backstrap weaving and I've been looking for two years! I think this is the best piece I've seen on Weazine yet. The bar has just been raised with the excellent videos as well. I love how their use addresses both learning styles...folks who learn by watching and those who learn by reading:>. I think I could show this to any of my buddies and have them up and weaving in no time. I can't wait for another tutorial....show us the patterning!!!!! weidaileix dh enhozahuosh gf wiekesaoresy jd sybgosegwod
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The way you taught proper setting of loom, is just amazing. I will show the pic to my wife, who is a great weaver and had been facing the problem in setting of loom. saints row 2 cheats.
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I will be making one of these this afternoon! I have been wanting to get a loom, but I live in a very small apartment. A backstrap loom is just the ticket for me. Thank you very much for this wonderful tutorial.
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Patterns are really difficult to get but the way you presented the pics and taught us the whole procedure made the work as easy as shorthairstylz.
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I am very impressed by the
I am very impressed by the sterling article you have written on backstrap basics, and totally respect the effort you put into making it as detailed as possible for beginners like me to be able to pick it up without much problems. Thank you so much for sharing!
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Excellent article. Videos?
I wasn't able to see the videos. Is this a problem on my end or yours? Still the photos and text is most helpful. I have started using a backstrap loom, of sorts, utilizing a rigid heddle.
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I saw my grandmother doing something like this when I was just a kid. I didn't imagine that somebody is doing it today. Very nice pictures I must say. tagesgeld zinsvergleich
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A charming but definitive explanation of how to take handweaving projects "on the road." I've heard so much about backstrap weaving, but your article, pictures, and videos really bring it home! Thanks! window replacement cost calculator
I'd like to point out that
I'd like to point out that backstrap looms are not the only portable looms. Harriet Tidball, in her monograph "Weaving Inkle Bands" gives instructions on making a portable loom, & believe me I have used it in the car, at work & in coffee shops! It bears a great similarity to backstrap looms - both are normally warp faced, & enable a variety of weaver controlled techniques. Tidball's instructions basically require a few sheets of matt board of any size you desire (A5 & A4 are handbag size), & the rest is similar to the backstrap. I must say Laverne's fantastic work may tempt me back to the cardboard loom, & maybe even to try a backstrap loom.
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this video was amazingly
this video was amazingly helpful. just one demonstration of separating warp threads was not nearly enough on other vid's. thanks? so much!!! Manhole
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Hi Laverne - thank you for
Hi Laverne - thank you for this fabulous tutorial. I am a novice weaver and with this tutorial was able to start weaving my first piece very quickly. Thank you for the excellent instruction.
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I based the dimensions of
I based the dimensions of this project on a beautiful braided-straw backstrap that was made for me in Peru in 1997. I use this special backstrap at home. When I travel,Love Quotes a strap I've woven rolls up beautifully and goes into my backpack along with my loom sticks.
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