My inkle loom cried out for a new project as soon as I released the first project from tension. I complied, this time using it as designed by making string heddles and doing a plain weave.

String heddles are loops of thread that hold a single warp yarn. Applied to every other warp, it makes it easier to change the shed (which set of alternate warp yarns are on top). This makes weaving to faster, since the alternative is to pick up every other strand on every pass. Here is a video showing the changing of the shed on this loom setup.

I started this weaving by laying toothpicks in the shed. I wanted to maximize the woven length, but still get an even start. The tooth picks were brittle, so I may look for a different thin starting material next time. I also wrapped the weft thread in a different manner, crisscrossing around one long edge, rather than wrapping in the middle. I see why people choose this: the profile of the wrapped yarn is thinner, and it frees up one edge to more effectively beat down the warp.

I used pearlized cotton for this weaving and it didn’t need to be pressed after it came off the loom. Weaving went much faster than my tablet weaving, but the band is thinner. It is still sturdy, and quite attractive both visually and in texture.

I’m still working on my tension. This time my tension was tighter at the beginning than the end. Oh dear, I’ll have to start another project and keep weaving to practice. Twist my arm.