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Inventive Weaving on a Little Loom: Discover the Full Potential of the Rigid-Heddle Loom, for Beginners and Beyond
Rigid-heddle weaving is simple to learn, is easy to master, and offers a lifetime of possibilities to discover! Inventive Weaving on a Little Loom covers everything rigid-heddle weavers need to know about the craft, from the basics — how to select a loom, set it up, and get started — to a wide variety of fun techniques that yield beautiful results. Begin by exploring a variety of weave structures, including finger-manipulated laces, tapestry, and color play with stripes, plaids, and multicolor yarns. Then move on to more complex designs and irresistible projects, from pillows and curtains to bags, shawls, and even jewelry. Explore warp-face patterning, weft-pile weaving, weaving with fine threads, woven shibori, shadow weave, and the textural effects you can create with different yarns and with wire and conductive thread. Everything you need to know is here, with fully illustrated step-by-step instructions to ensure success.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2015
493 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
About the author
Syne Mitchell
15 books47 followersWife of Eric S. Nylund
Syne Mitchell (born 1970) is a novelist in the science fiction genre.[1] She has a bachelor's degree in business administration and master's degree in physics. She lives in Seattle, Washington and is married to author Eric S. Nylund. Her first science fiction novel was Murphy’s Gambit which won the Compton Crook Award in 2001. She subsequently published the first installment of the Deathless series, called The Last Mortal Man. She is currently working on podcasting and writing non-fiction essays.
According to her blog, Mitchell's The Last Mortal Man series has not been chosen for further publication. As a result, she has chosen to pursue other series. To further this goal, she has joined a local writer's group.
Mitchell publishes an online magazine for handweavers, WeaveZine, and produces a monthly podcast, WeaveCast.
The Deathless series was canceled by ROC publishing due to "sluggish sales." Syne Mitchell wrote a preview of Book 2, which was added to the back of Book 1.
Syne Mitchell (born 1970) is a novelist in the science fiction genre.[1] She has a bachelor's degree in business administration and master's degree in physics. She lives in Seattle, Washington and is married to author Eric S. Nylund. Her first science fiction novel was Murphy’s Gambit which won the Compton Crook Award in 2001. She subsequently published the first installment of the Deathless series, called The Last Mortal Man. She is currently working on podcasting and writing non-fiction essays.
According to her blog, Mitchell's The Last Mortal Man series has not been chosen for further publication. As a result, she has chosen to pursue other series. To further this goal, she has joined a local writer's group.
Mitchell publishes an online magazine for handweavers, WeaveZine, and produces a monthly podcast, WeaveCast.
The Deathless series was canceled by ROC publishing due to "sluggish sales." Syne Mitchell wrote a preview of Book 2, which was added to the back of Book 1.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
August 31, 2015
My New FAVORITE!!! Weaving Books - Can we say, "Fix Boo-Boos"? Having just purchased my first loom, a Schacht Cricket Rigid Heddle 15”, I was very pleased when I was asked to review Inventive Weaving on a Little Loom by Syne Mitchell. At its most basic, and historical, weaving is simply pulling fibers in an over and under pattern to create cloth.
In 2009, a team led by two Harvard professors working in the Republic of Georgia uncovered the oldest remnant of woven cloth found thus far: a 34,000-year-old piece of linen.
With such a long and amazing history, weaving has captured the imaginations of artists the world over, just as it has captured mine. Of course, at its very basics, fabric can be woven using sticks tied together with bits of grasses or strips of leather. And very early on weaving fibers could be simply reeds from the banks of the Nile. But as time went along, systems for weaving became more sophisticated, leading to the industrial age’s massive weaving machines through to today when artists and craftspeople have a variety of looms to choose from.
The rigid heddle loom is a great ‘beginner loom’ for anyone who wants to learn weaving and produce beautiful, usable fabrics. Less expensive than a floor loom, and quite a bit smaller, it allows you to start with something simple, like a scarf, then work your way up to creating fabrics that can be cut and sewn together to make incredible custom clothing. What you learn when using a rigid heddle loom is also transferable to more sophisticated looms, and is a wonderful way to begin the learning process. Why do I love weaving? Like knitting, weaving relaxes my brain and my body. The soothing, repetitive motions allow me to sink into the peace of the movements, while watching the colours and patterns both engages my brain and allows me to walk away from anything ‘outside’ of the process and simply relax.
Of course, weaving does require information, a how-to base when it comes to what materials you need, how much, and how you want your final product to look. Even though you may have expectations of exactly how your cloth will look, weaving can still surprise you, as the warp and weft come together, creating something that even experienced weavers may not expect. Something new, different, and wonderful.
Syne Mitchell has written a lovely book, starting with information on the history of weaving and continuing on through the different types and brands of rigid heddle looms. Mitchell describes the different ‘pieces-and-parts’ of the loom, and then goes on to describe the different type of weavers. While some are “scientific” weavers, meticulously detailing the how and why of their weaving, others (like myself!) are “intuitive weavers” who approach weaving with a grand sense of play – a “Stick your hand in the yarn bag and see what you come up with next” method that allows a sense of whimsy in their work.
Then, of course, there is the designing. Choosing your yarn, your colour palette, the feel of your work when you complete your project – all of these are important, and fun, parts of the weaving process. Of course, running out of yarn is no fun L when you have an idea of what you want your finished project to look like. Loom waste (the ends that are necessarily not part of the finished product, but are needed to ‘fix’ your warp to the loom), draw-in (the ‘shrinkage’ as you are weaving) and take-up (the over-and-under of weaving) will need to be calculated. An then, you have to decide the “face” of the project – are the warp or weft threads going to stand out as the pattern?
Yep. There. Is. MATH. Sigh. The thing is, Mitchell gives you a format for your calculations, making it quick and easy to find out how much yarn you need for any particular project based on factors like length, width and, yes, the size of the yarn you are using… I blew it on a wonderful hand painted yarn I had designed – I painted on sport instead of worsted yarn and, yep. Ran out of yarn! Duh. Mitchell helps with that, giving you a simple form you can print out and fill out for each project. Stick that into a plastic cover sheet with samples of your yarn and you can go back and recreate any project. From using a warping board to setting up your warp and rigid heddle, there are step-by-step directions to make everything easy. And we all love easy, right? Oh, and I really LOVE the parts that address “fixing your boo-boos!!”
Then there are the patterns! I am a complete color junkie, so the section on Using Painted Skeins Cleverly was quite a thrill. From the most simple ‘flat weaving’ to tapestry-like weaving designs and pickup patterns, it is all her, all laid out logically, and presented with beautiful photos. This is going to be my go-to book for weaving – I just wish I had been offered the book before I used all that gorgeous hand painted alpaca, and then ran out before my project was finished!
I received Inventive Weaving on a Little Loom from the publisher in exchange for a realistic review. All thoughts are my own. If you are a weaver this books covers the basics for beginners, up to information even an experienced weaver will find useful!
This book will be released on November 3, 2015.
In 2009, a team led by two Harvard professors working in the Republic of Georgia uncovered the oldest remnant of woven cloth found thus far: a 34,000-year-old piece of linen.
With such a long and amazing history, weaving has captured the imaginations of artists the world over, just as it has captured mine. Of course, at its very basics, fabric can be woven using sticks tied together with bits of grasses or strips of leather. And very early on weaving fibers could be simply reeds from the banks of the Nile. But as time went along, systems for weaving became more sophisticated, leading to the industrial age’s massive weaving machines through to today when artists and craftspeople have a variety of looms to choose from.
The rigid heddle loom is a great ‘beginner loom’ for anyone who wants to learn weaving and produce beautiful, usable fabrics. Less expensive than a floor loom, and quite a bit smaller, it allows you to start with something simple, like a scarf, then work your way up to creating fabrics that can be cut and sewn together to make incredible custom clothing. What you learn when using a rigid heddle loom is also transferable to more sophisticated looms, and is a wonderful way to begin the learning process. Why do I love weaving? Like knitting, weaving relaxes my brain and my body. The soothing, repetitive motions allow me to sink into the peace of the movements, while watching the colours and patterns both engages my brain and allows me to walk away from anything ‘outside’ of the process and simply relax.
Of course, weaving does require information, a how-to base when it comes to what materials you need, how much, and how you want your final product to look. Even though you may have expectations of exactly how your cloth will look, weaving can still surprise you, as the warp and weft come together, creating something that even experienced weavers may not expect. Something new, different, and wonderful.
Syne Mitchell has written a lovely book, starting with information on the history of weaving and continuing on through the different types and brands of rigid heddle looms. Mitchell describes the different ‘pieces-and-parts’ of the loom, and then goes on to describe the different type of weavers. While some are “scientific” weavers, meticulously detailing the how and why of their weaving, others (like myself!) are “intuitive weavers” who approach weaving with a grand sense of play – a “Stick your hand in the yarn bag and see what you come up with next” method that allows a sense of whimsy in their work.
Then, of course, there is the designing. Choosing your yarn, your colour palette, the feel of your work when you complete your project – all of these are important, and fun, parts of the weaving process. Of course, running out of yarn is no fun L when you have an idea of what you want your finished project to look like. Loom waste (the ends that are necessarily not part of the finished product, but are needed to ‘fix’ your warp to the loom), draw-in (the ‘shrinkage’ as you are weaving) and take-up (the over-and-under of weaving) will need to be calculated. An then, you have to decide the “face” of the project – are the warp or weft threads going to stand out as the pattern?
Yep. There. Is. MATH. Sigh. The thing is, Mitchell gives you a format for your calculations, making it quick and easy to find out how much yarn you need for any particular project based on factors like length, width and, yes, the size of the yarn you are using… I blew it on a wonderful hand painted yarn I had designed – I painted on sport instead of worsted yarn and, yep. Ran out of yarn! Duh. Mitchell helps with that, giving you a simple form you can print out and fill out for each project. Stick that into a plastic cover sheet with samples of your yarn and you can go back and recreate any project. From using a warping board to setting up your warp and rigid heddle, there are step-by-step directions to make everything easy. And we all love easy, right? Oh, and I really LOVE the parts that address “fixing your boo-boos!!”
Then there are the patterns! I am a complete color junkie, so the section on Using Painted Skeins Cleverly was quite a thrill. From the most simple ‘flat weaving’ to tapestry-like weaving designs and pickup patterns, it is all her, all laid out logically, and presented with beautiful photos. This is going to be my go-to book for weaving – I just wish I had been offered the book before I used all that gorgeous hand painted alpaca, and then ran out before my project was finished!
I received Inventive Weaving on a Little Loom from the publisher in exchange for a realistic review. All thoughts are my own. If you are a weaver this books covers the basics for beginners, up to information even an experienced weaver will find useful!
This book will be released on November 3, 2015.
April 19, 2022
More years ago than I care to admit, I took some weaving classes that primarily used table looms. I enjoyed it, but it was an expensive hobby for a college student who had more interest than hand-eye coordination. Rigid-heddle looms are more affordable, and I'd been flirting with the idea of revisiting the craft when I saw this library book show up on the new acquisitions list. It's probably a back-handed compliment to say that this book convinced me that I really don't want to revisit the loom, no matter how tempting it looks. But if I did? I'm be convinced to go with rigid-heddle looms over the more expensive, heavy, and fickle frame looms.
Don't get me wrong, it's a very good introduction to weaving and rigid-heddle looms. I wish I'd had it back in the day because Mitchell is much better at explaining weaving than my teacher was. She's picked some fun and yet practical projects for examples, and her instructions are crystal clear. Lots of good photos and diagrams aid in showing techniques not easily communicated through text. For someone willing to make the investment and who still has nimble fingers, this book will hold your hand nicely and still offer challenges.
Don't get me wrong, it's a very good introduction to weaving and rigid-heddle looms. I wish I'd had it back in the day because Mitchell is much better at explaining weaving than my teacher was. She's picked some fun and yet practical projects for examples, and her instructions are crystal clear. Lots of good photos and diagrams aid in showing techniques not easily communicated through text. For someone willing to make the investment and who still has nimble fingers, this book will hold your hand nicely and still offer challenges.
November 27, 2018
I began weaving seriously in 1988, on a four harness floor loom. It was a number of years before I discovered the fact that rigid heddle looms can do almost as much, though the approach to some of the weave structures is quite different. A friend gave me a rigid heddle loom, and I looked it over and set it aside for quite a while before actually trying it. I was excited to find how much I could do with such a simple, portable tool. Then I proceeded to read all the reference material I could find, but what was available at the time was still pretty limited. Better, more complete works have now been published, and this is one of them. Mitchell covers just about every angle on using a rigid heddle loom (except possibly for how to build one yourself.) The text is clear and well-written, the illustrations profuse. From beginner instructions on warping and weaving a first project to highly advanced techniques such as multiple heddle weaving, pick up sticks, lace weaves, and loom maintenance, this is a comprehensive and useful text for any weaver.
August 23, 2025
An essential reference for rigid-heddle weavers
An essential and comprehensive resource for rigid heddle loom weavers at every level from beginner to advanced. Inventive Weaving on a Little Loom covers everything from how to warp your loom and the basics of weaving for beginners, to the complexities of weaving patterns with pick-up sticks or two or even three heddles for more advanced weavers. The author covers how to choose colors, change weft yarns, and a variety of ways finish your ends. She discusses using different types and materials of yarn, including handspun yarn and painted yarns. There’s even a section on fixing your loom if something breaks. It's clearly written, with step-by-step photos and diagrams throughout.
I borrowed this book from the library to reinforce the basics after an initial lesson in weaving on a rigid heddle loom, and to assess it as a long-term resource. After reading it straight through, I’m sold, and have ordered a copy of my own.
An essential and comprehensive resource for rigid heddle loom weavers at every level from beginner to advanced. Inventive Weaving on a Little Loom covers everything from how to warp your loom and the basics of weaving for beginners, to the complexities of weaving patterns with pick-up sticks or two or even three heddles for more advanced weavers. The author covers how to choose colors, change weft yarns, and a variety of ways finish your ends. She discusses using different types and materials of yarn, including handspun yarn and painted yarns. There’s even a section on fixing your loom if something breaks. It's clearly written, with step-by-step photos and diagrams throughout.
I borrowed this book from the library to reinforce the basics after an initial lesson in weaving on a rigid heddle loom, and to assess it as a long-term resource. After reading it straight through, I’m sold, and have ordered a copy of my own.
June 27, 2015
This is a really amazing book. I took weaving as a subject at our technical college and after 6 months I made a number of simple items on 4shaft loom. This was enough for me to want my own loom. Twelve months later I found one a ridge-heddle loom - one problem - I forgot bits that where important and different looms different look. My notes just don't do it. This book is like the course I took only better, there are easy to follow pictures, instructions and explanations and more much more. I would recommend it to anyone contemplating weaving as a beginner and you will be making scarfs in no time. Another thing this book also explains inkle loom and tapestry weaving and other things that you may go to doing. Really great book. This book was loan to me free in return for a honest and unbiased review.
September 14, 2024
pretty comprehensive guide! i am using this, along with youtube, to help me warp and weave my first-ever project. i haven’t warped it yet but i’ve prepared the warp, and im worried the strings aren’t all the same length bc i had to improvise on materials i had to wind the warp - i guess we’ll see! my model of rigid heddle loom is older and different from the ones pictured in the book (it has teeth on the front and back beams, and no brake system), so some of the processes are a bit different and not covered in the book. hopefully my project goes well!!
July 12, 2018
This book called to me in the bookstore and I am happy that it did! I have been wanting to weave but never had the time of money. Retirement was my solution. This book came at the right time. It is a wonderful reference book filled with so much info. It will be my go to book for my weaving projects providing info on the types of rigid heddle looms, warping, heddle sizes, yarns, patterns, finishing projects, fixing problems (wonderfully supportive) and all of the time detail within and throughout each project from beginning to end.
September 17, 2020
I recently bought a Schacht Flip loom and added weaving to my (already very full) fiber arts repertoire. Of course I had no weaving experience at all prior to making this decision, but I like to jump in head-first in all new art endeavors. This book is all I needed to get started, and it stays in my studio by my loom for quick reference. Every time I pick it up I spot a bit of info I may have missed on the previous read, as this is quite comprehensive. So far my projects have been simple Tabby (Plain) Weave, but I plan to warp for a few of the projects in the book next 😁.
July 14, 2015
A beautiful masterclass on rigid he addle weaving. Confident and conversational. EXCELLENT Illustrations.
January 29, 2021
This is the first crafting book which I have read from cover to cover. It was excellent for beginners, but I skimmed the last third or more of the book because it was full of more creative and challenging ideas to keep me busy later. I was especially impressed with how much useful information was packed into every page. There were so many tips and side notes that have undoubtedly saved me from all sorts of newbie learned-it-the-hard-way scenarios. I found the formatting very pleasant and easy to read, as well. And the pictures were beautiful. And the projects were actually the sort of things I would like to make. Okay, upon further reflection, I think I should change this from four to five stars!
December 4, 2017
Essential Reading for New Weavers
I wish I had discovered this when I first started weaving. This book has so much fabulous information on all sorts of different categories of topics. It is very clear and concise, and to the point. It has wonderful descriptions and illustrations, which clearly explain everything. I think that anyone who wants to take up or experiment with weaving, should definitely purchase this book as a resource. It’s not just for beginners, it explains how to do some very complicated patterns too! It also includes multiple projects that you can practice the different techniques on.
I wish I had discovered this when I first started weaving. This book has so much fabulous information on all sorts of different categories of topics. It is very clear and concise, and to the point. It has wonderful descriptions and illustrations, which clearly explain everything. I think that anyone who wants to take up or experiment with weaving, should definitely purchase this book as a resource. It’s not just for beginners, it explains how to do some very complicated patterns too! It also includes multiple projects that you can practice the different techniques on.
May 15, 2020
Like other intro books, it covers a lot of ground, opting to try to explore the full range of what's possible on a rigid heddle loom, rather than diving into detail on any one technique. FWIW, I liked this book a little more than "The Weaver's Idea Book", though they are very similar. It covers a bit more (3-heddle weaves; using unexpected materials; duop leno), though it had fewer samples of exploration within each technique.
(I checked this out from my local library on Kindle. Again, the digital formatting was awful, but that's to be expected on books like this that are meant to be read in hard copy.)
(I checked this out from my local library on Kindle. Again, the digital formatting was awful, but that's to be expected on books like this that are meant to be read in hard copy.)
January 8, 2023
I have had this book for a couple of years and it never ceases to inspire me. It is a comprehensive introduction to rigid heddle weaving, covering a wide variety of weave structures and techniques. It's a very well and copiously illustrated book with an easy to read yet very informative style.
While many may wish to call it a beginning weaving book it is far more than that. It will become a referenct book for many rigid heddle weavers for years to come and is well worth purchasing as an inspirational tool for those with some knowledge of rigid heddle weaving.
While many may wish to call it a beginning weaving book it is far more than that. It will become a referenct book for many rigid heddle weavers for years to come and is well worth purchasing as an inspirational tool for those with some knowledge of rigid heddle weaving.
April 11, 2018
This has about everything you need to know about rigid heddle weaving. From how to warp your loom to troubleshooting. Many of the techniques/patterns that are given and their corresponding projects are attractive, even if some of them I don't see myself making. Too often in books like this you get stuff where you wonder how did they come up with this? Lots of clear step-by-step pictures to go along with the descriptions.
November 27, 2017
Amazing Book!
This book contains an incredible amount of information. Learn how to translate weave structures from rigid heddle to floor looms, weave with a variety of yarns and experiment with a variety of structures. As an experienced weaver, I was impressed with how much information is provided. This is a book for all weavers whatever your level of experience.
This book contains an incredible amount of information. Learn how to translate weave structures from rigid heddle to floor looms, weave with a variety of yarns and experiment with a variety of structures. As an experienced weaver, I was impressed with how much information is provided. This is a book for all weavers whatever your level of experience.
August 5, 2020
I am new to weaving and bought this book to go with my first loom (an Ashford 32" Rigid Heddle Loom). The book was extremely informative and laid out in a logical manner. I would encourage anyone who is new to weaving to pick up this book.
I am notorious for picking up craft "how-to" books and just looking at the pertinent information to my current project. I read this book cover to cover.
I am notorious for picking up craft "how-to" books and just looking at the pertinent information to my current project. I read this book cover to cover.
March 30, 2024
I have woven on a loom before, so I don’t know if I can say this book is beginner friendly. I do know that after a few days of reacquainting myself with weaving, by using this book, some YouTube videos, and my loom’s user manual I was able to warp my loom and start weaving in the span of one afternoon after not having woven anything in over 20 years.
July 22, 2017
Great book to get you started weaving on a Rigid Heddle Loom. I've only done one of the patterns so far - Morse Code scarf that reads "I Love You" and it came out great. I look forward to finishing the book and to do more patterns.
May 5, 2018
If you are wanting to learn to weave with a rigid heddle loom, this book is the first book you need. Filled with lots of information, patterns, pictures, where to buy looms, and more books on weaving.
Great book.
Great book.
May 19, 2020
This book has been extremely helpful! It covered ALMOST everything I was looking for. The only thing it was missing in my opinion was instructions to do double wide cloth. (I was really hoping it would cover that.)
February 2, 2022
Excellent coverage of the subject, quite comprehensive (as far as I can tell anyway: I'm still a beginner and don't have much experience with rigid heddle looms). Has lots of clear pictures to illustrate the instructions given.
February 16, 2024
5 Stars
See my review for Learning to Weave as I read both simultaneously.
See my review for Learning to Weave as I read both simultaneously.
March 14, 2017
As a novice weaver, this is a really good book.
December 2, 2017
Love all the fantastic ideas in this book!
May 23, 2018
This is an excellent book to learn the basics and learn a few advanced patterns. Also has advice on how to correct mistakes and taking care of your loom.
January 19, 2019
Lots of good basics, plenty of project ideas to try them out.
March 3, 2019
A good reference book. Not to be read from cover to cover, but handy for weavers on small looms
March 10, 2019
Wonderful resource for weavers on a Rigid Heddle loom
December 18, 2019
Rigid heddle looms can do so much more than one might think. This book will give you a taste of many different techniques. Packed with useful information. I recommend this book without reservation.
December 29, 2019
Mon livre favori sur le sujet. Très complet.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews