How to weave neat edges on the rigid heddle loom

[@cpeazers]

I am a new weaver and was struggling with my edges. Your video helped me so much! Thank you!

[@KellyCasanova]

That's wonderful to hear! 😊

[@faziarizvi]

These are the best how-to videos for the rigid heddle loom I've seen so far. Very helpful. Thank you for taking the time to make these!

[@KellyCasanova]

+Fazia Rizvi I love comments like this, thank you very much!

[@laurah1020]

OMG! Thank you so much! No one ever showed me this cool little trick! :-D My weaving looks so much better now!

[@KellyCasanova]

Great to hear! Happy weaving!

[@spyglassfibercraft3503]

What a lovely, calm, and informative video! Thank you very much.

[@KellyCasanova]

What a lovely comment! Thank YOU very much :)

[@CarolineRoussetJohnson]

Kelly, Teaching is an art, and you are one great artist! Have a beautiful Weekend.

[@KellyCasanova]

Thanks so much to you Caroline :)

[@bettyrush9878]

I think I’m going to like your way better than the way I was taught. I was taught to pinch it but as an older beginner weaver I doubt my thumbs would be able to weave that way for long. Thank you

[@shigellashigella]

One of the first good videos about crafts I've ever seen. Explanation is really good, as well as quality of video, everything was prepared (I hate when speaker is chaotic and doesn't have all the materials kept and needs to go somewhere). Knowledge is "shoveled to the head", I have to try this way of selvage management Thank you Kelly!

[@KellyCasanova]

I'll take that as a huge compliment, thank you! 😃

[@shigellashigella]

@@KellyCasanova I warped loom (I have normal rigid heddle, but this time I used this 3.bp.blogspot.com/-26LDtGrm5ds/T1e6Q5P7sWI/AAAAAAAAAIw/1irorjvd41s/s640/kangaspuut.jpg model) with cotton as warp and thread, and tried your way - it works really good on cotton too. What I added is doubling warp on the side. I also try to remember to beat thread in same position I put it into the shed (I used to change heddle position before beating, but it looks you are right. Unfortunately this loom is too small to make 45 degree angle while putting thread, so it is around 25, but it seems to be working ok

[@joycegentile8552]

The little trick of putting your index finger downward pressure is a really good one!

[@KellyCasanova]

+Joyce Gentile I hope it's useful to you, thanks for commenting :)

[@eyeofthedivine]

I'm on my 2nd project now using the same yarns for the weft and yeah practice helps. I have to admit I didn't think about edges when I did my first one until I noticed a problem

[@daniellelemond7426]

I like using an off white 8/4 color of 'selvage' on the first 3 dents of each side using 2 ends per eye and 4 ends per dent. This is normally a thinner type yarn than your warp yarn but will help in maintaining a flat edge and give your project a handsome professional border.

[@maddoxcallum6128]

Instablaster.

[@davehubbard4207]

Thanks for this guide. My sides were quite loose, since I haven't used my loom for a few years. Thanks for the reminder.

[@KellyCasanova]

You're welcome Dave!

[@WhoisMichelleCollie]

Explained well and love the music, very relaxing weaving music.

[@angeliqueartistry9949]

Thank you! Drastically changed my wonky edges!

[@KellyCasanova]

Great! 😀

[@jakemaxwel]

I just took my first class on rigid heddle weavingm and this was really helpful. Thank you!

[@KellyCasanova]

You're welcome! 😊

[@carolynadams2264]

Thank you so much for this video, I'm doing most of what you show but I picked up a few tips.

[@KellyCasanova]

Great to hear! 😀

[@artistirmafeliciarodriguez7752]

Thanks so much for sharing and teaching, I appreciate all the talented individuals that share and teach, Hugs :)

[@lindaramilootero1057]

Very patient and clear

[@KellyCasanova]

Thanks Linda!

[@trubluecrafter1060]

thank you for explaining this slowly

[@KellyCasanova]

You are so welcome!

[@tofknit]

Thank you Kelly! Just what I needed.

[@KellyCasanova]

+Susan Tofilon I'm glad the video helped you, thanks for your feedback :)

[@karenbochinski]

Very detailed went slowly which I appreciate and explained this very well.

[@casteretpollux]

Two really goodctips, thank you.

[@KellyCasanova]

You're welcome!

[@gillianbc]

I've seen a lot of these videos and read books where it mentions this 45 degree angle, but then what they do is about a 20 degree angle. If the width you are weaving is 10" to get a 45 degree angle, that would be the same up at the side - 10". It looks about 4" on this video - 22 degrees. I'm finding it confusing.

[@KellyCasanova]

Hi Gillian, I always advise a 45 degree angle for newer weavers, as it encourages neat selvedges and gives the weaver a good feel for what correct technique feels like. Once you have more experience and are confident that your edges look good, you angle may alter. You are correct, my angle is smaller than 45 degrees - I have the experience and no longer think about my angle :)

[@gillianbc]

Kelly Casanova Many thanks

[@helenel4126]

Thanks for posting this. Your slow and detailed explanation is very instructive. Because wool is so elastic, and cotton is not, do you recommend a beginner start with a cotton weft, or just jump into "the deeper part of the pool" and use wool?

[@KellyCasanova]

+Helene L Thank you! Whether you start with cotton or wool, just make sure that you use the same for warp and weft. If you, for example, use a cotton warp and wool weft you will have issues! I do think perhaps wool is a little easier to start with as it's a little more flexible to use, but jump right in with cotton if that is what you have on hand. Happy weaving!

[@helenel4126]

I'd bought some worsted weight cotton (Lily Sugar n' Cream) to make hand towels as my first project. I figured if those selvages were wonky, our family hands wouldn't care. ;)

[@KellyCasanova]

Helene L Hope they turn out well, don't stress too much about the selvages, it's all good practice :)

[@kris8584]

This is very helpful! Thank you!

[@KellyCasanova]

You're most welcome!

[@cohnho9]

I have woven a few scarves and placemats on my Ashford loom, but noticed that my tension became way too tight in the lower heddle position. I just realized I have been moving the heddle into the wrong lower position. I was forcing it too far down. Could you post a demonstration of the different heddle positions? Also, is there a right and wrong way to put the heddle in? Is one way upside down?

[@KellyCasanova]

See my newest video :)

[@lorrainewilliams7896]

Very helpful and encouraging. Thank you!

[@KellyCasanova]

Great to hear, thank you!

[@beverlykemp4735]

This was very helpful...thank You

[@KellyCasanova]

Good to hear, thank you.

[@a2013Friend]

I love your video -- super clear and helpful! I have one question. I'm a beginner and I'm debating between the Ashford Rigid Heddle 40 cm size and the 60 cm size. I've heard some concerns that the larger looms are harder for beginners. Do you have any advice? Thanks again!!

[@KellyCasanova]

Larger looms can be harder for beginners, but I would not consider the 60cm a large loom - more like middle sized. You can do a lot more on that size than on a 40cm :)

[@colinedwards7367]

Great teaching video.

[@KellyCasanova]

Thank you Colin!

[@mishti06]

Hi Kelly. I love your videos. You are very good at explaining (slowly and clearly) what to do. I am starting out in weaving and was considering buying a 80cm loom, mainly to do rag rugs. But now I'm thinking it will be far too bulky to handle. What size loom are you using in this vid? It looks like a comfortable size. And....is it possible to double weave a rag rug on a 60cm loom? I'd really appreciate any advice? Thanks again.

[@KellyCasanova]

Hi Annette, Welcome to the wonderful world of weaving! My loom is a 60cm. It would make fairly narrow rugs. As far as double width weaving a rag rug - I haven't tried it, only blankets. For rag rugs you need good tension and an extra beater to pack the weft rows down. That would be more difficult with double width weaving, as you can't access the layers (they are on top of each other) the way you can with a single layer. Keep in mind too, that if you do get the 80cm, you are not obliged to use the full width every time, but you always have the option of doing so. How are your shoulders? Any back problems? Do you have the space to store an 80cm loom? Is it within your budget? These are the kind of things I would be thinking about before purchasing :)

[@mishti06]

Kelly Casanova Thanks so much for your advice Kelly. I decided to get the 80cm in the end. Knowing that I don't' have to use the full width but have options if I want to later. I have made rag rugs before on a peg loom but it was hard to get the tension right. So I'm looking forward to this experience. Maybe I'll start small first. Yes I do have back problems, but I'm figuring not every weave project will be full width so small ones can be easier. It's all a big adventure and I won't have my new loom until Christmas....oooooooh so excited. Also...do you know of any groups in Brisbane (Aus) for beginner weavers? Again...thank you for such great instructions !!!

[@KellyCasanova]

Annette, there is the guild - www.qldspinners.org.au And, of course, my Facebook group - facebook.com/groups/1568442459896214/ And my Online Weaving School -kelly-casanova-weaving-lessons.teachable.com/?preview=logged_out

[@mastinomama8939]

Great help, as usual. Thank you very much!

[@KellyCasanova]

You're welcome!

[@ceciliagonzalezespinoza2614]

Son muy buenos estos cursos de telares

[@KellyCasanova]

Gracias!

[@bon47ful]

Lovely work! What are you weaving?

[@KellyCasanova]

Gosh, it's hard to remember now, I've made and sold so many things! I think it was a scarf.

[@kathyvanvalkenburgh5435]

Thank you Kelly. I'm totally new to weaving and your videos really help. What brand of rigid heddle do you have? I would like to get one.

[@KellyCasanova]

Thank you Kathy! I have an Ashford but there are many other brands available that are very good also.

[@Anouk1976]

Very helpful video, thank you so much!!

[@KellyCasanova]

+Anouk1976 Thank you!

[@dianathefiberfan]

Great video. Thank you

[@KellyCasanova]

You're welcome!

[@charlotteparfitt9753]

Great video! Do you have any advice for neat edges when using two or more colours? I don't know if there is a technique for how the two threads go around each other? Thanks :)

[@KellyCasanova]

+Charlotte Parfitt Yes, there are ways to make it neater. It depends on how you're using the colours e.g. are you doing stripes and if so, how thick are they? If you are weaving short sections of colour, it looks fine to carry the colours up the side of the weft and interlock them around each other. But if doing large sections of colour and then changing to another colour, you may be better off cutting the yarn, leaving a tail and weaving it in later. Hmm, perhaps I need to do a video on this? :)

[@charlotteparfitt9753]

+Kelly Casanova Thanks thats really helpful! A video would be awesome! Your videos so far have been incredibly helpful and are so much easier to understand than the pictures in weaving books :)

[@trubluecrafter1060]

My edges are loopy. Do I need to pull tension tighter? Also, I was using a heavier yarn for putting through the shed. The lighter weight yarn was what I had used to set up, to thread through the holes and slots. (Sorry, I'm new to this)

[@KellyCasanova]

You need good tension on the warp and then the right tension for the weft as well. How is your warp tension? It doesn't have to be so tight that it's hard to move your heddle up and down, but you do need it to be firm. Loopy edges are very common for new weavers, it's just part of getting the feel for it. Experiment with your edges. Follow my advice in the video. You will improve with practice, I promise!

[@kiumbukicomedy]

Thank you very much. ♥️😊

[@KellyCasanova]

You're welcome 😊

[@jrcmck]

thank you

[@KellyCasanova]

+jrcmck You're welcome!

[@lizchattin7016]

Thanks

[@KellyCasanova]

+Clare Powers You're welcome :)

[@connieyaqub56]

I have a hearing loss, and although I wear hearing aids, the use of music in the background makes it much more difficult for me to hear and understand spoken words. So thank you for the video, but I hope you will not use music in the future. I know this video is 8 years old, but going forward, I hope you will consider this. Thank you. I am binge watching your videos and am learning so much!!!!

[@connieyaqub56]

One more thing. Yes, I do use the subtitles, even when there is no music. But if I rely on them too much, I miss part of the action. Thank you!

[@KellyCasanova]

Thanks for your feedback Connie - yes, I used music in some of my old videos but now I only use it when I'm demonstrating and not speaking 😊

[@trubluecrafter1060]

If I use 2 slightly different weights of yarn, say, a worsted and then a DK, does that mess things up? Romans 10:9-13

[@KellyCasanova]

No, it won't mess things up provided you have the appropriate sett.

[@MrNba304]

What loom do you use?

[@KellyCasanova]

+Barry Almand It's an Ashford 60cm rigid heddle loom.

[@MrNba304]

Thank you!

[@KellyCasanova]

Barry Almand You're most welcome :)

[@elciewallace8492]

The video cut off in the middle of a sentence. What happened?