Tablet Weaving Mechanics: How does it work?

How do these cards and thread make such intricate designs? What on earth is S and Z and what does it mean? What is this witchcraft?!
I focus on the mechanics of how the tablets/cards move, how they move the threads, and what changing different variables does to the weaving. Learn the mechanics to gain a better understanding of how patterns work.
Also featuring my 10-month old kitten Winnie! Lol
Time stamps:
0:00 Introduction
0:34 Getting started
1:10 \ S and Z / angles, turning directions and twist
5:04 Adding weft, how colors show
7:10 Adding more cards
9:39 Flipping cards, changing color order
11:45 Correcting color order
12:48 Shifting color order, threaded-in pattern design
14:45 Bloopers and kitten reel 🐱
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Scripting, producing, and editing by Melissa S.
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Kindness is key and giving it is free. 💞

[@khimbalee5087]

How incredibly kind and generous of you to do all this work and share this demonstration, it helped me enormously. It can be difficult to do something when I sort of know “how” but I don’t really understand. A lot of lightbulbs went off watching this, thank you!

[@impendinglooms]

Thank you! It’s my pleasure. That’s exactly why I did this video. Knowing how it works advanced my weaving greatly.

[@charismaticalpaca6874]

I am brand new to tablet weaving and you dispelled the fog around reading patterns for me! I had no idea it could feel so intuitive. Thank you for making this!

[@impendinglooms]

Yay! I’m so glad it was helpful!

[@AAAAAA-bv8fg]

I am a knitter and crocheter that has become interested in weaving. Today I saw a video mentioning tablet woven edges in fabrics and wanted to learn more about that, in particular, and tablet weaving in general. I opened two other videos, which I stopped fairly quickly to open another. Yours was the third, and it caught my attention. I very much appreciate what you have done here. This obviously took quite a bit of time to film/document, and definitely was cumbersome to perform (popsicle sticks don’t stay put!). Your teaching style assumes zero knowledge, which is appreciated. While being thorough and explanatory, you did not drag anything out. It is rare that I leave comments at all, but this video is so well thought-out and helpful that I wanted to be sure to convey my appreciation. Thank you for this! You have definitely sparked an interest in me while conveying foundational knowledge on the topic.

[@impendinglooms]

Wow, thank you so much for the high praise! These were definitely some of my goals with this video. 💗

[@magpieMOB]

I really appreciate how you chose to phrase and describe the key points at play, avoiding ambiguous terms or using one word to mean multiple different things - it really made all of this easier to follow

[@bernadettecrumb9143]

I am so glad that your video came up in the "you may like..." list. I've been wanting to learn tablet weaving since I attended my first SCA events just over 40 years ago, but when I had the time to learn, I couldn't find a teacher, and when I found a teacher, work and family obligations wouldn't allow me to take the class. Now I'm waiting for my tablet cards to arrive in the mail, and thanks to your video, I have a much better idea of why behind the how to manipulate the threads, and it will hopefully help me understand my weaving and not just blindly follow directions. Thank you so much! 🙂

[@sarahcarruthers3457]

This was just incredible. Please give yourself a high five or a hug or something you like from me, and from all future weavers. you're saving the ancient knowledge, and you rock.

[@impendinglooms]

Aww! Thank you so much! 🥰

[@tabbytreeweaver4507]

You are a wonderful teacher. I also teach tablet weaving and often struggle with explaining these concepts. Thank you for the inspiration! Next class I’m hauling out the cat and huge cardboard tablets😂❤

[@impendinglooms]

High praise from a fellow instructor! 🥰 Actually next time I might make my large tablets out of wood, the cardboard was a little troublesome. The cat definitely was not as helpful as she thought she was! 😂

[@Cellottia]

Fantastic! I've always found tablet weaving somewhat mind boggling, but you show such clear explanations that I'm going to give it a go! Youre a brilliant teacher! Thank you ❤ !

[@merindymorgenson3184]

This is very helpful. I just could not figure out how tablet weaving worked and now it makes much more sense. I love the kitty cameos!

[@nancyfmallen]

I am so pleased that you did this demonstration. This is a very helpful video, instead of reading an inkle weaving book.

[@impendinglooms]

I'm so glad!

[@lizbitnie]

Im so happy this is the first video I clicked to try to learn this skill.

[@tummymummy0867]

Thank you for a great video, finally someone I understand after struggling with similar videos for about a year.❤

[@sonjanordahl3158]

Wow! I had not given much thought to tablet weaving. Your choice of big cardboard squares and macramé cord made this very easy to follow. Now I'm going to have to give this a try.😍

[@PetroicaRodinogaster264]

have a look and see how they did it without a loom. You really only need a belt around your waist to tie one end of the warp to and a strong anchor on the opposite end like a brick raised at the same height as your waist when seated and you can achieve the same results. Notice in the demo, no loom just the weight. Having said that I have an inkle loom as you can do non tablet weaving as well on that. there are demos on here.

[@dannyl2598]

Thank you so much. You have done a great job of demystifying tablet weaving. The exaggerated props really cleared up what is going on.

[@rovhatree]

This was so easy to follow! Thank you for sharing this and for slowly explaining everything step by step! And that cat definitely needs to learn how to behave in front of the camera haha.

[@impendinglooms]

😹😹😹

[@adamantramona9175]

Thank you!! And a like drop for Winnie , the extremely “helpful” cat lol

[@amyschemidt7337]

This is a fantastic video, your visuals and descriptions are exceptionally clear!

[@tammihackley4349]

This was the best explaination & demonstration of S & Z, thank you

[@funvideosriddellrye4296]

I came across tablet leaving for the first time in a craft group today it was mentioned. I now feel I understand the principle behind it. Thank you so much for this careful clear explanation of the mechanics. I look forward to watching your other videos

[@endelosecosplay1302]

Thank you soooo much!! You just answered soo many of my questions and struggles. Also got to love our furry assistants.

[@VeretenoVids]

Oh my gods this demonstration was so incredibly helpful! I finally twigged why I was struggling to handle S and Z when I'm a knitter and spinner and had been thinking S and Z for years. I just never thought about the fact that some pattern authors are referring to card slant and others to direction of the yarn through the cards. Eureka! Thank you!! (I also have feline helpers, so the final montage cracked me up.)

[@starr-starr]

Super clear explanation of the relationship of S and Z threading to card tilt. I was so confused when I started tablet weaving and would get various results from different patterns. It took a long while to find out that it really is dependent on the pattern designer how they write their patterns - for threading direction or for card tilt? Once I figured that out, it was so much easier to get the results I expected. Very nice video.

[@impendinglooms]

Thank you! That’s the challenge with not having standardized patterns, everyone writes them a little differently, and sometimes it takes some trial and error to figure it out.

[@donnafagerhaug2394]

This was really helpful. Love the kitty bloopers at the end 😊

[@TheOxfordWeavingStudio]

This is a great video! I teaching weaving on frame and table/floor looms and was asked a question about tablet weaving... something I had never heard about. So thank you for this instructional video, I'm going to give it a try!

[@impendinglooms]

Yes, please do! 🎉 It’s a lot of fun.

[@suschuki]

Herzlichen Dank! Das ist großartig aufgebaut, endlich habe ich das Prinzip verstanden, wunderbar! Ich wünsche Ihnen gutes Gelingen in allem, was Sie tun 👏💐🥰

[@impendinglooms]

Thank you very much! I’m so glad it was helpful!

[@mandylavida]

This is so useful...I simply did not understand how this worked before.

[@insertnamehere9309]

Thank you so much for this video! I saw a demonstration of card weaving on a dress hem and thought, "I need to learn more about this." Definitely saving your video. Also, as someone who can struggle to understand spoken words, thank you for the captions. They really do help a lot ❤

[@impendinglooms]

You are very welcome! The auto-captions sometimes get it so very wrong, especially with uncommon weaving terms. I also sometimes need captions, so I get it! 💗

[@mtsanri]

This demonstration is a great public service!

[@leisongivangomo4478]

Brilliant explanation! Thank you!

[@pattybrant1489]

Best video of this technique I have seen! Very helpful.

[@impendinglooms]

Wow, thanks!

[@apocosy]

What an excellent tutorial/explanation! Very helpful. Thank you

[@stephenrobb8759]

Fabulous video !

[@GreatGreebo]

This is an excellent video..thank you. I think I finally understand! Cheers.

[@sorenbuenneke6434]

Wonderful video. Very thorough and helpful!

[@alessandramonteriggioni815]

What a brilliant explanation of tablet weaving!

[@artsymamanana]

Awesome! ❤

[@courtneylowenthal5228]

Really love your content, thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience!

[@impendinglooms]

You’re very welcome. I’m so glad you enjoy it!

[@tammihackley4349]

Love your helper!!

[@CarrieCraftGeek]

Great explanation of the relationship of thread and card with S and Z twist. Look forward to more of your videos!

[@sarahwaldock3196]

thank you! for the first time I think I understand tablet weaving. I have 11 cats so I expect they will love to help. I crochet with the hair of the longhairs....

[@marilizevandermerwe8343]

Really worth my while watching. Thank you for an excellent tutorial. Hope to see much more and that you can take me all the way to those difficult gorgeous bands.

[@ingerhobby308]

This is the best explonation of how everything works and how the changes effect the outcoming. I have seen a lot of videos for beginner, but no one have explined it so well as you did. It's like something allways been a secret and that I've never understand. Tank you so much!

[@masterkayaman]

Excelente exploración, gracias por compartir!

[@jennifermiller7986]

Thank you!!! This was so very helpful!!!

[@daniellewarren6302]

This video is super helpful. Thank you for creating it!

[@impendinglooms]

You're so welcome!

[@gogonkt]

Thank you for your great lesson, it really help!

[@MsTilda2]

❤Thanks for your effort, teaching us this, ❤❤

[@teenyw]

I've been thinking about constructing an inkle loom since my tendonitis flares up when I knit and crochet and this was such a great intro for the mechanics of tablet weaving. Thank you!

[@lillycarmichael8194]

Thank you so much for sharing this!! I'm trying to get into textile arts and as a complete beginner, this video was super helpful and easy to understand!!

[@impendinglooms]

I'm so glad! I have lots more beginner videos planned.

[@lauraanderson9390]

Outstanding teacher thank you

[@anhe1183]

nice video! good explanation.

[@nandoemanuel4063]

Thank you 🙏 so much!😊

[@arpamor]

Thank you so much! So helpful ♥

[@jw8223]

Thank you!! This is very helpful! I want to start tablet weaving and this explains the mechanics of it so well!! Also, your supurrrrrvisor is adorable.

[@impendinglooms]

You're very welcome. And Miss Winnie agrees she is adorable. lol

[@jocelynsmyth6604]

Totally agree, I really want to learn, and am having the hardest time getting it - still struggling, but this helped a lot 🩵

[@a.jurado7655]

FINALLY!!! I understand!!! Thank you!!!

[@lumikkihusu7259]

How do I double-like this? Heck(le), how do I triple like this?!? This is so clear and informative! I've been weaving a while already and I've reverse-engineered some patterns I've seen in pictures, but I feel this really helps me design my own.

[@impendinglooms]

lol, thank you! Yes, this does help me with designing patterns!

[@StopThenGoAgain]

Bless you! I assumed I'd never understand what was happening in tablet weaving, but you've made it completely approachable! You've done a wonderful wonderful job explaining the what, how, and why of it all. Thanks!

[@impendinglooms]

Thank you, and you are so welcome!

[@lilianabeatriz4551]

Muchísimas gracias por este tutorial tan didáctico. Contribuye claramente a la comprensión del proceso, incluso para diseñar patrones propios. Felicitaciones. 🥀

[@impendinglooms]

¡Muchas gracias! Me alegro de que sea útil

[@kathrynbassett1535]

Thank you ❤thank you. I am new to this and this was really good to follow. The big cards made it easier to follow. It is so kind of you 😊to share your knowledge. Sending so much yarny good wishes Katy from NZ ❤

[@impendinglooms]

Aww, thanks Katy! I like the “yarny good wishes”! 🥰🧶✨

[@user-KG71]

I think I finally understand ❤

[@michaelarchangelthehammer]

Excellent. Thank you! I took notes :)

[@impendinglooms]

Haha! Awesome, I’m so glad you liked it.

[@kateflanagan9355]

I've been considering learning tablet video game to make a belt for a Halloween costume. I am a visual learner and so far you have shown me how to do this the best five minutes I got a better grip on what I need to do than anyone else has shown me so far

[@impendinglooms]

Thanks! I’m so glad it was helpful. 🥰

[@keptleroymg6877]

amazing

[@Norfolk250]

[Edit....DARN YOU SOELLFINISHHER!!] This is one thing that I haven't tried yet, but have been painstakingly trying to find the 'mechanics' of -- meaning... instead of DO-WING or actually TRY-YING it, I have been trying to figure it out in my bean FIRST. I.... I don't know whyyyyy this occurred to me - my brilliance has yet to explain the ways in which it does what it don't do. (sheash!) Thanks for posting this video. It's... it's like your genius brain and my genius brain had a conference through the ether and you made this video as a consequence! Hey... stick with me, kid. We'll go places!!

[@impendinglooms]

Haha! Great minds think alike! I was the same, I wanted to know the why and how before I started, but couldn’t find anything. That was the reason for this video. On my videos-to-make list is one about how I got frustrated trying to figure it out, and just set something up and fiddled with things until it clicked… my “mess around and find out” method! Lol 😉

[@PetroicaRodinogaster264]

I thought that your demonstration was very good. Have subbed. Using the large cards and thick cord was very helpful. Love your cat too. Aren’t they funny how they do that. Even the most aloof cat wants to be part of the action when it is the most inconvenient.

[@impendinglooms]

Thanks! Yes, aren’t cats silly? In the way every single time! 😂

[@PetroicaRodinogaster264]

@@impendinglooms You will not believe this but not long after watching your video and making the comment about cats I was sitting on a sofa with all kinds of containers full of cottons, wools and beads, having a bit of a sort out etc…when my small but very inquisitive dog decided that would be a good time to have a look. She jumped on me, containers and contents flew everywhere and…in my efforts to stop it all from happening I poked her in the eye. It is not the first time either. A few years back she did a similar thing when I was working with very fine wire and she actually got an injury requiring medical help for that, as it cut her eye and an ulcer formed. She has to be in everything….I love it and hate it at the same time. Her eye poke this time came to nothing. Some winking for a little while then a sleep and she was okay than goodness. I will have to devise a way to keep her sticky nose out of things.

[@user-cw5rg9cp7m]

❤

[@kathyaustin9162]

Actually, I think I would really enjoy seeing if your kitty can weave. LOL!! You sound just like Elewys of Finchingefeld. Thanks for the breakdown of how the S weave and the Z weave work.

[@impendinglooms]

Oh thank you! Lol, I think kitty would make a mess of things. She usually does!

[@inaswilliam8882]

very nice tk

[@tomthedespoiler]

This is an excellent video! Thanks for doing it. In your intro, you show a LeClerc Cendrel floor inkle loom (a pre 1990 model I think). Have you ever used Texsolv heddles on it, and if so, what size? Also, regarding threading direction (S and Z), not only do different authors use different symbols for direction, some sources use opposite terminology, reversing the S and Z from how you define it in this video. It's important to check how a pattern author notates their patterns. I've found all kinds of new and interesting errors by not double checking.

[@impendinglooms]

Thanks! I haven’t used Texsolv heddles, I’ve always made my own. Yes, different authors use different systems, and it can make things confusing. The most common variation I’ve found is whether they use S/Z for thread angle or for tablet slant, which are opposite. If the thread is S, the tablet slant is Z, and vice versa. I agree with the recommendation to check for a pattern key or instructions to clarify which one the author intends.

[@mandylavida]

Thanks

[@impendinglooms]

Thank you! 💗💗💗

[@dobo9150]

A kitten interrupts the filming? Legit crafting blog, clearly. *likes and subscribes all the things*

[@impendinglooms]

😂

[@sonjanordahl3158]

PS Love your helper.

[@tlai1038]

Thank you for such a wonderful clear demonstration! And also love the kitten interruption 😂 when are cats ever helpful!?

[@impendinglooms]

lol, they think they are amazing supurrvisors!

[@tlai1038]

@@impendinglooms we have one such supervisor too 😆

[@tamarametzger8982]

Came for the content and stayed for the outtakes at the end. BTW, telling her that no one wants to see her booty is a lie!

[@impendinglooms]

😂 Don’t encourage her!

[@lorainew4281]

Excellent video! I learned more from you than all the books I've tried to read, thank you! I would be interested to see how you handle the twist buildup when you have a pattern that only turns in one direction. Do you use swivels? Or is there a way to flip the cards to keep the pattern the same but undo the twist? I'm going to go warp up my loom now! 😊

[@impendinglooms]

Thank you! There are lots of different ways to manage twist buildup, I’ll add it to my videos-to-do list. Lol. Short answer, there are basically two ways: 1-push twist out of the band (swivels, weights, or untie) which allows the pattern to stay in one direction, or 2-reverse direction (change turns or flip cards) after a long buildup until it twists the other way. The second does change the pattern, but in many patterns it works.

[@lorainew4281]

@@impendinglooms Thank you, I'll try both to see which works best! I'll be hoping to see a video about that in the future 🤞

[@visanlala]

💯💯💯❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@user-ef5fh5dk7p]

👍👍👍😻😻😻

[@xander9564]

Excellent clear video. I'm just getting into tablet weaving and have seen a few videos but yours really explained things in a way the others missed. Thanks for that. One question, mechanics wise, I haven't seen addressed in any video or article so far, is why tablet weaving is only used for long thin straps. Is there anything preventing its use for short wide pieces? Let's say, instead of doing a strap 48" long and 2" wide, I want to do one that is 15" long and 10" wide. Is it possible to tablet weave such a piece?

[@impendinglooms]

Ooo, excellent question. I haven’t seen much on historical research on that yet, but it is possible to do wider tablet weaves. I saw a post of a textile student doing a huge 36” wide tablet woven piece on a floor loom. I have a few guesses on why it’s not more common (based just on my own experience, I haven’t researched it, so this is only an educated guess): 1-Turning many tablets becomes more difficult when it’s harder to hold them in your hands all at once. You’d have to turn them in sections. Beyond about 2.5-3 inches/6-8 cm it becomes a bit awkward and unwieldy to turn the cards. 2-When it becomes wider and more difficult to turn the tablets, that’s when it becomes easier to use a multi-shaft loom or multiple sets of heddles to manipulate the warp. You lose the twining/twisting, but gain a lot of speed. You also minimize mistakes after the heddles are set up. 3-Tablet weaving often creates a very thick, dense, stiff fabric. This is ideal for things like belts, straps, and trim. A stiff, dense fabric that is wider becomes more difficult to use. It is faster and easier to use a different weaving technique to create a more flexible and versatile fabric. 4-The setup for a short wide piece would take a lot longer and have a lot more loom waste. TLDR: it’s possible to do wider tablet weaves, but it becomes more difficult and less practical the wider you go.

[@xander9564]

@@impendinglooms Very interesting, and much food for thought. Appreciate your detailed and insightful response.

[@machoprotegido5607]

Thank you for the great explanation. Do you know why tablet weaving is only used for narrow bands? Is it difficult to scale up?

[@impendinglooms]

Ooo, excellent question! I have seen a post where a student did their final project (or maybe thesis?) creating a super-wide tablet woven piece, so it is possible. In my experience I think there’s a couple of reasons: 1. The number of tablets you have to manipulate becomes cumbersome and time-consuming. Tablets are great for small detail work. Much more than 2 inches wide you have to start moving the tablets in sections because they simply don’t all fit in your hands. There comes a point where a multi-shaft loom or pickup stick or tapestry bobbins become the better and faster tools for the job. 2. The finished fabric is 4 layers thick and tends to be a bit stiff. This works really well for sturdy straps, belts, and bands. A wide piece would turn out like a very dense, stiff rug. If that’s what you want, a bigger loom again becomes the better, faster, and easier tool.

[@machoprotegido5607]

@@impendinglooms That makes so much sense! Thank you very much indeed!

[@patere17]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@alesianickerson5879]

What size tablets and length of cords? I've been trying to learn and I want to try this because it helps. Thank you. Have an awesome day!

[@impendinglooms]

In this video my cardboard cards were 5-inch squares, and I think I made my cords 2 yards long. But this is not how I normally weave, I made it big just for the better visual examples. Doing it this big was a little awkward, and I’d recommend learning with something a little easier to control. 😂 Most of the time I use smaller 2-2.5 inch square cards. I often make my cards by squaring up poker cards. They are easier to hold in the hands and turn. I usually use #10 cotton crochet thread, but #5 crochet cotton or even cotton knitting yarns with no stretch will work. Length depends on the project you want and the loom or tension system you use, but for a learning piece keep it shorter, maybe a yard or two. That way if you have to scrap it and start over it’s no big loss, and you don’t feel like it will never end.

[@laurencegifford8788]

Could you please tell me how to deal with twist build up behind the cards? Thank you!❤💐

[@impendinglooms]

I have a future video planned, but quickly there are a few options. -Reverse the pattern so it twists the other way (untwisting); -Add something to release twist (fishing swivels, or warp weights); or -Manually untie, release the twist, and retie.

[@laurencegifford8788]

Thank you! The swivels sound intriguing. I am looking forward to seeing more videos from you!

[@PetroicaRodinogaster264]

When you think about the people centuries ago who first came up with this concept of weaving, by today’s standards they were equal to rocket scientists. The average person today can do the weave but hardly any could come up with the concept and method.

[@impendinglooms]

That’s exactly right, weavers in professional guilds often had many years of apprenticeships and trainings before being unsupervised. The equivalent training now would be a university master’s degree at least.

[@benjaminzedrine]

Back on third forward of top on four threads is half, is straight? Blue thread.

[@impendinglooms]

I’m not sure I understand the question. Is it here 12:34 ? If yes: when the turns change, the threads go straight for 1 pick before twisting the other way. It crosses over the top, then crosses back again. That blue is the spot where the turn changed. If that’s the wrong part, can you give a time stamp please?

[@benjaminzedrine]

@@impendinglooms nah at six minute mark where you change direction and the thread goes straight. Back on the blue thread (direction change), after its third turn turn from being the prominent thread (top, front corner), is a half of total twist (by number of threads). That's why it goes straight.

[@benjaminzedrine]

That's a question I'm asking both you and myself. "why does a thread go straight?". A thread goes straight if it was the top corner thread two forward turns ago and you reverse direction.

[@benjaminzedrine]

There are more conditions here. Basically, weaving is blowing my mind right now.

[@impendinglooms]

Ah, okay. I think we are saying the same thing in different ways. Yes, the thread gets twisted going forward, then untwisted going back, resulting in a straight line. I know, weaving continues to amaze me. It’s like magic! 😂💗

[@denizediz8669]

Merhaba bu güzel ve açıklamalı videon için çok teşekkür ederim. Ben de eğitmenim açıklarken zor oluyor. çok uzaklardaki insanlara destek veriyorsunuz. Emeğiniz çok büyük. Türkiye den sevgiler gönderiyorum. 💝💝💝🏅🏅🏅

[@impendinglooms]

Thank you, that is so kind! 🥰 I’m so glad you liked it. Returning love from Texas! 💖

[@pamthepainter]

Beautiful but looks complicated

[@luzdaryfalla8964]

Para ver más lento

[@impendinglooms]

¡Gracias!

[@brooke_reiverrose2949]

Ma'am, I hate lifting weights, too.

[@impendinglooms]

😂

[@hassankeng3917]

Defecalt

[@corrinneloudon525]

Too much for a dyslexic 🙃

[@entropyinreverse]

This is so helpful, thank you so much!

[@entropyinreverse]

None of it would have made sense without the cat though

[@impendinglooms]

😹 She’s incredibly helpful!

[@jamiethrogmorton2540]

SO clear and helpful! Thank you very much. 🧶 💜