3-day Split-shed Weaving Workshop

Break out of blocks with split-shed weaving. Weave curves and blend colors using continuous wefts on a 4-shaft loom with no special equipment. In this workshop, students will learn to weave multiple combinations of weave structures using only four shafts and a straight threading. Only tie-ups and treadling are changed between samples. Most of these combinations would normally require a minimum of eight shafts. Work with combinations of twills, summer and winter, 4-tie twill, Han damask, taqueté, double weave and more! Weave samples using continuous, complementary, and supplementary wefts, as well as wefts which combine to produce shading (color-blending) for pictorial weaving. (This is similar to the process Deborah Silver uses to create her art.) Students will also learn to make a cartoon on cloth that will advance with the warp and will not wrinkle when beating.Although students will not be able to complete all of the samples in class, they will leave with the ability to complete them at home with all of the drafts and instructions. Looms that allow multiple shaft tie-ups to each treadle are most preferable (and easiest for weaving), followed by direct tie-up looms. Table looms are acceptable but use a slightly slower process.Looms will need to be pre-warped with 8/4 cotton carpet warp. Students will provide their own weft yarns (Most students will probably have acceptable yarns in their stash.) Students will also need two 10” – 14” flat shuttles and one other shuttle of their choosing that will be comfortable to use with an 8 to 9-inch-wide warp.Some details:Students will need 4-shaft looms. Jack and direct tie-up looms are best, but table looms can be used as well. Your loom needs to accommodate a 10″ wide warp. An 8 or 15 dent reed is needed.