Pinwheels are a bit of an ultimate goal for some of us rigid heddle weavers. I’ve often heard it said that it was a picture of another weaver’s pinwheel project that first excited the interest of some to the rigid heddle loom.
I’ve had many requests for a pinwheels class over the past couple of years, so I finally knuckled down, and as a result “Pinwheels for the Rigid Heddle Loom” is now available.
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I really enjoyed making this class, as it’s always a thrill to introduce my students to a project that I know just naturally has the “WOW!” factor in abundance.
Pinwheels can be woven on either 8 or 4 shafts, and are essentially a twill draft combined with colour and weave to produce something really impressive, but not all that difficult. You have to love that!
For this class, I chose to weave on 4 shafts (for obvious reasons – 4 shafts is way more achievable on a rigid heddle loom than 8!) using a single heddle/reed and 3 heddle rods. The set up is a little time intensive, but very comparative to the time it would take to set up on a multi shaft loom. And once you start weaving, you are more than rewarded for your efforts.
The class demonstrates a Table Topper project (rather like a table centrepiece) but also provides all the calculations for a table runner, if that is your preference. I chose my colours (Latte and Peacock) to co-ordinate with my dining room curtains, which are a greyish coffee colour.
It is important with pinwheels to choose colours that are harmonious yet have enough contrast – you want those pinwheels to pop out at you!
Before undertaking this class, I highly suggest that you complete the “Converting Pattern Drafts to the Rigid Heddle Loom” to gain a good understanding of setting up your loom according to traditional pattern drafts. The Pinwheels class would then build on that knowledge and demonstrate that there are several ways to achieve the same result.
This class is available as a part of any membership to my Online Weaving School, or can be purchased as a single class.
Until next time….
Happy Pinwheel Weaving!
Thanks so much for this wonderfully clear video class on how to weave a pinwheel pattern, Kelly! The finished project looks fantastic and I can’t wait to get started on a table runner. I particularly like the blue/white contrast.
On a different note, do you have a similar class to produce herringbone weave on a rigid heddle loom using heddle rods or pick-up sticks? I’d so love to try that too as I want to make myself a waistcoat to match a jacket I have. If you have such a class that I just haven’t discovered yet, I’d really appreciate hearing from you. I have a 24-inch rigid heddle loom (10 dent), pick-up sticks and heddle rods at the ready!
I’m sorry Andrew, I don’t have a herringbone class, though I may have to consider it as I seem to be getting a lot of requests lately!
Ok, I bought the class, have the pdf but do better with a video. Is there a video of this pinwheel class? If so please direct me to it… This is the first complicated weave I’ve tried after houndstooth. Doing a scarf for Christmas and need to learn this… HELP… LoL
Hi Terri,
The class is available here – https://kelly-casanova-weaving-lessons.teachable.com/p/pinwheels-on-a-rigid-heddle-loom/?preview=logged_out
I can’t wait to give this a try! Thank you😊
You must, it is so beautiful and rewarding!
Thank you for this Kelly, I can’t wait to get started! Search for just the right yarn, planning 2 smaller runners to fit my 2 matching bookcases! 🙂
That sounds lovely 😊
This is awesome, thank you!! Can’t wait to get started!
Briefly went through the pinwheel class… Love, love, love how easily you explain everything. Thank you for all you do Kelly.
Thanks Debbi!
Haven’t even read your post yet but just had to say that this looks – – – BRILLIANT!!! – – – Really can’t wait to try this and am saving for the correct size reed and thread. It is 10.30pm and all day, between various household chores, I’ve been readying various things in preparation for my very first warp, – which I’ve been more than a little scared to do! BUT, I think I’m ready to give it a go, wish me luck!
Good luck! Take it slow and be kind to yourself 🙂
So I cited to give it a try! Your final outcome is beautiful! Thank you Kelly!
I’m glad you like it! All the best with your project 🙂