As always, Christmas has arrived very quickly this year, but considering it’s one of the best times of the year, I don’t mind at all!
It’s also a lovely time to either treat yourself (yes, you are totally allowed to buy gifts for yourself, I give you permission!) or be treated with a weaving related gift.
This year I’ve decided to arrange the guide according to weaving types and categories, that way you can just hop straight to the section (or sections, nudge, nudge, wink, wink!) that is relevant to you.
*This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please see my disclosure policy.
At the end of the list, I’m also going to list my personal favourite suppliers so you can click and check out all the wonderful weaving and fibre arts related supplies they have available.
In no particular order, here we go!
Rigid heddle weavers
The available widths are 16, 24, 32, 48″ so this gives plenty of choice for budget and weaving goals.
The Weaver’s Idea Book by Jane Patrick
This book remains one of my favourite rigid heddle books. It was the first RH book I ever bought and it is definitely my most used!
This makes a great gift for a weaver because it allows them to do what they do best, but the hard work is taken out of it for them. Many kits come with pre-measured warps, all the colours and yarn amounts are taken care of plus instructions for a project are provided.
Online Weaving School Gold Membership
Gain access to the full online class library of 70+ classes. Learn in your own time, in the comfort of your own home. Many rigid heddle classes are available!
Inkle weavers
Ashford full sized Inkle or Inklette loom.
Both are excellent options, depending on budget and the size of band you want to achieve. I have the full sized inkle and I do recommend a larger size if you can afford as it just gives you more wiggle room.
Weaver’s Inkle Pattern Directory by Anne Dixon
Just an awesome book, simple enough for beginner inkle weavers and complex enough for those who are more advanced. It includes over 400 patterns and a huge variety of weaves to explore (not just plain weave).
Annie has been inkle weaving a really long time and she knows her stuff! Her Etsy shop contains her books and inkle supplies.
Inkle Weaving on an Inkle Loom Online Course
My online course takes you right from the beginning to ensure the student will successfully weave their first inkle band!
A lot inkle weavers will naturally branch into tablet weaving, as it offers even more and intricate patterning possibilities. If you already have an inkle loom, all you need is a pack of cards to get started.
For the weaver who wants to fast track their learning, my Tablet Weaving on an Inkle Loom is the perfect gift!
Band weavers
Historically, bands were woven with simple materials and often used body tensioning in conjunction with environmental items (eg. a tree trunk) to tie onto or around.
A band weaving kit is a great way to get started if you don’t want the investment of purchasing an actual loom just for bands. There are different styles, but the basic Saami weaving setup uses a small heddle (similar to a rigid heddle) made of plastic or wood. The warp is attached to the body with a band and tensioned around another object.
If you are hesitant to buy a loom or just like the idea of stripping your weaving right back to basics, this could be a great option for you.
Weaving Patterned Bands by Susan Foulkes
Disclaimer – I do not own this book, but if I wanted to get started in Band Weaving I would purchase this book.
Norwegian Band Weaving by Heather Torgenrud
I do own this most excellent book, but for absolute beginners, I would first recommend the previous book. This book is very extensive, very inspiring and contains a plethora of patterns and ideas.
Tapestry weavers
Mirrix Tapestry Looms are awesome, I love my Big Sister. The tension is excellent, they are well made and thought out by an actual tapestry weaver, and it is so great to have a dedicated tapestry loom so that lengthy projects aren’t taking up space on other looms.
If you would like to learn more about Mirrix, read my interview with Claudia Chase. I also have a review of my Mirrix Big Sister here.
If you are interested in playing around with tapestry on your rigid heddle loom, check out my Tapestry on a Rigid Heddle Loom Class.
While you can get away with using a household item like a fork or comb to beat down your weft, if you want to do it in style with a purpose built tool, a tapestry beater is a beautiful piece of equipment and quite affordable. I like the look of the Navajo beaters, I think I need one of those on my Christmas Wishlist!
Floor/ Table loom weavers
It’s hard to know where to start in this category, as the choices are enormous. I’ll go with what I know and have used myself.
My floor loom is an 8 shaft, 35″, sinking shed David 2 by Louet. This loom was indeed gifted to me by my husband as my very first floor loom! This is the kind of luxury gift to be remembered, the initial investment is large but the years of enjoyment and learning are worth the cost in my opinion!
Available in 16, 24 or 32″, I have owned a 32″ in the past (I sold it to help fund the floor loom!) and now own a 16″, which is perfect for teaching classes, weaving samples and narrower projects like scarves. These are great looms, relatively easy to set up and learn on, and a great bridging step between a rigid heddle and floor loom.
The Handweaver’s Pattern Directory
Yes, I talk about this book all the time and that is because it’s SO good! My most used multi shaft weaving book, for sure. It’s not a “how to weave” book but rather is full of 4 shaft patterns and techniques, as the title says, it really is a directory.
Learn to weave on a floor loom online class
This is my online class that helps weavers get started on a floor loom. It is very comprehensive, step by step and designed to help the student gain confidence and fall in love with their loom!
Learn to weave on a table loom online class
This is one of my mega popular classes and has rave reviews! For beginner table loom weavers or those who just feel they need help to get going.
These make a great gift for a weaver. Every multi shaft weaver needs one, and buying a boat shuttle will not break the bank. I still use the two Ashford boat shuttles I bought with my first floor loom and they have been fine, but I encourage you to look around and see what is available – there are a lot of shuttles out there, all at different price points and specifications.
Now, for my favourite suppliers!
If you are interested in my Weaver’s Gift Guides from previous years, you will find 2020 here and 2019 here.
I hope this guide has been helpful to you! If you have questions about any of the items in the guide, I’m more than happy to advise, just pop your comment down below and I’ll respond.
Until next time…
Happy Weaving!
Great ideas! Thank you Kelly!
I have been (unsuccessfully) looking for information, a video, book or whatever, explaining how to weave double WIDTH on my 8 shaft table loom. Any suggestions? Have you ever thought of making a video yourself for your weaving school?
All the best
Elsa
Hi Elsa,
I haven’t delved into that myself yet, but Jennifer Moore has a very popular book called “Doubleweave”.