How to Use Pick-Up Sticks: Unlock New Possibilities on Your Rigid Heddle Loom

Pick-up sticks are a game-changer for rigid heddle weaving. These simple tools expand your loom’s capabilities, allowing you to create intricate patterns beyond plain weave. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to elevate your skills, this guide will help you understand how to use pick-up sticks effectively.

What Are Pick-Up Sticks?

Pick-up sticks are flat, smooth lengths of wood designed to manipulate warp threads on your loom. They allow you to create patterns that mimic the capabilities of multi-shaft looms without adding complex equipment.

On a rigid heddle loom, the warp is divided into two “shafts”—slot threads and hole threads. By incorporating pick-up sticks, you can manipulate the slot threads to create additional “shafts,” opening up a world of pattern possibilities.

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Why Use Pick-Up Sticks?

1. Expand Your Weaving Capabilities:
   • One pick-up stick = 3 shafts.
   • Two pick-up sticks = 4 shafts.
   • Add more for even greater complexity!
2. Create Beautiful Patterns:
   From simple designs to intricate motifs, pick-up sticks make it possible to weave beyond plain weave.
3. Learn, Experiment and have Fun:
   They’re an excellent way to play, experiment, and grow as a weaver.

How to Use Pick-Up Sticks

Tools You’ll Need:

• Pick-up sticks: Slightly longer than the width of your warp.
• Rigid heddle loom: Set up for plain weave.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Start with the Heddle in the Down Position:
   • This raises the slot threads (shaft 2), making them easier to pick up.
   • The hole threads (shaft 1) remain fixed and cannot be manipulated.
2. Pick Up Warp Threads:
   • Slide your pick-up stick under the threads you want to manipulate.
   • For basic patterns, follow a “1 up, 1 down” sequence (alternate threads over and under the stick).
3. Position the Pick-Up Stick:
   • Push the stick to the back of your loom when not in use. It will rest flat between the warp threads without interfering with your weaving.
4. Engage the Pick-Up Stick:
   • When ready to weave a pick-up pattern, bring the stick forward, turn it on its edge, and pass your shuttle through the shed.

Here is a simple weaving sequence as an example:

1. Up (heddle up)
2. Down (heddle down)
3. Up, pick up stick (heddle up and slide pick up stick behind the heddle, leaving flat).

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Tips for Beginners

• Experiment Freely: Don’t worry about understanding all the technical details at first. Play with different sequences and see how the patterns emerge.
• Follow Patterns: Written instructions like “1 up, 1 down” are straightforward and a great way to learn.
• Start with Simple Projects: Try my Wash Your Hands Towel Set Project or Lux Hand Towels pattern for guided practice.

Explore More Pick-Up Stick Resources

• Free Patterns: Sign up for my email list and receive the beginner-friendly Moroccan Dream Scarf pattern.
• Video Tutorials: Watch my Pick-Up Stick Playlist on YouTube for step-by-step instructions.
• Courses: Dive deeper with my Pick Up Perfection course, included free with an Online Weaving School membership or available as a single purchase class.

Why You’ll Love Pick-Up Stick Weaving

Pick-up sticks let you unlock the full potential of your rigid heddle loom. Whether you’re weaving a simple scarf or an intricate towel, these tools are a must-have for any weaver.

If this guide has been helpful or if you have questions, leave a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!

Until next time…

Happy Weaving!

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