If you’re new to tablet weaving (also called card weaving), you’ll be happy to know that getting started is surprisingly simple and affordable. With just a small investment, you can set up your first project using minimal equipment.
One of the easiest and most budget-friendly methods is backstrap weaving, which doesn’t require a loom. Instead, you use your body to create tension for the warp. To begin, you’ll need a pair of sturdy clamps and a set of weaving cards (also known as tablets). For those looking to save even more, making your own cards is an inexpensive and beginner-friendly option.
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If you are in a position to invest a little more, I’ll take you through the equipment I personally use for tablet weaving, and why.
To tension my warp, I use an Ashford inkle loom. If you’re unfamiliar with inkle looms, I’ve written many articles but you could start with this one. Schacht have a handy tablet weaving kit available that includes an inkle loom, belt shuttle and cards.
I love that I can use my inkle loom as a frame for organising and threading my warp as well as to weave on. The tensioning is excellent on an inkle loom and it’s purpose built for band weaving. I can get great tension while warping and threading my tablets and then fine tune with the tensioning peg when I’m ready to weave or advance my warp.
My inkle loom came with a belt shuttle, but if yours didn’t, you will need one.
For my tablets, I use Lacis cards. I haven’t actually tried making my own cards, and I think part of the reason is that I’m just so smitten with the ones I have! The Lacis cards have a smooth coating that allows for easy turning and they have just the right balance between being strong but slightly flexible.
They come in a pack of 25 and can be a bit pricey, but one pack is all you need to get started. At this stage of my tablet weaving journey, I am ready to add on another pack (for wider bands).
The final thing you need is some yarn! There are a variety of yarns you can use to weave bands, my favourite all purpose yarn is 8/2 cotton. I almost exclusively use Maurice Brassard 8/2 cotton because it’s reliable, affordable and comes in a fabulous range of colours. In Australia, I purchase my cotton from Thread Collective.
I have a free printable checklist for you to download and use. You can tick the set up steps as you go, ensuring you don’t miss anything important!
My Tablet Weaving on an Inkle Loom course is the perfect learning tool. With step by step instructions and over 4.3 hours of video content, multiple printable PDF’s and links to additional resources, you will be weaving beautiful bands in no time.
I also recommend the book Card Weaving by Candace Crockett if you’re just starting out.
I hope this post was helpful to you, if you have any comments or questions, I would love to hear from you in the comments section below.
Until next time…
Happy Weaving!