Kelly Casanova Weaving Lessons

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Weaving sampler

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I’ve always avoided doing samples of just about anything, I’m a “just get me to the good part!” kinda girl! But I finally bit the bullet and decided to warp up the rigid heddle loom with cotton (so I can sew them into dish cloths and make the sampler useful). Armed with Jane Patrick’s “The Weaver’s Idea Book” and a couple of pick up sticks I just leafed through, picked a pattern I wanted to try and started.

What a surprise! Weaving patterns is not hard. I repeat. Weaving patterns is not hard! Why did I have this in my too hard basket for so long? Most of these patterns were made with one pick up stick, then once you’re used to that it’s easy to introduce a second stick.

Above you can see a honeycomb pattern, some lace variations and some grouped and paired warp floats. Unfortunately I didn’t write down the patterns as I went, so lost track of a few. 

As I wove pattern after pattern I realised just how many patterns are possible. Hundreds. 

See the diamond shapes? I did a little surface embellishment with different coloured cottons and a tapestry needle. So effective!

Some more surface embellishment on the orange weave here, just tying in little knots for fun. The pink and blue you see here is a windowpane weave, which is gorgeously textured. 

And now for the super cool part. Flip your work over and you have a completely new set of patterns – yes, most of the patterns are reversible and look different on each side. 

The back of the honeycomb weave becomes a series of curved weft floats.

The back looks just as good as the front but totally different!

I’ve learned so much from weaving this sampler and it was well worth the time investment. 
I discovered things like if you’re weaving different patterns on one piece you need to be aware that individual patterns will have their own draw in rates, so you need to be aware of that unless you want wonky edges.
I learned that my humble rigid heddle weave is capable of much more than I gave it credit for and I still have plenty more to explore.
I learned not to be so afraid of trying something new.
I learned that making great cloth is not hard and is fun and interesting.

So, now I’m settled on a pattern to use for the scarf I’m doing to enter into the Melbourne Show. I’m working on it right now, can’t wait to show you when it’s finished!

Weaving WIP

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The cooler weather and wet, gloomy days are doing wonders for my weaving enthusiasm! The loom just looks so bare when it’s undressed, so I’m getting organised with two new projects I’ve had in mind for ages.


First up is a little draped poncho thing for my youngest daughter. I’m not exactly sure how this will pan out yet, but I’ve dyed some brighter than intended wool yarn for the warp and am going to tone it down with some “baby pink” for the weft. 

I’m just a wee bit excited about these new projects and hope that if they turn out well I can do some for my lately neglected Etsy shop as well. Stay tuned!

Weaving on a rigid heddle loom

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I know a lot of you are fascinated by the idea of weaving but are unsure about the whole thing and whether you could actually do it yourself. So, I thought I’d share some of my latest project (my second) with you to help de-mistify the process.
First you set up the warp. This involves clamping the loom and the warping peg to a table, tying the ends onto the warp beam, and then around the warping peg.

This is what the warp looks like when it’s all set up. I have used 2 colours for this project, but you can use one colour or many, it’s versatile!
In my mind, the warping is the “hard” part (and not all that hard) and the weaving is the “easy” part (which has it’s own challenges but is repetitive and relaxing). By weaving one inch red and one inch blue for the weft (the horizontal part) I was able to achieve squares (because I had already set up the pattern in warping by using the same 2 colours).
After cutting from the loom and knotting the ends to prevent unravelling (you can also hem stitch the ends) your project is washed, dried and ready! This is a sweet little table cloth for the cubby house which has been a great practice project. Next to come is a mat for the floor, and I may even try some different techniques – the rigid heddle is just full of possibilities!
So, what do you think? Are you interested in weaving? Perhaps you weave already? I’m looking forward to teaching this art form to my girls, I think they’ll love it!

Ojo de Dios weaving

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The children and I did some weaving today. These are called “Ojo de Dios” or “God’s Eyes” and are a great quick and achievable project for kids. It also gives you the chance to sneak in a little history and Spanish lesson as well.
We hung ours as window decorations.
I got carried away with the hypnotic rhythm of it all and did this large one on bamboo sticks from the garden. I used some of Nell’s beautiful wool which I think is a perfect showcase for such fabulous wool!
We followed instructions here.

Lojan Inkle Loom Review plus a free inkle pattern!

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If you’ve been on the hunt for a reliable and well-designed inkle loom, let me introduce you to the Lojan Inkle Loom—a game-changer for weaving inkle bands! I’ve had the pleasure of weaving on this loom for a while now, and I have to say, it’s my new favourite Inkle Loom.

Let’s dive into what makes this loom so great!

What I Love About the Lojan Inkle Loom:

Sturdy Construction

One of the first things I noticed about this loom is just how well-built it is. The solid construction means I don’t have to worry about it wobbling or shifting while I warp or weave. The stabilising legs of the loom have rubber stoppers on each end, meaning the loom doesn’t slip when sitting on a table.

A clamp is included with the Inkle Loom but I have not found it necessary to use it.

Easy to put together

It’s no secret that I’m no genius when it comes to assembly. Let’s just say I’ve never shopped at Ikea and don’t intend to! 😆 Most of the time I need loom or weaving tool assembly work done, I get my husband onto the job, he is so methodical!

But I decided to have a go at putting together the Lojan Inkle Loom myself. Not only was it simple and straightforward, using the instruction book provided, but I even filmed an assembly video to make it easier for you. You can check that video out here:

Longer Pegs

This loom features longer pegs, which is fantastic for those who like to weave wider bands or use tablet weaving cards. You get more weaving space width-wise, which means less crowding of warp threads and more freedom with the size of your band.

The pegs all screw in, rather than glue in. This is brilliant for a couple of reasons:

  1. You can adjust the tension of the screws over time. This means you will never have loose or wobbly pegs.
  2. You can change the peg configuration of the loom. Remove pegs or add them where you want them and as you need them.
  3. The top peg is completely removed for tablet weaving, giving you more space to manipulate the tablets. Very smart!

Rubber Stoppers

It’s a small detail, but a really thoughtful one. The rubber stoppers on the pegs keep the warp threads secure, preventing any accidental slipping of the warp off the ends of the pegs. This is especially useful when warping and when weaving a wider band. The stoppers are removable if you need to do that.

Moveable Pegs for Different Configurations

As I mentioned, one of the standout features of this loom is its adjustable pegs. You can move them around to create different warping configurations, which gives you more flexibility in your projects. This is perfect for customizing your warp length and experimenting with different weaving setups.

Effortless Tensioning—Great for Those with Fine Motor Challenges

Tensioning the warp on this loom is almost effortless, making it a fantastic choice for weavers with arthritis or fine motor challenges. Personally, I love a drum tight tension for weaving inkle bands. Adjusting tension can sometimes be a struggle on other looms, but Lojan has designed this one to be smooth and easy to work with.

Great as a Lap Loom

If you prefer to weave on your lap instead of a table, you’ll love this loom! The Lojan Inkle Loom is lightweight yet sturdy, making it comfortable to hold on your lap while weaving. This is especially handy if you like to weave while sitting in a cozy chair.

I love to inkle weave in the evenings while seated in my comfy recliner. I place the loom between my legs and use the recliner part of the chair to prop the end of the loom on – it works beautifully.

If you would like to see me actually warping and weaving on this loom while reviewing it, check out this video:

If you like the look of the inkle band I’m weaving in the video, I’m offering a free download so that you can weave it too!

FREE INKLE BAND PATTERN CLICK HERE ⬇️

Free Inkle Band PatternDownload

The Lojan Inkle Loom has quickly become one of my favorite weaving tools. From its sturdy build to the thoughtful design details, this loom makes inkle weaving both fun and effortless. Whether you’re new to inkle weaving or an experienced weaver looking for a reliable loom, the Lojan inkle is absolutely worth considering!

Interested in owning a Lojan Inkle Loom? I am an authorised reseller for Australia, so please feel free to get in touch for more information. If you are in the US, you can purchase from The Woolery and also Revolution Fibers carry some Lojan products.

If you are located in another region, check the Lojan website for your nearest stockist 😉

Have you tried the Lojan Inkle Loom? Let me know your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear about your experience!

Until next time…

Happy Weaving!

*This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please see my disclosure policy.

What Kind of Weaver are You? Take the quiz!

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What Kind of Weaver Are You?

What Kind of Weaver Are You?

Need some help to understand and use the calculator? Check out this free tutorial to get you started:

Share your result in the comments below, just for fun! 🤩

Whatever your results, the Online Weaving School can help you!

With classes for rigid heddle, inkle, table and floor loom weaving from beginner to advanced, there really is something for every weaver!

Classes are completed in your own home, at your own pace and in your own time. Choose from single purchase classes or deep dive with a membership and gain access to the private member’s group!

Rigid Heddle Loom Warp & Weft Calculator

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Planning your weaving projects just got easier! This free Warp & Weft Calculator takes the guesswork out of determining how much yarn you need for your rigid heddle loom. Simply enter your project dimensions, sett, and other simple weaving details, and the calculator will automatically determine your warp and weft yardage.

No more running out of yarn mid-project or buying too much—get precise calculations for warp length, weft requirements, and shrinkage allowance all in one place. Try it out below!

If you prefer the old school method of pen and paper, I have you covered for that too! Check out my free printable calculations sheet that also includes a mini class to walk you through filling out the calculations!

Please note, the calculator is not perfect, for example, the weft section at the bottom does overestimate slightly. Hopefully I can fine-tune that!

Warp Calculation Quiz

Calculate Your Warp & Weft Requirements

Width Calculation

Length Calculation

Yarn Requirements

Yarn Required for Warp

Yarn Required for Weft

I hope this calculator is super helpful and helps you get started on your weaving project quickly and easily!

Until next time…

Happy Weaving!

Must-Have Storage Solutions for Weavers: Organize Your Tools & Yarn Like a Pro

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If you’ve ever found yourself rummaging through a tangled mess of yarn or searching for that one shuttle that always seems to disappear, you’re not alone. A cluttered workspace can slow down your creativity, but with a few smart storage solutions, you can transform your weaving area into an organized haven.

Whether you have a dedicated studio or just a cozy corner, these storage tips will help you maximize your space and keep everything within easy reach.

When you look at your weaving space, try not to think of it as “too small or limited” but rather look at the availability of space and how it can be arranged to be more productive and less frustrating.

Let’s dive in!

Smart Yarn Storage Solutions

Yarn has a way of multiplying when you’re not looking (seriously, where does it all come from? 😆) We all have smaller lengths of yarn leftover from larger projects, and if you’re like me and hate to waste anything, you also have thrums (warp ends left on your loom after finishing your project) here, there and everywhere! Keep your stash tidy with these ideas:

Organizing Weaving Tools & Accessories

Small tools are the easiest to lose (hello, missing threading hook!) Here’s how to keep them all in check:

  • Magnetic Strips or Pegboards – A great way to keep scissors, heddle hooks and tapestry needles handy.
  • Drawer Dividers – Keep small tools and accessories from turning into a jumbled mess.
  • Portable Tool Caddies – If you like to weave in different spots, having a grab-and-go caddy can be a lifesaver.
  • DIY or Repurposed Storage Ideas – Use mason or other decorative jars for bobbins, utensil holders for shuttle storage, or tackle or craft boxes for beads, embellishments and smaller tools.

Loom Storage & Space-Saving Ideas

Looms take up space, so it’s important to choose an appropriate sized loom for your situation, but with a little creativity, you can store them more efficiently:

  • Foldable & Compact Looms – If you’re tight on space, a folding loom can be a game-changer. Some floor looms, like the Louet David have a folding back beam for storage. Others, like the Ashford Table Loom have a collapsible castle.
  • Wall Hooks or Coat Racks – Store frame looms and rigid heddle looms vertically to free up floor space.
  • Rolling Carts or Trolleys – Keep smaller looms and weaving supplies mobile and organized. These are just so handy to wheel around and tuck away when not in use. You can choose how many tiers your trolley has, depending on how much space you need. I love to keep all my “close at hand” tools on the top tier to move between looms or workspaces.
  • Closet and Built in Storage – If you need to tuck a loom away between projects, a closet can be ideal.

Keeping Your Weaving Space Neat & Functional

A tidy workspace means more time for actual weaving! It’s also way more inspiring to walk into a clean and tidy space than it is to try to weave amongst chaos. Here are some extra tips:

  • Labels – Trust me, future-you will be grateful when you’re looking for that specific skein or tool. At the least, keeping the labels from your yarn will be so helpful, you think you will remember the exact fiber content, weight and color lot of each yarn but you really don’t!
  • Create Work Zones – Having designated areas for warping, weaving, and finishing can streamline your process. This helps to keep designated areas clear so that they are useable when you want to use them.
  • Declutter Regularly – We all hold onto scraps and extras, but doing a periodic clean-out keeps your space feeling fresh and inspiring. Vacuuming, sweeping and wiping down surfaces is not the fun part of being creative, but there is something about shiny surfaces that makes my heart sing! 🫶

Storage Hacks for Small Weaving Studios

Although I am now blessed with an actual studio space it wasn’t always that way! My first “studio” was a corner of a shared living room in our home. Even though I dreamed of having a studio of my own one day, I was grateful for that corner! It gave me a place to be creative and taught me the value of tidiness and organisation.

My first “studio”.
  • Multi-Use Furniture – Foldable tables, storage ottomans, and wall-mounted desks can double your workspace without taking up extra room.
  • Hanging Baskets or Floating Shelves – Perfect for keeping supplies off the floor while still within reach.
  • Maximize Vertical Space – Use the walls for shelves, pegboards, or hanging storage solutions.

To learn more about specific looms that are suitable for smaller spaces and additional organizational tips, check out this article.

*This post contains affiliate links. For more information please see my disclosure policy.

How would you like a free printable checklist to help you get your weaving space organized?

Weaving Space Organization ChecklistDownload

A well-organized weaving space isn’t just about aesthetics—it makes weaving more enjoyable and stress-free. With these storage solutions, you can spend less time searching for supplies and more time doing what you love.

What’s your favorite storage hack for keeping your weaving space tidy? Share your tips in the comments! And don’t forget to pin this post on Pinterest so you can come back to it later!

Until next time…

Happy Weaving!

Etsy vs. Shopify: Which Platform Is Best for Selling Handmade and Digital Products?

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Opening your first online shop is such an exciting experience! When I started as an Etsy seller in 2008, the options for handmade sellers were limited. Etsy was the standout choice then—and it’s still an option in 2025—but today, there are so many ways to sell your creations online. With so many choices, it can be challenging to decide which platform suits your products, budget, and goals.

I sold handmade goods on Etsy for years, but over the past five years, I’ve transitioned almost entirely to selling digital products like weaving PDF patterns and eBooks. Last year, I decided to open a Shopify store, offering the same products as my Etsy shop. In this post, I’ll share my experiences with both platforms, the pros and cons, and my advice for choosing the best platform for your needs.

Should I Start with Etsy or Shopify?

Both platforms have unique advantages and challenges, so let’s break them down to help you decide.

Etsy Pros

  1. Beginner-Friendly Setup:
    Starting a shop on Etsy is incredibly easy. Creating an account, listing products, and processing payments requires little technical knowledge and takes very little time.
  2. Low Upfront Costs:
    Etsy’s listing fees are just $0.20 per item, and if you don’t make a sale, that’s all you pay. This makes Etsy a low-risk option for beginners.
  3. Built-In Marketplace:
    Etsy attracts millions of buyers, giving you instant access to a marketplace that helps you build a customer base without needing a website or extensive marketing. This is invaluable if you are just starting out and don’t have an audience.

Etsy Cons

  1. High Fees on Sales:
    While the $0.20 listing fee is affordable, Etsy’s transaction fee of 6.5% (on the item price and shipping) and payment processing fees can add up quickly.
  2. Intense Competition:
    Etsy’s marketplace is crowded. While buyers may find your shop, they’ll also see competing listings—sometimes directly on your product pages!
  3. Limited Control:
    You don’t own your Etsy shop, meaning you’re subject to their rules. Sellers can be suspended or removed without warning, often due to accidental copyright issues.
  4. No Customer Email Collection:
    Building a mailing list is essential for growing your business, but Etsy doesn’t allow automated email collection from customers.
  5. The Future Doesn’t Look so Bright: There is a growing level of discontent with Etsy from shop owners. There are too many reasons to list here, but if you Google or Youtube it, you will find plenty of explanations. Personally, I feel glad to be moving away from Etsy and towards Shopify at this point.

Shopify Pros

  1. You Own It:
    With Shopify, you have complete control over your store, branding, and customer data. It’s your shop, not a rented space.
  2. Customizable and Professional:
    Shopify stores are clean, professional, and customizable. Even with the default templates, your shop will look great.
  3. Email Collection:
    Shopify allows you to collect customer emails, making it easier to build relationships and drive repeat sales.
  4. Your Own Domain:
    You can choose a custom domain name, making your shop easier to find and more memorable.
  5. It is More Affordable: Now, this is somewhat dependent on how much you customise your shop. I have fairly basic level paid customisations (like apps for collecting shop and product reviews) but how much you do is up to you.

Shopify Cons

  1. You Drive the Traffic:
    Unlike Etsy, Shopify isn’t a marketplace, so you’ll need to bring traffic to your shop. This can be a challenge if you’re starting from scratch.
  2. Monthly Costs:
    Shopify charges a monthly hosting fee (starting at $42 for my setup) regardless of sales. You may also need paid apps for customization, as I mentioned in the previous section, adding to the costs. Although there is the monthly fee, you can start for as little as $1. Scroll to the end to see this special Shopify offer.
  3. A Little Trickier to Learn: I found that it was more complex setting up a shop. Again, this can depend on your level of customisation and needs for your specific business. I found I needed to do some research regarding some aspects of opening my shop, but information and instructions are readily available online.

Cost Comparison: Etsy vs. Shopify

Here’s a breakdown of my typical monthly expenses for each platform:

  • Etsy Fees: $50–$1600/month, depending on sales.
  • Shopify Fees: $42/month for hosting + $20 for apps = $62/month.

For me, Shopify’s flat fees are more predictable and affordable. I love that the fees don’t increase based on my level of sales. But as an established seller with over 12,000 Etsy sales, I already have a strong customer base to direct to my Shopify store, which has given me a considerable advantage.

Final Thoughts on Etsy vs. Shopify

If you’re just starting, Etsy is still a good choice. The low upfront cost and built-in marketplace make it ideal for beginners. However, as you grow, you might want more control over your shop, branding, and customer relationships—this is where Shopify shines.

While my Shopify sales were slower than I’d hoped initially, it’s now picking up as customers become aware of my newer shop and accustomed to using it. Over time, I hope my Shopify store becomes the primary home for my digital products.

Want to Start Your Own Shopify Store?

Try a 3 day Shopify trial, then start seeing for $1 a month for your first 3 months! Click here to start your free trial.

If you’re still exploring options for selling online, check out these helpful resources:

I hope this article helps you choose the best platform for your business. Have questions? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!

This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy for details.

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

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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.

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).

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

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!

*This post contains affiliate links. For further information please view my disclosure policy.