Triangle loom weaving comes to library
Residents can learn a centuries-old craft in the triangle loom weaving class at Madison Public Library.
Crystal Kitchens will teach the class on Sept. 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each month, Kitchens volunteers to teach a different class at the library.
“These workshops (will) help keep handcrafts from earlier centuries alive in the 21st century,” Kitchens said. “I’ve had the pleasure of learning some of these handcrafts from generous teachers. Now, I want to share the pleasure and satisfaction that I’ve found in making something with my hands.”
The class offers an introduction to weaving that people can do at home without much equipment.
Each student will use a 36-inch triangle-shaped loom with nails. This weaving is different because students put the warp (lengthwise threads) and the weft (filler) on the loom simultaneously, Kitchens said.
“The warp threads are held under tension and run lengthwise on the loom. Usually, the warp threads are put on the loom first before weaving begins. The weft threads are woven across the warp threads to form cloth,” she said.
In six hours, students can weave a child’s shawl or an adult scarf student. In less time, students can finish a neckerchief on a 21-inch loom.
Students don’t need weaving or sewing experience. However, experienced students can weave with continuous yarn in patterns like twill and leno and experiment with planning colors for plaids. Or, they can weave with cut yarn in the log cabin pattern, Kitchens said.
“We’ll learn to weave with continuous yarn and how to correct mistakes, apply fringe and finish edges by chaining,” she said.
Adult services librarian Rachel Hooper said students also will learn to change yarn, join triangles to create larger pieces and make a triangle loom of any size.
Individuals can purchase or make a triangle loom with minimum carpentry skills. “We’ll have a fashion show of scarves, shawls, ruanas and ponchos to give you ideas,” Hooper said.
Class fee is $6. Students should be at 14 years and older. To register, visit hmcpl.org. For more information, send email to rhooper@hmcpl.org.
