Weaving Tools: Guide to Using a Warping Board, Weaving Shuttle, and More

We’ve probably always been advocates of using the right tool for a job, and finding out that there is a suitable tool is the first step.

So to save you some of the aggravation we've experienced, we'll tell you about the wide assortment of tools available to weavers. You'll know about your options even if you don't need to have some of them right away. What's helpful to you depends on what kind of weaving you are doing, which aspects you enjoy, and what tools appeal to you.

Inside you'll find:

• Your Weaving Teacher: Tools of the Trade by Deborah Chandler - Deb is here to help save you time by sharing her knowledge of many useful weaving tools. She divides the tools into three categories: those for handling yarn, those for measuring warp and warping, and those for weaving.

• Warping Board Ergonomics by Karen Piegorsch - Be sure you are warping safely and with your body in mind with these tips on warping board ergonomics.

• Make Your Own Warping Board by Kelly Wetzel - Here's an easy-to-make warping board! The materials are inexpensive, you need very few tools, it can be taken apart quickly for storage, and it can grow or shrink with the length of your warp. It's a perfect solution for weavers who don't have much space, are budget conscious, or travel to teach.

• Are You Using the Wrong Shuttle? by Madelyn van der Hoogt - Shuttles are wonderful tools. They come in beautiful woods and finishes, they are not expensive (compared to looms!), they don’t take up much space (you can never have too many!), and they make weaving a joy—especially if you are using the best shuttle for the task.

• Demystify Mystery Yarns with an Easy to Make Yarn Balance by Christina Hammel Help figure out how many yards are in those mystery cones with this easy DIY yarn balance.