I do not have a loom yet but am reading as much as I can to get ready. In Deborah Chandler's book she recommends to use a plied wool yarn. She also says "Avoid standard knitting yarns for now; they have characteristics that require special tricks for successful weaving". I am not sure what she means by this. What are standard knitting yarns? Acrylics? Or is there a knitting wool yarn and a weaving wool yarn? I have a very good LYS nearby - primarily aimed at the knitting and crochet communities. They have begun to carry small rigid heddle looms. Would a good quality yarn from here work? Should I instead purchase from a website with more weaving products? I recently took a rigid heddle weaving class. The instructor recommended/suggested using Sugar and Cream cotton for weft-faced weaving. I disliked working with it in this situation very much. I would like a happier experience. Thanks for any opinions.

Comments

Sat, 05/24/2014 - 18:42

laurafry

Was there a reason you didn't like the Sugar and Cream cotton?  

For beginners I recommend something strong (take a length about 6-10" long in both hands and give several gentle tugs - if it doesn't break it's probably fine for warp), smooth and a thickness that would require from about 8 to 16 ends per inch.  

Knitting yarns are typically quite elastic, will stretch and thin a lot when tensioned for weaving.  This means that for weaving you have to be able to adjust to these characteristics.  

Likewise a textured yarn will prove a little more fussy in terms of working with them.

cheers,

Laura

Sat, 05/24/2014 - 21:12

Artistry

If you're looking for color and strength there is nothing better than Pearle Cotton, something in a size 3/2 or 5/2 would be great for a beginner. You could do s striped table runner or a cotton scarf. I would recommend dealing with a yarn dealer at first until you have more experience. The suppliers of these yarns are often happy to suggest sett info and tips when you're buying. Some companies have kits with the yarns in them with instructions to be done on your loom. I would recommend Halcyon Yarn ( Yarn store in a Box) they are very helpful, Lunatic Fringe, Barb Gallagher of The Weaver's Loft (IN), all reputable dealers, there are many more ,several advertise on this site. Good Luck, sticking with weaving yarn dealers , I think, will help stear you to more fun and successful projects !
Sat, 05/24/2014 - 21:58

sally orgren

With a RH loom, you do not typically weave under the same tension as shaft looms. There is a difference in weaving technique between the two. Knitting yarns are okay on the RH, but can present problems when placed under tension on a shaft loom. Not impossible, but it would help to have experience under your belt before you try it.
Sun, 05/25/2014 - 01:32

sandra.eberhar…

A weft faced fabric is often rigid (Navaho rugs are weft faced).  Yarn for knitting is more softly spun because it doesn't have to go through the abrasive weaving process, and it is intended to be used for soft garments like sweaters.  If you are not sure about what yarns will do what, I suggest getting a kit from a weaving supplier.  IMHO a rigid heddle has it's place, but is very limiting.

Sandra

Mon, 05/26/2014 - 23:06

CelticCats

About 2 months ago, I also decided to learn how to weave and did massive research--reading and watching videos.  My first project was a scarf for my sister made out of Aurora Earth cotton done in a basketweave.  Second project were some kitchen towels done in cottolin with a twill weave.  Third project was a scarf out of Bambu 7 (extremely fine yarn but very strong) done with a basketweave.  Fourth project another pair of towels in cottolin.

 

The first scarf had a very even beat, but is very stiff, first set of towels turned out nice with good selvedges but also stiff, the scarf had some threads that did not weave correctly so they were hanging on the back side and the second set of towels turned out perfect with beautiful selvedges.  I learned from the first three to take my time and not to beat so hard.  Some items you need to beat hard, like rugs (from what I have read), but if you want the item to be soft and pliable, beat the weft with a lighter touch.

 

I purchased the Aurora Earth and Bambu 7 from Cotton Clouds and the Cottolin from GlimakraUSA.  Both Irene and Joann were extremely helpful in the selection of these yarns.  In fact, both have kits you can purchase with the warp already prepared and you can pick your own colors.

 

Both GlimakraUSA and Cotton Cloud have free patterns you can download to experiment with.

 

Good luck with your first project--I am sure it will be beautiful.

Tue, 05/27/2014 - 10:28

NancyHassel

Placemats (Sugar N Cream)

The weft of this project is Sugar N Cream.  I also made 2 much-loved gift baby blankets from Sugar N Cream.  It is a very humble yarn - the inside of the wrapper has a dish cloth pattern but it wears well with great colors.  Weaving is a personal expression and there are no mandates.  Happy weaving!

Sat, 04/08/2017 - 19:52

christinak

I am excited that I am going to take my first weaving class at a yarn store, out of town! We are making a scarf and must purchase our yarn at the store and can rent a loom. Yarn is to be 1 skein of DK or sport and 1 yarn of cashmere/silk blend. I did tell the owner I am allergic to all animal fibers and she suggested silk - is this tricky to work with? Possibly a bit too expensive for a first time weaving project? Anything besides cotton that you would recommend.

Sun, 04/09/2017 - 11:02

Sue in VT

I was once a beginning weaver on a rigid heddle loom. After first reading Betty Davenport'a book Hands On Rigid Heddle Weaving, I embarked on Betty's suggested first project.  I wanted a first project with lovely soft yarn that would inspire me to go further. I didn't use the wool brand she recommended but chose another with the same number of yards per pound and that worked beautifully!  I was hooked!