hi guys,

the Backstrap Weaving Forum has a great thread going on putting together and learning to use a backstrap loom. i thought it would be good to link it from here so people can find it.

Jen

Comments

Fri, 07/03/2009 - 20:18

esmecat (not verified)

oh, yeah! i should add the link to the site with Backstrap Loom plans that i posted in the free small looms plans thread...

Sun, 07/05/2009 - 15:38

bolivian warmi

Hi Jen

How about posting a photo or two of you finished backtrap loom bag on the Backstrap Weaving Group forum ''getting started'' thread. It would certainly be an inspiration for all.

Thanks,

Laverne

Fri, 07/10/2009 - 00:19

esmecat (not verified)

hiya :)  well, the bag isn't finished yet. i am preping for a retreat (leaving tomorrow) and haven't had time to sit down and cut/sew it. (not to mention, a fair does of fear about design decisions...) when i get back, i'll work on it and post pictures... i promise! in the mean time, here's the fabric off the loom:

and i blogged about it here:

http://www.jenminnis.com/artblog/?p=240

i'll be posting this over on the backstrap weaving group too...

Fri, 07/10/2009 - 00:48

bolivian warmi

Ah ha I thought that you must have been busy-we missed your presence. thanks for the close- up of your lovely work.

Laverne

Wed, 07/07/2010 - 00:40

Helvetican (not verified)

This morning I spent two hours making a backstrap loom from the kitchen rack shown below.  I had already disassembled before thinking to get the camera but I have loosely placed the pieces back in order.

The next pic shows the disassembled parts.

 

This one shows all of the backstrap parts, some additional pieces that are destined to become a 12" rigid hedde and most of the parts for a medieval box loom.  The frames to the little doors will be heddle frames for the box loom, but could also be used with the backstrap.  The little birdhouses will be either discarded or used as warp weights for warp weighted weaving.

The three rods 7/8" dia by 14" are the back, front, and roll-up bars.  They came complete with grooves around the end and nothing needed done to them.  The two bars that held the serrated cutting edges are the shuttle stick and heddle stick.  I used the drill shown at top to drill a few holes in the heddle stick and shed bar.  I cut the widest shelf piece into two pieces for the shed bar - I prefer a flat bar, otherwise I could have used the piece I'm using as a shuttle stick - and for the sword.  The sword took the most time, tools and effort to make.  I used the pocket knife to roughly shape the ends and sharp edge, then the wood rasp to refine the shape, followed by sanding.  The shelf cost fifty cents at a yard sale, and the total time spent was under two hours.

Mon, 07/05/2010 - 17:13

francorios (not verified)

I like it!!

Thank you for posting that!

I will be watching for spice racks at the thrift store.

Have a good day!

Mon, 07/05/2010 - 23:53

Helvetican (not verified)

Thank you!  And while you're looking keep in mind that the all-time most useful, best find I ever made was an old baby crib sitting on the curb waiting for the garbage man.  And should you find an old bicycle wheel I can give you some uses for that!

Happy hunting!

Tue, 07/06/2010 - 15:30

Helvetican (not verified)

After finishing the backstrap loom yesterday, I wound a warp using my trusty paper towel holder and a wooden peg coat rack, then wove a couple of bands to give it a test drive:

I made a bag from a pant leg, and a strap and fastener.  I had intended for the other band to be part of the bag, but didn't like the way it looked with the other band.  I used it to be the tie-up on the back bar instead.  The bag is now ready to be donated to my guild where it will be part of a hands-on, try out a loom, booth which we do each year at a local festival to introduce young people to weaving.  It will then be part of the guild's loaner looms.

Tue, 07/06/2010 - 20:15

bolivian warmi

You have a lovely place outside to weave!