Hi!

I'm Franco Rios from Sacramento. I have been weaving for the last couple years. I also like to spin.

I'm interested in seeing more info about backstrap loom weaving.

Have a good day!

My blog Franco's Fiber Adventure

http://francosfiberadventure.blogspot.com/

Comments

Thu, 07/30/2009 - 00:30

Caroline (not verified)

Hi Cookie, welcome! Your loom collection sounds a bit like mine, hehe! I think they breed in the dark, lol! We will be having a weave-a-long shortly, organised by Laverne (Bolivian Warmi). At the moment we are waiting for people who are away, or who are waiting on books, so its not starting immediately. It should be fun.

If you think there is a shortage of pre-loved backstrap weaving books in the usual bookshops, you could be right! Several of us have been scouring Amazon and Ebay to see what we can pick up! We do have a thread for links, and another one for books, so you are welcome to browse, and add your own links and reading suggestions. Laverne is also very knowledgeable and is on here most days, and you will find everyone friendly and helpful so please feel free to ask any questions, as someone will have a solution, or have done exactly the same thing.

I'm an Australian, which is why I operate on a different time system to other weavers, but we have members from all around the world, which is great!

Thu, 07/30/2009 - 03:14

cookie48 (not verified)

Thanks for welcoming to this Backstrap Group.  I'm still learning my way around Weavolution.  The problem I'm having now is posting photos of project I've done that I would like to show.  I have the description of the project, but no photo to show for it and I have photos in my hard drive, but for some strange reason, this program is not accepting my uploads. Very frustrating.

 

Cookie

Thu, 07/30/2009 - 03:21

Caroline (not verified)

This is a problem we are all having - the upload  has just been updated, and we are all re-learning how to do it, grrrr. If you have a look at the Home page, there is a description of how to do it  thats just been put out. I haven't had a chance to try it yet. Good luck!

Thu, 08/06/2009 - 00:24

Laell (not verified)

Hi,

My name is Ezara and I recently learned the very basics of backstrap weaving from Abby Franquemont.  While I have years to go before I could even consider myself an adequate weaver, I loved learning this weaving method and hope to continue learning and improving.

Thu, 08/06/2009 - 02:16

francorios (not verified)

Welcome to the obsession.

Have a good day!

Thu, 08/06/2009 - 02:46

bolivian warmi

Hi Ezara,

We heard about Abby's workshop from Kath who is also in this group. It sounded like a wonderful class. I know that Kath has been busy at home finishing her bands. How about you? It would be great if you could post pictures of them on the Members' Gallery page. We saw some pictures that Beth took during the workshop and Abby posted pics of the prepared bands over at Ravelry. Did you happen to take any photos during the workshop too?

Hope that you will be joining our weave-along which will be starting soon-in about a week I would say.

Laverne

Thu, 08/06/2009 - 03:18

francorios (not verified)

I think this is the link to the blog

http://threesheeps.blogspot.com/2009/07/this-past-week-was-veryveryvery-busy.html

Have a good day!

Mon, 08/10/2009 - 19:09

thelmaweaves

Hi, I'm Sharon from Newark, Delaware, weaving for 13 years.  I really love South and Central American weaving.

Several years ago I purchased on ebay the Nilus LeClerc Maya loom which is a backstrap loom and has a rigid heddle.  I also purchased all the dowels needed to make a traditional backstrap loom.  I haven't used the Maya or made the backstrap loom yet. I was planning to start in October when we go to Florida for the winter.  This group is a great opportunity for me to learn before I jump right in.

The books I've read on the subject, which are in my personal library, include: Peru-Textiles Unlimited Part II, Latin American Brocades-Supplementary Weft Techniques, Weaving in the Peruvian Highlands, Bolivian Tubular Edging and Andean Crossed-Warp Techniques (decorative edging and joining technique for finished backstrap weaving), Backstrap Weaving, Backstrap Weaving in Mesoamerica, and Weaving on a Backstrap Loom.  A great video which I keep at hand is Tubular Woven Finishes-Backstrap Loom Techniques, by Jacquetta Nisbet.  As you can see, I love books!

Aside from trying different and unusual weave structures, I also enjoy spinning, knitting and sewing.  One of my "treasures" is a $1.00 Florida thrift shop find. It's an actual backstrap woven piece, (about 12 x 15 inches) still on the hand carved dowels, with heddles in place.  I believe it's a child's practice piece.

 

Mon, 08/10/2009 - 20:09

bolivian warmi

Hi Sharon,

Welcome to the group!

I am a book lover too and am always adding to my South American collection. I think I have all those that you mention except the Mesoamerica one. If the ''Backstrap Weaving'' one you mention is the one by taber and Anderson, then that is the perfect ''how-to'' one to get started on. I am interested to hear more about that video as I love the tubular woven finishes. I learned one with my teacher in Potosi and I have doe a lot of the crsossed warp bands from the book you mention above too-wonderfuly clear instructions but I have not met anyone yet here in Bolivia who can show me that.

we have a trhread just for book recommendations if you would like to list any of yours there-easier for folks to find.

And what about your thrift shop treasure? Do you know where it is from? Maybe you can post a picture here and we can try to identify it.

I hope you find lots of useful information here and please ask all the questions you like. Would love to see you up and running with your backstrap loom by October!

Laverne

PS We have a thread called ''getting started in backstrap weaving''. I would love it if you posted a photo of your LeClerc loom there. We  have a lot about home made looms there but it would be nice to see what is available ready-made.

 

 

 

 

Mon, 08/10/2009 - 20:51

thelmaweaves

Hi Laverne,

Yes, my book on Backstrap weaving is the one by Taber and Anderson.  I also have the one by Cahlander, Handwoven Treasures from Peru (I think that's the title).  The video I mentioned is available from Yarn Barn in Kansas.  It is fantastic for learning the crossed warp bands.  Of course I've never done one, but the way it is presented is clear and concise.  I just haven't had the uninterrupted time to "sit and learn."

When we get to Florida I will definitely post a photo of my handwoven "treasure" .  I am almost positive it is from Guatemala. There is a large population of Guatemalan people in the town.  I also just recently  purchased on ebay, a large envelope full of Guatemalan embroidery patterns, which could also be used for pick-up patterns in weaving.  I can't wait to get started! 

I will try to get my Maya loom photo posted soon.  I'm not sure if it is made anymore by LeClerc.

Sharon

Thu, 08/13/2009 - 17:42

AFrayedKnotter (not verified)

Hi, I'm Layne,

 

I made my backstrap loom out of stuff hanging about in my craft room/studio.  It's primative, to say the least but it gives me an idea of how they work.  I made a rigid heddle for it - only 25 warp threads wide but like I said, it was a learning process - from a piece of craft wood I got for less than a dollar at Michaels.  The rest of it is basically scrap wood I had left over from other projects.  Right now it's warped with peaches & cream and the weft is the same fiber, just a different color.  The pattern is a simple twill, I haven't gotten brave enough to try anything more complicated yet since I'm still perfecting the loom itself.  The whole thing cost me hmmmmm maybe $5.00, but like I said, it was all stuff I had on hand.

 

Layne

Thu, 08/13/2009 - 17:55

bolivian warmi

Hello Layne,

welcome to the group. I Hope you have had a chance to look around on the other threads in this group. Then you will see that Franco made his own loom at super low cost too-you may have even outdone him in the low cost department!

We have a members' gallery thread where you can post your finished projects or those in progress. As you are already warped up, it would be great to see a photo of your loom and warp and others of your work as it grows on the loom. It will inspire others who are also getting their sticks and bits and pieces together.

Laverne

 

 

 

 

Thu, 08/13/2009 - 18:33

francorios (not verified)

Hi Layne,

I have my 16inch backstrap warped up with Peaches & Cream white and will use Sugar and Creme in "Hot" colors for stripes. I'm making a hand towel/dishtowel. I like using the backstrap because I can weave with finished edges on all four sides.

I'll post pictures in the next couple of days.

How did you make your rigid heddle?

I'm using a string heddle stick.

Have a good day!

Fri, 09/11/2009 - 17:38

eglantine (not verified)

 Hi I'm Beth from Michigan (not the Spinning Loft Beth, another one :-))  I'm hoping to start weaving on a backstrap loom fairly soon.

Fri, 09/11/2009 - 17:48

francorios (not verified)

Welcome to the group!

What kind of loom are you weaving on now?

Have a good day!

Fri, 09/11/2009 - 23:48

Caroline (not verified)

Hi not-the-spinning-loft Beth, and welcome! We are a very cosmopolitan lot here, with group members from around the world, so there is probably someone around 24/24. I'm in Australia so its breakfast time for me!

We have all sorts of info on setting up looms and getting started, so if you need to know anything, feel free to ask. There are not very many instruction books around so we teach each other. Franco's blog is a good place to start. And feel free to use the Weavo PM system too; you will find everyone here happy to help get you off and running in your new addiction..........er, new hobby, lol!

Off for my second cuppa!

Mon, 09/21/2009 - 18:54

cdymit (not verified)

Hello -

My name is Carolyn and I live in Illinois not too far from Chicago.  I have become aware of backstrap weaving and really want to give it a try.  I've done just a bit of weaving on my 8 harness Baby Wolf.  I enjoy it all except for the darned warping.  I'm hoping to learn more from all of you.

Mon, 09/21/2009 - 19:38

bolivian warmi

Hi Carolyn,

Well the good news is warping for the backstrap loom is EASY-straight off the lom stake and onto the loom bars-no cutting or threading-install some string heddles and you are set. We are running a beginner weave along to get familiar with the loom, opening the sheds, making string heddles etc and you are welcome to join in. We haven't started weaving yet and folks are getting all their sticks and bits to put a loom together.

I am going o send you a PM (message) with more info about the group forum.

Welcome!

Laverne

Tue, 09/22/2009 - 11:25

g0ukb (not verified)

Hi - I'm Brian from England - if anyone is curious the weird user name is my ham-radio callsign so my other hobbies fit in with my technical work in computing.

Weaving was intended to be a relaxing, practical escape from a job where I actually produce nothing tangible. However I seem to get precious little spare time to weave and so tackle simple projects on the Inkle looms (I have 3, floor, table and mini). My 4/8 shaft Ashford loom has a sample warp on it but ...

I'm particularly interested in South and Central American Weaving and am in awe of the beauty of work produced with very simple backstrap looms. I do have a couple of good backstrap books and a home-made set of parts for a backstrap loom but have yet to use them. Hopefully I will find time to take part in the next beginners weave-along. I'm pretty familar with pick-up patterns on the Inkle so hopefully once i have the technique for the backstrap loom I will soon become inventive.

I have a blog which, sadly, is quite rarely updated but if anyone is interested there are pictures of some of my inkle pick up patterns, a tablet weaving project I've  left unfinished and a few of my 4 shaft projects http://loomatic.blogspot.com

 

 

 

Tue, 09/22/2009 - 13:10

bolivian warmi

Hi Brian. Welcome! I checked out your blog-really nice bands!!  I have that Lida Hendrickson book too and just love all her gorgeous lettering. I am trying to transfer her designs to double weave so I can do them on my backstrap but that is a project that keeps getting interrupted.

Backstrap weaving will be perfect for your campervan trips. You can even set it up outside, tie up to a tree and use sticks and bits lying about as your cross sticks and heddle stick!

There is till time to join this beginner weave along-we are still getting loom parts together. However, the instructions will alwyas be there so you can follow those any time you like-always more fun and motivating to start something with a group though.

Which backstrap books do you have?

Laverne

 

 

Tue, 09/22/2009 - 17:41

g0ukb (not verified)

Thanks for the compliment - I'm still learning the Inkle loom but enjoy playing with pick-up patterns. Sadly the campervan rusted away underneath us but we still camp in tents and are hoping for a new campervan as soon as we can afford one. On a recent vacation a backstrap loom would have been ideal - I had loads of spare time but quite a few flights so even my mini-inkle would have been an inconvenience and candidate to get broken.  Also Liz (my wife) and I do electronics and ham radio with Boy and Girl Scouts so it would be cool to use free time attached to a tree by a length of warp! It might even get inspire some of the youngsters to want to weave.

As for books - I love books and have way too many - Ebay is often a great place to indulge quite cheaply. I have the following that are relevant to backstrap weaving:

Backstrap Weaving - Taber/Anderson

Weaving on a backstrap loom - de Rodriguez/Ziek

The Art of Bolivian highland weaving - Cason/Cahlander

Double woven treasures from old Peru - Cahlander

 

Brian

 

 

 

 

Tue, 09/22/2009 - 17:53

bolivian warmi

My backstrap loom goes on flights with me everywhere. I declare the wood when I enter a country but have never had any problem with that.

I have those books that you listed above. The Taber/Anderson one is wonderful for getting started and I love both Cahlander's books. In fact, I am doing the balanced double weave in her Peru book at the moment. This technique is not woven here anymore but I want to learn it in order to repoduce some pre-Columbian fragments that I have. Someone told me that this technique is still practiced by one group in Mexico. A lot of people find Cahlander very ''dense''. I think I was lucky to have been able to go to Peru and learn with my first teacher shortly after picking up her book so that on my return, things made more sense. Once you work out her system, she is a lot easier to follow.

Again, I got the Rodriguez/Ziek book before actually going to Guatemala last year.   

Those are all lovely books to sit and drool over and the  best ''how-to'' ones around.

Laverne

 

 

Wed, 09/23/2009 - 23:28

jenadina (not verified)

Hi, I'm Jen :) I'm relatively new to backstrap weaving; I've woven my backstrap, a card-woven bookmark, and a random strap. My project for the back-to-school weavealong will be a scarf if it turns out.

I'm a homeschooling mama to a 6yo boy. Besides that, I'm a private English tutor in Mexico.

I like to make stuff and I hate to clean house. I spin, sew, knit, and crochet. I adore weaving and hope to be good at it someday :)

 

Nice to meet you all!

Thu, 09/24/2009 - 01:18

bolivian warmi

Hi Jen,

I teach English too. Where in Mexico are you? Do you have a photo for our page ''My little corner of the world''? Here's the link.

www.weavolution.com/node/5128

Laverne

Thu, 09/24/2009 - 16:14

jenadina (not verified)

I'm in Tijuana. It's super ugly here, but if you want me to post a picture, I suppose I could take one...

Thu, 09/24/2009 - 22:30

bolivian warmi

Yes yes we want a photo, super feo o no! I have never been to Tijuana-never been to Mexico for that matter.

Fri, 09/25/2009 - 17:42

Aquinnah (not verified)

 It would seem I put my intro in the wrong place. sorry! I didn;t spot it. 

 

Aquinnah

Mon, 10/12/2009 - 13:47

Aunt Janet (not verified)

Hey Mandolinchick,

   Fellow mandolin/strap weavers/players unite.  Isn't this backstrap stuff fun!  I'm looking forward to doing the double weave bit.  Have you gotten started yet?

Aunt Janet

Sat, 11/14/2009 - 01:24

dashiemouse (not verified)

 Hi everyone!  I'm Sasha and I don't weave at all yet :)  I've been knitting and crocheting for forever, and just recently learned to spin.  I've always been fascinated by weaving, and many years ago I tried to teach myself to weave on a backstrap loom, but the combination of a) never having woven before and b) my instructions being for card weaving, but with no diagrams made it all but impossible to figure out.

I'm really looking forward to making a loom and experimenting with weaving.  I have my first project all charted out, but silly grad school is taking up too much of my time to start right now.  I'll probably try to get set up over Christmas break.

Thanks so much for this fabulous resource!  I'm so glad I found this group :D

Sat, 11/14/2009 - 22:48

Caroline (not verified)

hi Sasha,and welcome! I first used a backstrap with card-weaving years ago, following the instructions in the Rachel Brown "Weaving Spinning and Dyeing Book". I hooked up to a curtain rail! I still hook up for card-weaving rather than try and use a loom.

Laverne has lots of information and tutorials here and is busy indexing it all so its easier to find, and she also has links to off-site photos and videos so you can see exactly what it is you are supposed to be doing, so there is plenty to read about. If you get confused or need to ask a question, just start a new thread and someone will be along to answer - once the threads get to more than 30 postings long it gets hard to locate new posts and your question can get lost or over-looked. This problem should be fixed next week when the forums get an overhaul.

In the meantime the most important information has been fixed to the top of the forums and there are a bunch of tutorials to take you from getting your loom together to weaving pretty bands with doubleweave.

Thu, 11/19/2009 - 16:07

Kimo (not verified)

Hi Everyone--

I'm a very new weaver, just learning the basics of backstrap weaving after putting together a loom this week. Laverene's article on Weavezine helped answer my questions, so thank you for such a great article!

I picked up knitting (on round looms) about three years ago and have gradually added some simple weaving (on square looms like the 4" Weave-it). About a month ago, I met a weaver and after spending an hour chatting about weaving, I found I had a real interest--but no $$ to buy a loom. So, I was encouraged to give backstrap weaving a chance. I'm so glad I did! It's fascinating. I'm really looking forward to learning from this group.

Kim

Thu, 11/19/2009 - 16:17

bolivian warmi

hi Kim and welcome,

I love your avatar. I think your cat is ging to enjoy your backstrap loom! Mine is just plain bored with it now. She lies on the bed while I weave. I tie up to the bed so she gets jiggled about as I beat in the weft.

Take a look around the forum and check out the tutorials. If you have any questions just start a new topic thread. Sounds like you will be up and weaving soon if you have already put a loom together. We all look forward to hearing about your progress.

Laverne

 

 

Thu, 11/19/2009 - 16:38

Kimo (not verified)

Thanks for the nice welcome, Laverne. I can see that this is "the" place for information about backstrap weaving.

My cat! I thought I had him trained to just sit and watch the yarn, but when I started with the loom this week... well, let's just say he lost it and pounced! Of course, he's so cute that I forgive him every time.

Kim

 

Wed, 06/24/2009 - 17:54

bolivian warmi

Hi Franco,

Welcome to the group and thanks for opening up this introduction thread.  Is there anything in  particular you would like to see about backstrap weaving? For example, construction and mechanics of the loom? I have posted some projects if you would like to take a look at some of things that are possible to make on this type of loom.

Wed, 06/24/2009 - 21:07

francorios (not verified)

Thank you for your reply.

Is your name Warmi or something else?

If there is a website with samples of the backstrap loom, I would love to see links to them!

Have a good day!

Franco Rios

Thu, 06/25/2009 - 06:41

Caroline (not verified)

Hi Warmi, and Franco! I'm Caroline from Australia, and my first loom was a backstrap made from broom handles, way back when............. and the inspiration was Rachel Browns  "Weaving Spinning and Dyeing Book", one of the very few weaving books available at that time. Between that, and cards made from playing cards, I managed to weave quite a bit, before building myself an F-shaped inkle loom, and finding a second hand 4 shaft floor loom. I'm still interested, though my interest is not confined to South America as I find the Asian weaving techniques and traditions just as fascinating.

The rise of the internet has made it so much easier to find out about textiles from other countries, and there is sooooo much we can learn from them, and so little time to put it into practice!

Franco, the website you need  belongs to Carol Ventura - its fascinating!

http://www.backstrapweaving.com/

 

Thu, 06/25/2009 - 19:54

francorios (not verified)

Thank you for the link Caroline!

That is an inspiring website.

So I have rigid heddles, an 8 dent and a 10 dent. Would that be better for a beginner to use?

Or should I use a string heddle stick like I use on a Navajo style weaving?

What about making string heddles with an eye in the middle? Then mount that on a wood frame, maybe a picture frame or a canvas frame? I saw a link where a man made heddles with craft sticks/popsicle sticks?

http://www.bobscrafts.com/bobstuff/backstrp.htm

I know where to get broom handle sticks. And I have some wool yarn that I want to weave into scarves without having fringe or tassels. I'm thinking I could warp a six or seven foot piece, then use twining edge cord to get a nice smooth end.

Have a good day!

Thu, 06/25/2009 - 22:44

Caroline (not verified)

I think the traditional way is similar to the Navaho string heddle. This is the first shaft. Then there is a large round stick to separate the second shaft naturally. Other picks sit behind that,also on a long string heddle. To make it easier to attach the string heddle, you can make a channel in the wood at each end, otherwise the string can slide off - guess how I know??

Its interesting that in many Asian cultures, the backstrap loom is incorporated into the floor loom, the seated weaver strapped to the front bar of the loom, which can have 4 shafts with heddle harnesses and treadles and a fixed frame. The warp is not wound around the back beam, but while still chained, its tied to an upright pole in the ground, or even stratched back on itself. So there is no one "correct" way to set up a backstrap loom, although each country that still uses it has its own traditions and unique practices. The fabrics woven on these looms is generally magnificent, as in Thai silk, and many of the fine eastern Ikat fabrics. Our 8 and 10 dpi reeds seem very coarse in comparison!

I have a couple of sleeveles jackets made by the Hill Tribes in the Golden Triangle. Both have cross-stitch embroidery, as well as inlay, and are beautifully woven. I'm not sure what the fabric is made from, as its much stiffer than you would expect from cotton. But they were made on backstrap looms many years ago, before civilisation and the Western world became too intrusive, so it might be banana or nettle.

Fri, 06/26/2009 - 01:14

francorios (not verified)

Got it.

Now I just have to find time for this back straploom in the rotation!

Have a good day!

Fri, 06/26/2009 - 05:45

Manicgirl (not verified)

Hello all

I haven't actually tried a backstrap loom yet, but I have plans to! My intention is to get the material to build my loom this summer, and hopefully start weaving on it too. I now there's very little equipment needed to build this kind of loom, but I still need to get the wooden parts, and I never seem to find the time for that.

It's comforting to know there is a forum dedicated to this kind of weaving, once I get started.

My interest in backstrap looms started last fall, just by chance, when I found a book at our local second hand store, called something like Backstrap weaving in Guatemala (Bjerregaard), and then the Online guild had a workshop on it this spring (unfortunatley, I was unable to participate). And now this forum. It feels like the universe is trying to tell me to something... :)

Fri, 06/26/2009 - 08:37

Caroline (not verified)

I have the Bjerregaard book, as well as one by Marilyn Anderson on Guatamalan Textiles, and some of my other weaving books too devote a lot of chapters to South American weaving - there is a lot of information around, and once you have the string for the heddles, and a couple of broomsticks, dowel and an S-hook, we won't see you for dust, lol! In some cultures, the first thing you weave is the backstrap itself - a nice belt to hold you inside the loom!  I made mine using card weaving, which also uses the backstrap for tension.

And if you don't have a handy tree, you can brace the back beam against your feet and sit on the floor with your legs stretched out, which is when the phone always rings, or the cat sits on your lap, lol!.

Fri, 06/26/2009 - 14:38

francorios (not verified)

Caroline Wrote: "And if you don't have a handy tree, you can brace the back beam against your feet and sit on the floor with your legs stretched out, which is when the phone always rings, or the cat sits on your lap, lol!."

That sounds handy, but what if I want to make something longer than my 30 inch trouser leg measurement?

Have a good day!

Fri, 06/26/2009 - 23:53

bolivian warmi

Hi Francorios, bolivian warmi here, or Laverne if you prefer. I f you don´t have a convenient tree or post to tie up to perhaps you have something horizontal. I actually prefer lashing the whole far loom bar to something horizontal like the wood at the base of my bed.  Perhaps you have a porch rail you could use.The whole thing feels more stable to me that way. Sometimes when you have rope going from each end orf the loom bar to a hook or post the warp tends to flip about. The ideal situation is having something to tie up to AND something to brace your feet against. It is a bit easier on your back. I usually start weaving seated on the floor on one side of my bedroom with nothing against which to brace and gradually creep my way up to my bed , by rolling up the finished work  as i go.I have my loom tied to the bed base. as I get closer  I get to brace my feet against wood sheets that are under the bed. I could always wind a tubular warp ito make the whole thing shorter and , therefore within reach of my ´´ foot bracer´´ or I could just roll up the excess on the far loom bar by adding an extra rod.You can see photos of my loom set-up on my Flikr page. My user name is Verny2  or use this link......

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39560980@N05/sets/

I have posted instructional photos in response to specific questions from Ravelry members so it´s a bit all over the place! Hope they help in some way.

Fri, 06/26/2009 - 23:39

bolivian warmi

Hi Manicgirl,

You probably have most of what you need to get started lying about the house. Perhaps you can use the handle of an old broom, mop, garden rake or even toilet plunger..don´t laugh, I´ve done it!!! You will need two lengths from the handle a bit wider than your hip width. you can even use pencils as your lease sticks and heddle rods and weave something almost as wide as the pencils. i did this once when I was on the road and couldn´t find anything else. Most people I have seen like to use some kind of nylony slippery string for their heddle string but I just use the same 8-2 cotton as  Igenerally use for the warp. An improvised batten can be made from a wooden ruler.  The backstrap may be harder to improvise. I have seen weavers here using those plastic woven sacks that  hold rice and grains. They just fold it into a rectangle and scrunch up the ends and tie them into a knot. They tie a rop around the knot and then loop that around the ends of their loom bar. Maybe not that comfortable but something like that will do until you can weave your own backstrap as Caroline said. I once used a kitchen towel in the same way. Anyway.... i have some photos on my flikr pages that you may like to look at........I have posted them in answer to random questions from people at Ravelry so they are a bit all over the place but maybe they will help you to get up and running together with Carol ventura´s wonderful site.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39560980@N05/sets/

Sat, 06/27/2009 - 01:04

Caroline (not verified)

hi Franco, somewhere on Carol Ventura's pages there is a photo of an Indonesian weaver from Bali, if my memory is correct, sitting on the ground with her legs outstretched. The warp is a long one, and the extra is wound onto the warp beam/dowel then lashed to another piece of dowel to stop it unravelling. This is what she keeps under tension with her feet!

In Nepal, they keep the warp chained, and clamp it under tension to a handy upright, which is probably not as convenient if you have to keep getting up to adjust everything to wind the warp on, but given the widths these weavers make, it would not be wound on that frequently. Many of the Asian village looms are a sort of hybrid loom, part backstrap and part  floor loom with shafts and treadles, so they can be taken apart for storage in the roof. I stumbled upon this while doing research for another project, so no prize for guessing who got sidetracked, hehe!

I'm now reading about the nomads of Ladahk, who also use backstrap looms, and have their own weaving traditions, and it will be interesting seeing how  the techniques compare to the South American techniques, as Ladahk and Nepal have been pretty isolated until the last 20 years or so; parts of Nepal beyond where the roads finish are still only accessible by foot and porter, and its only recently that Pakistan has allowed Westerners into Ladahk, with tragic results.

I'm sure there is a lot that we can learn from these traditional weavers, hopefully before their culture and traditions vanish forever.

Sat, 06/27/2009 - 01:35

CarolVentura (not verified)

Although it looks like her feet are providing the tension in Bali, it's actually the frame that supports the warp on the far end. Her feet are just resting on the bottom of the frame. The backstrap is a carved piece of wood, with a flattened area in the middle for her body.

Sat, 06/27/2009 - 07:35

Caroline (not verified)

Thank you Carol, for the explanation. Trying to tension the warp using your legs could really leave you with sore calf muscles, unless you're into yoga! Not to mention what it would do to the coccyx........doesn't bear thinking about! I like my comfort too much these days and once its warm enough to go outside to weave and spin, it will be interesting to see if my backstrap still fits - its over 20 years since I last wore it!

Sat, 06/27/2009 - 20:35

TinaHilton (not verified)

Hi.  My name is Tina, but you could probably guess that from my user name.  I have several floor looms and have done inkle and card weaving.  I also spin.  We do a lot of traveling in our RV and so I'm checking out other ways to weave when we're camping without taking up a lot of space with a table loom.   I hope to learn a lot from this group!

Sat, 06/27/2009 - 21:38

bolivian warmi

Hi Tina,

My name is Laverne. I am away from my home right now..I live in Santa Cruz in the jungly lowlands of Bolivia...and I am spending some days up in the highlands visiting some weaving villages and markets. I have just gotten back from a village and have my backstrap loom with work in progress rolled up here with me in my day pack. I took it with me as it is always a great ice-breaker when I travel and want to make contact with the weavers here. At night when I am alone in the hostel I tie up to the bed and weave. So this may be something good for you to take along on your RV trips.

Thu, 07/02/2009 - 01:23

cleary (not verified)

Hi,

I'm interested in backstrap weaving, but haven't actually started yet.  I bought a backstrap loom from Weaving Southwest in Taos, New Mexico.  It's modeled on the one in Rachel Brown's book, "The Weaving, Spinning, and Dyeing Book."  The backstrap itself is a piece of leather wider than a belt that I think will be very comfortable.

Mainly I'm confused by all of the different sets of directions I've accumulated from the web and different books.

I'm interested in weaving the fabrics in the Pervian style described in the book "Double-Woven Treasures from Old Peru" by Adele Cahlander with Suzanne Baizerman.

I think I'm going to start with some narrow pieces with only a few warps before I start on something wider and more complicated.

Now that I'm finding all the backstrap stories here, I'm reading them with great interest and admiring the photographs and projects.

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Group Audience
Backstrap weaving