Exploring the Fascinating World of Inkle Band Weaving

Inkle refers to the weaving of narrow warp-faced bands, and there are a great many ways to inkle weave, all of them easy and relaxing. Sometime referred to as “Zen Weaving” because once the easy rhythms of the hands are learned, one can explore color and design while creating a sturdy and sumptuous woven band wherever you go. Online communities have fueled a resurgence of this age-old weaving techniques from cultures around the globe. With abundant woven examples and photo images, this 2-day workshop will provide an overview of the rich and fascinating world of color, pattern and cultural heritage that underlie various techniques of bandweaving.

By the end of the weekend you will be familiar with a new vocabulary. You’ll be at home with warp faced plain weave and likely will have two bands to show for your diligence and patience. If you are familiar with inkle weaving already, you may choose to explore plain weave with a bar threaded pick-up, a useful first step in learning to weave pick-up patterns. You’ll also have an opportunity to explore tablet woven bands in an array of styles.  Although not in the scope of this two-day workshop, Andean pebble weave and Baltic pick-up weaving will be discussed.

No previous weaving experience is necessary. Whether you are new to weaving, or wish to refresh or expand upon your range of inkle weaving techniques, you are welcome. This is a workshop designed to accommodate you no matter where you are on your weaving journey and everyone is encouraged to weave at their own pace.

Some practical applications of Inkle weaving include: a guitar strap, a camera strap, a bookmark, a small cellphone bag, a collar or leash for your special friend, or a beautiful greeting card with a snip of your inkle weaving in the window!

Skills and Techniques:

• how to select the best yarns for your intended purpose
• how to interpret charted band designs in your  chosen colorway
• how to make your own heddles
• how to warp an inkle loom to create a short, medium or long band
• how to weave with a steady beat and achieve even edges on your bands as you weave
• how to secure the beginning and ending weft tails for a clean and secure finish
• options and techniques for braiding fringe
• time saving tips to warp more efficiently for bar patterns and designs with frequent color changes
• useful tips for designing your own inkle bands

Most will have sufficient time to warp and weave their first inkle band on day one. When the first band has been woven, you will be offered a range of choices:

Warping for a second inkle band to further imprint the process as you learn more efficient warping and weaving techniques or you are welcome to learn to weave patterns on a sample tablet weaving warp that the instructor will prepare in advance, to familiarize yourself with this ancient and ever fascinating band weaving technique.

Materials Fee: $5-10 per band depending on the width and length of your band paid directly to the instructor. Fee covers cotton yarn in a wide range of colors.

Special Tools or Equipment to bring: Please bring your own inkle loom, heddles and stick shuttle if you have them, though these will be available on loan for those who don’t have their own and some heddles and shuttles may be available for purchase.

Workshop and Cancellation Policies: Please be sure to read our 2026 policies before registering for a workshop https://www.sanbornmills.org/workshop-policies/