I imagine most of you were looking at the shawl I’m waving about in these pictures yesterday, but today I’m going to talk about the belt I’m wearing too.
I wove this belt back at the start of the year, when I’d really got into pick-up weaving
In fact, it was one of the first non-swatch practice pieces I completed.
I had quite a long warp on the loom, and remember really enjoying weaving the whole length – which, by the time I’d finished, was a band I could wrap twice around my body!
I finished the loose end of the band by folding it over, and securely stitching it. I then attached the other end to a pair of ‘D’ loops. At this point, I’d not become obsessed with the wide range of findings that are available to finish off the ends of belts: these D loops don’t quite fit the band as neatly as I’d like, but they are simple and effective.
I’m enjoying wearing my (now quite extensive) range of handwoven belts as outfit accessories, and this one has waited until summer to really come into its own. I love wearing it with this soft yellow shirt, and especially with Beamer!
If you’d like to weave your own jolly yellow belt, here’s the 49 thread draft I used:
. . . .the chart for weaving the pick-up pattern (over 9 threads)
. . .and a wee key for both charts
If you are just starting out with pick up techniques, this OXO pattern is incredibly simple to weave.
You’ll know the intuitive outside in / inside out rhythm of the motifs from colourwork knitting: you’re on familiar ground and it’s hard to go wrong.
Now it’s time to get my inkle loom out again, as I’m about to make a woven piece for my collaboration with Pilar – more of this anon!
Happy weaving!
As a weaver, I never bothered to explore Inkle Weaving thinking it was just another novelty, until my husband was ill and I spent hours needing to do something that was absorbing, but which I could put down at any moment. The moment I took my first completed band off the loom I was hooked and I haven’t stopped since!
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You’ve inspired me and I’m going to get an Inkle Loom. Thank you for the weaving pattern. Would you mind telling me what weight and type of yarn you used for this belt. Also, what do you consider a good weight and type of yarn to use for Inkle Loom belts?
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This belt was made with a combination of 10/2 and 3/2 weaving cotton – the latter of which is used for the pick up pattern (which needs to be in a heavier thread). I found cotton easy to weave with when I was starting out, but I’ve found all kinds of yarns work really well – including wool (I’ve been weaving with my own fingering weight and really enjoying it)! Good luck, Linda, and enjoy your loom!
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This is on my vast want to learn list!
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Colour combination is so beautiful.
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So beautiful .
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Great ensemble as always.
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I love the outfit–pure summer rambunction in the colors!
An unconventional D-ring solution occurred to me as I looked at the close-up shot. (Have we all commented recently on the pure utility of Tom’s photos? It never ceases to amaze me–he takes and you both choose the BEST shots!) But I digress: If you have any tiny rubber bands around the house, they make excellent “stoppers” for such situations. You could loop and thread one around each side of the fabric band, then perhaps tuck the threaded loop into the fold of the woven band. That way, the band would stay in the center of the straight part of the D-ring. (I realize you probably don’t have one on hand, but teenagers with braces are an especially useful source for such small rubber bands! I often find suitable ones wrapped around scallion bunches at the grocery store, too. . .)
Good luck!
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I cant quite tell from the angle of the photos but is it a regular triangle or an assymetrical shawl? It is a stunner 🤩
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Both shawl and belt are lovely. I DID notice your belt in yesterday’s article because I’ve become fascinated by inkle weaving, thanks to you. I don’t have an inkle loom, but hope to get one at some point!
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Thank you for posting the pattern and instructions for the belt. I enjoy weaving on my inkle loom when I need a break from my large floor loom. I love seeing your handiwork and your color combinations. You are very talented and an inspiration to me!
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I love it! I have an Inkle loom and am excited to start. Is there a formula for determining the length of the yarn used when setting up? I assume the weaving will cause some shrinkage.
I have a whole stash of your Milarrochy Tweed and ready to start.
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Love the belt and the red & yellows … such fun colors.
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I can see how weaving can be as meditative as knitting. I hadn’t notice the belt as much as your lovely yellow shirt. I love stripes, love yellow and find yellow and red such an interesting colour combination.
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Beautiful i love it❤
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Becoming inspired by your Inkle Loom weaving I bought a second hand loom and with some cotton thread and help from You Tube I have created sheds, warped up, and have woven about eight inches towards a belt. I find it a very calming exercise, but I am not very pleased with my edges. They look a bit loopy and not very uniform. I hope to join a weaving group when I am able. Meantime “practice makes perfect” as my mother used to say. Keep safe, Jocelyn x.
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Whoops maybe too inspiring. Forwarding this to a beloved and talented niece, teacher of textiles she is wondering what and where is the best loom to buy and are shuttles just a preference thing?
There could be a whole new generation of weavers in the making, in to meantime I shall get onto Ravelry and get the shawl pattern. Thank you again.
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I love the shawl and the belt, but I’m amazed by your beautiful nails. How do you keep them so perfect?
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I’m interested in the shirt too with the red placket edgeing, if there is a home made story to it.
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I was so excited with my first woven band, I had to keep admiring it. I eventually decided what to do with it and made a matching friend. I cut them down and sewed the sides together, backed it with wadding and then lined it to make a tea cosy. I still admire it when having my morning pot of tea 14 years later!
The irony was that I could have woven the required width on my regular loom, but I just wanted to make and inkle band!
Your bands are lovely!
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Love these. Was just thinking I would like to make something else on my new intel loom and here is a pattern.
Thanks will start today
X
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I don’t wear belts, I don’t have a nice waist like you do! I admire your weaving very much though and it looks very classy on you. Could these strips be used as button bands for a knitted cardigan or are they too stiff? Or could one make them in something soft enough?
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yes, absolutely – this paticular band is quite light, and would be great for lining a steek edge
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So inspiring, and tempting.
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