The Online Weaving School

Hi Weavers! Today we’re diving into one of my absolute favourite things to weave: kitchen towels. This post actually started because of a message I received from a student. She was told by another weaver that you can’t use a rigid heddle loom for kitchen towels because you simply “can’t beat the weft hard enough” to make them durable. Whenever I hear someone say, “You can’t do that on a rigid heddle loom,“ my ears prick up. I love pushing the limits of these looms! So, let’s look at the...

Hi Weavers! If you’ve ever wondered whether weaving could be more than just a hobby, this email is for you! Over the years I’ve written quite a few articles about the business side of weaving - from getting started selling your work, to teaching, creating patterns, building an online presence, and finding ways to turn your skills into income. I know that for many weavers the idea of “business” can feel a little overwhelming, so I’ve gathered those articles together in one place to make it...

Hi Weavers! For a long time, I felt I had to participate in that “polished weaving” version of reality. I only showed up on my good days, hiding away when the fatigue or illness took over. If you are struggling to balance your love for the loom with a body that needs extra care, this guide is for you. Here are some ways we can adapt our craft to be a source of healing rather than a source of stress, disappointment and guilt. Weaving with a Chronic Illness... We don’t often talk about this...

Hi Weavers! I used to think choosing colour meant being naturally “good at it.” Some people just have an eye for it… right? But weaving taught me something different. Colour isn’t talent, it’s observation. I’ve woven combinations I was certain would fail and watched them come alive once structure was involved. I’ve also woven “safe” palettes that felt flat because the values were too similar or the piece lacked adventure. The loom is your best teacher. It shows you how colour behaves: How...

Hi Weavers! Achieving even warp tension on your loom can feel like one of the biggest challenges in weaving – especially when working on a rigid heddle loom. Uneven warp tension can lead to messy looking selvedges, inconsistent beat, floats or skips and frustration during weaving. While careful warping technique improves with practice, even experienced weavers can run into warp tension problems. In this recently updated article, I’ll show you how to improve warp tension using a simple...

Hi Weavers! Looking for inspiration for your next rigid heddle weaving project? This list features 19 free rigid heddle weaving projects and patterns to help you create beautiful handwoven pieces. While most of these projects are designed for the rigid heddle loom, you’ll also find a few inkle loom patterns and creative ways to use your handwoven fabric. 19 FREE Rigid Heddle Projects... ***************************************************** CRACKLE WEAVE CLASS EARLY ACCESS I uploaded A BUNCH...

Hi Weavers! Messy edges are the bane of new weavers, but the good news is that neat, consistent edges are not a talent reserved for the naturally gifted. They’re a skill, and like all weaving skills, they come down to understanding what your threads are doing and developing a few simple habits. Your edges reflect your rhythm, your consistency, and your confidence at the loom. Once you learn how to place your weft intentionally, allow the right amount of draw-in, and maintain even tension,...

Hi Weavers! I find that towels are one of the most satisfying things to weave. They are practical, gift-worthy, and so customisable. If you’ve ever wondered how to weave towels that are absorbent, durable and enjoyable to use, this guide will walk you through what you need to know. In this article, I’ll walk you through the three main types of towels you can weave - kitchen towels, hand towels and bath towels. We will talk about: suitable yarns for each suitable loom types weave structure...

Hi Weavers! Some prefer the levers of a table loom while others love the treadles of a floor loom, but why? This week I'm talking levers and treadles to help you understand which you may prefer and to highlight the pros and cons of each. I'm also including one of my favourite weaving drafts, either as a WIF or a printable PDF ⤵️ Levers vs Treadles + Free Weaving Draft... ****************************************************** Weaving Boot Camp 2026 is almost here! This year I have released a...