Copper Pipe Tablet Weaving Loom
I have been busy researching Tablet Weaving. My one experience with tablet weaving was many moons ago and the combination of small children, being tied to the weaving and remembering turning sequences wasn’t good. I wove one sample and thought I would never try that again! One should never say never again. I have become so interested in the many forms of weaving and braiding using small devices that I have now made a copper pipe loom for tablet weaving a la Wormspit who adapted Sara Lamb’s adaptation of Archie Brennan’s well-known copper pipe tapestry loom. The cross bars are 8″ which is what Wormspit (Michael Cook) recommends after he initially used 12″.
My tablets are a rather large version from Robin& Russ. They are about 3 1/4″ square and fairly thick. A deck of playing cards will be cut to square and holes punched to make a smaller, thinner set of cards. The tablet weaving list is a mine of information and recommendations of experienced tablet weavers. I have joined TWIST and am looking forward to that journal as well. The weavershand website is “An information page for weavers! Specifically for those interested in Tablet Weaving, Kumihimo, and Ply-splitting, …” with fabulous links and where I have been spending alot of internet time rather than blogging!
I am in the process of learning to make a continuous warp using Linda Henderson’s directions and video which can be found here. My first sample warp will be made using 5/2 mercerized cotton. Lots of fun time ahead!
And a photo to show that it is indeed spring though some days it has felt more like November.
Evelyn Oldroyd 
That looks like a nice loom; I’ve always liked copper. Thanks for the link to Linda’s video on continuous warping. Oh, that makes it look so much easier than what I thought. Makes me want to give it another try. I think I’d better stick to pebble weave practice for now though so I get it down. ~Annie
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One of the weave structures that can be woven with the tablets is a form of Pebble Weave! I am looking forward to seeing the differences/similarities to the pick-up version.
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I see some interesting posts ahead! Nice job on the pipe loom and those are great resources. Thank you!
Glad spring is creeping in slowly up your way. I know we have a lot of budding going on,finally.
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Oh you’ll love tabletweaving once you get the hang of it! It can be very simple or very complicated depending on where you go with it. I too use decks of cards cut square (don’t skip rounding the corners or threads tend to catch) and holes punched. It doesn’t take long to make them and they last for quite a few bands. Cheap and readily available. I do envy your nice loom though!
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Clearly a new project is LOOMING! That looks daunting in its simplicity. I’m sure we’ll get a full explanation!
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As I work my way through the few books I have on tablet weaving I can see how amazing this is! Thanks for the reminder about rounding the corners on the cards Louisa – have cut and am now punching holes.
Theresa and Julia – the loom is sooo simple – especially if the nice staff at the hardware store cut the pieces to size. I then just slipped it all together which took all of 2 min! I could also have a few little holes drilled and add a small screw on the corners for stability.
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Yeah, I learned never to never too. My most infamous example was when I said that I’d never knit socks – what the heck! They’re cheap and easily purchased. So now I say, I’m not interested in tablet weaving right now, but who knows?
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Evelyn,
Looks great! I look forward to seeing your results.
The video(s) you were looking for:
and this one isn’t from a class, but it also shows the warping of a circular warp:
I recommend the warp spreading comb, especially if you’re doing a warp with a lot of tablets or a finicky thread.
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Thanks for the links Michael – these were the videos! I found that the warp stayed spread out over the top bar and the tablets were easy to turn without a spreader for this warp.
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It sounds like you are going down another interesting weaving path. I’m looking forward to hearing what you learn and seeing what you create with your tablet weaving. Thanks for sharing all of the good information.
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Tablet weaving is one I haven’t tried yet. It is one of the most fascinating forms of weaving I think. So complex looking. Your adventures will be interesting indeed.
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Thanks all for the comments. This is fascinating and more complex than I thought. I can see alot more weaving to experiment with.
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Hello Evelynoldroyd,
Very interesting, Copper pipes and piping is one of the most ubiquitous and broadly chosen pipes used in plumbing and heating programs and retrofits. Copper will probably be even more high priced and tougher to job with than plastic PVC pipes still at 1 time or one additional you are heading to come across it as a home handyman plumber or heating trades human being in your home upgrades, repairs and renovations so you had improved had some expertise and equipment to do the job with copper. It is only a make a difference of time, expertise and tasks.
Wishes
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