I've always loved the idea of making things that will be used, so I'm very happy to have starting offering heddles for sale for backstrap weaving simple bands. The beautiful thing about this type of weaving is that you don't need a lot of bulky equipment, and it can be done anywhere that you have a place to tie your weaving onto.
Here's a tutorial for how I go about weaving a simple band.
Here's a tutorial for how I go about weaving a simple band.
First of all decide on the colours and design of your band based the colours you have available and how many slots and holes on the heddle. Anything from very fine thread up to DK weight knitting wool can be used with my heddles. I used 4 ply merino wool for this band. Weaving in this way produces a warp faced pattern meaning that the long threads that go through the heddle are the ones that will show and the weft that is hidden. The pattern will show the colours in the holes then the slots on alternating rows.
First of all decide on the colours and design of your band based the colours you have available and how many slots and holes on the heddle. Anything from very fine thread up to DK weight knitting wool can be used with my heddles. I used 4 ply merino wool for this band. Weaving in this way produces a warp faced pattern meaning that the long threads that go through the heddle are the ones that will show and the weft that is hidden. The pattern will show the colours in the holes then the slots on alternating rows.
Find somewhere fixed that you can attach the yarn ends to, this could be a window handle, a G clamp fixed to a table etc. In my case I used a desk lamp. Tie the threads on in the order they appear on your pattern, it will alternate between ones which will go through a hole and those which will go through a slot. Cut the threads to a longer than you want your finished band to be to allow room for the heddle and to be tied at the end.
Thread the ends through the heddle in the order they are tied. A needle threader can be useful for the holes if you have one, or you can use a bit of fishing thread or similar for that purpose.
Pull the threads so that the tension is even across all the warp threads, and knot a little way up from the end.
The thread colour that you choose to load onto the shuttle for the weft won't be seen much apart from peeking out a little bit at the end of rows. Don't overload your shuttle as it will be used to pack down each row as you weave, which will not be possible if the shuttle is very fat.
Divide the threads below the knot into 2 so that they can by tied to secure the band to your belt (or backstrap). Sit at the right distance so that you have a good tension and the heddle sits upright on the weft threads.
| | get used to raising the heddle with your right hand, and lowering it with your left hand, this makes it easier to keep track of what row you are on. To start with insert 2 bits of cardboard before you get weaving with the thread, these will help to keep the warp threads even. |
 | When weaving the first row, leave a tail to insert into the second row to secure it in place alongside the warp from the shuttle. Pull the edges of the weaving in tightly. |
 | When you weave each row, leave a little loop. Then change the shed (move the heddle ) and insert the shuttle for the next row. Pack down the previous row and then pull the loop in tight to the side of the band. This will help to keep the edges neat. Keep the heddle well away from you so that it doesn't spread the weaving out. |
 |  Once the weaving has progressed up the weft you'll need to retie it on your belt and move yourself closer to the tied end. Or if you have a plastic food clip that can be an easy way to readjust. once you've moved closer try to keep the tension on the weft the same as before so that the heddle sits upright. |
Happy weaving!
I'd love to see your weaving using my heddles, you can tag me on Instagram @woodmungler