At the Scenic Valley Handweavers Guild meeting this month I was down for an introduction to Card Weaving program. Originally planned for this time last year – the pandemic put paid to that. Given a whole extra year to get ready I was well prepared for this month.
I wanted to be able to give everyone present a go at weaving so built 2 simple frames and then put a warp on my folding table loom. The two frames were sized to produce a 4 foot band. In this case with 8/2 cotton and 16 cards just a narrow band which should work as a bootlace. On the table loom (with reed removed and not using heddles) I used some old wool yarn. Each used exactly the same threading and colors so there was something in common on each example, with the exception of one frame that I tied on using fishing swivels so that I could demonstrate how you handled ‘untwisting’ when turning the cards only in one direction.
The threading, color, and turning on the loom and one frame produced a repeating diamond pattern and on the other frame (with swivels) where the turning was forward only produced a zigzag.
I had one set of plastic cards, one set of homemade heavy card, and one set made from playing cards. I showed the different type of card stock available at stationary stores and better /heavier card that needs to be ordered. I also showed how playing cards can be cut up and utilized, as well as some tools to punch the holes. I made some shuttles and beaters (and one combined beater/shuttle)
As it turned out we had 20+ members turn up so it was fairly crowded in our normal meeting room, but we managed to get through the program without too much confusion and everyone who wanted to, managed to have a go at card weaving. It seems a lot of people have tried it but barring one couple, mostly just filed it away ‘for later’. We did discuss a full day workshop to take participants through the whole process and then they take away their band to complete at their leisure. Given that I have been appointed ‘Workshop Chair” for the 2022 year I can see this being a real likelihood.