Some of my Favorite Tools (and where you can find them)

6/4/2018

Over the years I have gathered many tools that have become indispensable to me in my studio. Here are a few that are easy to find online.

Heddle Bar Clips
Officemate OIC Slide On Plastic Clips, Assorted Translucent Colors, Tub of 60
Amazon $4.29 as of 6/2018

I use these on my heddle bars to keep the extra, unused heddles back away from the weaving - a vast improvement over tying them back with string and MUCH easier to use than those little binder clips

Shoelaces!
These are "DIY White Shoelaces"
Oriental Trading Company $5.99 for 12 pairs as of 6/2018

I use shoelaces for tying off my warp chains, among other things in the studio. These are great because they last forever. I have shoelaces in my studio that are 25 years old!
These are 48” long. I cut them in half, so 12 pairs gives me 48 shoelaces!

Treadle Bands
Goody Girls Ouchless Elastics, 2 mm, No metal
Target or Amazon, various counts and prices

I use these on my treadles so I can treadle without peaking: “Braille” for my feet. I put them on all of my treadles and slide certain ones down so my feet can feel them and others up out of the way so I cannot. I like to put 3 on each treadle so they are "bulkier" and easier to feel with my feet.

Pick Counter
UltraOptix Linen Tester-Loupe Magnifier
Amazon, $9.52 as of 6/2018

This is an inexpensive magnifier that helps you count picks per inch (or examine your cloth for errors). The window is exactly 1” square. You place the window on the cloth and look through the magnifier while you count.

Curved Scissors
Beadalon Squeeze Scissors, Curved
Amazon, $7.79 as of 6/2018

I use these for trimming threads close to the surface of my finished cloth. The curved blades let you get close to the cloth without cutting the cloth.

Fringe Twister
This one is the Lacis Fringe Twister
A newer version is on Amazon, $21.96 as of 6/2018

I use this for twisting all of my fringe (I only use 2 of the prongs). It is battery powered and has been a life saver. There are other versions of this on the market. Shop around.

6 Comments

Betty Morrissey

7/24/2018 10:01:00 am

Heddle bar clips tip....thank you! Just found your blog and will enjoy going back and reading.

Nancy

8/15/2018 12:40:01 pm

Also new to your blog, and will read prior posts.

Heddle bar clips and shoelaces tips--thanks! I can't believe I didn't think about the shoelaces instead of cutting off new yarn ties each project.

Nancy Howell

7/16/2020 04:06:01 pm

In our classes we now use sock tops to tie the threads on the warping board.
Just wrap one around the bundle of threads, pull one end thru the other end and give a tug. So easy to remove as there are no ties.

Pattie Lamb

7/16/2020 10:42:13 pm

Sock tops are a great idea. I use stocking loops for securing the loops at the ends of my warps. I don't usually use them for the choke ties simply because I like my ties really tight - something I can't accomplish with a loop of something stretchy.

Brandi Adcock

7/27/2021 10:30:37 am

Thank you for the tips! I am a Professional Craft/Fiber student in NC. I will be taking Production Weaving this fall as I am entering my second year in the program. As an adult student, with a rare genetic condition, I have struggled with time (always the last to finish) and memory issues. I have began gathering tips and tricks to assist me on my journey 💗, so thank you!!
Brandi

7/27/2021 12:07:09 pm

Oh I am SO jealous of your journey in the textile program. If I had been younger when I began weaving I would have loved to pursue a degree in textiles. I am glad the tips were useful! Happy weaving!

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Some of my Favorite Tools (and where you can find them)

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Pattie Lamb

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