Inkle Loom

Background:
Although the origin of the word inkle is unknown, an inkle is a colored tape or braid similar to the braids produced in tablet weaving. Like tablet weaving, inkle weaving is restricted to narrow widths, although it is woven on a loom making it much quicker and easier. Unfortunately, the pattern variations are not as numerous as in tablet weaving.

On an inkle weaving loom, alternate warp threads are leashed to a peg while the others are left free createing the shed. The shed is opened and closed by raising and lowering the free threads. The narrow braids produced could also have been woven on a small vertical loom similar to those used for weaving wider fabrics. Braids have been found made from wool, linen and silk. Some have been enhanced by floating (brocaded) gold thread.

Recent study has cast doubt in the area of the use of an inkle loom in the 10th Century as the name 'Inkle' appears to be from the Middle Ages rather than the Early Middle Ages. It should also be noted that a backstrap loom would suffice (or any variation of it) to produce the complex patterns of band produced on an inkle loom. The use of backstrap looms would leave very little in the way of archeological finds, and perhaps answer why nothing in the way of looms as described have been found. Ethnographic evidence from the Middle-East prior to WW2 shows ladies weaving bands with backstrap looms made from little more than sticks. However, I prefer an inkle loom to a backstrap loom, period or not, as it is easier on my body, I do not have to find an object to tie off on and it as easier to start/stop a project.

Materials:
Period materials would have included linen, wool and silk. I have used cotton embroidery thread for these projects. It is cheap, comes in a variety of colors and is relatively strong.

Notes:
The green variegated belt is my first attempt at using the inkle loom (sans instruction) and the belt has been worn. The next two were follow-up projects. The silver DMC thread is a bit stiff and would make better trim than a belt. The yellow was a gift.

My first inkle loom project I like green and thought the different colors would help me see what's happening	A close up of the start/finish Came out fairly even...	My second inkle loom project I used silver DMC floss on the edges and had been going to try brocade it, but couldn't get the floss to lay flat
My first inkle loom project The belt looks ok as is, but is too stiff and I may just use it as trim.	My loom is set up to use - this is a view from above the top of the shed	I have moved the knots up to almost where I will start to get the full length of the threads in the belt
A view from the side fo the shed (you can see the warping better)	Looking down on the working area	Backsewing the weft thread
This belt is a gift and is made in the colors requested	A close up of the ends - I can tell which side I started on - need to work on that	Prince Thorson places the belt around Tarius the Protege While Mistress Freya (the Pelican) and Baroness Ardenia watch

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