Learning to Weave

by Deborah Chandler, Debbie Redding, Susan Strawn (Illustrator)

Since its first printing a decade ago, this guide has become the standard text book for both teachers and self-taught weavers, teaching all they need to know about warping, reading and designing drafts, and the basics of weave structures.

Genres: Crafts, Reference, Nonfiction, Art, Knitting, Design

232 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1995

Reviews

[VJ]

This book is a complete text for learning to weave. Everything one needs to know from basic vocabulary, to warping, to taking the fabric off the loom, drafting, patterns, everything in one location.

An excellent book that should be a part of every weaver's library.

[Velma]

Recommendation: https://frozentundrafiberarts.wordpre...

[Ally Holland]

4.75 Stars
An all-all-around must have for both beginner weavers and masters.

I’m an avid cross-stitcher but have lately been having trouble with carpal tunnel syndrome. So I started doing some research on weaving and spinning, and out of the two, weaving seemed more ergonomically friendly then hand spinning.

Chandler’s Learning to Weave is definitely a must-have for any new beginner weaver. I read The Art of Tapestry Weaving: A Complete Guide to Mastering the Techniques for Making Images with Yarn last year and while it was incredibly informative and useful, it focused mostly on tapestry weaving and less on other types of weaving. While still a very useful book, I wish I had read Chandler’s first, as the latter had a list of useful terms with easy-to-understand explanations.

My one issue is very small compared to everything else but as someone who is very visual, colored photographs would have been very helpful. However, I understand that this book is a reprint of a book originally published in the 1980s, and republished again in 1994.

As I’ve been wanting to focus on weaving home goods and less on wall hangings, I also bought Inventive Weaving on a Little Loom: Discover the Full Potential of the Rigid-Heddle Loom, for Beginners and Beyond to read simultaneously. Both are incredibly useful books for a beginning weaver, and I would highly recommend them to anyone interested in learning how to weave.

[Lydia]

I lost my "Learning to Weave" book, and after hearing her speak recently from Guatemala, I ordered a revised version. This is such a rich source of information, taking into account learning styles and fears. When you find something you like, and it works, go with it, skip over stuff you don't understand now! Come back to it when you need more. Every little step of dressing the loom (this is 1/2 of your total project time), dealing with the weft and understanding different weaves is addressed here.

[Maggie]

This is a reference book that I have in my library, it is a wonderful instructional!

[Jenn]

This is one of those books that I'm just going to come back to time and time again to learn more and more from. The step-by-step instructions on warping the loom are instrumental!

[CM Vician]

Another good reference to keep in mind if I continue weaving.

[Valerie]

Really excellent resource, particularly for chart reading skills and general how-tos. The resource lists are quite dated, but the friendly, conversational style is as fresh as ever. Must-have!

[Kelly]

I come back to books like this over the years.

[Carolyn]

I took lessons but the first time I did a project by myself I really relied on this book.
It's useful and it has fairly clear diagrams and pictures. I'm not sure I could have taught myself using this book alone but it has certainly helped me along!

[Jessica]

This is what I call the bible of weaving. Every novice weaver should have this as their first book and everyone else should keep this forever to refer back to. The author is also a great instructor!

[Michelle Mitchell]

This was a must have for me when I started to learn to read. I now use it as a reference when creating new projects, and would feel lost without it. Deborah Chandler provides clear direction (with the help of useful pics!) to assist with your basic weaving projects.

[Kate]

This is the book that makes the most sense for the new weaver. Whether it's how to use a warping board or what a sett is, this book will tell you. I just used it to figure out the amount of yarn I needed for warp and weft. Very useful!

[Lauren]

Perhaps I need to read through this one again, because the first time, I found it very confusing. But, it has received some great reviews, so maybe I am missing something?

[Bettie]

The best - recommended by Altivo

[Cayenne]

I didn't actually read every page of this book, but my weaving teacher referenced it heavily in our class and I've used it enough as a reference that I know it is an excellent weaving book.

[Ellen Snyder]

Excellent introduction to weaving, clearly presented, good diagrams, one of the best instruction books of all kinds ever.

[Phyllis]

Great "how to" for multi-harness weaving.

[Anne]

This is a great book for beginning weavers. Very clear and easy to read which is important when someone has no idea what they're doing!

[Allison]

A bit beyond me at the moment, but could be useful in the future.

[Carol]

I'd recommend this book to any first time Weaver.

[Kim]

Well written with clear charts. An excellent guide for teaching yourself to weave.

[Maureen]

A great reference guide- especially if you are getting back to weaving and it has been awhile