09-18-2003, 02:32 PM
Ave<br>
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As far as I know Inkle looms are more medieval in date. They produce belts, at first glance similar to those made using tablet weave, but, not using the tablets, they do not allow the same flexibility to mix colours, create patterns etc. The lengthwise threads set the stripes, and as with tablet weave, the horizontal threads will not be seen, except on the very outside edges. Therefore you will really only get striped effects. With tablet weave it is possible to use 4 different colours per tablet. By using the twists formed from z or s threaded tablets, by alternating forward and backward rotation, and by flipping tablets where required, it is possible then to produce quite elaborate patterns, shapes, letters, etc which are not possible using inkle.<br>
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As I mentioned previously, I have not heard of any archeological evidence for tablet weaving looms, other than the logistical difficulties of producing complicated designs from larger numbers of tablets and finer threads without one.<br>
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Sprang looms are a basic square shape, although probably a length of flexible wood bent into an inverted U shape with 2 cross members. The thread is then wound up and down across the upper and lower cross members to produce numerous vertical threads. The sprang is then formed by working backwards and forwards across these threads, twisting, which then forms each time a row at both top and bottom.<br>
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There are webpages which can show/describe it at greater length but it is easiest understood by watching someone do it.<br>
<br>
Claudia <p></p><i></i>
<br>
As far as I know Inkle looms are more medieval in date. They produce belts, at first glance similar to those made using tablet weave, but, not using the tablets, they do not allow the same flexibility to mix colours, create patterns etc. The lengthwise threads set the stripes, and as with tablet weave, the horizontal threads will not be seen, except on the very outside edges. Therefore you will really only get striped effects. With tablet weave it is possible to use 4 different colours per tablet. By using the twists formed from z or s threaded tablets, by alternating forward and backward rotation, and by flipping tablets where required, it is possible then to produce quite elaborate patterns, shapes, letters, etc which are not possible using inkle.<br>
<br>
As I mentioned previously, I have not heard of any archeological evidence for tablet weaving looms, other than the logistical difficulties of producing complicated designs from larger numbers of tablets and finer threads without one.<br>
<br>
Sprang looms are a basic square shape, although probably a length of flexible wood bent into an inverted U shape with 2 cross members. The thread is then wound up and down across the upper and lower cross members to produce numerous vertical threads. The sprang is then formed by working backwards and forwards across these threads, twisting, which then forms each time a row at both top and bottom.<br>
<br>
There are webpages which can show/describe it at greater length but it is easiest understood by watching someone do it.<br>
<br>
Claudia <p></p><i></i>
