Tablet Weaving Basics and Beyond

Teacher: John Mullarkey
Website: www.malarkycrafts.com

Dates: September 20-22, 2024 (Friday-Sunday)
Cost: $325
Location: Guild House

Class description: This will be an in-depth review of how to weave with tablets or cards. On day one we will start with a basic history, and then cover drafting and designing threaded-in designs, setup, and basic weaving and finishing techniques. On day two we will learn the circular warp setup, discuss weaving with individual cards in packs, and learn about double-turn double-card diagonals. A deeper look at the mechanics of tablet weaving will be discussed. On day three we will explore double-faced weaving techniques.

Class level: Beginner-Advanced. No weaving experience required, but this is a great workshop for those with experience who want to look deeper into this art.

Required Equipment:

• Inkle style loom (Ashford Inklet is unacceptable, too small)
• 20 4-hole cards
• Belt shuttle
• Scissors
• Four balls or cones of 10/2 mercerized or unmercerized cotton or #10 crochet thread. Each ball should be at least 1 ounce. Two balls of one color, and two balls of a different highly contrasting color.

Estimated Equipment Costs:

• Inkle looms (~$90 to $125) 
• Simple belt shuttle (~$5 - $20) (Schacht, Beka and Ashford Inkle looms come with a belt shuttle)
• 20 cards (~$5 - $25). 
• Or your fellow guild members may be able to lend you some of these.

About the Teacher: Nationally-recognized teacher John Mullarkey has been tablet weaving for over a decade. His work has been displayed in the Missouri History Museum, and garments using his card woven bands have been featured in international fashion shows.  His designs are featured frequently in Handwoven. John is the primary author of A Tablet Weaver’s Pattern Book, and has produced two DVDs for Interweave Press: “Tablet Weaving Made Easy” and “Double-Faced Tablet Weaving”. He is the developer of the Schacht Zoom Loom.