Weaving › Heddles

Heddles
Heddles come in a variety of sizes (dent) to allow you to control the number of ends per inch in your project. The standard heddle with each Kromski loom is 10-dent. Also available are 8 and 12-dent heddles. As you expand your weaving interests you may want to have more than one heddle size.

Additionally, you may want to try using 2 heddles as the same time (2 heddles of the same dent size). This will allow you to approximate a 4-harness loom. The tie-up is a bit more involved and the process is not as easy as a true 4-harness loom, but for the ocasional need, this is a nice option. Order an extra set of heddle blocks to support the extra heddle.

Selecting warp yarn for a rigid heddle loom

Rigid heddles come in different dent sizes. It is important to consider the dent size of your heddle(s) before you choose a warp yarn. As the dent size number increases (8 to 10 to 12), the “thickness” of your warp material must decrease.

All rigid heddles are made of parts composed of slots and holes. Your warp threads must be able to pass through these holes and slots without resistance. As you raise and lower the heddle, the threads in the slots must slip so that their elevation is not altered. As you beat your project the heddle must slide forward and back without causing yarn to bunch up in the slots and holes. Up, down, forward and backwards - your rigid heddle must move easily and not cause problems with the warp.

With experience you may be able to judge suitability of dent size/yarn size simply by looking at your warp material. But at first there is a chance you will misjudge. We suggest that if in doubt you first create a short sample warp maybe 2 inches wide and thread it through your heddle to test how it performs. Remember, in addition to changing heddle size you can adjust your project by substituting a slightly different material for the warp. Some material will simply not be suitable as a rigid heddle warp but you may be able to use it for the weft.