Teaching

Jennifer B Williams aka Inkled Pink

One Hour Presentations: (available via Zoom and In-Person) Presentations can be modified for 30-minute guild programs

Band Weaving Traditions Around the World: This presentation explores the rich traditions of band weaving across different cultures, focusing on the variety of looms used to create narrow woven bands. From the backstrap looms of the Andes to the rigid heddle looms of Scandinavia, each technique reflects unique methods of warp-faced weaving. The presentation highlights construction, weaving techniques, and the evolution of these specialized looms without delving into the cultural significance of the practice. Through images and diagrams, attendees will gain an understanding of the structural differences in looms and the intricate craftsmanship involved in band weaving traditions worldwide.

Creatively Inkle: Beyond the Band: Inkle weaving is full of possibilities that go far beyond simple straps and belts. This inspiring presentation will explore fresh, innovative ways to use inkle weaving in your creative projects. Discover how to think outside the loom, transform narrow bands into something unexpected, and unlock new design ideas. Let’s spark your creativity and introduce you to tools and techniques that will take your inkle weaving to the next level!

Inkle Pattern Play: Creating Warp-Faced Designs: Dive into the world of inkle weaving and explore how warp-faced structures bring bold patterns to life. This seminar unpacks the fundamental structures behind woven bands, from plain weave to pick-up patterns that create intricate motifs. We’ll also explore warp manipulation methods that add depth and texture, from complementary-warp techniques to subtle shifts that enhance pattern complexity. Through visual guides and discussion, we’ll examine how different warp arrangements influence design, providing a deeper understanding of how to weave striking, structurally sound bands.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Inkle Weaving: Discover the intricate world of inkle weaving! This presentation explores the rich history, looms, techniques, and patterns used to create beautiful woven bands. Learn how warp-faced designs allow for bold, geometric, and decorative motifs. From simple stripes to complex pick-up patterns, inkle weaving offers endless creative possibilities. The functional and artistic applications of inkle bands will also be explored, showcasing their versatility in modern and traditional uses.

Built for Bands: How Architecture Sparks Inkle Design: Have you ever looked at a building and thought, “That could be a inkle band pattern”? This presentation explores the surprising connections between architecture and inkle weaving. From the bold stripes of building façades to the intricate details of adornments and the textures of brick, stone, and glass, architecture offers endless design inspiration for band weavers. Learn how lines, rhythms, and materials translate into inkle bands.

Workshop (Workshops can be combined or modified to meet your needs)

Inkle Band Weaving: Basics (1 day)

Discover the creative potential of the inkle loom—a small, portable loom ideal for weaving narrow bands with endless possibilities. The workshop will cover all the essentials for weaving plain weave inkle bands, including efficient warping techniques, how to make string heddles, and how to read and follow inkle pattern drafts. Students will also gain helpful tips and tricks to enhance their weaving experience. Ideal for beginners or those seeking a thorough refresher, this workshop offers a solid foundation in inkle band weaving.

Skill level: Beginner – no previous weaving experience necessary, also a great refresher

Students to bring: open-sided inkle loom, weaving yarn (warp and weft), string heddle yarn, belt shuttle, scissors, pen and paper.

$25 Materials fee includes: a custom inkle weaving tool kit and original weaving inkle drafts and handouts

Inkle Band Weaving: Two for One, Pick-up Techniques Explored (1 day or 2 day)

One warp, two techniques. Are you ready to take your inkle weaving to the next level? Have you ever wanted to try pick-up design patterns but did not know where to start? Or maybe you have tried and desire more experience. This “next steps” inkle band weaving workshop will introduce you to two pick-up techniques: Baltic style and horizontal stripe pick-up. Reading pick-up drafts and designing simple patterns will also be covered. Special attention will be given to weaving clear and crisp motifs. Learning these techniques will put you on your way to being able to weave an endless array of beautiful designs.

Skill level: 1-day is appropriate for Advanced Beginners – must be comfortable weaving plain weave bands. Both pick-up techniques will be covered.

2-day is appropriate for Beginners -must know how to warp inkle loom and be familiar with weaving plain weave bands. A full day will be devoted to each pick-up technique. (2.5 day workshop option available for complete beginners who do not know how to warp a loom)

$25 Materials fee includes: a custom inkle weaving tool kit and workshop drafts and handouts.

Students to bring: Warped, open-sided inkle loom, weaving yarn, belt shuttle, scissors, pen and paper.

Inkle Weaving: From Basics to Pick-Up (2 day or 2.5 day workshop)
This two-day workshop offers a complete introduction to inkle band weaving, combining the fundamentals of Inkle Basics with the pattern-building skills of Two-for-One. On the first day, students will learn every step needed to set up and weave successfully: making string heddles, warping the loom, reading drafts, and weaving sturdy plain weave bands. The second day expands on these skills with an introduction to pick-up techniques: Baltic and Horizontal Stripe, opening the door to more intricate designs and patterns. By the end of the workshop, participants will have both the confidence and the foundational skills to continue exploring the creative possibilities of inkle weaving.

Skill level: Beginner – no previous weaving experience necessary, also a great refresher

Students to bring: open-sided inkle loom, weaving yarn (warp and weft), string heddle yarn, belt shuttle, scissors, pen and paper.

$25 Materials fee includes: a custom inkle weaving tool kit and original weaving inkle drafts and handouts

Inkle Band Weaving: Horizontal Stripe Pick-up (1 day or 2 days)

Simple horizontal stripes of two contrasting colors create a warp with limitless potential. One pick-up technique alone on this versatile warp can create an untold array of motifs, but this simple warp offers multiple weaving techniques. This workshop will explore weaving various pick-up techniques, reading horizontal stripe weaving drafts, and designing simple patterns. Horizontal stripe pick-up offers endless design potential.

Skill level: 1-day is appropriate for Advanced Beginners – must be very comfortable weaving plain weave bands

2-day is appropriate for Beginners -must know how to warp inkle loom and be familiar with weaving plain weave bands. (2.5 day workshop option available for complete beginners who do not know how to warp a loom)

Students to bring: Warped, open-sided inkle loom, weaving yarn, belt shuttle, scissors, pen and paper.

$25 Materials fee includes: a custom inkle weaving tool kit and original weaving drafts and handouts.

Inkle Band Pick-up: Baltic Style (1 day or 2 days)

The Baltic style, also known as speckled, pick-up technique is most recognizable from the traditional bands of the Baltic region of Europe and other regions of the world. Steeped in history, these intricately woven bands are used to adorn garments for all of life’s occasions. Specific warp ends are selected to float on the surface of the band to create beautiful patterns. In this class students will explore this simple yet beautiful warp-faced pick-up technique. By manipulating a few pattern threads amazing patterns can be created. The class will also discuss reading patterns and the basics of pattern design.

Skill level: 1-day is appropriate for Advanced Beginners – must be very comfortable weaving plain weave bands

Students to bring: Warped, open-sided inkle loom, weaving yarn, belt shuttle, scissors, pen and paper.

$25 Materials fee includes: a custom inkle weaving tool kit and original weaving drafts and handouts

Inkle Your Way: How to Design Custom Inkle Bands 1/2 day to full day. Full day includes pick-up designs.)

You want to weave an inkle band, but cannot find “just the right design”. This hands-on design workshop will explore the skills needed to create your own unique plain weave inkle bands. Design bands to match any project. Explore where to find design inspiration, drafting inkle patterns, techniques and tools for graphing patterns, and how to discover color and yarn combinations for the perfect inkle band.

Skill level: No weaving experience necessary.

$25 Materials fee includes: yarns, sample warp design tool, yarn wrap cards, and class handouts.

Students to bring: colored pencils.

Band Weaving on a Frame Loom (1 day or 2 day workshop – 2 day includes a second warping technique)

For centuries, Mapuche weavers of Chile and Argentina have created intricately designed bands on simple frame looms. Inspired by this enduring tradition, this workshop introduces a Telar de Mapuche (Mapuche-style loom) using an adjustable tension frame loom. Perfect for travel, sampling, or weaving in small spaces, the frame loom is a highly portable and versatile tool for band weaving. Students will learn how to warp the loom, weave a plain weave band, as well as be introduced to pick-up techniques. This method offers a flexible approach to band weaving and is perfect for beginners and experienced band weavers.

Skill level: Beginner – No previous band weaving experience is necessary.

$85 Material fee includes: all class material – adjustable frame loom, yarn, class handouts, belt shuttle, and a custom inkle weaving tool kit.

Students to bring: note taking materials, scissors.

Backstrap Rigid Heddle Band Weaving (1 day workshop)

Weave bands with beautiful pick-up patterns on a rigid heddle. The cleverly designed Scandinavian style rigid heddle makes weaving pick-up a joy. A cord around your waist, a warped rigid heddle, and you are ready to weave. Weaving on a backstrap rigid heddle is a tranquil experience as you are quite literally one with the loom. This workshop will teach you how to warp a rigid heddle loom and weave both plain weave bands and pick-up patterned bands.

Skill level: Beginner to Advanced Beginner – some previous weaving experience helpful but not necessary.

$45 Material fee includes: all class materials – rigid heddle, yarn, class handouts, belt shuttle, and a custom inkle weaving tool kit.

Students to bring: note taking materials, scissors.

Inkle Band Surface Embellishments (1 day workshop)

Bring a bit of pizzazz to your inkle band weaving. Learn how to embellish plain weave inkle bands with simple passementerie, weaving beads into an inkle band, and creating the look of embroidery without needing a needle. Your next inkle band will be ready for the runway.

Bring a bit of pizzazz to your inkle band weaving. In this workshop, learn creative ways to elevate even the simplest plain weave bands. Learn how to add subtle elegance with basic passementerie techniques, weave beads directly into your band for sparkle and texture, and mimic the look of embroidery, without the use of a needle. These embellishments open the door to endless design possibilities. Your next inkle band won’t just be functional—it’ll be ready for the runway.

Skill level: Advanced Beginner – Must know how to weave an inkle band independently.

$30 Materials fee includes: embellishment yarns, beads, class handouts, and a custom inkle weaving tool kit.

Students to bring: pre-warped inkle loom, belt shuttle, note taking materials, scissors.

Aso-Oke: Nigerian Inspired Inkle Bands (1 day workshop)

This class is inspired by the beautiful Nigerian narrow strip cloth called aso-oke (ah-show-kay), a highly prized warp-faced narrow strip cloth. Weavers of aso-oke use unique warp manipulation techniques to create distinctive supplementary weft inlay float patterns, lace like holes, and elongated warp floats. Interpreted for the inkle loom, this class will explore how to weave Nigerian aso- oke inspired inkle bands.