Beginning Double-faced Tablet Weaving
Double-faced tablet weaving is a technique that allows for individual manipulation of cards, making possible the creation of intricate designs using the contrast of dark and light threads in each card. It is done with cards threaded with two dark threads in adjacent holes, and two light threads in the other adjacent holes. With the dark threads in the upper two holes on the card, a dark area will appear, while a light area will be created on the underside. Cards are turned in a sequence of two turns forward, then two turns backward, keeping at least one of the threads of the chosen color constantly in the upper position. Patterns are created by turning the light and dark threads from the upper position to the lower position on the cards.
Any pattern that can be graphed out can be woven, so long as each color change in the pattern is in multiples of two squares. This is due to the restriction that colors can only be changed when both threads of the same color are on the top of the card. I am supplying a simple charted design to allow you to get hands-on experience with the technique. Once you understand the basics, you may find you can graph out your own patterns with little trouble.
The Turning Sequence
The secret to double-faced tablet weaving is in the turning sequence of the cards, and how the colors are switched between sides. Starting with both dark threads in the upper holes of the card and a weft thread just having been passed, to create a dark stretch on the upper surface that is four quarter-turns long, turn the card away from your body one quarter-turn, putting one dark and one light thread at the top of the card. Pass the weft, then turn the card toward you a quarter-turn, bringing both dark threads back to the top. Pass the weft again, turn the card another quarter-turn toward you, bringing one dark and one light thread, again, to the top. One more pass of the weft, and a last quarter-turn of the card away from you will complete the sequence of four quarter-turns.
Changing Colors
There are several different ways to keep track of which cards are being changed from one color to the other. I will be showing you the method I find easiest, and can refer you to descriptions of the other methods, if you find this method confusing.
Starting with the cards having both threads of the same color in the upper position on the card, note the direction that the cards are next going to turn in the sequence. In order to change the color of any one card, turn that card one half-turn (180 degrees) in the opposite direction, then re-align the card with the rest of the pack, and turn in the regular sequence. This has the effect of turning the card one quarter-turn in the opposite direction from the rest of the cards. Cards turned this way bring the opposite colored threads to the top of the card, and can be treated the same as the rest of the pack, so long as the opposite color is desired for the pattern.
Considerations for Patterns
When graphing out patterns for double faced weaving, it is important to consider how the necessity for two-square-long color changes will elongate a pattern. One method I use for quickly sketching out a pattern is to use graph paper and assume that every square will actually represent a two card wide two-turn sequence -- i.e. one square equals a 2x2 square in reality. Blowing the pattern up to full size (turning each square into one quarter-turn of one card) will allow you to smooth out the pattern, but quick sketches are usually sufficient to get a feel for how a pattern will ultimately look when woven.
If you have a computer, you may want to take a look at some of the programs available for PCs. There are many programs out for graphing out pictures and patterns, most of them intended for cross-stitch. I use PatternMaker, put out by Hobbyware, to graph out my patterns, though I'm certain that there are other equally good programs available. PatternMaker allows me to work and print in color. It also allows me to create patterns as long as I want. If I wanted, I could even alter the shape of the squares of the grid I am working on, to elongate them to more closely resemble the elongation of a tablet-woven piece. This is not the only program available, however, so don't feel that you need to look for it exclusively. I have even heard of programs specifically designed for tablet weaving, though I have yet to try any of them.
RESOURCES
Books
Card Weaving, by Candace Crockett (1991), Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 141 pp., ISBN: 0-934026-61-0. An excellent introductory book to card weaving -- good clear explanations for several styles of cardweaving, excellent photographs and diagrams showing how to accomplish each step, and great first projects to experiment on.
The Techniques of Tablet Weaving, by Peter Collingwood (1996, reprint), McMinnville, OR: Robin & Russ Handweavers, Inc., 320 pp., ISBN: 1-56659-055-8. The bible of card weaving -- Peter Collingwood covers just about every aspect of card weaving in great depth, and produces detailed diagrams and in-depth explanations for everything. Not necessarily the book to start with, but certainly a must in every card weaver's library.
Ecclesiastical Pomp & Aristocratic Circumstance, by Nancy Spies (2000), Jarrettsville, MD: Arelate Studio, 314 pp., ISBN: 0-615-11681-7. A thorough introduction to brocaded bands, and to brocaded card weaving, with a special emphasis on historical bands and how they were woven. Many fascinating brocaded patterns.
Der Zauber des Brettchenwebens/Tablet Weaving Magic, by Otfried Staudigel (2000), self-published, 250pp., ISBN: 3-8311-1313-0. Another good introducton to card weaving, particularly double-faced card weaving, with a great collection of patterns from oriental countries.
Internet Sites
The Weavers Hand: From the page: "An information page for weavers! Specifically for those interested in Tablet Weaving, Kumihimo, and Ply-splitting, but peruse the links if your interests lie elsewhere." -- a great collection of links for card weaving, certainly worth an afternoon of browsing.
Phiala's String Page: -- another good collection of links, with the added bonus of some very good handouts explaining card weaving, 3/1 twill, card weaving theory, and threading tablets.
Textile Resources for the Re-enactor: -- Thora SharptoothÕs site is an excellent place to visit for any SCAdian fiber artist -- great content, thorough bibliographies, and plenty to explore.
Merchants
Earth Guild -- : an excellent commercial source for cards, threads and supplies.
The Woolery -- : another great commercial source for cards, threads and supplies.
Any pattern that can be graphed out can be woven, so long as each color change in the pattern is in multiples of two squares. This is due to the restriction that colors can only be changed when both threads of the same color are on the top of the card. I am supplying a simple charted design to allow you to get hands-on experience with the technique. Once you understand the basics, you may find you can graph out your own patterns with little trouble.
The Turning Sequence
The secret to double-faced tablet weaving is in the turning sequence of the cards, and how the colors are switched between sides. Starting with both dark threads in the upper holes of the card and a weft thread just having been passed, to create a dark stretch on the upper surface that is four quarter-turns long, turn the card away from your body one quarter-turn, putting one dark and one light thread at the top of the card. Pass the weft, then turn the card toward you a quarter-turn, bringing both dark threads back to the top. Pass the weft again, turn the card another quarter-turn toward you, bringing one dark and one light thread, again, to the top. One more pass of the weft, and a last quarter-turn of the card away from you will complete the sequence of four quarter-turns.
Changing Colors
There are several different ways to keep track of which cards are being changed from one color to the other. I will be showing you the method I find easiest, and can refer you to descriptions of the other methods, if you find this method confusing.
Starting with the cards having both threads of the same color in the upper position on the card, note the direction that the cards are next going to turn in the sequence. In order to change the color of any one card, turn that card one half-turn (180 degrees) in the opposite direction, then re-align the card with the rest of the pack, and turn in the regular sequence. This has the effect of turning the card one quarter-turn in the opposite direction from the rest of the cards. Cards turned this way bring the opposite colored threads to the top of the card, and can be treated the same as the rest of the pack, so long as the opposite color is desired for the pattern.
Considerations for Patterns
When graphing out patterns for double faced weaving, it is important to consider how the necessity for two-square-long color changes will elongate a pattern. One method I use for quickly sketching out a pattern is to use graph paper and assume that every square will actually represent a two card wide two-turn sequence -- i.e. one square equals a 2x2 square in reality. Blowing the pattern up to full size (turning each square into one quarter-turn of one card) will allow you to smooth out the pattern, but quick sketches are usually sufficient to get a feel for how a pattern will ultimately look when woven.
If you have a computer, you may want to take a look at some of the programs available for PCs. There are many programs out for graphing out pictures and patterns, most of them intended for cross-stitch. I use PatternMaker, put out by Hobbyware, to graph out my patterns, though I'm certain that there are other equally good programs available. PatternMaker allows me to work and print in color. It also allows me to create patterns as long as I want. If I wanted, I could even alter the shape of the squares of the grid I am working on, to elongate them to more closely resemble the elongation of a tablet-woven piece. This is not the only program available, however, so don't feel that you need to look for it exclusively. I have even heard of programs specifically designed for tablet weaving, though I have yet to try any of them.
RESOURCES
Books
Card Weaving, by Candace Crockett (1991), Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 141 pp., ISBN: 0-934026-61-0. An excellent introductory book to card weaving -- good clear explanations for several styles of cardweaving, excellent photographs and diagrams showing how to accomplish each step, and great first projects to experiment on.
The Techniques of Tablet Weaving, by Peter Collingwood (1996, reprint), McMinnville, OR: Robin & Russ Handweavers, Inc., 320 pp., ISBN: 1-56659-055-8. The bible of card weaving -- Peter Collingwood covers just about every aspect of card weaving in great depth, and produces detailed diagrams and in-depth explanations for everything. Not necessarily the book to start with, but certainly a must in every card weaver's library.
Ecclesiastical Pomp & Aristocratic Circumstance, by Nancy Spies (2000), Jarrettsville, MD: Arelate Studio, 314 pp., ISBN: 0-615-11681-7. A thorough introduction to brocaded bands, and to brocaded card weaving, with a special emphasis on historical bands and how they were woven. Many fascinating brocaded patterns.
Der Zauber des Brettchenwebens/Tablet Weaving Magic, by Otfried Staudigel (2000), self-published, 250pp., ISBN: 3-8311-1313-0. Another good introducton to card weaving, particularly double-faced card weaving, with a great collection of patterns from oriental countries.
Internet Sites
The Weavers Hand: From the page: "An information page for weavers! Specifically for those interested in Tablet Weaving, Kumihimo, and Ply-splitting, but peruse the links if your interests lie elsewhere." -- a great collection of links for card weaving, certainly worth an afternoon of browsing.
Phiala's String Page: -- another good collection of links, with the added bonus of some very good handouts explaining card weaving, 3/1 twill, card weaving theory, and threading tablets.
Textile Resources for the Re-enactor: -- Thora SharptoothÕs site is an excellent place to visit for any SCAdian fiber artist -- great content, thorough bibliographies, and plenty to explore.
Merchants
Earth Guild -- : an excellent commercial source for cards, threads and supplies.
The Woolery -- : another great commercial source for cards, threads and supplies.