WHAT MATERIALS WILL I NEED FOR THE WARP AND WEFT CLASS?

There is a video called Tapestry Tools which you can watch as soon as you register for the class. This video shows you all the various materials you can use for the class and which ones are required. If you need help deciding before you register, you can download a PDF containing a list of suggested and required materials as well as a little discussion about looms appropriate for tapestry.

The materials list for the Warp and Weft class is HERE.

What materials do I need for the Color Gradation Techniques class?

The materials list for the Color Gradation Techniques class is HERE. 

What materials do I need for Weaving Tapestry on Little Looms?

The materials list for Little Looms is HERE.

What materials do I need for Fringeless?

I highly recommend waiting to purchase materials for this course until you register and watch the section about materials. This method of warping involves a few things that may be new to you like a jig and a supplemental warp. You should realize that this method of warping demands a loom with tensioning. Some kind of frame loom where the loom expands is essential. That could be any kind of pipe loom and common types are Mirrix, copper pipe loom, black or galvanized pipe loom, or PVC pipe loom. Other looms that have tensioning may well work such as the Glimakra Freja.

Materials list for Fringeless is HERE.

Materials lists for Design Solutions for the Artist/Weaver

Design Solutions, Season 1 is HERE.
Desing Solutions, Season 2 is HERE.

I DON'T KNOW WHAT YARN TO BUY. HELP!

In the Warp and Weft class, there is a handout detailing various available weft yarns. In the Color Gradation Techniques class, the first section (Color Theory Basics and Weft Yarns for Tapestry) contains a long video and handout about weft yarns from around the world. I talk about my favorites and why you'd use one over the other. You can take just this part of the Color Gradation Techniques class even if you're a complete beginner and want to do the Warp and Weft class.

Each class has some information about this question and you will get help and guidance if you need it no matter which class you choose.

I also have a category on my blog where I’ve grouped all the posts I’ve written about yarn. You’ll hear most of my opinions about weft yarn in these posts:
https://rebeccamezoff.com/blog?category=Yarn

What tools will I need to learn tapestry weaving?

There is a nice video about tools in the Warp and Weft class.

For other courses, here is a basic list of what you’ll need. Ask questions in your class for more specifics.

  • a loom suitable for tapestry

  • some kind of tapestry fork. I like THIS one.

  • warp and weft yarns

  • a tapestry needle (blunt needle for sewing slits—I like a size around 18 or 20)

  • a permanent marker for marking your warps

  • a measuring tape. A ruler might suffice for small things.

  • I most often use butterflies for my weft, but if you’re using a small loom with a short length and tight shed, small tapestry bobbins are useful. I like the ones THIS and THIS business make or for a cheaper version, try THIS one. You can also use something like a very thin stick shuttle, a yarn needle, or a netting shuttle. If you’re in Europe, look for https://artisanbobbins.com/ either on Andrew Dickenson’s site or weaversbazaar also sells them.)

What tine spacing should I get for my tapestry fork?

Magpie Woodworks and a few other tapestry fork manufacturers use dog comb teeth to make the metal tines. They come in specific spacings and often you’ll get to choose. The spacing does not have to match the sett you’re weaving at. It doesn’t even have to be close. A tine spacing of 7-10 is pretty normal. Keep in mind that if the spacing is very narrow (many tines per inch), your warp may catch in the small space instead of sliding nicely. If you’re weaving at narrow setts with thin warp, tines of 11 tpi are fine. For most other applications, look for something in the 7-9 tpi range.